Birthmarked

     FINALLY finished. Birthmarked  is the story of Gaia, who helps her mother deliver babies outside the wall. Set in the future, the first three babies born in each area must be given to a family inside the wall, where they will live a life of luxury and privilege. Gaia was burned as a child, so she was not taken like her two older brothers were, deformities and illness are not allowed inside the wall. One night, her parents are taken, arrested and held for execution because they have been keeping secret records of these taken children. Gaia is determined to set them free and finds a way to sneak inside the wall. While she is there, she is witness to a hanging of a pregnant woman. After the woman is hanged, Gaia races to save the unborn baby and draws a great deal of attention to herself, making her a marked girl.Along the way, she meets a member of the guard named Leon, who can't decide if he wants to help her or arrest her. Leon has secrets of his own, making him a dangerous ally for Gaia. Gaia finds help in all sorts of different places as she struggles to find her parents. This book is not a happily ever after kind of book. Much death occurs, sad things happen and you are left hanging as Gaia tries to make her way to the Dead Forest with precious cargo in her arms. This book had an interesting premise, and a strong female lead who makes you realize looks don't determine character. I'm off on a new adventure with a New Year's resolution- 3 months early- to read at least a half an hour when I get home. No more bad tv- just some good books. My new book is Daughter of Smoke and Bone which is of course a supernatural thriller. Just started it last night, but I'm already hooked. Happy Reading my darlings.