Birthmarked

Birthmarked Trilogy Series, Book 1

By: Caragh M. O'Brien

Narrated by: Carla Mercer-Meyer

Length: 12 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

In the future, in a world baked dry by the harsh sun, there are those who live inside the wall and those, like 16-year-old midwife, Gaia Stone, who live outside. Gaia has always believed it is her duty, with her mother, to hand over a small quota of babies to the Enclave. But when Gaia's mother and father are arrested by the very people they so dutifully serve, Gaia is forced to question everything she has been taught to believe. Gaia's choice is now simple: Enter the world of the Enclave to rescue her parents, or die trying.

©2011, 2012 Caragh O'Brien (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"[People] who enjoy adventures with a strong heroine standing up to authority against the odds will enjoy this compelling tale." ( School Library Journal)

Great book, HORRIBLE READER!

How could the performance have been better?

The narrator was HORRIBLE! I don't think I could say it enough. The reader read everything completely wrong even when it said differently in the book. She would read a confrontation calmly when the book stated ".....blah blah blah, they argued." The book says that she becomes a strong woman and the narrator makes her sound like a weak little girl who has no clue what she is doing and is terrified like a 4 year old. When she is being interrogated, the narrator makes it sound like she is pleading by saying I'm sorry like a little girl when the book has her being strong and confident. This chick should never narrate a book again in her life.

Any additional comments?

Great story, HORRIBLE READER!!!

Inner Beauty above Outter Beauty

I really liked this story. This is about a strong 16-year-old midwife who has thought everything she has been taught was right then realizes, maybe not. In her heart she feels she needs to right not only her wrongs but her communities wrongs for her family and community. While doing this she has her own personal stuggles because of an accident she endured when she was a toddler and has left her scared on one side of her face. With her insecurities and feelings of being an outcast she still finds strength to do what she feels is right and capture the eye of a forbiden interest and possible love because of her strength and beauty within. Narration was done very well. Carla Mercer-Meyer may not have distinguished her characters with the very different and distinct voice acting for each individual character i usually like, but she paced herself beautifully and distinguished each character with the feelings she put into her narration to convey what each character was going through at the time.

First book always the best

This series is creative, though I would rate the second and third book lower than the first.
Be warned this book leaves you on a cliffhanger for book two.

I would definitely listen to the first Book again

I was pleasantly surprised!

What did you love best about Birthmarked?

This was an extremely creative read. The main character was pretty childish though she was practically a child anyway. She makes a lot of decisions that other people pay the price for and she does as well. Though she makes theses decisions based on her beliefs of what is right and wrong and no one can changer her mind.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Gaia is the main character...I love how she knows who she is. She won't change for anyone!

Have you listened to any of Carla Mercer-Meyer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I listened to the entire Birthmarked series and they were equally great.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes...my husband as well.

Any additional comments?

Check it out!

A Good Dystopian Book!

What did you love best about Birthmarked?

I thought this book series had a strong story line and character connections seemed to flow well.

What did you like best about this story?

I thought it was very different and interesting as to how babies are are just as precious as water in a world that barely has any water.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me irritated at times because like most female characters created by female authors seem to always be self destructive/dumb. Which is the same in this book. The main character whom is a female does dumb things after dumb things to get herself deeper into trouble.

Any additional comments?

Overall I felt the author and narrator did a fantastic job! I do suggest this book to fellow Dystopian fans.

Aside from mispronunciations, worthwhile.

The book is great. i rrad it many years ago and enjoyed thr audiobook. Love to see reproductive rights being discussed. The narrator mispronounces many words, which is a bit grating. otherwise a worthwhile listen

LOVE IT!!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were many. I found myself worrying and excited for the characters as I followed the story. The way the book is written and read has a way of getting you attached to the characters.

Had Such Potential

Would you try another book from Caragh M. O'Brien and/or Carla Mercer-Meyer?

No.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

The narrator told the story too slow and didn't use any inflection to differentiate between men and women.

Any additional comments?

The plot had such potential but it lacked detail and development to keep me intrigued. Also, Gaya is the most shallow spineless heroine I've ever read about. She complies and gives in against any kind of opposition. It's cringe worthy.

gripping your seat

several times I would just listen to this book any chance I had it was. so great only let down is that a few times the narrators voice seemed off hut could have been my phone not sure. either way story was amazing!!

Slow narrator.

I like the story very much but the narrator spoke much to slowly for my personal preference.