Reviews

Prized by Caragh M. O'Brien

laughlinesandliterature's review against another edition

5.0

WOWZA! This book is just a great follow up! Normally the second book in a series is filler to move the story on. This book definitely moved the story along but I didn't feel like it was just filler. I absolutely loved this book. Sylum was such a unique contrast to the Enclave. I know Gaia kind of lost herself in this book but it really felt like she grew up at the end. Gaia's been through so much it is really easy to forget that she's only 16. I know alot of people felt like she gave up Maya too easily but really she didn't she was trying to think smart and think strategically. It wouldn't have made any sense for her to rush right out and battle the entire colony of Sylum for Maya. How was Maya supposed to live? She needed a wet nurse, I can agree that Gaia should have fought harder to see her sister but to argue that she should've taken her back is illogical. I also felt really bad for Leon in this story I understand that Gaia made the decisions she did to stay true to herself even if in the end she ended up caving but it did make him feel like she didn't care about him and I can understand his resentment. However I have to give Leon props for recognizing that Maya was the only thing that would allow Gaia to start to return to herself because Maya would be the catalyst that would start Gaia thinking again. I did feel that it was a little awkward with the introduction of Peter and Will but I do have to say they did move the story forward. In a way I'm glad that Peter kissed Gaia it helped her recognize that what she had with Leon would never be able to be matched by anyone else and I am so glad that it ended up turning out the way it did even though I did feel terrible for Peter. Then there was Will. Oh Will, why did you have to be put into this story for Gaia. You are so sweet, kind, I could just go on and on for how much I love you. I think Gaia is perfect with Leon but I want Will to have someone too. Although, part of what I love is Will's loyalty and he is so sweet. I just really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the next book!

lcgerstmann's review against another edition

4.0

I liked the first book, Birthmarked, well enough, but I said I wanted more "emotion" . Holy cow, its like this book heard me! Prized is a very different novel, which is surprising for a sequel! We left the dystopian world of the Enclave to find a new and very different society. This change in scenery took some of the bad-ass out of Gaia that we loved in the first book but she gets it back in the end, so hang in there. Her wishy-washiness and total lack of self-understanding is very frustrating. I had to remind myself that she is 16 years old and therefore, I should expect this internal struggle. She does learn to cry for her parents, care for her sister, discover her baser instincts, explore friendship, loyalty, ethics, morality and love--whoa. About the "love", my first reaction was " oh no, not the dreaded love triangle" (or square as it is in this case). But I will reassure you that the love conflict is not superfluous. I was actually rooting for every member of the love square (but we know that is impossible for a YA book! LOL! Oh, and I would spend a month in the winners cabin with either (or both) of the Chardo brothers--just for the record!). I think the final book will take us full circle and back to the Enclave. I can't wait.

**I do think you must read the short story "Tortured" in between books 1 and 2. During Gaia's moments of self-absorbedness, she doesn't ask Leon much about what happened to him after the end of Birthmarked, despite the missing finger!

becs_l's review

4.0

4.5

beckykirk's review against another edition

3.0

I liked this book but not as much as the first one so it was slightly disapointing.

glitterbomb47's review against another edition

3.0

Not as strong as Birthmarked. I would have liked a lot more exploration of the ramifications of a matriarchal society; I feel like the author shied away from confronting some of the effects of the laws and mores of the community she created.
Also, three guys in love with the main character? Really?

koalathebear's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this. Hated the love triangle but it really pushed all my shippy buttons

rochelleisreading's review against another edition

challenging hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

sydney_09's review against another edition

3.0

So far the series feels like a mix between The Hunger Games and The Handmaid's Tale but with less violence and in a society ruled and governed by women. It's definitely interesting and different. Solid 3.5 I think the description about the world could've been better as well as character development.

benjaminvr's review against another edition

2.0

Having a love square doesn't make it "different". It just makes it worse. Ugh.

sugarbloom's review against another edition

5.0

Prized is a wonderful sequel to Birthmarked. It deals with tough issues and deep characters in the same graceful style that I've come to expect from O'Brien. While it's not for the squeamish and has some slightly adult themes, this book will make you think. Eagerly awaiting the final book.