Promised

O’Brien, Caragh M. Promised. 2012. 306. ISBN 978-1596435712. Book 3 of the Birthmarked Series. FIC OBR on the library shelves

When Gaia became the Matrarc of Sylum in Prized, she sets in motion the exodus of her people towards the Enclave. As they arrive towards her old home, she cannot help but have mixed feelings. On one hand she’s glad to return, but on the other she’s worried the Protectorate will not allow her people to settle.

Conflict starts immediately as Gaia is arrested for treason, and she is dragged to the Enclave’s prison. She is confronted by the Protectorate, who seeks to bargain with Gaia: Water for her people in exchange for her eggs, so that childless families can adopt hemophiliac-free children who were born to Vessel mothers, surrogate mothers paid by the Protectorate but in reality coerced by their conditions to participate.

As the conflict between the two sides deepen, violence rises and events begin to spiral out of control. Gaia comes to the realization that armed resistance and the destruction of the wall that surrounds the Enclave may bring about the end of oppression for people outside the wall. For Gaia who feels physically sick when she hurts someone else, implementing this plan of destruction may very well cause her to change for the worse. With the fate of everyone on the line, Gaia’s ultimate decision will have far-reaching consequences.