Review: Promised (Birthmarked, #3) by Caragh O'Brien

Promised (Birthmarked, #3) by Caragh O'Brien
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication date: October 2nd, 2012
Number of pages: 295pgs
Format: Hardcover
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

After defying the ruthless Enclave, surviving the wasteland and over-throwing the tyranical leader of Sylum, Gaia Stone now faces her greatest challenge yet - to lead the people of Sylum back to the Enclave and persuade the Protectorat to grant them refuge. With Leon finally by her side, Gaia is hopeful that she can settle her people and finally start the life with him that she's always wanted. But in Gaia's absence, the Enclave has become even more ruthless, picking girls from outside the wall to serve in an experimental baby factory. Babies with the right genes are now a priceless commodity with the potential to reshape life inside the wall and redifine humanity. And when it becomes clear that her genes are exactly what the Enclave needs, Gaia is appalled by the lengths they will go to...

This was a fantastic end to this series. It contained just about everything you could have wanted in a finale. It upped the stakes, gave you twists and surprises. Not everything was chocolates and roses, but it was enough of an ending to keep you satisfied in the conclusion of the story.

This book was more about Gaia becoming the leader she was always meant to be. She is probably the character who has had the most development throughout the trilogy. That's not to say Leon hasn't, but Gaia has gone from this one young midwife, to someone who goes up against the Enclave and to fight for what is right. She is willing to risk her life to change how things should be from how they are.

The relationship between Leon and Gaia continues to amaze me, and in Promised is no exception. They have had their ups and downs. Their good and bad times, but when it comes down to it, they will always have each other's backs and come back to one another. I love how they kept evolving, and this amazing ending shows no other than the best ending they could have.  I do wish something would have been resolved, or that there was hope regarding a certain something, but all in all, they had a fairytale ending pretty much. Well, if you take away the death, the pain and heartbreak.

In this conclusive ending, Gaia and her friends battle the Enclave when they arrive back in town after spending many months away from the place she grew up in.  Upon her return, she discovers that there are so many things that aren't as they used to be.  People have changed and done the unexpected. Circumstances and events have changed people. But the rules have not changed. There is no change in the wall since the last she left, if anything it's even worse than before.
If Gaia and her fellow friends want to change things, they will have to get deep into the Enclave and force change.

This ending proves to be everything needed and more. Everything the last two books have been leading up to. The rise of the rebellion. One thing is for certain... Gaia will do anything to ensure her friends safety.

This is an action-packed adventure of character building, a beautiful plot and relationships to adore. It deals with love, loss, heartbreak and the chance to make a change.

If you haven't picked up this series yet, then go ahead and do so now.  It's one not to be missed.

Rating: 4.5 /5