Title: Born
Author: Tara Brown
First published September 2, 2012
274 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9780987941077 (ISBN10: 0987941070)
Rating: 4.05
Overview
The world as we knew it is gone. Now it’s just us and them.
Emma learned this lesson ten years ago when she watched the world crumble before her eyes. Since then, she’s lived a life of seclusion, hiding away from the dangers that lurk outside her cabin.
But when a group of survivors comes knocking on her door, Emma is forced to leave her safety behind and venture out into the unknown. With her father’s rules ingrained in her mind, Emma must navigate a new world where trust is scarce and danger is around every corner.
But as she fights for survival, Emma discovers that love and companionship are still possible, even in the darkest of times. Will she be able to let go of her past and embrace the hope of the future?
Or will the cost of survival prove too great to bear?
About the Author
In my opinion, growing up in a small town can fuel one’s imagination. It’s a necessity, or else you risk going insane.
My imagination certainly saved me, although it did get me into trouble once or twice. The problem with having a vivid imagination is that you tend to tell a lot of lies.
Despite being of a responsible age, I still yearn to attend Hogwarts and search for the door to Narnia behind every wardrobe I come across. I’m hopeless when it comes to navigating the King’s Road.
Luckily, I’ve managed to establish myself as an international bestseller, which has allowed me to fit into the quirky or eccentric category. I’m grateful for that.
My personal life is fulfilling – I’m happily married with two daughters. I also have two large dogs and two fierce cats, and I enjoy sipping on a glass of red wine from time to time.
Natalie Lakosil from the Bradford Literary Agency represents me, and I have been traditionally published by Montlake Romance and Skyscape Publishing.
Editoral Review
Born by Tara Brown is a young adult novel that was first published on September 2, 2012. Tara Brown is an Australian author who has written several bestselling adult and young adult novels.
Born belongs to the dystopian genre and explores themes of love, loss, power, and betrayal. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Born takes place in a society divided into two factions: the Borns and the Breeders.
The Borns are the ruling class who possess supernatural powers, while the Breeders are humans who are enslaved and forced to bear children for the Borns. The novel follows the story of Lena, a strong-willed Breeder who defies the Borns and fights for the freedom of her people.
Brown’s writing is engaging and fast-paced, with vivid descriptions that bring the post-apocalyptic world to life. The plot is well-constructed and full of surprises, with twists and turns that keep the reader hooked until the end.
The characters are well-drawn and multi-dimensional, with complex motivations and hidden agendas. One of the strengths of Born is its exploration of power dynamics and social injustice.
Brown delves into the dark side of human nature and explores how power can corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals. The novel also raises important questions about freedom, equality, and the price of rebellion.
However, the novel suffers from some pacing issues, with certain scenes feeling rushed or underdeveloped. Additionally, some of the plot points and character motivations are predictable, which can detract from the suspense and tension.
In comparison to other dystopian young adult novels, Born is a solid entry. While it shares some similarities with other well-known works such as The Hunger Games and Divergent, Brown’s novel stands out for its unique premise and well-executed world-building.
Overall, Born is a thrilling and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of the dystopian genre. Its exploration of power, freedom, and rebellion is timely and relevant, and its characters are engaging and relatable.
I would recommend this book to young adult readers who are looking for a page-turning adventure with a strong message. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars, with the caveat that the pacing and predictability issues mentioned earlier may detract from the overall reading experience.