Review by Booklist Review
In Celestine's society, perfection isn't just attainable, it's required; those found Flawed in some way are branded for life and ostracized from society. Celestine has never had any problems with the way things are run. She is a rule follower at her core and dating the son of the most powerful judge in the city. But a moment of compassion has dire consequences, and Celestine soon finds herself on trial before the whole city, accused of Flaws that will change her life forever. Ahern, a best-selling author of adult novels, turns to a young-adult audience with this interesting examination of human nature. The market is still flooded with utopian and dystopian societies, and this isn't quite as action-packed as some of the standouts. Still, readers hungry for the genre will be drawn in by the meticulous world building, the careful characterizations, and the interesting philosophical questions posed. A cliff-hanger ending raises the stakes considerably, promising an exciting return in the next volume.--Reagan, Maggie Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In this futuristic series opener, adult author Ahern's first book for teens, the government has appointed a court to judge ethical and moral transgressions, searing an F into the skin of citizens deemed to be Flawed. Celestine North is a carefree teenager living in this rigid world of right and wrong, but after she comes to the aid of an elderly Flawed man, she becomes the unwitting poster child for a rebellion. Ahern's concept is solid, seeking to examine prejudice and abuse of power, but it suffers from a superficial treatment and a less-than-inspiring heroine; even after her ordeal, Celestine still acts helpless around her beloved, Art, and her cellmate, Carrick. Despite the story being told from Celestine's point of view, there's little hint of an internal struggle to understand or abide by the rules, creating an unrealistically rapid swing from self-proclaimed "perfect" girl to defiant martyr. Characters are neatly categorized as good or evil, and society's rules are laid out so bluntly, early on, that it feels like a primer, not a natural component of Celestine's narrative. Ages 12-up. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 7 Up-Logical perfectionist Celestine North lives in a future time and place where mistakes in moral or ethical judgment have serious consequences. Even simple mistakes can result in prison, shunning, and brutal branding with the letter F for Flawed. Traveling to school on a bus with her boyfriend and her sister, the 17-year-old protagonist risks her future when she helps a sick man who's marked with an F. Her life completely unravels when she defies Judge Crevan, a powerful leader of the Guild, who is also her boyfriend's father. As punishment, she is horribly branded with six F's from her head to her foot. Standing up against society's rigid rules not only leaves her disfigured but also eventually bars her from school and endangers her family. Her parents remain cautiously supportive, but her boyfriend disappears while she searches for the Flawed boy who was jailed beside her. Aysha Kala narrates with a convincing range of emotions and concise British diction. While the branding scene is disturbing, comparing Celestine's issues with current political discourse can provoke valuable discussion. This series starter leaves lots of compelling questions and introduces intriguing characters. VERDICT A worthwhile addition to young adult collections, this work will attract fans of dystopian literature as well as listeners who enjoyed Ahern's earlier adult titles. ["The brutal descriptions of the branding of those deemed Flawed are not easy to read, but it's a compelling thriller that's very hard to put down": SLJ 2/16 review of the Feiwel & Friends book.]-Barbara Wysocki, formerly with Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Ahern delivers a Scarlet Letterinspired dystopia about a conformity-obsessed government. Wealthy, perfect Celestine is unable to resist helping a Flawed (literally branded as having defect of character) dying man and is named Flawed herself--by her boyfriend's father, no less. Celestine is a remote narrator, but the compelling story will keep readers turning the pages. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
