Flawed

March 14, 2016
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 12âup.

February 1, 2016

Gr 7 Up-In this compulsively readable dystopian novel, biracial 17-year-old Celestine sees things in black and white and would never break society's rules-until she impulsively helps a Flawed man on a bus, an act that's illegal. Her compassionate gesture lands her in jail for aiding a Flawed, and it's certain she'll be judged Flawed, too. Those found Flawed by the Guild have made moral or ethical mistakes in society. Depending on their crime, the Flawed are branded with an "F" on a prominent place on their body and are required to wear an armband and adhere to strict rules. Judge Craven, the Guild's head judge, makes an example of Celestine for threatening his abuse of the Guild's power and for her very public stand against an unjust society. The price she pays is horrific and unprecedented. She becomes the poster child for those who want to make change. The only person Celestine feels understands what she's suffered is the mysterious boy she saw in prison but never actually spoke to. Celestine's shift from believing in the rightness of those judged Flawed to condemning their treatment is a bit too sudden. 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. The cliff-hanger ending guarantees readers will be waiting impatiently for the next book in the series. VERDICT For fans of Lauren Oliver's Delirium (HarperCollins) or Hillary Jordan's When She Woke (Algonquin, both 2011).-Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library, Trenton

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2016
Grades 7-11 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.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2016
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.

(Copyright 2016 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)