Flawed
Author: Cecelia Ahern
Grade: A-
In Celestine North’s world anyone who makes a mistake, including what a court of “judges” deem a moral one, is branded and becomes near to outlaw citizens. They aren’t jailed per say but worse than that they are forced to live under such draconian laws that they may as well not be living. The flawed are also stuck with court-appointed spies who will gladly go after anyone they love if they step out of line. And a mistake can include something so simple as helping another Flawed human being.
This book was an interesting read because I started off not really liking Celestine (a little too perfect and clueless) and thinking the set-up didn’t really do anything for me and then I found myself engaged to the point of reading ahead! And really feeling for Celestine, her family and even some of the people she meets along the way.
Not to say this book didn’t have some flaws. The Flawed Court and the Judges (especially the main villain) where not exactly subtle plus despite the Owlcrate designation it just never seemed dystopian. That could be on me but when I think of dystopian I think of The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner and on and on.
Government still exists in Celestine’s world and a society that’s very much like ours. She even says the Flawed court is not a worldwide thing. I know that’s not going to bother a lot of people but I did have to shove that dystopian brand aside the further I read into it. I cared not a lick about Boy #1 but couldn’t wait for Boy #2 so perhaps that’s a good thing as well!
As the story goes on and more layers are peeled back it definitely takes on more of a dark political/thriller vibe that worked for me. The branding scenes are particularly brutal and I found that I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the page. Celestine’s family provides a good supporting cast. Special props to a reporter whom she’s never quite sure she can trust or not. I really liked that character.
The story does present some scenarios that are still very true to our everyday life. Would you stand up for someone seemingly invisible even if it costs you something dear? At what point do we consider our lack of caring inhumane? Perhaps most importantly what and who gives anyone the right to make moral judgments on other people?
There are some things in Flawed that need to be tightened up. But I think that will happen as the world expands. I hope anyway. I definitely enjoyed this one and will pick up any Celestine North books that may be forthcoming.
Recommend: Yes.