I really liked this story! So different than anything else I have ever read. I was completely engaged right from chapter 1. An emotional roller coaster. Classic YA in a dystopian world. Definitely a welcome and earned addition to my Loved These shelf. 

The story in itself was completely heart wrenching. The emotional and physical trauma Lexi endured was epic. Her endurance, her survival is completely without words fitting enough for description. This girl was a powerhouse of strength, though she never felt that way. Her never ending mantra were words repeatedly said to her nightly from dearly departed father...

“You can overcome anything...short of death.” 

To be accused, branded a sinner without a jury, without being allowed a defense is beyond comprehension. To be sent to the Hole makes Hell itself look like a pleasure spa. The Hole is a horrendous deplorable place where all the sinners are sent for their eternity or death. Filled with the most horrible people to the most innocent. Violence, acts of utter inhuman behavior towards one another had me shuddering. The Guards who enforce the laws of the Commander are more times than not worse then the sinners. 

But through it all, the authors managed to keep the story moving at a very fast and understandable pace. I loved the world they created. 

The characterizations were really spot on. Visually I was there with Lexi. Felt all the emotions and experienced the horrors right along with her.

Branded is not all bleak. There were some very humorous sections with Zeus, a faithful and lovable Great Dane that belonged to Cole, Lexi's guard. Fatherly affections from Sutton, the hospital doctor, and amazing friendship and heart felt love from Alyssa, a sweet but dying little girl that opens Lexi's eyes to a possible future.

And let me mention Cole again.

I believe I  feel a new book boyfriend coming on. He without a doubt did not want anything to do with Lexi, let alone fall in  love with her, but he did. Their love story was very sweet and believable. His feelings and words were just huggable and left me smiling...

“I never planned on falling for you. You were just an assignment. But it just sort of happened and now... There's not a single thing I would change about you. When you smile, my entire world stops. All I see is you. I need you.” 

Absolutely loved Lexi and Cole together. Totally got how much they felt for one another.

And totally surrounding the sweetest love was utter chaos, mayhem, a rebellion, twists and turns with a super surprise ending. I kind of thought maybe at the end but was still surprised with the conclusion.

Branded is one of those stories you want more from. I can definitely see myself following along the journey of these characters.

Absolutely loved this story and will forever be stalking the author! Review will also be posted on my Loved These shelf on Goodreads.