Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (August 6, 2013)
Language: English
Series: None
Genre: Thriller
Source: Won
My Rating: 4 of 5 stars
About the Book:
Appearances can be deceiving.
In the Community, life seems perfect. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Pioneer invited Lyla’s family to join his group and escape the evil in the world. They were happy to be chosen, happy to move away from New York and start over in such an idyllic gated community. Now seventeen, Lyla knows that Pioneer is more than just their charismatic leader, he is their prophet . . . but his visions have grown dark.
Lyla is a loyal member of the Community, but a chance encounter with an outsider boy has her questioning Pioneer, the Community—everything. And if there’s one thing not allowed in the Community, it’s doubt. Her family and friends are certain in their belief. Lyla wishes she could feel the same. As Pioneer begins to manipulate his flock toward disaster, the question remains: Will Lyla follow them over the edge?
From the outside looking in, it’s hard to understand why anyone would join a cult. But Gated tells the story of the Community from the inside looking out, and from behind the gates things are not quite so simple. Amy Christine Parker’s beautiful writing creates a chilling, utterly unique YA story. Perfect for fans of creepy thrillers and contemporary fiction alike.
Amazon| Goodreads
Praise:
"A tense psychological thriller that will leave you gasping for breath as you race to the very last page." --Gretchen McNeil, author of Ten
HelloGiggles.com, August 3, 2013:
"When I found out that there was a YA book about cults, of course I had to read it. As it turns out, Amy Christine Parker’s Gated is an awesome, creepy book that reminds me of my favorite cult films while still being surprising."
Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, June 15, 2013:"Parker doesn’t pull punches, indicating a level of brutality that will appropriately disturb even as it successfully conveys Lyla’s complete entrapment in the Community. Compelling and not that distant from real-world cults that have ended in tragedy."
Publishers Weekly, June 10, 2013:
"Parker skillfully explores the mindset and inner workings of an apocalyptic cult, steadily building toward the inevitable moment of truth...As for the apocalypse itself, Parker keeps things suitably ambiguous, resulting in a complex, intriguing tale rooted in real-world events."
School Library Journal, October 2013:
"This well-plotted tale will allow readers a glimpse into the possible world of a doomsday cult...The language is accessible, making it a good choice for reluctant readers. After the last page is turned, the question will linger: 'Could I ever be deceived like this?'"
Examiner.com
"A well-rounded and thorough look into cults while still remaining entertaining throughout. I look forward to reading more of Parker's works in the future."
About the Author:
AMY CHRISTINE PARKER writes full-time from her home near Tampa, Florida, where she lives with her husband, their two daughters, and one ridiculously fat cat. Visit her at www.amychristineparker.com and follow her on Twitter @amychristinepar.
My Thoughts on Gated:
Kool-Aid anyone?
So...wow. I don't really know what to say about it. It left me a little bit speechless. It is nothing like anything else I've ever read, except for national news. It actually reminded me of a "family" I knew once (shudder).
This is a fascinating look at the inside of a cult. I hate to use that word, especially when the Comminuty didn't start out that way. They were just a group of people looking for an escape from the pain and suffering of the world. They found it in Pioneer. His lunacy manifests itself later, but by that point, they all trusted him enough to believe everything he said.
Lyla is a great character to follow. She is very easy to relate to. It's difficult to understand how a group of people could fall for something like the teachings of Pioneer, but this book makes you see it through their eyes. They've been cut off from the outside world for so long that they no longer know what is fact and what is not. Pioneer is perfectly creepy and he is just the kind of man I could see leading a group like this.
I discussed this book with everyone that would listen to me. My husband, my mom, my friends, random people on the street...
Ultimately, this book is an interesting look at the inside of a cult. While the beginning takes a while to really get going, the book is a fast paced page turner with moments of breathtaking suspense. Recommended for ages 14 and up due to violence. This would be a great book club read.
Disclaimer: I won a copy of this book in a giveaway, which did not affect my review.
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