"Gated" (a hidden Lexi review)

Readers,

It is too cold outside. Just saying. It's supposed to get even colder tomorrow!!! The benefit of this horrid weather? Perfect days to be in pajamas, curled up in a blanket, with a book in your hands! Thank goodness for books!

Today's novel is Gated by Amy Christine Parker.

Summary: "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?" (Thanks, Goodreads!)

I love watching "Sister Wives," as well as the Hudderite show, and the specials "Dr. Phil" conducted about polygamy and cults. I guess I'm just a weird girl like that. I never want to join one, but they're something interesting to study, especially when they're religious cults. That means I was actually going to be very critical about this novel, and I was looking forward to reading it.

Saying that, I must admit that the novel is very in-depth, and seemed so real to me that it was creepy. This man had so much power in this little community of his, adding more members by playing on their fears, especially after 9/11. The plot took twists and turns that I definitely didn't see coming, and the ending just blew me away.

There's plenty of action in this novel. You'll also be able to study this in a psychological way, thanks to the narrator being a member of this cult since a young age. The backgrounds, full and believable characters, writing style, and subject will have you hooked from beginning to end. (Warning: You may feel compelled to read this all at once... lol)

In Conclusion: Whether you're into these books or not, I still recommend reading this book!

Rating:

5/5 bullets