Book Review - Dark Territory

About the Book

 In the quaint town of Middleburg, an abandoned train yard and old railroad tracks form the dividing line between two rival gangs - the wealthy, preppy Toppers and the working-class Flatliners. When Raphael, the leader of the Flatliners, falls in love with Aimee, a Topper girl, the rival gangs prepare to do battle . . . but not with guns and knives. Their martial arts’ training dictates a strict code of honor, which all of the gang members adhere to. The only hope for peace between the rival gangs lies within the giant X formed where the railroad tracks cross. The awesome power contained in the X sends the Flatliners and the Toppers on a mystical quest to fight against malevolent forces that threaten the existence of Middleburg—and maybe the world.

Introducing, Dark Territory (HCI Books—$9.95), an adventure of star-crossed love, kung fu and magic, and is the first book in The Tracks series. Written by J. Gabriel Gates and Charlene Keel, the series was conceived originally as a movie treatment after the two met on Craigslist when Keel answered an ad from Gates: “young author seeks mentor.” Six years after collaborating on their movie idea, Keel suggested that it would make a good teen series and The Tracks was born.

Gates remarks about the book, “. . . the world the story takes place in is a sort of post-industrial, rust-belt place where the middle class is being marginalized until there really is no middle class, just the rich and the poor. I think that mirrors some of what’s happening in American society, where a lot of good middle-class jobs are disappearing, and there’s a lot of unease because of it. I think that’s an interesting and timely backdrop for a teen novel. After all, there are a lot of teenagers whose parents are laid off right now, or whose friends’ parents are laid off. Literature should address that. The book really reflects a post-racial society that’s divided along economic rather than racial lines, and it seems to me that that’s where we’re heading.”

As Publishers Weekly says, “The overall effect [of Dark Territory] is that of a summer action flick, with all the expected over-the-top situations, sequences and dialogue.” Welcome, Ignacio, Aimee, Raphael, and Master Chin to the world of young adult fiction.

Please visit the author’s website at: www.jgabrielgates.com for more information on the book!

My Take on the Book

This was a great young adult novel! The book was action packed and you will find yourself being drawn awake so that you can definitely continue to read no matter what the time of day. You will find that it is a great read, full of twists and turns and good character development so that as a reader you can better identify with the characters themselves. 

Some of the situations are a bit far-fetched, but they were entertaining throughout and were ones in which I simply took them in with a smile and has a blast reading it altogether.

I would highly recommend this book if you liked the Twilight Series. Though the premise is different, you will see some other similarities. A strong book for all, not just young adult readers!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
 
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