Review: Dark Parties by Sara Grant

Dark Parties by Sara Grant

August 3, 2011

Little, Brown

Received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis:
Sixteen-year-old Neva has been trapped since birth. She was born and raised under the Protectosphere, in an isolated nation ruled by fear, lies, and xenophobia. A shield "protects" them from the outside world, but also locks the citizens inside. But there's nothing left on the outside, ever since the world collapsed from violent warfare. Or so the government says... Neva and her best friend Sanna believe the government is lying and stage a "dark party" to recruit members for their underground rebellion. But as Neva begins to uncover the truth, she realizes she must question everything she's ever known, including the people she loves the most.

My Review:
Dark Parties started out with a bang and quickly drew me into the story. However, after chapter 1, it was difficult for me to continue reading because of some of the characters. I got so annoyed with their actions and it was all I could do not to throw the book across the room. I will say that I enjoyed the plot and that once I was able to get past some of my grievances, I was able to get fully amerced in the story.

I went back and forth with how I felt about Neva. At times I admired her for her courage, but at other times I was furious with her behavior. I couldn't get over how she was lusting for someone that she shouldn't be even thinking about, considering that he is with her best friend. I may have been able to forgive her if there was an undeniable connection between them, but I felt that their "relationship" felt forced. I did like how she stood up for what she believed in, no matter what her friends were saying. She was determined to get to the bottom of The Missing, and I was cheering her on the whole way.

The one character who I couldn't stand was Neva's best friend Sanna. She was as flat as any character can be. I didn't understand her motives at all. One second she wants to lead the rebellion, the next she is acting meek and saying that she can't do it anymore because her boyfriend Braydon says so. I have no respect for anyone who just follows along with what a guy says. I also hated how she used "A-ma-zing" in what seemed like every single sentence. Stop!! Don't say it again!

While this isn't the most original dystopian novel, I did enjoy it somewhat. I really wanted to know what happened to all the people who disappeared, and how Neva's family was involved in all this. I was shocked at some of the revelations that came about! I couldn't believe how one of the characters was involved in everything. I would never have suspected. The ending leaves off at a critical point so I will definitely be reading the next novel when it releases!

Dark Parties is a riveting debut that I would have liked more if the characters had been more relatable. It wasn't the most unique or exciting dystopian novel, but it was gratifying. If you aren't as concerned with characters, you will definitely like Dark Parties.

My Rating: