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Gated

(Gated #1)

Amy Christine Parker (Goodreads Author)

3.75 · Rating details · 3,753 ratings · 613 reviews

A fast-paced, nerve-fraying contemporary thriller that questions loyalties and twists truths.

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 ...more

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Hardcover, 352 pages

Published August 6th 2013 by Random House Books for Young Readers

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· 3,753 ratings · 613 reviews

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May 16, 2013 Khanh, first of her name, mother of bunnies rated it really liked it

Shelves: on-the-run, jericho-fucking-barrons, high-school, apocalypse, ya, ya-contemporary, religious-spiritual, kick-ass-heroine, mental-illness

No spoilers

Jonestown. Heaven's Gate. Warren Jeffs. Child brides. Cults. They're inherently fascinating to most of us.

This was an excellent book, but it was not a light book, nor a happy book. Then again, one does not ~~walk into Mordor~~start reading a book about cults expecting to be merely entertained. We read books about such people, about such communities because they are morbidly riveting. The psychology behind them, the charisma of the leader, the type of people who would buy into---what is to ...more

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Sep 16, 2013 Emily May rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, contemporary, 2013

I don't know what I was expecting from Gated. My first bet was on zombies but, if not that, my second guess was Mormons. Turns out I was wrong! This is a book that starts mild and entertaining. It paints you a picture of the protagonist - Lyla - and introduces the reader to her life which, though strange, seems peaceful and pleasant. But then, like a hidden monster crouching beneath the surface, the dark creepiness starts to be unveiled to us. The community where Lyla lives might not be the sanctuary she's always believed. And the man who leads them might be hiding secrets Lyla never imagined.

Gated completely took me by surprise; from the plot to the characters to the way I felt myself getting more and more hooked as the story went on. This is one of those times when I really appreciate a creepy realistic thriller instead of something more supernatural. There's something deeply chilling about the knowledge that - not only could this happen - but it actually does in many places around the world. I've always been a bit fascinated by cults and their many forms. What does it take to convince people to give up their lives and join you in believing something that, more often than not, is completely bizarre? It amazes me even further the way these small communities tend to reject national law in favour of placing all power in the hands of their own dictator. It amazes me that some people actually have the charm and influence to make this happen.

It's weird to think that these aren't all crazy people or those who've been born into this life and know nothing else. Cults also recruit people who have your standard, 9-to-5, average lives and make them believe something other than what they've always known. It's scary. I don't know about you, but it makes me question my own susceptibility. As much as I'd like to say a very firm "no", is it possible that I could get caught up in something like this? I mean, judging by the half-empty tub of Ben&Jerry's in my freezer, I wouldn't say I'm about to win any willpower awards. Who knows? The psychology of cult behaviour is both fascinating and terrifying.

Back to the book. As I touched upon before, the pace of the novel seems to slowly increase as you move along. One minute I thought I was safe and then suddenly I'd gotten to the climax of the novel and my pulse was pounding. It's a book that will make you angry, then sad, then scared for Lyla, then angry again. More than anyone in this book, I felt such a huge sense of outrage towards Lyla's parents. They let her down, put her in danger and stood by while she was physically abused. I don't know if this is really a spoiler but I'll tag it just in case: (view spoiler)

Possibly the thing I like most about this book is the way the author isn't afraid to go there. Not many YA authors are brave enough to put their characters through several levels of hell. I don't like situations in books (or movies, tv, etc.) where the tension is sapped out of the moment by the knowledge that the writer(s) will never dare kill the good guys or just, you know, go there. I don't even know why the Vampire Diaries writers insist on having those scenes where Damon nearly dies with dramatic music in the background. No one actually believes they're going to kill off Ian Somerhalder's character - they'd lose at least half their viewers! Okay, I will stop digressing.

There is one thing I take issue with in this book. And it's Cody. I didn't mind the touch of romance between him and Lyla because it was kept on the sidelines but I would question her decision to trust him in the first place. Lyla has never trusted anyone from the outside because she believes they're damned and evil and yet, despite this, she trusts Cody. Why? I'll tell you: because he is SO HOT. It didn't bug me in this anywhere near as much as it did in Hopeless, but I keep seeing this whole thing where girls trust male strangers/people they've been specifically warned about because of their pretty faces. It's kind of a dangerous message, even if Lyla was right to trust him. But the positives outweigh the negatives by a lot.

I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more by Ms Parker.
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Dec 22, 2012 Steph Sinclair rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers

Shelves: 2013-release, thriller, young-adult, i-really-enjoyed-it, 2013-favorite, contemporary, psychological, gave-away, random-house

One of the best possible ways to read a book is to go in blind, having no clue what it's about. If you do, the plot twists are even more shocking, the revelations are unexpected and everything completely blind-sides you. It's a perfect literary ride. In this case, I read Gated's blurb and had a good idea what it was about, or, at least, I thought I did. Before I started reading this book, I actually thought it was a dystopian novel. The blurb immediately struck me as a story featuring a corrupt ...more

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May 09, 2013 Giselle rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, own

This was a surprisingly good read! I've always had a strange fascination with cults; knowing there are people who have a persuasive power to such a degree is incredible. This book shows what it's like for kids who are raised in a cult community (which has happened), and how people - especially those broken by grief - can become brainwashed so thoroughly.

After her sister got kidnapped when Lyla was only 5, her mother became withdrawn, emotionally crippled by this emptiness which made her the per This was a surprisingly good read! I've always had a strange fascination with cults; knowing there are people who have a persuasive power to such a degree is incredible. This book shows what it's like for kids who are raised in a cult community (which has happened), and how people - especially those broken by grief - can become brainwashed so thoroughly.

After her sister got kidnapped when Lyla was only 5, her mother became withdrawn, emotionally crippled by this emptiness which made her the perfect target of vulnerability. This is how Pioneer, with his big ideas and an impressive force of belief, "rescues" the whole family from this pit of anguish. When we're introduced to Lyla, she's now a teenager in the midst of getting ready for the end of the world, which is only a few weeks away - as per Pioneer's vision from above. Having been raised in this cult community, Lyla doesn't know any different. This is why it's both sad and compelling for us to see how completely she and everyone else in this stowed away town have been conditioned to believe such delusions. They fell prey to a monster masquerading as a prophet, yet all they feel is thankful that they're among the few who will survive the end. No one talks to outsiders, no one watches the news; they have complete faith in their charismatic leader's words. Mostly, they spend their days at shooting practice or getting their underground Silo ready with enough supplies for this impending doom. This whole community, not just their unconditional beliefs, but also the tight-knit organization and closeness that comes from being so segregated is very well conveyed throughout the book. Their way of life, almost Amish-like, is peaceful in some ways, but they're blind to the evil underneath. Therefore, getting them "rescued" would only inflict pain onto those in denial; to them we'd be taking away their everything. We'd be the source of evil. It makes us feel at a loss for these people. This is why cults are so interesting to me, they're full of wonder and exceptional character study.

Since this book explores the workings of a cult community, the pacing is not especially hurried during the first part of the book. I never found it slow, though, as I was kept captivated by the whole ordeal, and it does pick up quite a bit in the second half, especially towards the end where it gets all kinds of intense. It ends fully like a stand-alone should. If the author wanted to, however, there would still be possibilities for a sequel, albeit one with a much different plot at this point. I also want to point out how I enjoyed the minimalistic romance. It existed, but it was hesitant, much like our protagonist who has never had a chance to delve into that sector of a teenage life.

With a subject matter that I have not come across often in YA, Gated is an engaging read that begins on a slower note, allowing us time to dissect it; however, think of it as the calm before the storm. If you find yourself morbidly curious about the subject of cults, I would recommend this book in a heartbeat!

PS - This is not a dystopian!!

--
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for review.

For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads

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Mar 06, 2020 Claude's Bookzone rated it liked it

Shelves: mystery, young-adult-book, psychological-thriller, unhealthy-relationships, twisted, survival, preppers

CW: (view spoiler)

3.5 Stars

Well that had some really tense moments in it!

I am intrigued by cults and this novel did a fabulous job of showing how easily people allow themselves to manipulated and mislead if they are attempting to escape their former lives. Lyla has a chance meeting with someone outside the Community and starts to wonder if their leader, Pioneer, is someone to be loved or fea ...more

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Aug 14, 2013 Ash Wednesday rated it really liked it

Recommended to Ash Wednesday by: Khanh's review

Shelves: contemporary-romance, young-adult, review, disturbing-good

4 STARS
"The world can be a pretty scary place to live. It's a lot less scary when there isn't so much of it open to you."

I remember borrowing Salvation and Suicide: An Interpretation of Jim Jones, the Peoples Temple, and Jonestown from our school library when I was in grade school. Perhaps it was our librarian's underhanded efforts to caution us against joining cults and the lessons of the 70's in general (because seriously, what didn't happen in the 70s?) but that book has put me off anythi ...more

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May 09, 2013 Jenn rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: new-author-to-me, 3-star-reads, young-adult, apocalyptic, arc, read-in-2013, dystopian

2.5

Gated is the story of Lyla, who, along with her parents, goes to live in this gated community with other selected families all controlled by a man who calls himself Pioneer. Pioneer’s been telling them that the end of the world is coming and they are the chosen few who will survive, but they must be ready. They have no contact with the outside world except for the trips into the local town every once in awhile for supplies. Since she was young, Lyla has been brought up trained to protect the 2.5

Gated is the story of Lyla, who, along with her parents, goes to live in this gated community with other selected families all controlled by a man who calls himself Pioneer. Pioneer’s been telling them that the end of the world is coming and they are the chosen few who will survive, but they must be ready. They have no contact with the outside world except for the trips into the local town every once in awhile for supplies. Since she was young, Lyla has been brought up trained to protect the community at all costs and not question anything.

Until she meets Cody.

First, I want start off by saying people who follow so-called leaders with blind faith just rub me the wrong way. I don’t understand it and I don’t think I ever will. I don’t understand how Lyla’s parents are ok with their daughter being matched off at the age of 13 and taught to shoot to kill (not injure, but kill). I don’t understand parents who let their “leaders” punish their child – physically punish their child – in front of an audience. A lot of this book was just very uncomfortable and unnerving.

The plot was interesting. I liked Lyla for the most part. She was the only one around her who questioned their lifestyle – raised in a cult-type setting and being introduced to the outside world. Yes, this mostly happened because a boy helped her, but at least she was finally waking up. She wanted more, believed there was more and I don’t blame her. Her parents ignored her, her mom was stuck in the past, holding onto a lost child and completely forgetting about her living child. I felt bad for Lyla.

The other characters in the book were just okay. Will was sweet, Cody was sweet, her friends were okay. Cody seemed a little wasted and unnecessary. I didn’t feel their instant connection and he was mostly used to get her to question herself and her matching with Will.

Then there was the pacing of the story. For the most part, it was very slow moving. Just a bunch of set up for the end of the world. The last handful of chapters were where the action finally sets in and things start happening.

My main issue, and why my it's a lower rating, was Pioneer. He was their leader, telling them they were all handpicked to survive and he wanted nothing more to protect them. But as the story continued, his lies and secrets were revealed and they didn’t make sense. What was his reasoning? Why was he doing what he was doing? What was his ultimate goal? None of these were answered. There’s only so much a good plot can do, but you have to be able to answer simple questions about your characters if you want it to be believable or even understood.

I did like the authors writing style and I would be interested in reading more from her, but this book just wasn’t for me.

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher via Netgalley for my honest opinion and review.

This review can also be seen here at my blog.
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Jan 20, 2019 Kristen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, contemporary

This was actually really, really good! A very underrated book, in my opinion. The writing was fantastic and the story kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend.

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Jul 26, 2013 Jon rated it it was amazing

Shelves: thriller

Check out Scott Reads It! for reviews, giveaways, & more!

Every now and then, I read a book--a book that opens my eyes to the world and helps me see the world in a different way. Gated is that book, the kind of book that's eye opening and just absolutely wonderful. Amy Christine Parker absolutely blew me away with Gated. Gated is an incredible, important novel that I think everyone needs to read at least once in their life because it's life-changing. Read Gated and your view of the world will Check out Scott Reads It! for reviews, giveaways, & more!

Every now and then, I read a book--a book that opens my eyes to the world and helps me see the world in a different way. Gated is that book, the kind of book that's eye opening and just absolutely wonderful. Amy Christine Parker absolutely blew me away with Gated. Gated is an incredible, important novel that I think everyone needs to read at least once in their life because it's life-changing. Read Gated and your view of the world will forever be changed for the better.

Gated hits the reader hard with a story that is extremely poignant and thought-provoking. Most books, in my opinion, don't portray good or evil in the correct way at all. So many books show good and evil in a black and white way where a person is all good or all evil. Not only is that not realistic, it's extremely irritating to read. Amy Christine Parker expresses in Gated how thin the blurred line is between good and evil; how we all have a little both of good and evil in us.

The characters in Gated are extremely realistic and they are just the type of conflicted characters that I seem to love. Pioneer is the kind of character that you will never quite be able to decipher because there are just so many layers to him. Does he actually believe he's following divine orders? Does he truly believe what he's doing is right? He's one of the best characters I've ever seen written and there is just so much to his character. Lyla is also a character that was executed perfectly throughout the novel. Her transition from being a naive person to someone who is strong-headed and strong. Lyla's character really made me question whether "Ignorance is bliss"or if the old adage is a bunch of drivel. Is hiding from the evil in the world any good? Is there evil everywhere? There was just so much to ponder over while reading Gated because it was such a thought-provoking novel.

I have never been in a cult and I will never join one, but I feel as if Parker hit the nail on the head with recreating what being in a cult is like. All of the little intricacies of Mandrodage Meadows were brilliant and well-done. I felt the looming danger that the outside world posed to this cult and the danger everyone felt. There is a perfect sense of urgency and tension throughout the novel like the world was actually ending.

The plot of Gated was incredible and was extremely fast-paced right from the first few pages. Gated is without a doubt, an intense, memorable thriller that engrossed me right away. There is never a moment where the plot is at a stalemate and the plot is always being progressed by even the smallest details. This is one of those books where I think that the romance was absolutely necessary to add to the entire picture. The ending leaves no loose ends unattended to and this makes me as if this is a stand-alone.

Gated is an incredible, fast-paced thriller that is sure to wow readers of all ages. I can honestly say that Gated has changed me as a person and how I perceive things. Just everything about Gated was enticing to me. I can't express how brilliantly this novel was executed and how everything just seemed to fall into place perfectly. I know for sure that I will be reading Amy Christine Parker's sophomore novel and I hope it's as picture-perfect. Gated is a book that will linger in your mind long after you read the final sentence, it's truly unforgettable! ...more

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Aug 10, 2013 Reynje rated it liked it · review of another edition

Despite my (somewhat jaded) assumption that Gated would be yet another dystomance - a hooky premise masking some generic love-triangle angst – favourable reviews convinced me to pick it up, and I’m glad I did. Although I’ll admit I gave an involuntary eye roll at first mention of Lyla’s “Intended” (here we go..), my expectations turned out to be quite far off the mark.

This is a solid contemporary novel about a teenage girl living in a sheltered community, separated from society and lead by the Despite my (somewhat jaded) assumption that Gated would be yet another dystomance - a hooky premise masking some generic love-triangle angst – favourable reviews convinced me to pick it up, and I’m glad I did. Although I’ll admit I gave an involuntary eye roll at first mention of Lyla’s “Intended” (here we go..), my expectations turned out to be quite far off the mark.

This is a solid contemporary novel about a teenage girl living in a sheltered community, separated from society and lead by the charismatic Pioneer. Following personal and global tragedy, the Hamilton family along with several others retreat to build an isolated community they name Mandrodoge Meadows: a place where they can live in peace and wait for the end to come. Under the guidance of Pioneer’s visions, the Community believe themselves the chosen few who will survive, and plan to wait out the apocalypse in their purpose-built underground bunker.

Despite the pairing off each of the teenagers with an Intended, a teenager of the opposite sex that they will eventually marry, and the sudden appearance of an outsider boy, this is not a romance. The focus of Gated is firmly on Lyla’s life as someone who knows little about the outside world except what Pioneer has told her, and how doubt begins to creep in and undermine Pioneer’s indoctrination.

Parker succeeds in creating an unsettling atmosphere: outwardly, the Lyla enjoys a lifestyle of simplicity and community. Yet lurking at the edges of this idealised existence are the hints of Pioneer’s control and manipulation. This is a settlement of people who, while emotionally vulnerable, have been taken in by Pioneer’s claims of divine guidance. Seeking refuge from a world that has hurt them, they are eager to believe in the promise of deliverance from evil, a chance to create their world anew.

Parker ably portrays both the appeal and the insidiousness of Pioneer’s teachings, how he has preyed on the human vulnerabilities of grief and fear to proselytise. (Interestingly, Parker uses epigraphs from the fictional Pioneer alongside quotes from Jim Jones and Charles Manson.) Raised in such an atmosphere, Lyla’s parents and friends unquestioningly accept Pioneer’s vision of the end, their role as the chosen, and along with that, Pioneer’s abuse and conditioning. At the same time, it’s clear to the reader that this is an unstable and dangerous person wielding too much power, and it makes Lyla’s journey of doubt and realisation a compelling one, as she races against time and Pioneer’s paranoia toward the truth.

That said, not all of the plot developments are entirely believable, particularly when it comes to the climax of the novel. It is undoubtedly tense and thrilling, yet it’s difficult not question some of the choices made by the characters and the way events unfold during the dramatic scenes of confrontation between the members of the Community and the outsiders. Further, some of Lyla’s emotional navigation of questioning doctrine she has essentially grown up believing feels somewhat truncated or rapid.

On the other hand, Parker’s portrayal of the Community’s responses – from Lyla’s mother’s denial to her Intended’s anger and disbelief – feel authentic. The door is left suitably open on the ending, with acknowledgment of mixed feelings and varying degrees of acceptance. The story closes on a note of beginning, rather than finality, and that feels right for this particular story and the extreme mental stress of the characters.

Gated is an engaging novel that lives up to its intriguing premise. Parker delivers a tight psychological thriller that explores control and abuse, while maintaining an adequate pace. For readers looking for a YA novel that’s actually about cults and not just about forbidden romance, Gated should not disappoint.
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Jul 06, 2013 Jeann (Happy Indulgence) rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: blog-tour, review-copy, young-adult, arc, random-house-australia

This review appears on Happy Indulgence - Check it out for more reviews!

Have you ever wondered how people can just follow a cult leader into whatever crazy thoughts occur in his head? The Gated series explores Lyla’s time in the Community following the Pioneer, a cult leader who is preparing for the End.

The scary thing about Gated, is that there are cults out there, especially those preparing for Rapture or the apocalypse to happen. I found it absolutely fascinating and also sickening, how thes This review appears on Happy Indulgence - Check it out for more reviews!

Have you ever wondered how people can just follow a cult leader into whatever crazy thoughts occur in his head? The Gated series explores Lyla’s time in the Community following the Pioneer, a cult leader who is preparing for the End.

The scary thing about Gated, is that there are cults out there, especially those preparing for Rapture or the apocalypse to happen. I found it absolutely fascinating and also sickening, how these followers, including Lyla’s family, could just believe whatever craziness spouted from their leader’s mouth. They have their “Intended” ones who they are meant to marry, their own roles in society, endless training and even an underground silo, which is built to serve as a bunker while the rest of the world supposedly ends. This exploration of cults, exploitation of children and lies and half truths was scary and realistic.

Pioneer was scarily charismatic, the way he made everyone felt special, like he cared for them personally and wanted to take care of them. As unreal as it sounds, it was kind of easy seeing how and why his followers would believe him so easily, especially with Lyla’s mother not wanting to face the real world after her younger daughter was abducted. His followers, including Lyla, treat him like some sort of God or messiah, and fear disappointing him. But we all know people with too much power can never be a good thing, which is why things spiral out of control as Lyla uncovers his lies.

Although Pioneer was strangely fascinating, I wanted so much more out of Gated. I’ve already witnessed many different cults in TV series, like the Walking Dead’s Governor and the Proletheans in Orphan Black. Compared to these fascinating and sickening exploitation of humans, where the cult leaders really take advantage of people from faking deaths, issuing kill orders, and even exploiting children as surrogate mothers, Gated was way too innocent in that respect. I wanted to be shocked and abhor Pioneer, but he failed to move me in such a way, until the end where it was too little too late. It all felt a bit too vanilla and innocent for me, but perhaps I’m just twisted that way.

Lyla on the other hand, was a super whiny character. I skipped pages worth of her moaning about how difficult her life was not being strong enough, or people not believing the truth about Pioneer. While she was definitely naive enough to be influenced by the cult, she doesn’t seem to be smart or level headed. She’s been taught the ways of the cult ever since she was 5, but at the mere mention or thought of romance with Cooper, she’s already breaking the rules.

I did enjoy Gated for the unique yet bland exploration of cults. Was it believable? Yes, but it lacked a certain amount of passion or depth to really make me believe in it. And like all typical YA books, it has to be about the romance. I could take it or leave it.

Thank you to Random House Australia for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review! ...more

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May 09, 2013 Rose rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary, coming-of-age, realistic-fiction, favorites, netgalley, crime, young-adult, romance, arc-or-galley, religion

I think I'll have much to look forward to from Amy Christine Parker in the future, because "Gated" was probably the first YA novel I've read that tackled the issue of cults in such a complex, illuminating and enthralling story. It especially stands out with its attention to the mentality behind the community that Lyla's a part of, and ultimately what comes to be as she realizes the illuminating truth of events from the outside world.

The story takes a little time describing Lyla's background - th I think I'll have much to look forward to from Amy Christine Parker in the future, because "Gated" was probably the first YA novel I've read that tackled the issue of cults in such a complex, illuminating and enthralling story. It especially stands out with its attention to the mentality behind the community that Lyla's a part of, and ultimately what comes to be as she realizes the illuminating truth of events from the outside world.

The story takes a little time describing Lyla's background - the disappearance of her sister, the grief it caused her family, and the welcoming patronage of Pioneer, the leader of a secluded community Mandrodage Meadows. But as you learn Lyla's story, you quickly realize this is no true dystopian survival story where people are actually going to die and the world is ending with only a chosen few to survive, but rather the work of a charismatic, deeply secretive and dastardly community leader whom the locals call "Pioneer."

But Lyla's a smart cookie. She might be reluctant to shoot a gun, fall behind her peers in doing her share to contribute to the group, and be "tempted" more often times than not by factors of the outside world. In and above it all, she's a good person, and loyal to her family and friends. But the closer the days get to the proposed "end of the world" and the more she sees the darker side of Pioneer in his affirmations and punishments, Lyla's not so certain of anything.

Meeting Cody somewhat compounds on Lyla realizing that the world around her, as framed by Pioneer, isn't everything it seems. For the record, I liked Cody - I think he was a good character for the few go-betweens we see him in his interactions with Lyla. I bought Cody's chemistry with Lyla more than Will's (as Will was largely her "Intended"), though I think the romance part of the book was really too loose for me to connect to in general. What I really loved was the process of watching Lyla come to terms with the reality around her, and trying to convince the people she loves to get out while they can.

The last 20% of the novel had the strongest pacing and intrigue for me. I couldn't put the book down throughout my reading of this, but it really had me turning the pages in that part of it because of the losses, the emotional weight Lyla bears, and her desperation to get out while she could. It was harrowing, a tough examining of coming to terms, and I loved it.

The ending was a little rough around the edges in terms of tying up the threads established by the story, but I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it for YA readers.

Overall score: 4/5 stars

Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Random House BFYR. ...more

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May 22, 2013 Pamela (slytherpuff) rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, ebook, what-just-happened, copies-for-review

Review originally posted at Bettering Me Up.

Drats. Yet another book that tantalized me with a creepy cover and an intriguing premise, yet failed to deliver. It was a struggle to finish this book, and I thought of giving up several times. But I didn't want to start ARC August with a DNF!

The main character, Lyla, was a whiny brat who was just so put-upon with the whole following-the-rules-of-the-community thing.

And the whole bad-thing-that-happened-to-my-family-when-I-was-five-is-all-my-fault cl ...more

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Feb 06, 2013 Sarah Marie rated it really liked it

Shelves: standalones, lala-love-triangle, romance, netgalley, best-villains, mental-illness, pretty-covers, mind-blown-from-the-awesomeness, tear-jerkers, young-adult

Gated by Amy Christine Parker

4.25 stars

Lyla’s life in Mandrodage Meadows always seemed perfect. Pioneer protected the people in the community and it seemed like nothing could ever go wrong. As the impending end is approaching, Lyla begins to question things and the meeting with an outsider leads Lyla to uncover secrets that will destroy them all. I wasn’t sure if I would like Gated. I went into it knowing that it was about cults, which have always fascinated me, but even I know that a subject li

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May 15, 2013 Jessie (Ageless Pages Reviews) rated it liked it

Shelves: arc, 2013-reads, reviews-2013, netgalley-arc, dark-and-twisty, contemporary-fiction, reviewed, dystopia-or-postapocalyptic

Read This Review & More Like It On Ageless Pages Reviews!

3.5 out of 5

Gated is a pretty good, fairly solid and easy to read novel. It's not your typical YA book, though it does contain some of the tropes found in that age group (love triangles, love at first sight, etc.). It's got more than its fare share of action, especially as it nears the final few chapters but Parker relies on introspection, psychological thrills, and a slow build rather than a nonstop action-packed adventure to see her stor ...more

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Aug 12, 2013 Ally rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This is one of those books that will make you uncomfortable from start to finish. In a good way.

Meet Lyla, a 17-year old girl living in a secluded 'Community' in the present day United States. Lyla is one of the most unique YA characters that I've met to date. Slut-shaming? Nope. Mary-Sue attitude? Nope. In fact, I kind of wanted to be her friend. Lyla has been living in Mandrodage Meadows (anagram for Armageddon Meadows), a gated community led by tyhe charismatic Pioneer, since the September 11 This is one of those books that will make you uncomfortable from start to finish. In a good way.

Meet Lyla, a 17-year old girl living in a secluded 'Community' in the present day United States. Lyla is one of the most unique YA characters that I've met to date. Slut-shaming? Nope. Mary-Sue attitude? Nope. In fact, I kind of wanted to be her friend. Lyla has been living in Mandrodage Meadows (anagram for Armageddon Meadows), a gated community led by tyhe charismatic Pioneer, since the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Being inside Lyla's head was a fascinating experience. Experiencing Pioneer's indoctrination techniques from her point of view, and the way he controls what information the Community has access to provided some real insight into how real world cults operate today. If the seed of doubt hadn't been planted in Lyla's head, I don't think she would have ever questioned Pioneer's motives.

Pioneer was as charismatic as he was creepy. He inspires devotion. Characters who lived outside of the community for the better part of their lives don't question what he tells them. His techniques to keep people in line are just sadistic and disgusting. But again, no one questions him because his influence has made them subservient. It just goes to show that anyone who is a charismatic leader can obtain a certain amount of power over people, especialy those who are vulnerable.

But it was really the atmosphere that made this book such a great read. I felt like I was on the edge of a cliff throughout the entire novel. The creepiest part was that I wasn't sure if Pioneer was telling the truth or not. Granted, some things were pretty obvious, like when he told the community that 3 very well known natural disasters had occurred within a week, but there was still this uncomfortable feeling that the apocalypse just might be coming.

My shock after reading this book had me giving it a 5-star rating, but now that I'm thinking about it a bit more, I'm dropping it to 4 stars. The reason is because I felt like some aspects of the story weren't tied up for my liking, especially surrounding Pioneer. I would have liked to have known more about his life and the psychology behind his belief in the Brethren. It would have really added more depth to the story, and also, I think, helped the characters move on and possibly overcome some aspects of their indoctrination.

Overall, an uncomfortable, creepy read with a realistic spin. I'll definitely be reading other books by this author. ...more

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May 07, 2013 Kristen added it

Read this review and others on my blog My Friends Are Fiction

I haven't assigned a star rating to this title because I don't feel that I can do so.

Electronic copy was given in exchange for an honest review.

My Thoughts:
I have never read anything about how life would be living in a cult. I thought the book description was intriguing; especially adding in the fear of end times. I couldn't help but think that reading about Lyla and her experiences would be entrancing and interesting in a psychologi ...more

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Jun 06, 2013 Evie rated it really liked it

An interesting story with an intense ending, though I must admit, I would've probably enjoy it more if the first half wasn't so slow and uneventful. Nevertheless, this was quite a captivating read! ...more

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Sep 10, 2013 Andrea rated it did not like it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Did Not Finish
The concept of the Pioneer is not a new one. I believe that same exact name was in The Host. I wish people could come up with more original ideas. I also didn’t like to learn that there was a society that saved a certain kind of people, while others were left to die. That too was like The Host. And everyone else would be killed by tsunamis and earthquakes and other natural disasters, for a reason that was not made clear. How can the Brethren be saved from this and others not? Anywa Did Not Finish
The concept of the Pioneer is not a new one. I believe that same exact name was in The Host. I wish people could come up with more original ideas. I also didn’t like to learn that there was a society that saved a certain kind of people, while others were left to die. That too was like The Host. And everyone else would be killed by tsunamis and earthquakes and other natural disasters, for a reason that was not made clear. How can the Brethren be saved from this and others not? Anyways, I just don’t go for the whole end of the world drama. I don’t know how many books I’ve read, the Matched trilogy to name one, where others pick spouses for everyone. In here Pioneer chooses Lyla’s Intended, (real clever there). I’m so sick of that concept it’s not even funny. This is just another book with the same storyline and they all just eventually blur together because no one can come up with their own material.

When Lyla said she never touched Will first and he always initiated their touches, I knew exactly where it was headed because it’s been done a million and one times. A new guy will be introduced and she’ll get with him, leaving her intended alone, or with someone I don’t like. That was apparent when a car arrives and there’s a handsome boy in the back. She takes him on a tour of Mandrodage Meadows (and really? Twisting around letters to change up a word? At least in Harry Potter Voldemort was actually pronounceable) and Cody makes a comment that people think they’re hiding dead bodies and child brides. She gets all defensive and completely misses the joke, and he says he was just trying to be funny. And she grumbles “well you weren’t.” Great, an uptight, mean stick in the mud without a sense of humor. She takes him to the horse stalls and he’s scared of horses, and she has to work at keeping her face straight so she doesn’t smile or laugh. Oh great, she’s a mean, compassionless b***** who gets off by laughing at other people’s fears. Do authors think we like characters who act like this? Do they realize we want nice characters?
She’s shaking her head, unable to process it, and his fear makes her feel better, less nervous. She also grins, thinking “wait till I tell Marie about this.” I already don’t like her.

When the earth’s rotation reverses people will die, whatever that means. That’s absolutely the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. It was extremely weird and mysterious how they knew the world was going to end. And they had a silo for everyone to go in, which reminded me of the hideout in the Host. But anyways, nothing was explained. The author just kept dropping out things, weird rules, things about the end of the world, humans dying, pure people chosen by the Brethren, but didn’t go into detail on how any of that would happen. It was making me really mad, because over 50 pages had passed, and I couldn’t make heads or tails out of how any of this could come to be. If you set up this type of world, you have to define all the rules pretty soon so you don’t completely lose your audience.

The writing is very, very simple. It’s like reading a book for middle schoolers, so it’s pretty insulting to my intelligence. It’s clear that I’m way too old for this book. Also, most of the pages are filled with her thoughts, feelings, and perceptions of what’s going on. Page after page are full of long paragraphs with no dialogue. That is the most annoying thing to read.

She finally gives more information, and it’s like a Noah and the Ark story. Pioneer is the one offering salvation, and those that don’t choose to follow him are going to get killed by all manner of natural disasters. He receives visions from the Brethren, and there’s some crap about aliens. I only got further turned off by the story, and just to quit to save myself a lot of grief. This is a stupid story with stupid ideas that’s simply written and the characters were driving me crazy. Marie, who at the beginning hated being paired with Brian, but only started liking him when he turned hot. Marie who cries, squalls, and bawls hysterically like a little baby, doing absolutely nothing to help when she thinks they’re locked out of the silo. Lyla who sucks as a main character and wants to be dutiful to a guy who clearly has a God complex. Pioneer who is crazy yet no one realizes it. He performs cruel and unusual forms of punishment, yet everyone blindly continues to follow him, not questioning anything. And the parents. Parents who push their kids to go get punished severely by someone who is not related to them, and don’t do a dang thing to stop it. And her mom rubbing those godforsaken shoes. Your other daughter is gone, get the freak over it and quit rubbing your hands all over the freakin shoes. That’s weird. ...more

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May 09, 2013 Stephanie rated it really liked it

This review and others are posted at Inspiring Insomnia.

I've always been fascinated by cults, primarily because I can't understand what could possibly drive someone to seek some kind of purpose within such a group. I suppose there are as many reasons to join a cult as there are cult members in the world. In Gated, a family is drawn into a cult led by a named Pioneer shortly after they suffer the disappearance of one of their daughters. Pioneer preys on their grief and terror, gaining their t This review and others are posted at Inspiring Insomnia.

I've always been fascinated by cults, primarily because I can't understand what could possibly drive someone to seek some kind of purpose within such a group. I suppose there are as many reasons to join a cult as there are cult members in the world. In Gated, a family is drawn into a cult led by a named Pioneer shortly after they suffer the disappearance of one of their daughters. Pioneer preys on their grief and terror, gaining their trust by demonstrating his willingness to help the family while the local police (and the rest of the country) were consumed with the after-effects of 9-11.

Lyla is the narrator of Gated and the remaining child in her family. Her induction into the cult as a child ensures that she views the outside world with hostility and mistrust. She manages to form solid relationships with other members her age, including Will, the boy who Pioneer declared Lyla will marry. (Side note: unlike many real-life cults, there is no sexual abuse in Gated, although there are several instances of physical abuse.)

Pioneer informs his followers of a fast-approaching apocalypse of which only he is aware. Lyla's father views the outside enemy in a relatively practical sense: only the community has knowledge of and is prepared for the coming apocalypse, so, logically, the rest of the world is going to converge on the community to steal their resources. They must be prepared to kill to ensure that the community survives. Her mother, on the other hand, has a more straight-forward reason for wanting to kill; everyone outside their tiny community is evil and deserves to die.

Hating outsiders, however, does not mean that they can always be avoided. Pioneer and his followers occasionally need resources from the outside world, and on one of these outings, Lyla encounters Cody, the sheriff's son who previously paid a visit to the community along with his father. Despite her wariness, Lyla connects with Cody and he challenges her to question her long-held beliefs.

Even though I knew Pioneer had to be either a scam artist or completely loony tunes, I felt my own heart racing near the end of the book, as the build-up to the clash between the community and the outsiders finally occurs. There were so many exciting moments, and I never knew in which direction Parker would take the story.

It's terrifying to think of cult-leaders like Pioneer that we already know existed (Jim Jones, Marshall Applewhite, Charles Manson, David Koresh, etc.), but Gated left me wondering how many of these cults exist hidden in the shadows. I think it also shows the ease with which vulnerable people can be seduced by someone who claims to have the answer to their problems. Lyla's development through the book from unquestioning follower to someone willing to challenge those around her seemed believable. All she needed was someone on the outside to give a little push, and the walls of her little compound began to crumble.

Note: I received and ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Apr 06, 2013 Debbie rated it liked it

Shelves: covers-i-love, skipped-some-pages, meh, serious-topics, female-pov, debut-authors, lovey-dovey, contemporary, adventure, netgalley-edelweiss

I was honestly expecting a lot more from this. Maybe it's because I've watched and read a lot of articles and documentaries about cults and religious groups that I was expecting a lot more. Especially from Lyla, I was hoping that over time, her character would change, not already be changing. Amy Christine Parker does a fine job pushing the limits, showing readers what the inside of a cult might look like but I felt like she could have pushed it more and made it more...darker? Sinister? Sadi ...more

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Jul 09, 2013 Brandi Kosiner rated it liked it

Gated starts out right away by showing the main character Lyla is different. In the world of Silo, the community in this book, they are having target practice with cardboard cutouts and Lyla doesn't want to go for kill shots head or chest, but she can't even do that, she sees them as real people. She is also questioning the Brethren or who they believe are their creators and the world is about to end, and only a select few, The Chosen, in Silo will survive. Their leader, Pioneer is charismatic Gated starts out right away by showing the main character Lyla is different. In the world of Silo, the community in this book, they are having target practice with cardboard cutouts and Lyla doesn't want to go for kill shots head or chest, but she can't even do that, she sees them as real people. She is also questioning the Brethren or who they believe are their creators and the world is about to end, and only a select few, The Chosen, in Silo will survive. Their leader, Pioneer is charismatic and you can see why people would believe and follow him. He seems so caring and concerned, and the words he uses will get right to your heart.
Her friends Will, Brian and Marie all really buy into it, and Lyla tries to because she really cares for them, and it is obvious they care about her, they just don't understand her hesitations.
I just never expected all of the twists and turns, and especially how heart heart changes and the bravery that she ultimately grows. I read this for the character development I saw in Lyla, the fiestiness beneath the surface, and the friendship between Lyla and Marie.
While there is action, it is a mostly character driven story, struggling with past losses, current shortcomings, and wrestling with what being told to them is a lie, because they are contradictory.
The world building was done really well. Mandrogage Meadows felt like a real place to me, with its society and way of life differing from my own, but I could picture it. I could sympathize with what the residences thought to be true and how they fought for their way of life. With that said, I wish that somehow we got a glimpse into Pioneer's past. I want to know what made him how he is and more of how he actually convinced them he was the real deal.
The ending took my breath away and I was on the edge of my seat watching it all play out. It was so well done and put such a blast of hope into the story and Lyla's life.

Bottom Line: Chilling book with a well developed and questioning main character. ...more

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Feb 03, 2016 Empress Reece (Hooked on Books) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: zzexp_2016-dystopia-challenge, audiobook, dystopian-post-apocalyptic, zzexp_2016-read, ya, first-in-series

Mandodrage Meadows.... Mandodrage Meadows is the name of the community that the "chosen" people in Gated live in but it's not just any community. Mandodrage is actually an anagram for Armageddon. Congrats to YouKneek & Passionate About Books for guessing correctly!! : )

After 9/11, Pioneer, the leader of the community & "prophet", chose families (hence the "chosen"), to come and live in this secluded community to escape the evils of the outside world and prepare for the end of the world which h ...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Lori added it

The premise alone gives me the creeps. I've never read anything about these types of cults before so I was apprehensive at first.

I needn't have worried. I loved it. I blew through the book, and my anxiety levels skyrocketed when the climax hit. There's a slow build up, which is nice because it lets you become familiar with the characters, their history, and how their community came to be. This is all important information to truly understand these characters and their choices.

Pioneer is one of t ...more

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Aug 28, 2012 Christina (A Reader of Fictions) rated it liked it

Recommended to Christina (A Reader of Fictions) by: Jon

Shelves: yabc-reviews, finishedreviewcopy, series-not-finishing

Seriously, why the fuck does this have a sequel? Ugh. THIS WAS FINE AS A STANDALONE.

Hmmm. Well, Gated. So I read it. The reviews have been really solid across the board so far, and I can totally see why that’s the case. I do feel like Gated is a good book, but I never got really sucked into it for reasons I’ll delve into later. Ultimately, though entertaining, I think Gated could have delved a bit deeper and darker into not just the end but the brainwashing aspect.

Read the full review at A Reade ...more

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Jul 27, 2012 Michelle Krys rated it it was amazing

I've always been fascinated by cults, and the concept of a novel told from the perspective of a young cult member made me embarrassingly excited to read this book. Thankfully GATED didn't just live up to my high expectations--it completely blew them out of the water. GATED is a breathtaking, thrill-ride of a debut: smart, reassured, exciting, and romantic. ...more

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Jul 18, 2012 Ruth Lauren rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2013

Fascinating subject matter, fast-paced yet thought-provoking. There's a sequel, but this book still has a satisfying ending and feels like a complete story. I'll definitely be reading the next one! ...more

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Jun 09, 2014 ☣Lynn☣ rated it really liked it

Shelves: right-in-the-feels, thriller-mystery, bleeding-awesomeness, dystopian-apocalyptic, holy-crap-it-was-good, young-adult-fiction

Now this is how you write a good cult book!

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Jul 04, 2014 Katherine rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: instalove-express, young-adult, contemporary, mystery-thriller, romance, love-triangle, coverly-love

"What you need to believe in is what you can see... If you see me as your friend, I'll be your friend. If you see me as your father, I'll be your father, for those of you that don't have a father... If you see me as your savior, I'll be your savior. If you see me as your God, I'll be your God.- Jim Jones

Setting:Mandrodage Meadows; 2013. It doesn't specify the state or city where the story was set, but from the geographical descriptions, I would have to say somewhere in the Midwest.

Coverly Lo ...more

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Sep 06, 2020 Nicole Chinnici rated it liked it

Shelves: genre-contemporary, genre-young-adult, genre-dystopia, 2020

I received Gated in a subscription book box some years ago and finally just got around to picking it up.

I’ve been pickier with my books recently and this almost didn’t make the cut. At around the quarter point, I was considering not finishing. The writing wasn’t particularly special or memorable and it took some time for the story to get going. But something kept me turning the pages and things began to pick up.

What drew me in to Gated was how realistically chilling it was. It felt like the au ...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
What's the Name o...: SOLVED. YA Romance/ Sci-Fi: A girl living in a community surrounded by walls, that thinks the world is going to end soon. The girl meets a boy from a town outside. Read around 2012-2015. [s]	4	14	Jan 04, 2022 11:47PM
Theory	1	12	Sep 11, 2014 03:45PM
Carpe Librum Book...: Gated - January 2014	6	10	Feb 05, 2014 10:59AM
YA Today Book Club: Discussion #24: Gated by Amy Christine Parker	3	15	Jan 02, 2014 04:58PM

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About Amy Christine Parker

Amy Christine Parker

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AMY CHRISTINE PARKER is the author of the critically acclaimed duology, GATED and ASTRAY as well as the standalone thriller, SMASH & GRAB. GATED was a nominee for both the Sequoyah Book Award and the South Caroline Junior Book Award and was a YALSA Quick Pick for reluctant readers. Amy's latest novel--her first horror/thriller mashup, FLIGHT 171, releases in October 2022. She writes full-time from ...more

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Gated (2 books)

Books by Amy Christine Parker

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Quotes from Gated

“If a sky this dark can still be peppered with so much light, maybe this world can be too.” — 13 likes

“It comes down to whether or not you’re ready to die today. I’m not. If the world ends, we can’t fight it, but we can fight one man. We can choose to live this day and every day after it that we have left.” — 7 likes

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