Review Detail

Sixteen-year-old Neve knows about the 'missing' even through everyone else refuses to speak of them. Her own Grandmother warned her of those who speak out against the Protectosphere, a so-called protected dome where only the lucky live. But luck depends on who you ask. Neve and her friend Sanna, take action against their government and stage "dark parties" protesting and hoping to recruit others to their side. During one of these dark parties she's kissed by Braydon, a mysterious guy and also her best friend Sanna's boyfriend. Neve is confused but finds herself drawn to Braydon. When their other friend ends up going 'missing', Neve is determined to find out what happened to her. Can Neve succeed in finding her friend and finding out the real truth behind the Protectosphere? Or will Neve and those who help her become part of The Missing?

This dystopia has a great beginning where Neve and her friends stage a 'dark party'. It also introduces us to Braydon and the power he seems to have over Neve. The relationship between these two is intense. The author does a great job showing us the struggles Neve goes through in order to stay true to her friend Sanna. Her boyfriend Ethan is an interesting character. I wanted to know what exactly happened to him that changed him so much. It's only alluded to in the story but I wanted to know more.

The Protectosphere is an interesting world. It's kind of like the failed biosphere experiment of the 90s in Arizona. Everything is recycled--including technology and even underwear. But even then there are those who can get things such as food items to make muffins if they know the right sources.

I did want to see more of this world though. The idea that the inbreeding would cause 'issues' was touched on briefly. Also why exactly did they have the Women Enpowerment Camp if there was a bigger risk for inbreeding? These were some of the questions I wanted answered.

Neve's character was believable in her struggles to find out if her Grandmother was right about life outside of their dome and also trying to stay true to her own beliefs. I did like the mother/daughter relationship and the final revelation felt real and not forced.

The ending had one of those wowza moments I love. For fans of dystopias, Dark Parties won't disappoint.