GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: Dark Eden by Patrick Carman (ARC)

Description

Fifteen-year-old Will Besting is sent by his doctor to Fort Eden, an institution meant to help patients suffering from crippling phobias. Once there, Will and six other teenagers take turns in mysterious fear chambers and confront their worst nightmares—with the help of the group facilitator, Rainsford, an enigmatic guide. When the patients emerge from the chamber, they feel emboldened by the previous night's experiences. But each person soon discovers strange, unexplained aches and pains. . . . What is really happening to the seven teens trapped in this dark Eden? Patrick Carman's Dark Eden is a provocative exploration of fear, betrayal, memory, and— ultimately—immortality.

About the Author

Patrick Carman is the New York Times bestselling author of such acclaimed series as the Land of Elyon and Atherton and the teen superhero novel Thirteen Days to Midnight. A multimedia pioneer, Patrick authored The Black Circle, the fifth title in the 39 Clues series, and the groundbreaking Skeleton Creek and Trackers books. He lives in Walla Walla, Washington, with his family.

Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (November 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062009702
• ISBN-13: 978-0062009708

SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS
REALLY LIKED IT

Take seven 15-year-olds with crippling fears that have become severe phobias, send them to the middle of nowhere for a cure with a somewhat evil stranger and watch the weirdness explode.  Ok, so I the guy in charge of the cure doesn't appear that evil, but once you get into this story you will have your doubts about Rainsford.  The seven kids that appear in this story have all of the usual fears like dying, crowds and being kidnapped.  At first the cure appears to be immersion therapy, but it isn't until the very end you find out the strange paranormal twist about the whole process.  Will and Marissa are the two teens that the story really centers around.  Will hasn't left his house in years and his parents with the help of his therapist send him to Fort Eden in order to cure him.  Marissa is the only one Will communicates with through out the first part of the book since he has escape and is trying to avoid the cure.

I really thought this was a more adult version of a Goosebumps book since it preys upon those fears all kids can relate to.  I didn't feel I got enough of a background or story on the other characters to have an opinion on them.  I liked Will and the fact that he is so smart for his age that he can see outside the box even though he is trapped in one and I was fascinated by his ability to build electronics on a tight budget.  Carman did an excellent job putting together the common fears of most teenagers in a spooky setting.  There is also an app for your smart phone that should be available.  I haven't tried it, but I have heard that it greatly enhances the book and if you plan on reading the book, a visit to the website is a must!


WANT TO WIN THIS *ARC* BOOK? 

 Contest is open to anyone over 13 years old with a reliable mailing address (PO Boxes OK!)
This ends 11.14.11 midnight Pacific Time and the winner will be chosen by Random.org on 11.15.11.
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen
This giveaway is sponsored by me for ONE WINNER.

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