Dark Eden

Pros: intriguing mysteries, several good plot twists, very light romance

Cons: simplistic writing for a teen book, end twist comes from left field

For Parents: the treatments are a little intense, but there's nothing particularly graphic, no swearing or content

Seven kids, each of whom have crippling fears, are shipped off to Fort Eden for treatment. But Will Besting, one of the patients, suspects something sinister is going on.

I have very mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand the writing is simplistic (lots of repetition, easy words, the end twist is narrated rather than something you discover), on the other hand there are some good plot twists and a light romance.

The protagonist did some things that seem strange until you discover his - rather apt - fear. Indeed, learning what the kids are afraid of is part of the fun of this novel. As are the hints that not everything's right in Eden.

I'd place this as a teen book for younger readers who don't mind a few chills.