Quick Take

Marc said he heard the dark song when he creeped houses. The song the predator's heart sings when it hears the heart of the prey. I heard it now. Marc said it had always been in me. Lurking. Waiting for me to hear. Ames is not the person she was a few months ago. Her father lost his job, and her family is crumbling apart. Now, all she has is Marc. Marc, who loves her more than anything. Marc, who owns a gun collection. And he'll stop at nothing--even using his guns--to get what he wants. Ames feels her parents have betrayed her with their lies and self-absorption, but is she prepared to make the ultimate betrayal against them?In this controversial novel about a good-girl-gone-wrong, Gail Giles returns to the fast-paced, chilling writing that attracted so many fans to What Happened to Cass McBride?.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Dark Song

Introduction

"Dark Song" by Gail Giles is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that explores the dark side of human nature. The story follows Ames, a teenager who finds herself caught in a web of deceit and betrayal after her father's actions lead to the downfall of her once-perfect family. As Ames struggles to come to terms with her new reality, she finds solace in the arms of Marc, a charismatic but dangerous young man who offers her protection and revenge.

About Gail Giles

Gail Giles is a talented author known for her ability to create complex and realistic characters. With a background in teaching high school, Giles brings a wealth of experience and insight into the lives of young people. Her previous works, such as "Shattering Glass" and "Dead Girls Don't Write Letters," have received critical acclaim for their ability to captivate readers and delve into the darker aspects of human nature.

Analysis of Views

Engaging Characters: Many readers praised the development of Ames and Marc as complex and well-rounded characters. They found it easy to empathize with Ames as she struggles to find her place in a world turned upside down, and they were drawn to the mysterious and dangerous allure of Marc.
Tense and Suspenseful: The book was described as a page-turner that kept readers on the edge of their seats. The fast-paced narrative and unpredictable plot twists kept readers hooked, making it difficult to put down.
Realistic Portrayal of Teenage Angst: Giles' portrayal of Ames' struggles with identity, relationships, and family dynamics resonated with many readers. The book tackled sensitive topics such as mental health and abusive relationships, providing a realistic and honest portrayal of the challenges faced by teenagers.
Thought-Provoking Themes: The book explores themes such as betrayal, revenge, and the consequences of our actions. Readers appreciated the depth and complexity of these themes, which added depth and substance to the story.
Unpredictable Plot: The plot of "Dark Song" was described as unpredictable and surprising. Readers were kept guessing until the very end, with unexpected twists and turns that kept them engaged and invested in the story.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Storytelling: Gail Giles' ability to craft a compelling story that keeps readers hooked is one of the main reasons for recommending "Dark Song." The book's fast-paced narrative and well-developed characters make it an enjoyable read from start to finish.
Thought-Provoking Themes: The book tackles important themes such as betrayal, revenge, and the consequences of our actions. These themes add depth and complexity to the story, making it a thought-provoking read that encourages introspection and reflection.
Realistic Portrayal of Teenage Angst: Many readers appreciated the realistic portrayal of teenage angst in "Dark Song." The book explores the challenges faced by teenagers, such as identity crises, relationships, and family dynamics, making it relatable and relevant to young adult readers.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Predictable Plot: Some readers felt that the plot of "Dark Song" was predictable, relying too heavily on cliches and familiar tropes. They found it difficult to suspend their disbelief and become fully immersed in the story.
Lack of Resolution: A few readers expressed disappointment with the lack of resolution in the book. They felt that certain plot points were left unexplored or resolved too quickly, leaving them feeling unsatisfied with the overall narrative.
Unlikable Characters: Some readers found certain characters in the book, particularly Marc, to be unlikable or even abusive. They felt that these characters detracted from the overall enjoyment of the story and made it difficult to connect with the protagonist, Ames.

Conclusion

"Dark Song" by Gail Giles is a captivating novel that explores the dark side of human nature through the eyes of Ames, a teenager struggling to come to terms with her family's betrayal. With well-developed characters, tense and suspenseful storytelling, and thought-provoking themes, this book offers a compelling reading experience for fans of edgy and realistic fiction. While some readers found certain aspects of the plot predictable or lacking in resolution, overall "Dark Song" is recommended for those seeking a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of teenage angst and betrayal.