Dark Parties

 Dark Parties by Sara Grant follows Neva, a girl living in a very controlling domed city that is falling apart.  They are running out of goods, running out of genetic diversity and people frequently disappear without a trace.  The government tightly controls the information that it's citizens are allowed to have and kids are encouraged to get married and have children as quick as possible.  When Neva decides to start a revolution everything changes.

Dark Parties is a great addition to the Dystopian Genre.  It provides a lot of room for thought and discussion on teenage rebellion, the need for individuality and government control.  The story contains elements found in other dystopian novels in a new way and it makes for a very engaging story that any lover of dystopian fiction will enjoy.

Appropriateness:  Sex, procreation and how it can be used to control people is a major theme in this novel.  From the government encouraging pregnancy in it's youngsters to the rebellious teens focusing on not having it to spite the government.  There is one sex scene that is not graphic later in the book and several make out scenes.  The main character is rebellious (although in a good way) and disobedient.

Dark Parties will be released in August of 2011.  I give it four wagging pug tails and recommend it for lovers of dystopian fiction.  It will be enjoyed by readers who enjoyed Birthmarked, Matched and The Hunger Games: Book 1.

Review copy provided by the publisher.