GATED- Amy Christine Parker

Do the gates keep the unchosen out or the chosen in?
In Mandrodage Meadows, life seems perfect. The members of this isolated suburban community have thrived under Pioneer, the charismatic leader who saved them from their sad, damaged lives. Lyla Hamilton and her parents are original members of the flock. They moved here following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, looking to escape the evil in the world. Now seventeen, Lyla knows certain facts are not to be questioned:

Pioneer is her leader.

Will is her Intended.

The end of the world is near.
Like Noah before him, Pioneer has been told of the imminent destruction of humanity. He says his chosen must arm themselves to fight off the unchosen people, who will surely seek refuge in the compound's underground fortress--the Silo.
Lyla loves her family and friends, but given the choice, she prefers painting to target practice. And lately she'd rather think about a certain boy outside the compound than plan for married life in the Silo with Will. But with the end of days drawing near, she will have to pick up a gun, take a side, and let everyone know where she stands.
Released from Random House Books for Young Readers on August 6, 2013

Gated was a super fun read! It was pretty unique to what's out there, which surprised me! There aren't many YA books out there relating to cult life, so this one should draw people in from the start. The setting, in the Silo, is chilling and creepy. The main character, Lyla, was quite different from heroines in these types of stories. She had a LOT of hesitation about the job she had to do--killing anyone who threatens her community. I love that everyone in the cult is super gung-ho about it, whereas Lyla is NOT. It shows that she has hesitation about the world she's been forced to grow up in. 
Pioneer, their leader, gave me the creeps. "THIS GUY NEEDS TO DIE!" was my first thought, in chapter 1, where he enters the story. (sorry, Pioneer. You're a douchebag.)
Overall, there's great plot twists that come (especially when Lyla meets and Outsider boy) and throw the story off-balance. There's creepy scenes, awful scenes, happy scenes. You get the drift. It's got it all! This is one of those stories that will keep you reading nonstop, even when you need to do things like....Shower. Eat. Pee. Unimportant things, when it comes to reading a good book! :)
Thanks to Random House for allowing me to read this awesome book!

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