Dark Song

Dark Song
By Gail Giles
2010
292 pages (ARC)

“It will be just us when it’s done,” he said. “No one will ever hurt you again.”

Summary: Until recently everything in Ames life has been perfect; she lives in a fancy house, has tons of money, is popular and has a fantastic home life built on trust and love. That is until her father’s secrets start tearing at her family and the perfect life she has. Soon Ames has lost everything and all she has left is Marc. Marc who loves her more than anything – who has a gun fetish and a grudge against her parents. When you’ve lost everything and there is nothing left but betrayal, how far would you go for a fresh start?

Review: Dark Song is a chilling tale of a shattered family and the danger that comes from being too caught up in your own world. While this novel is sometimes promoted as being more about Marc and Ames’ relationship, it’s actually Ames’ family life that is at the centre stage of the story. I was engrossed in watching this perfect family unravel, one thread at time, and I kept wondering how far they could actually fall. The characterization is strong and readers will appreciate the honest brokenness that the author gives Ames. She makes poor choices, but is unexcused. Marc was also a chilling and dark character, one that will haunt readers well past the close of this book. This fast paced and hypnotic story will no doubt entice readers looking for a little bit of action and a whole lot of suspense.

Also by Gail Giles: Shattering Glass, What Happened to Cass McBride and Right Behind You

If you liked Dark Song you might also enjoy: The Uninvited by Tim Wynne-Jones, Liar by Justine Larbalestier, Girl, Stolen by April Henry

Author website: http://gailgiles.com/Welcome.html

Rating: W4/4 C3.5/4 P3/4 O3/4 PP3/4 CR4/4 (very creative)
Grade Level Interest: high J or S