Gated

June 10, 2013
It’s the end of the world, and no one’s fine in this tense psychological thriller, Parker’s debut. Seventeen-year-old Lyla is part of the Community, a group of families led by the charismatic Pioneer, who has secluded them from the outside world in anticipation of the imminent apocalypse. With Pioneer’s prophesied deadline fast approaching, Lyla struggles with her faith and resolve. A chance encounter with Cody, a boy from the outside, further tempts her away from the way of the Community, but when events escalate—with her salvation at stake—she may have to choose between following her heart or staying true to her friends and family. Parker skillfully explores the mindset and inner workings of an apocalyptic cult, steadily building toward the inevitable moment of truth. The appeal of the Community’s simpler way of life is balanced by a growing sense of wrongness, as cracks appear in Pioneer’s façade. Lyla’s internal conflict is well-played and believable. As for the apocalypse itself, Parker keeps things suitably ambiguous, resulting in a complex, intriguing tale rooted in real-world events. Ages 14–up. Agent: Lucienne Diver, the Knight Agency.