6.25.2009

Secret Society

In the first installment of The Secret Society Chronicles, new girl Phoebe Dowling doesn’t care about fitting in at the Chadwick school. As an artist, she just wants to experience the city (New York City that is). Phoebe never expected that a single night at a party, one of Nick Bell’s notorious parties, of course, would make all the difference. First, socialite Lauren Mortimer takes Phoebe under her wings (who wouldn’t? Phoebe’s silver ballet flats were too cute). Then Phoebe receives a mysterious text message, along with Lauren and Nick, and wakes up the next morning as an initiate of the Society. Having been promised success thanks to the network of Society members, the three don’t bother questioning the unusual meetings and secrecy. Things seem to be going well, until a dead body is found in Central Park with only a tiny ankh-shaped tattoo as identification.

At its surface, Secret Society by Tom Dolby has a stunning cover. The cover’s sleek, seductive look only makes the book more intriguing. Secret Society complete sucks you in, drawing you into the lives of the elite networks of secret societies in NYC. Tom Dolby’s book is absolutely entrancing and the danger is exciting. The reader is drawn into the secrets and all the complications, in a way that’s almost disturbing, but is approached so thoughtfully that the reader can hardly look away. Secret Society is full of complexities, and this certainly does not exclude the characters. By rotating through Phoebe, Lauren, Nick, and Patch, this book expertly offers multiple perceptions of NYC, the Society, and more, each one uniquely contributing to the development of the novel.

Tom Dolby’s B.A. in the history of art definitely shows, particularly with the symbolism of the ankh, but really through all of the art and history that is brought into the story. As a whole, Secret Society is a captivating novel, full of mystery and romance. With today’s fascination surrounding boarding schools (think Gossip Girl, Private, etc.) and secret societies, this book is sure to draw attention. Plus, compared to these, Secret Society isn’t wholly predictable or superficial, but rather complex and thrilling. With its cliffhanger ending, I simply cannot wait for a sequel. 9 out of 10.

P.S. Check out Tom Dolby’s blog.
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15 comments:

  1. Shooting Stars MagJune 25, 2009 at 8:59 PM

    Awesome review. I do love books that deal with boarding schools. This just sounds amazing. I really want to read this one!!!

    -Lauren

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  2. KristenJune 26, 2009 at 12:05 AM

    Oooh this looks like a great read. I love books about secret society, so I'll definitely be reading this at some point (whether I win the ARC or if I have to wait).

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  3. ~The Book PixieJune 26, 2009 at 3:59 AM

    Oh, wow! Now I definitely have to have it. I have been drawn into the world of YA book review bloggers. I bet my mom wishes I'd quit reading these reviews and drop my own blog. She is probably really tired of hearing me say I want this book and I want that book. lol. Seriously though, this book sounds terrific. Thanks for posting this review. :)

    ~Briana a.k.a. The Book Pixie

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  4. KristiJune 26, 2009 at 2:15 PM

    I had not heard of this book before. It does sound good - and one that my daughter would like. The cliffhanger ending has me curious!

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  5. Lenore AppelhansJune 26, 2009 at 2:51 PM

    You know the ankh was a big plot point in Logan's Run. Wonder if it was an inspiration for Dolby?

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  6. UnknownJune 28, 2009 at 6:05 PM

    This book sounds really interesting. I never thought about people's success coming because of a secret society. It'd be very cool to read about especially since it's in the POV of all these different people.

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  7. marcelrochesterJune 28, 2009 at 7:24 PM

    Well, Gossip Girl isn't set at a boarding school; S left it before the series starts.

    This series does seem a lot like Private, though, since it's boarding school + murders + an elite group that the protagonist(/s) joins.

    Just because of his past books...I was wondering, are there any gay characters?

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  8. MelanieJuly 1, 2009 at 10:55 AM

    This sounds really intriguing. I absolutely love the cover!

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  9. BrianaJuly 2, 2009 at 7:28 PM

    Great review, you totally just made me want to go out and buy this book lol.

    -Briana

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  10. Collegiate BookwormJuly 4, 2009 at 12:05 AM

    Wow, this book sounds great! I love the whole secret society plot- a change from classic boy meets girl (which is alway good, though).

    And you're right. The cover is stunning. The small tattoo on the back of her neck just draws you in.

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  11. a flight of mindsJuly 5, 2009 at 12:42 AM

    Although Gossip Girl doesn't actually take place at a boarding school, the spin off, It Girl, does. :) I'm a big fan of Private because I find both boarding schools and murder mysteries interesting. The Secret Society sounds really great. Thanks for the review!

    - Alex

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  12. smitten_readerJuly 9, 2009 at 8:30 PM

    i love it! This book sounds great & the book art is so beautiful!

    -Les

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  13. AnonymousJuly 14, 2009 at 4:01 PM

    I guess people never learn to stay away from secret societies when they are in books or movies. :P

    Valorie
    morbidromantic@gmail.com

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  14. ZiaJuly 14, 2009 at 9:32 PM

    This sounds really good. Great review!!

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  15. PamJuly 14, 2009 at 10:43 PM

    I've always been intrigued by secret societies. Do they really exist as they do in books and movies? Why do they exist? Why do people join them? How are people chosen to become part of them? Is there a way out? This book sounds good.

    melacan at hotmail dot com

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