Customer Reviews

Dread Locks #1 (Dark Fusion)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In Neal Shusterman's new DARK FUSION series, the author takes myths, legends, and fairy tales, mixes them up with modern day tales of teen angst and horror, and comes up with an entertaining read. In DREAD LOCKS, we get a whole stew pot full of retold stories--Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Medusa, King Midas. They're all there, and the finished product is a quick, fun, and sometimes depressing read.

Parker Baer is the type of fifteen-year-old I both love and hate. He's always been given everything he's ever wanted, due to the fact that his parents are wealthy. He has an obnoxious older brother, Garrett, and an irritable little sister, Katrina. For his birthday, his brother bought him a motocross bike, and his parents gave him a statue. Yes, the teenage Parker is now memorialized in bronze.

Then Parker meets his new next-door neighbor, Tara Herpecheveux, in the most surprising way--she's sleeping in his bed. But Tara's strangeness, and undeniable attractiveness, is a hodge-podge of attributes--she's exotically beautiful, has the strangest blond dread locks, always wears mirrored sunglasses, and has an aversion to the belief of personal property.

As Parker gets more and more entangled in the strangeness that is Tara, he begins to notice the ever-increasing weird behavior of the students in his school. Odd cravings, incessantly strange behavior, and a general weirdness pervade the halls of the private school for the rich. Once Parker finally accepts the truth of what's happening, it's too late.

The ending, although slightly predictable in some ways, was a surprise overall. It left me feeling sad, but then again, most fairy tales have one or more tear-inducing scenes in them. DREAD LOCKS is an interesting retelling of some notable myths, and if you're into horror stories, this one should definitely do the trick!

Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"

This author did a great job of mixing a fairy tale and a myth. I found it to be a very fast and enjoyable read and am hoping my granddaughter enjoys it as much as I did.

"Dread Locks" is the first title in Shusterman's Dark Fusion series, and what a start it was! I couldn't put it down.

Tara is a fascinating character, while Parker accurately represents a typical American teen. You'll figure out where this is going about halfway through, but the end will still catch you offguard.

I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

I picked up this book in 5th grade, just looking for something for Silent Sustained Reading(SSR). Within five minutes I was convinced this was one of the best books I would ever read. The modern day Medusa is as dangerous as in the myths, with the added quality of drawing people to her and seeming normal. Parker's emotional turmoil about her leads to a breathtaking and unforgettable conclusion--but I won't give any spoilers! Bringing old monsters into modern day life so seamlessly could only be done by Neal Shusterman. It had me looking around, wondering if that curly-haired girl with sunglasses was Medusa in disguise. Anyone who doesn't like this book does not know good quality. I love the Dark Fusion series and will request them to all my friends and family!!!!! It's the least I can do to thank Shusterman for writing such an amazing, astounding, jaw-dropping and perfect book! :))))))))

I was never one who believed I would really enjoy Dark Fusion books. I purchased this book at a book fair for less than $5. It was the best deal and a very interesting book. I read the book with my 6th grade students, they LOVED it! It kept them on the edge of their seats and waiting for more each day. I liked it so much, I ordered a classroom set. I can't wait for my students this year to experience this book. I recently ordered two more of the Dark Fusion series and can't wait to read them.

Instead of turning this into a 1000 page opus, as is so common these days, it's short and tightly written.

I've ordered the other 2 dark fusion books.

Parker is as bored as he is rich. The boredom ends when Tara moves in next door. Tara is weird and exciting. She's much more though, and Parker is about to learn about her powers.

I expected so much of this book but I was disappointed. It wasn't the exciting or thrilling horror I had hoped for. The ending was a bit surprising.