Customer Reviews

Secret Society (Secret Society Novel)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

You'll be desperate for a sequel! The book was good, but the ending was awesome! What is it with these new books and incredible endings? I kept thinking in the middle of the book that it was kind of boring, but at some point it got me and I enjoyed the final parts where you finally understand what the book is about.

The writing was great, the story was told from four different points of view. But, it could be kind of confusing sometimes. The characters were not the best, hard to relate. The plot didn't have what I would call rhythm, it was tedious sometimes. But if you like to read about fashion and socialites this a good read for you.

The cover is really appealing, I like it and I like the tattoo. We all have an idea of Secret Societies and it was fun to read about it. If you are a Melissa de la Cruz fan, this book is for you.

I would really rate this around a 2.5. Not quite a 3.

This book was somewhat a disappointment for me. I was so looking forward to it but as I read I kept wanting to hurry the story along. I've always had a fascination with secret societies, the part they play in the larger world and what sort of rituals they used. Combine this with my love of YA books I thought it sounded like the perfect read. The biggest negative point was the pacing of the book. It really dragged and I kept hoping for something to happen and while eventually the story comes to a head it took so long that it seemed like a let down. I did not find myself caring much for Patch or Nick. I did like Lauren's character and Phoebe has potential. The most interesting part was seeing how the perks of belonging to this society helped each of the students and the cost this help comes at. I may pick up the next book just to find out what happens as the last 30 or so pages did spark my curiosity. Most likely it will be a library pick though.

In Tom Dolby's Secret Society, the elite high school students we've seen in such YA fare as Gossip Girl get treated to a twist: murder. Dolby works in modern technology, including vlogging, and much more sinister things, like branding and blackmail. The Society sends mysterious text messages to high school students, and then they attend events where they don't quite know what's going on, but feel compelled to obey. And then, like magic, things happen, like one girl receives a free designer handbag, then a job working for a beloved designer, another gets a big club night booked, and another gets an art gallery showing. Other things happen too, like death and disappearance, that leave them troubled and uncertain about how far they'll go to be part of a society they know little about.

But all is not smooth sailing, and Dolby works the spooky factor in perfectly. As Nick starts to wonder about his family's involvement, his friend Patch also discovers his family's secret history with the Society as he spies on them and gets in almost over his head. I liked Secret Society because it took the rich kid YA novel and made it more than about just materialism and debauchery. This is a page-turner, and a mystery that I can't quite say was solved in the traditional whodunit way, because while we do find out a little, there are still many more questions left unanswered.

All along, Dolby forces the reader to answer the underlying question of what they would do when faced with an invitation from The Society, one that is less about the invite and more about the command. These teenagers do live a glam life, but Dolby shows the darker side of it with a promising, entertaining and fast-paced romp. I think Patch was my favorite character because he had to go far out of his way to investigate what's going on (and Dolby has fun riffing on the current reality show trend, perhaps presaging the show NYC Prep).

Title: Secret Society

Author: Tom Dolby

Genre: YA mystery

Publishing Information: October 1, 2009 by HarperTeen

Series: First book in Secret Society series, followed by The Trust

Where I got it: E-book from the library

One sentence: Four wealthy young people from New York- Phoebe, Lauren, Nick and Patch- are invited to join the Society: a organization that seems innocent, but as time passes becomes more and more sinister.

Themes: Secret societies, New York City, prep-school, mystery

Main characters: 3/5

I didn't particularly like or dislike any of the main characters except Patch, who for some reason I really disliked. I didn't feel like there was any real depth to the characters, and while I sometimes empathized with them, I couldn't really relate to them at all. Further, none of the characters were really defined for me and I didn't feel any emotional attachment to them.

Secondary characters: 2.5/5

Very minimal interaction. Some interesting characters, like Patch's grandma or Nick's dad, but mainly because of their connection to the Society, not based on their personalities or development through the novel.

Writing style: 2/5

The pacing was probably the biggest negative for me. While I thought that the plot had the opportunity to be remarkable, the pacing left me feeling uninterested and bored. The slow pace combined with the length of the novel made it difficult to wade through, particularly the middle section. The one thing I did like was the alternating narrators, which switched it up and gave an insight into all four protagonists.

Plot: 4/5

I really liked the idea of the secret society set in modern day Manhattan and the prep-school scene. Coming from my first year in a sorority, I found the initiation and ritual similarities very interesting. I also really loved the mystery elements (although some of the execution fell short) and the twists and curveballs thrown in. Some of the coolest parts for me was watching what the society could do to help each of them out- like Lauren's jewelry design being bought, and Phoebe's art being displayed at the gallery.

Ending: 3/5

A couple twists save it from being boring, but it ends on a cliffhanger and I'm just not interested in reading a sequel to this mediocre book.

Best scene: The initiation ritual

Positives: Premise, twists, multiple POV's

Negatives: Slow pace, length,

First Line: Even the most seasoned walks through Manhattan's Central Park often miss Cleopatra's Needle.

Cover: Absolutely gorgeous and so stunningly simple.

Verdict: Definitely not a read you should feel guilty about missing. Falls short of its promising premise.

Rating: 5.8 / 10

I think what makes SECRET SOCIETY stand out from the other rich kids behaving badly books is the horror element: bad things happen to people who cross the Society. For those who like this genre, SECRET SOCIETY is probably fast-paced and interesting. For me, I really only liked Patch, who becomes an outsider when his best friend is tapped and he isn't. Then he makes a series of dumb mistakes and at the end I completely did not understand his motivation. (That is, aside from not wanting to die.) SECRET SOCIETY wasn't terrible, but I found it blah.

Review copy

From In Bed With Books

This book was just what I needed...New York City...yet one more private elite school and sort of ordinary students...no vampires involved!!!

The premise is that if you are lucky enough to get an invitation to this society...which you are not allowed to talk about or even ask questions about...your life will be perfection. Formerly closed doors will open, success, fame and fortune are yours for the asking.

Now enter Patch...a very inquisitive investigative friend of one of the members. He will not rest until he knows more and perhaps reveals the secrets of the Secret Society.

This is all I am going to say...but prepare yourself for a bit of a roller coaster ride and a surprise ending.

First of all I'm already dying to read the sequel, "" though it won't be out until Jan 2011. The ending of this book was awesome. At times I thought the story dragged on a bit but once it got going, I could not put it down. The joining of the secret society was not as much an invitation as a command. I loved the whole concept of the "Secret Society", that these teens were participating in whether they wanted to or not. I suspect that many of the items they were given and their homes were bugged as the Society knew so many of their likes and dislikes. It was interesting to see the maneuverings of the Society as they virtually take over the lives of the privileged chosen ones.

The development of the characters was fascinating and very three dimensional as was the mystery of the Society itself. Unfortunately, (only because we have to wait till Jan 2011) by the end of the book you'll have many more questions than answers. The romance in the book was so much more believable than we usually get in a YA book. It grew very slowly between Nick and Phoebe. And the confusion was so real that it was palpable. I liked that the 4 main characters questioned the success that came their way because of their elite membership in the Society rather than blithely accepting it. I've got to admit, I thought (why, I don't know) that this secret society would have something to do with being immortal. Been reading to many paranormals, I guess. While this book may not be THE best one I've read this year, it's in the top numbers and I suspect with the next book, its standing will raise a lot for me.

Title: Secret Society

Author: Tom Dolby

Grade: A-

Ideal Audience: Girls & Some Boys, 13+

Summary: When Nick, Lauren, and Phoebe are invited to join the Society, it seems like it could be a dream come true. The Society is a secret organization in New York City, dedicated to propelling its members to the highest levels of success. Despite the odd rituals (all members are forced to get ankh tattoos on the napes of their necks) and strict rules of the Society, the three teenagers are content to give it a try.

Almost immediately, Nick, Phoebe, and Lauren feel the positive effects that the group has on them. Each quickly progresses in his or her area of interest. But someone else is making strides, as well: Nick's best friend, Patch. A budding filmmaker, Patch is intent on capturing footage of the Society and releasing the tapes to the public, forever destroying the group.

Suddenly, the four teens are caught in a scheme much bigger than they could imagine. As mysterious deaths, disappearances, and crimes occur, they can't help but wonder if all that happens is connected to the Society. If so, can they withdraw from membership to the Society... or is it too late?

My thoughts: For me, there were two noticeable flaws in Secret Society: first, the Egyptian references were never explained, and secondly, the quick successes that were practically thrown at the teenagers seemed entirely unrealistic. However, I was enthralled by the rest of the novel.

The plot is compelling and the characters easy to sympathize with. Many readers will be glued to the page, as I was. Tom Dolby has shown much potential with his YA debut, and I believe the sequels in this series will be even better than Secret Society was.

This book started off immediately capturing you with a large event, of course between finding out what caused that event took a bit of additional information.. I do have to say that this book didn't waste a lot of time getting into the characters, as it was quick and very informative before you got into the story line. Which was a great story. I am so glad that I got the chance to read this as it truly is so well written.

Tom did a wonderful job with character development, and suspense, never being able to expect what was next to happen, I have to say the only thing that I disliked of this book was how quickly it switched between character stories.. it was as if I was reading 4 stories at once and at time a bit confusing. I have tons of questions left after reading the book and hoping that Tom continues a series off of this book and idea.

I have to admit that cover of this novel is was first turned my eye on this particular book. Although, I have to say that the cover and the book description did not live up to my expectations. I found this story line to be intriguing of secret societies and such, but I never found a point in this story that it just grabbed my attention and carried me through the rest of the story. It was a constant struggle for me to stay interested in the outcome. This would not be a book that I could whole heartedly recommend to my friends. Sorry for the negative review. This will be a Second Chance Giveaway shortly be on the lookout if you are truly interested in giving it a try [...]