Ames has grown up in privilege. She's gone to fancy schools, and never wanted for anything. She thinks her family is perfect, and her father is her hero. Then...her family starts to change. Her father isn't going into work like he used to, and Ames's friends are starting to talk. Soon, her world is turned upside down. Ames learns that her perfect family isn't so perfect, and that her father is far from being a hero.
After Ames's family is forced to move from Colorado to Texas, Ames meets a boy, Marc, and she becomes increasingly alienated from her family and remaining friends, and ever more dependent on Marc for love and affection. But Marc is dark, that darkness attracts Ames, but will it also force her to do the unthinkable?
I really enjoy Gail Giles's work. I was thrilled to get this book in the mail, and couldn't wait to read it. Also, the cover is just awesome.
Ames was a character that I think a lot of teens will be able to relate to. She feels betrayed by her family, and is drawn to someone that makes her feel rebellious, but also someone she feels she can trust. I would have liked to have gotten to know Ames before the downfall of her family a bit more. We get a glimpse, but it mostly feels like a set up for what is to come.
I had a hard time not reading this book, and went through it pretty quickly. I am sure that teens will love it, and it continues Giles's tradition of gritty realistic fiction.
