Dark Eden by Patrick Carman

Dark Eden by Patrick Carman

2011, Katherine Tegen Books

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Rating

Synopsis: Fifteen-year-old Will Besting is sent by his doctor to Fort Eden, an institution meant to help patients suffering from crippling phobias. Once there, Will and six other teenagers take turns in mysterious fear chambers and confront their worst nightmares—with the help of the group facilitator, Rainsford, an enigmatic guide. When the patients emerge from the chamber, they feel emboldened by the previous night's experiences. But each person soon discovers strange, unexplained aches and pains. . . . What is really happening to the seven teens trapped in this dark Eden?

Why read: Requested from Amazon Vine

What impressed me: I found the teens themselves to be interesting, especially how their fears effected them and how they related to each other. Nothing else really impressed me. The writing was good, as was the story as a whole, but nothing really leaped out as being so good it needs to be praised.

What disappointed me: The pacing was off. The build up was slow, too slow, which made the tension fizzle. I thought the treatments were more interesting than horrific, which was unfortunate being that the book kind of hinged on you believing these treatments were evil in some way. The ending was reminiscent of certain Stephen King novels, which is to say that what could have been a good sciencey horror book turned paranormal at the last minute. I love King, but I absolutely hate when he makes that move and the author here fairs no better.

Recommended: Not especially. It was okay. Nothing made this book stand out as something anyone would need to run out and get immediately.