Dark Territory (Tracks) (The Tracks) - Softcover

J. Gabriel Gates; Charlene Keel

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0757315747 ISBN 13: 9780757315749

Publisher: Health Communications, 2011

Synopsis

Star-Crossed Love, Martial Arts, and Supernatural Evil meet at the Abandoned Tracks in the Deceptively Quaint town of Middleburg...When Ignacio Torrez moved from the rough streets of Los Angeles to a small town dead smack in the middle of nowhere, he never expected to find himself in the midst of a gang war. But, he soon learns, these are no ordinary gangs. The wealthy, preppie Toppers on one side of the tracks and the working-class Flatliners on the other adhere to a strict code of honor and use their deadly martial arts skills, taught to them by the wise Master Chin, to battle one another for pride, territory, and survival. When Raphael, leader of the Flatliners, falls for Aimee, a Topper girl, the rival gangs prepare for a bloody, all-out war. The only hope for peace between them lies within the dark territory of the abandoned train tunnels where the tracks cross. Under the direction of the mysterious and frightening Magician, the awesome power within the crossing sends the rivals on a terrifying mystical quest to fight the malevolent force that threatens the existence of Middleburg.

About this title

Review

"Dark Territory draws upon classic tales such as Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story. This tale of star-crossed lovers is unique in that it incorporates Hispanic and Japanese culture, including martial arts and mysticism. There is a little Mephistopheles thrown in, as a sinister character named Magician orchestrates the final showdown. The story starts out slowly, but as the elements fall into place there is a building tension that will keep readers wanting to know more. Although this is the first book in a new series, there is an overwhelming sense that a little bit of everything has been thrown in to the story: love, honor and betrayal, prophecies, destiny, martial arts, even time travel, and a brief appearance by a dinosaur. The elements of the story are at times a bit much, but there is enough mystery to keep readers turning the page. Purchase this title where teens are looking for summer-blockbuster-type reads. Also consider purchasing this for some discussion of multiculturalism or class warfare."
--Karen Jensen.

--Karen Jensen "Voya.com "

"The story of Ignacio Torrez is one that young adults will enjoy. When he moves from his rough and tumble, Los Angeles neighborhood to a small town in nowhere land he learns a valuable lesson about honor and magic. He soon finds himself in the midst of an adventure, a quest to bring peace between the Toppers and the Flatliners, two rival gangs on the verge of war over forbidden love. This book is one I would highly recommend."

-Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club

Read more: http: //www.greatmindsthinkaloud.proboards.com/index.cgiaction=display&board=gmta&thread=328&page=1#ixzz1TWAZv7Vh--Kitty Bullard "Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club "

"I received this from HCI Teens for a honest and fair review, and oh my god this was totally different then anything I have read lately. This story had me on the edge of my seat, seeing aspects of the story of Romeo and Juliet. You have the flatliners who are a misfit group doing the best they can in a society where the Toppers succeed and the flatliners just try to get by. Nass is new to Middleburg and the last thing he needs is to join a gang but what he sees in the flatliners is more than a gang, he sees friends helping each other trying to get by. He also meets Dalton who he is smitten with. The toppers are the typical spoiled rich kids, minus Aimee who has returned to town after being in an institute after the death of her boyfriend Tyler. She meets Raph and is instantly falling for him. He treats Aimee like a person and doesn't shun her since her return. Master Chin teaches the kids martial arts and warns them that bigger things are happening.

I enjoyed this the action was incredible, the humor was just as great and a refreshing read for the supernatural aspects. You really feel like your with the gang in their various situations. Definitely a great series can't wait to read the next one called Ghost Crown."
--Paula/ Community Bookstop--Paula "blogspot.com "

"I found the book to be really well written, the team of writers have a very unique style and a very detailed plot. A lot happened in this book, the point of views changes a lot and you get a better understanding of the characters. We were introduced to so many characters and they actually made the story feel whole, every character was necessary no matter how small. You really understand their lives, fears, and way of thinking. We got to see what each character was made of when really put to the test. The story was action packed and once it really got going it didn't let up. This was a great start to a series. I was pleasantly surprised by Dark Territory, and I'm looking forward to reading what happens in book two!"

--Shanese La'Tia
--Shanese La'Tia "theromancestudio.com "

"This is a very fascinating book with so many twists, turns and surprises, that you find yourself so absorbed you don't want to put the book down. The author makes the characters seem so real, that you feel as though you know them. This is a book that I highly recommend. Whatever the price, this book is well worth it. Although a young adult book, it can easily be enjoyed by adults; I know since I am an adult. Do not miss this book, it has it all. I can't wait for the next book in the series."

----Linda Tonis "paranormalromanceguild.com "

About the Author

J. Gabriel Gates is a Michigan native and a graduate of Florida State University. He has worked as a professional actor and a Hollywood screenwriter. For more of J. Gabriel Gates' writing, check out his horror novel The Sleepwalkers. Visit www.jgabrielgates.com. Charlene Keel is the author of a dozen novels and how-to-books. She has also ghostwritten books for celebrities, doctors, and corporate moguls.

About this edition

• Publisher: Health Communications
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0757315747
• ISBN 13: 9780757315749
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 480