Dark Inside

Gr 8 Up—This apocalyptic novel combines elements of the movie 2012 (massive earthquakes destroying major cities and civilization as we know it) and Stephen King's The Stand (Doubleday, 1978) (evil possessing large groups of people who seek to wipe out other survivors). The story alternates between four teens and a fifth character referred to as "Nothing." The teens initially have no connection to one another but circumstances drive them together as they try to navigate the aftermath of the massive quakes and the marauding bands of evil-infected survivors. "Nothing" is presumably the inner voice of one of the ancillary characters who is nearly, but not quite, overcome by the evil driving others to murderous madness. Lots of brutal action will hold teens' attention but on some levels the story just doesn't click. The nature of the force that can cause massive quakes and simultaneously possess millions of people is never even hinted at, much less explained. Characterization is weak to the point that readers are unsure of who is speaking as the perspective changes. The dialogue, setting, and many other elements are unremarkable at best. Recommended only if there is a high demand for end-of-the-world stories.—Anthony C. Doyle, Livingston High School, CA