Dark Territory by: J. Gabriel Gates and Charlene Keel Review

Title: Dark Territory
Author: J. Gabriel Gates & Charlene Keel
Publisher: HCI Teens
Pages: 476
Format: Paperback
Series: Tracks #1

Description:

In the quaint town of Middleburg, an abandoned train yard and old railroad tracks form the dividing line between two rival gangs—the posh, preppie Toppers and the working-class Flatliners. When Raphael, the leader of the Flatliners, falls in love with Aimee, a Topper girl, the rival gangs prepare to do battle . . . but not with guns and knives. Their martial arts training dictates a strict code of honor, which all of the gang members adhere to. The only hope for peace between the rival gangs lies within the giant X formed where the railroad tracks cross. The awesome power contained in the X sends the Flatliners and the Toppers on a mystical quest to fight against malevolent forces that threaten the existence of Middleburg—and maybe the world.

My Review:

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.