Secret Society by Tom Dolby

Once you get in... you can never get out. Do you ever wonder how some people have it all? The best schools, the hottest parties, the priciest clothes, the easiest jobs? Maybe it's because they're part of a secret group. A secret society.
-Secret Society, back cover

I just finished reading an ARC of Tom Dolby's Secret Society. Set in New York City, it is the story of 4 students at one of Manhattan's most elite private schools. Nick is the son of one of the city's wealthiest families, hoping to amount to something of his own choosing- club promotion. Phoebe is a recent transplant from LA and an aspiring artist. Lauren is a teenage socialite whose interest in fashion is something more than the shallow amusement of her peers. Patch comes from a family of faded prominence and is hoping his filmmaking skills will get him some of the privileges sees his fellow students abuse.

When three of the four high school juniors are tapped as Initiates of the Society, everyones lives begin to change. First comes the privilege, as gifts and oppurtunities come their way effortlessly. Then comes fear, as they realize how much influence the Society has over their lives, and those of everyone around them. As the situation becomes fatal; Nick, Phoebe, Lauren and Patch have to decide who to rely on, and whether it is safe to cross the Society.

I've had an interest in secret societies for years, so when the oppurtunity came to get my hands on a book about them, I jumped on it. I began reading as soon as the book showed up at my door. The characters are a bit cliched, but the situation they are thrust into is unique and the way they deal with things is realistic. I would definitely reccommend this book looking for an entertaining read that isn't complete fluff.


*Contest: In Secret Society, the Society tattoos all Initiates with a small Ankh on the back of their necks. The Ankh is an Egyptian symbol for life. I'll be giving away an ARC of Tom Dolby's Secret Society, signed by the author. In order to be entered in the contest you must identify the following 3 symbols, their cultute of origin and their meaning. Comment with the answers to be entered.

1.

2.

3.

Congratulations contest winner writeinspired. Email me at bloggingya@gmail.com with your name and address so I can mail your ARC to you ASAP.

The correct answers were:

#1 Buddhist symbol Lotus means purity

#2 The asclepius wand, or asclepius rod is is an ancient Greek symbol associated with astrology and with healing the sick through medicine. The rod of Asclepius symbolizes the healing arts by combining the serpent, which in shedding its skin is a symbol of rebirth and fertility, with the staff, a symbol of authority befitting the god of Medicine. (ancientsymbols.com)

#3Udjat: The sound eye of Horus. Symbolizes healing and protection.