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Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
In Dark Site by Stephen Baker, fifteen-year-old Alissa struggles to cope with the loss of her mother while navigating the influence of her wealthy grandfather, who wants to influence her future. Alissa’s grandfather arranges for a Chinese brain chip, known as Boost, to be implanted in her head, a decision that fills Alissa with unease, especially as she fears her father’s reaction. While brain implants promise enhanced communication and cognitive abilities, they also spark deep concerns about surveillance and privacy. When a drone abducts Alissa’s friend Javier, rumors of secretive “Dark Sites” emerge, talking about a facility where people are detained without trial, raising troubling ethical questions about technology as a tool of control. Alissa's awareness of political manipulation and deception grows as she uncovers details about a hidden project. Could Javier’s disappearance be tied to the government’s fear of outside interference in its technological agenda?
Dark Site by Stephen Baker is a compelling and thought-provoking read. The story blends action, emotion, and timely social issues in a powerful plot. Alissa’s journey delves deeply and authentically into themes of family secrets and societal pressures. The pacing strikes a perfect balance between reflection and action, keeping the tension high. The writing is engaging, and elements like Javier’s disappearance and the ominous threat of Dark Sites add layers of suspense that held my attention. The characters are well-developed and believable, with Alissa’s struggles, her shame, isolation, and belief that her life is a “toxic mess” capturing the harsh realities of growing up in a world shaped by ambition, power, and technological advancement.
