E-ARC Review: Takedown
Author: Allison van Diepen
Release date: September 3rd 2013
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Series: N/A
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Add to your library: Goodreads
A teen infiltrates a drug ring to settle a vendetta in this fast-paced novel from the author of Street Pharm and Snitch.
Darren took the fall for Diamond Tony, the notorious head of the city’s drug cartel. Two years later, Darren’s finally out of juvie—and determined to get even.
Working as an informant for the police, Darren infiltrates Diamond Tony’s operation. But falling for sweet, innocent Jessica was not part of that plan. She’s a distraction—and a liability. She’s also everything Darren dreamed about while he was locked up, and with her, he has the promise of a fresh start.
When a deadly turf war breaks out between Diamond Tony and the Bloods, Darren gets caught in the crossfire. The cops think he’s playing both sides, and any mistake could be his last. Darren has to stay on his game if he’s going to protect Jessica—and if he’s going to stay alive. (via Goodreads)
I received an e-copy of this from Simon Pulse through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
I immediately got hooked just from the first few pages of this book. I was able to immensely lost myself in the story until the end. It was pretty short so I read it in one sitting. But its length wasn't a hindrance for me not to enjoy it. Everything about this novel is compelling. The writing, the characters, and even the plot.
Darren is absolutely a reflection of a lot of people in our world right now. What made him stand out was his decision to make a change for the better. It takes a great amount of courage to stand up for what is right and for what is good. I really admire him for what he did especially he was in such a deadly position. He was actually playing with fire. Imagine that he was inside the enemy's den and not to mention that he was putting his family's life in danger. But his determinism to take down Diamond Tony was that evident. Yes, I was able to feel his hatred towards him. Who won't anyway? It's really disgusting to have a number of Diamond Tony in our world!
Just when you know you have your life planned out already, something or more often, someone will come along and change everything. Darren did his best to ignore Jessica. But he cannot deny his feelings for her and he knew that it was the same with her. I actually liked how their romance developed. It was somewhat rushed but not really rushed. Am I making sense? Hmm, it was that realistic for me that's why I felt how true their love was with each other. Even if I say that they're still high schoolers, they seemed to have such a deep connection.
Allison's writing is really captivating. Her words have made their way to my heart and I know I won't be forgetting Darren's story.
I just want to point out the ending. It was pretty open-ended for me. I still hoped that Darren will choose a life that's best for Jessica and their families.
Takedown is a great contemporary novel that deals with drugs and how it is to live a life inside that business. It's captivating, realistic and scary all at once. You'll get to feel how it really is to be in a drug ring. Of course, there are a lot of lessons to learn.
About the Author
Allison van Diepen is the author of six teen novels: Street Pharm, Snitch, Raven, The Oracle of Dating, The Oracle Rebounds, and The Vampire Stalker. Her novels have been named ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers and New York City Public Library Books for the Teen Age.
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