Lyla is the perfect narrative to tell the story as she takes more and more risks to break free from the figurative shackles Pioneer has placed on everyone. Rather than reverting to the tried and tested formula of writing about forbidden love, the author uses Cody as a catalyst for the revelations to come and an ally for Lyla to rely on when things get out of control. Especially when she meets Cody from the local town, she starts to dream about having a different life which does not include target practice and marrying someone chosen for her. Lyla has grown up in Mandrodage Meadows and as a young child adapted to the new situation well, but now she is a teenager, she is looking deeper into things than she did before.

As a reader, you can spot it as being a cult a mile off but to the Hamilton’s it is an escape from a terrifying reality. We all remember the horror of the 9/11 attacks and Lyla Hamilton’s family have also endured the kidnapping of their eldest daughter, so it is highly believable that when the option of living in the safety of a gated community arises they would jump at it. She meets outsider Cody who opens her eyes to Pioneer’s unorthodox ideas and makes her realise that perhaps she is living on the wrong side of the gates. Living away from the threat of evil sounds idyllic, but when Lyla turns 17 she starts to question how perfect their existence behind the gates really is. acquired in June 2022.Īfter the 9/11 terrorist attacks life is changed forever, so when Pioneer approaches Lyla Hamilton’s family to live in a gated neighbourhood the offer comes just at the right time.

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Gated by amy christine parker