Title: Dread Locks
Author: Neal Shusterman
First published May 5, 2005
176 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780525475545 (ISBN10: 0525475540)
Rating: 3.66
Overview
Neal Shusterman’s Dark Fusion series starts with Dread Locks, an enthralling tale of fourteen-year-old Parker Bear. Parker is a bored and wealthy teenager until a new girl arrives in town.
Tara is mysterious, with her eyes always hidden behind designer sunglasses, and her blonde hair seems almost alive. Parker is fascinated by Tara’s strange behavior as she chooses high school students to befriend, and he even helps her by making the necessary introductions.
However, as time passes, Tara’s “friends” develop bizarre habits, such as drinking gallons of milk, eating dirt, and becoming lethargic. Parker suddenly realizes Tara’s true intentions, but it’s too late to stop her.
In fact, Tara has given him certain cravings of his own. The spooky twist of this thrilling story will leave you as still as a statue.
Pick up Dread Locks to discover the spine-tingling secrets of Parker and Tara’s story.
About the Author
Neal Shusterman, an accomplished author, discovered his passion for writing at an early age while growing up in Brooklyn, New York. He attended the American School of Mexico City for his last two years of high school before matriculating at UC Irvine.
While there, he excelled on the university’s swim team and wrote a popular humor column. Shortly after graduating, Neal secured his first book deal and a job as a movie scriptwriter.
Neal has since established himself as a multi-talented novelist, screenwriter, and television writer. As a full-time writer, he challenges himself to create new and engaging stories.
His books have won numerous awards from organizations like the International Reading Association and the American Library Association, as well as receiving many state and local accolades. Neal’s creative abilities extend to directing short films, writing music and stage plays, and creating successful games for teenagers.
Neal has written for several TV series, including “Goosebumps” and “Animorphs,” and he wrote the screenplay for the Disney Channel Original Movie “Pixel Perfect.” He is currently adapting his novel “Everlost” into a feature film for Universal Studios.
Neal’s presentations are captivating and entertaining, making him a highly sought-after speaker at schools and conferences. His background in psychology and drama informs his unique approach to writing, and his novels tackle topics that resonate with both young adults and adults.
He creates relatable, true-to-life characters and explores sensitive and gripping issues while infusing his work with humor.
Neal’s books have received high praise. For example, School Library Journal called “Everlost” a “rip-roaring adventure,” while Voice of Youth Advocates described “What Daddy Did” as a “compelling, spell-binding story.” Meanwhile, “The Schwa Was Here” was compared to classic children’s literature, and “Scorpion Shards” was hailed as “a spellbinder.”
Neal resides in Southern California with his children, who inspire him daily.
Editoral Review
Dread Locks by Neal Shusterman is a gripping young adult novel that explores the thick fog that surrounds the life of a budding young musician. Originally published on May 5th, 2005, the novel is a hair-raising tale that keeps readers perched on the edge of their seats.
Shusterman is an accomplished author known for his ability to put his readers in the characters’ shoes, and Dread Locks is no exception. Set in a modern-day America riddled with drug use and crime, Dread Locks spotlights the mysterious and alluring persona of its primary character named Parker Baer.
Parker is a rising star in the music industry, but he harbors a dark secret. His long, gnarled dreadlocks are not a fashion statement but a reminder of something sinister.
Without giving away too much of the plot, the story focuses on the events surrounding a hair-raising adventure that began the very day Parker made the decision to grow his hair long into his now-dreadlocks. The storyline delves into Parker’s psyche and the eerie, demonic events that occurred throughout his life.
The characters in Dread Locks are well developed and believable, with each player fulfilling their role in the story to perfection. The setting of the novel is extensive, spanning different cities and states, giving readers a visual treat that adds to their experience throughout the reading process.
Shusterman’s writing style is both enthralling and chilling, and this book is no different. His narrative is gripping and compelling, making readers feel as though they are witnessing the events firsthand.
On the other hand, the dialogue throughout the book is realistic, and the pacing of the story is consistently fast-paced. The themes of the book are deeply layered, and the author’s commentary on the consequences of drug use and the power of music is both provocative and thought-provoking.
Dread Locks is a work of fiction, but its social commentary touches on several issues plaguing today’s society, making it a crucial read for young adults. The only possible flaw int he book is that the story can be overly detailed and somewhat repetitive in certain areas, which can occasionally distract readers from the story’s freshness.
Still, the storyline is infectious, and the narrative is vivid enough to keep readers invested from start to finish. Overall, Dread Locks is an excellent addition to the young adult genre, one that both engages the senses and provides a valuable message.
It ranks high among the works of Neal Shusterman, and its themes coupled with its gripping storyline makes it a must-read for young adults. I rate the book 9 out of 10, based on its creativity, depth of character, and Shusterman’s knack for storytelling.
