New meaning is given to detention when instead of a mild punishment: it means your death sentence.  Benson Fisher is unaware of the secret workings of Maxfield Academy when he applies for a scholarship to the prestigious private school.  However, when he first arrives, Benson notices the absence of adults and the strange power structure of the school.  Each student chooses a gang to join and each gang is responsible for one aspect of running the school.  The V’s take care of maintenance while the Havoc members feed each student and the Society members are in charge of discipline and detention.  Benson quickly realizes that this is not the dream school he envisioned, but it seems that escape is impossible in this dystopian society.  Readers will remain on the edge of their seats as they plow through this thriller trying to figure out the motivations behind those that run Maxfield Academy.  378 pages

Recommended by Carrie Shaurette, Librarian, New York, USA