Do the gates keep the unchosen out or the chosen in? 
 In Madrodage Meadows nothing is what it seems. This small cluster of people have created a special community. One with gates. 
 When the 9/11 terrorist attacks first happened, a group of people fled the evil of the world and were 'saved'. Under the careful tutelage of their leader Pioneer, the community has thrived. 
 Like Noah before him, Pioneer has been told of the imminent destruction of humanity. They are the chosen and anyone not apart of the community is the unchosen. He says they must train to fight anyone trying to seek refuge in the compound's underground fortress. 
 On any given day, Lyla would rather be painting than going to target practice. And lately she'd rather think about a certain boy outside the compound than plan for married life in the compound. But when Pioneer says to do something, everyone complies. Anything for the community. With the end of days drawing near, she will have to pick up a gun, take a side, and let everyone know where she stands. 
 The beginning of this book starts off rather slow and takes some time to get into. Once you get past this initial section though the pacing flows more smoothly. Gated is a great book if this is your first cult novel. However, if you're a more seasoned reader then you might find it on the lighter side. 
 I really wish Gated would have delved more deeply into the psychological aspects of the inner workings of cults. As soon as it got to a really good point, the plot seemed to divert away from the darker side. There were a few good bits every now and then, but for me it really skimmed the surface. I think that if the characters had been more thoroughly developed, the reader would get a better understanding of their actions. 
 Although I have criticisms, I did enjoy reading Gated. Once I got immersed into the story it really held my attention. Gated reads like a standalone novel, but there are enough threads left dangling that it could develop into more novels. If there are, then I would be interested in them. If not, I am curious to see what else Parker can come up with next. 
 *eARC provided by NetGalley.