It's sometimes interesting to witness the result of a transition, such as the aftermath of a generation successfully trumping its predecessors. Gone are the days when goth typically consisted of black eyeliner, black t-shirt, black pants, and black boots, frequently worn despite summer's stifling heat. Nowadays you can mix-n-match all types of apparel to create: Oriental Goth//Diva Goth//Dark Fairy Goth//Cyber Goth//Kindergoth//Egyptian Goth//Vampire Goth//Punk Goth.

Jade Leigh is punk goth, an outsider with few friends, and misunderstood.

I'm not a bad person. I haven't killed anyone. I (rarely) lie. I don't kick little puppies. So why do people look at me as if the world would be a better place without me?

Jade is also at the bottom of the HS food chain and ostracized by its general population, including daily wisecrack bouts with her Trig teacher, Mr. Parton. Sent to the principal's office (once again) for exchanging rebuttals with said teacher, Jade is sentenced to accompany the principal on a field trip. To her horror Jade discovers that her nemesis, the popular and beautiful Mercedes - leader of the clones a.k.a. the "Barbies", is to share her ambiguous punishment.

This vague field trip lands both ladies in a non-descript building where they are forced to enter a virtual reality game "that will whisk teenagers inside a new life-a life that will make them appreciate and respect the one they currently lead." Within this realm Goth is the norm. *screams* Oh yes, EVERYONE is goth, that is, everyone except those few "Barbie" dressed teens. In addition to the outlandish changes in standard fashion, Jade and Mercedes have also swapped each others social status and friends. Unwillingly subjected to the swarm of fashion solicitations from the student body, Jade is now admired and adored while Mercedes battles her frustration with falling from fame. In addtion to facing their worst fears, the duo must put aside their ill will in order to work together if they are to ever exit this hell.

Although the storylines are predictable and preposterous and the plot's moral dilemmas may seem too blatant, the self-reflection created by the outrageous drama should promote positive discussion in teen book groups. Never thought being goth could be "fright." Kudos to the Internet Generation for making it even more interesting and often for adults to raise their brows.