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lit_vibrations's review against another edition
3.0
I really wasn’t a fan of this book because it lacked so much depth. The premise seemed interesting kind of reminded me of a movie with the whole scenario and being trapped in a house ordeal. There was a lot of action and the beginning really pulled me in. But after awhile the book started to lose the suspense and thrill it gave in the beginning. I started asking what’s the point and questioning why certain things were happening cause it didn’t make sense.
The multiple POVs probably weren’t needed and I didn’t like how overly fabricated certain parts started to become. I get that it’s fiction but I still want to believe what I’m reading and I felt this book did too much and didn’t give enough. The character development was very mid and honestly I don’t remember any of them but Perry and Emma.
Thrillers are one of my favorite genres and I don’t feel like the author truly delivered with this one. Heard his other works are great but I can definitely say this book wasn’t for me but that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy it. Special thanks to the author, grandcentralpub, & netgalley for my advanced copy.
Rating: 2.5
The multiple POVs probably weren’t needed and I didn’t like how overly fabricated certain parts started to become. I get that it’s fiction but I still want to believe what I’m reading and I felt this book did too much and didn’t give enough. The character development was very mid and honestly I don’t remember any of them but Perry and Emma.
Thrillers are one of my favorite genres and I don’t feel like the author truly delivered with this one. Heard his other works are great but I can definitely say this book wasn’t for me but that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy it. Special thanks to the author, grandcentralpub, & netgalley for my advanced copy.
Rating: 2.5
jeryan033's review against another edition
3.0
The book started really strong (or maybe because I was stuck on an airplane for it!) but I feel as though some of the side storylines took away from it. There was too much about the Cloverfield employees instead of the friend groups IMO.
briisbooked's review against another edition
2.0
I was intrigued by the premise of this, but it feel flat. I can’t even remember most of what I listened to. That’s a big problem. Would not recommend this, it was not done right.
marvsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a crazy book—in the best way. Who of us hasn’t dreamed of having an insanely wealthy buddy who invites us to their private island for a long weekend of fun and relaxation? I mean, I dream about this way too much. For me, the premise alone was incredibly promising.
Then add a terminal diagnosis, and a lock-you-up-until-you-solve-some-puzzles-in-a-ridiculously-high-tech-way situation with serious consequences, and things can’t get any better. Especially when there are multiple hostage situations involved.
I would have loved to see the tower situation with a different outcome, but overall, this was an excellent read for me. It was thrilling, it was exciting, it kept my attention for the duration, it was bingeable, and I would absolutely read it again.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for an advance copy!
Then add a terminal diagnosis, and a lock-you-up-until-you-solve-some-puzzles-in-a-ridiculously-high-tech-way situation with serious consequences, and things can’t get any better. Especially when there are multiple hostage situations involved.
I would have loved to see the tower situation with a different outcome, but overall, this was an excellent read for me. It was thrilling, it was exciting, it kept my attention for the duration, it was bingeable, and I would absolutely read it again.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for an advance copy!
blissyblob's review against another edition
3.0
A very quick read. This book really just kept me wondering what would happen next and what could even happen. I feel like the story could’ve ended on such a higher note. Not because it was sad, but bc the concept of the book was too good to end the way it did.
As a book released in 2023, it makes sense why Ryan would want to do what he wanted to do. He wanted to use fear to put back social media in its tracks like 9/11 did. However, that’s where he lost me. His idea was solid. But at the same time, he has to realize that someone will take up the mantle and make another big social media app. Like the internet is never going to stop unless the world ends. Once the world goes up in flames and there is nothing but ash and dust.
The book was also hard to follow at times. I constantly got the characters confused with one another as they all sorta had similar personalities. Was there a point that hinted towards one of the characters being gay? I think so but idk if I interpreted that wrong.
I liked the idea. I loved everything up until the second hand of the book. Which is why I am giving it a 2.5 / 5
As a book released in 2023, it makes sense why Ryan would want to do what he wanted to do. He wanted to use fear to put back social media in its tracks like 9/11 did. However, that’s where he lost me. His idea was solid. But at the same time, he has to realize that someone will take up the mantle and make another big social media app. Like the internet is never going to stop unless the world ends. Once the world goes up in flames and there is nothing but ash and dust.
The book was also hard to follow at times. I constantly got the characters confused with one another as they all sorta had similar personalities. Was there a point that hinted towards one of the characters being gay? I think so but idk if I interpreted that wrong.
I liked the idea. I loved everything up until the second hand of the book. Which is why I am giving it a 2.5 / 5
dad_bro_39's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sunnys_shelf's review against another edition
3.0
What would you say if your old college friend-turned tech billionare invited you to stay on his private island for the weekend, with just one stipulation--no phones, computers, tablets, smart watches-- nothing? This is what happens in new thriller, Device Free Weekend.
I thought this one started really strong. I liked the setup and the cast of characters. I thought all of the characters were well thought out and had unique voices, and their interpersonal relationships were really interesting. The premise also felt really timely--our billionaire created a social media empire but took his friends' devices hostage when they landed on the island, and that's when this luxury getaway turns creepy.
Overall, this was an okay read for me. It felt a bit slow, and I was hoping for some more thrills throughout. The last 20% or so got a little confusing too, but it was an enjoyable, fast read with our favorite feature....short chapters!
I thought this one started really strong. I liked the setup and the cast of characters. I thought all of the characters were well thought out and had unique voices, and their interpersonal relationships were really interesting. The premise also felt really timely--our billionaire created a social media empire but took his friends' devices hostage when they landed on the island, and that's when this luxury getaway turns creepy.
Overall, this was an okay read for me. It felt a bit slow, and I was hoping for some more thrills throughout. The last 20% or so got a little confusing too, but it was an enjoyable, fast read with our favorite feature....short chapters!
books_by_the_bottle's review against another edition
3.0
Ryan Cloverhill, a self-made tech mogul and billionaire, invites his 6 best friends for a weekend reunion at his remote island home. There’s just one catch: they all have to surrender their phones and devices upon entry. They enjoy their first day catching up but upon the second morning, Ryan has disappeared and left behind a tablet to communicate. At first, it seems like a game: they have to crack a code to open the tablet. But Ryan has something much crazier planned.
I’ll be straight: I did not like this book. I couldn’t connect with any of the characters, and I feel like we were never told exactly why Ryan was doing what he was doing. If the point was for us to not be able to figure out his motives, then I guess it was well-achieved. And although it’s called “device free weekend”, the story was filled with various devices, just not the ones the friends brought with them. I kept reading because I wanted to see how it ended, but honestly felt like there really was no closure. Although it was action-packed, the story was jumbled in between all the technology in my opinion. I usually love remote settings for thrillers but this just didn’t do it for me. Thank you to the author, Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC. This story releases February 28th.
I’ll be straight: I did not like this book. I couldn’t connect with any of the characters, and I feel like we were never told exactly why Ryan was doing what he was doing. If the point was for us to not be able to figure out his motives, then I guess it was well-achieved. And although it’s called “device free weekend”, the story was filled with various devices, just not the ones the friends brought with them. I kept reading because I wanted to see how it ended, but honestly felt like there really was no closure. Although it was action-packed, the story was jumbled in between all the technology in my opinion. I usually love remote settings for thrillers but this just didn’t do it for me. Thank you to the author, Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC. This story releases February 28th.
cyireadbooks's review against another edition
3.0
Self-made billionaire, Ryan Cloverhill invites his six closest classmates for a weekend retreat on his private island. The purpose was to have fun and reconnect with his friends that he hasn’t seen in years. It’s a very welcome surprise for Ryan’s friends. Six of them got an invitation for an all expense paid and all inclusive stay at the island.
Upon arrival on the island, the invitees are given a grand tour of the campus and facilities. Everyone is awestruck until they are asked to relinquish all of their electronic devices. There is to be no contact with the outside world — no streaming videos, no pics, no social media posts, and no phone calls. It’s a pretty bold request, but everyone complies.
Unbeknownst to Ryan’s friends, Ryan has a sinister agenda. A plan that has been in the making for several years. A plan that will surely affect the island’s guests, inhabitants and potentially Ryan’s empire around the world.
Device Free Weekend started out as a taut suspense novel. But as the story unfolded, the narrative became increasingly unbelievable, where it bordered on science fiction. There is a lot of action that takes place. However, what overshadows the action is whether any of it could occur.
The characters weren’t that noteworthy and none of them stood out as likable or unlikeable. Though I’m leaning toward all of them as being unlikeable given the fact that they were all leaches — preying on the generosity of their estranged but successful classmate.
There are a number of potential scenarios that could have played out in this locked room mystery, but the existing scenario leaves a lot to be desired. Two and a half stars satisfactory stars, rounded up.
I received a digital ARC from Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Upon arrival on the island, the invitees are given a grand tour of the campus and facilities. Everyone is awestruck until they are asked to relinquish all of their electronic devices. There is to be no contact with the outside world — no streaming videos, no pics, no social media posts, and no phone calls. It’s a pretty bold request, but everyone complies.
Unbeknownst to Ryan’s friends, Ryan has a sinister agenda. A plan that has been in the making for several years. A plan that will surely affect the island’s guests, inhabitants and potentially Ryan’s empire around the world.
Device Free Weekend started out as a taut suspense novel. But as the story unfolded, the narrative became increasingly unbelievable, where it bordered on science fiction. There is a lot of action that takes place. However, what overshadows the action is whether any of it could occur.
The characters weren’t that noteworthy and none of them stood out as likable or unlikeable. Though I’m leaning toward all of them as being unlikeable given the fact that they were all leaches — preying on the generosity of their estranged but successful classmate.
There are a number of potential scenarios that could have played out in this locked room mystery, but the existing scenario leaves a lot to be desired. Two and a half stars satisfactory stars, rounded up.
I received a digital ARC from Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
danadoesbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Thank you Grand Central Pub for the giveaway win of Device Free Weekend! All opinions in this review are my own.
Device Free Weekend was a highly anticipated book for me. I love when thrillers are set on a remote island and the premise of this one seemed fantastic! While I was entertained, I didn't love that everything is set up from the beginning. I thought there was going to be more mystery surrounding why the friends were stuck on the island and what was happening. Instead, the friends are placed in a situation with a high stakes decision to make. I would categorize this book as more action than thriller.