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yvo_about_books's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Finished reading: March 18th 2024
"I can tell you my secret right now: At the end of this week, only one of us will make it home alive."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
I still can't believe I didn't read one of Freida McFadden's stories until recently, but I've immediately become a fan of her writing. I couldn't resist adding One By One straight away; I mean, have you read that blurb?! I have a weak spot for stories with a remote setting... Add a locked room vibe (only in the form of a huge forest), and there was no way I was going to be able to pass up on this book. I'm glad I didn't, because I ended up having a brilliant time reading it!
One By One uses a dual POV structure, where we switch between Claire and an Anonymous POV that is clearly ment to be one of the group going on the trip. Especially the second POV was very cleverly written, as it gives you more insight in their motivation while also making it hard to guess who is behind it all. I definitely didn't see that big twist coming! Things can be said about the credibility of it all, but it sure made for an entertaining ride. Claire's POV was also engaging considering it got all the action in the present with them being lost in the forest and the group going down in numbers one by one.
It's actually kind of funny how much I enjoyed One By One considering it includes a major pet peeve that usually makes me want to run away screaming. Oh yes, this story both has active cheating going on AND a love triangle to deal with, but strangely enough I didn't even care. The characters themselves aren't exactly likeable either, with the cheating and the secrets along with their behavior in the forest. Somehow, it works in this story though; I think the main reason is that there is just too much going on to truly contemplate their actions. Plus, they were dropping like flies by then, so why waste time thinking about whether you like them or not?!
The writing itself is extremely engaging, and I simply couldn't stop reading. The only reason I didn't finish it in one sitting is because I simply didn't have the time... Make sure to clear your schedule if you decide to read this story, because it will be VERY hard to put One By One down once the characters are lost in the forest. Trigger warnings are in place for topics including child abuse, toxic relationships, suicide, bullying and graphic scenes as well as the previously mentioned infidelity.
One By One is my second Freida McFadden title and it has placed this author firm on my radar. I already know she will appear on my list of favorite new author discoveries in 2024! If you like your thrillers on the wild side with lots of action, a remote setting and bad things happening to characters that definitely seem to deserve it, One By One will tick those boxes and more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Blood, Death, Animal cruelty, Car accident, Suicide, Abandonment, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship, Body shaming, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Child abuse, Confinement, Grief, Physical abuse, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, and Infidelity
fkshg8465's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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
5.0
This was one of her better ones. I was guessing who it might’ve been until the reveal. And the epilogue was so right! A tightly written suspense novel. Could be a good movie someday. Found the fact about mosquitos and blood type interesting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Death, Blood, Gaslighting, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Body horror, Car accident, Grief, Gun violence, Infidelity, Animal death, Bullying, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Murder, Physical abuse, Suicide, Violence, Death of parent, and Animal cruelty
neverlandpages4's review
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Unfortunately, this was my least favorite by her. I was excited for the locked room mystery trope and because it’s inspired by And Then There Were None but I don’t think any of the modern thrillers do it justice at all. It was boring, repetitive, and the ending was ridiculous imo.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Child abuse, Blood, Murder, Gun violence, Infidelity, and Suicide
Moderate: Violence, Animal cruelty, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Cancer, Bullying, and Car accident
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