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litwrite's review against another edition
3.0
This was a fun YA read hovering somewhere around 3 and 4 stars for me. First 25% of the book really felt like a Catcher in the Rye wannabe and all the bougie whining about how hard life can be for a rich white boy got kind of annoying, not gonna lie. Once we get into the caving system, the action picks up but the ending felt really telegraphed for me. This wasn't helped by the fact that I just read [b:We Were Liars|16143347|We Were Liars|E. Lockhart|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1402749479s/16143347.jpg|21975829] like a month ago which has pretty much the exact same plot but I felt was more deftly handled and written.
Still, if I look at this novel as a bit of fun horror brain candy, it succeeded in keeping me hooked. The caving sequences were exciting so I still would recommend to those that want a fast, engaging read.
Still, if I look at this novel as a bit of fun horror brain candy, it succeeded in keeping me hooked. The caving sequences were exciting so I still would recommend to those that want a fast, engaging read.
andersonh92's review against another edition
5.0
Really great thriller and horror novella. Twists and turns that I never saw coming, and a quick read!
Nice and clean for an in-class read-aloud!
Nice and clean for an in-class read-aloud!
allieonreading's review against another edition
3.0
This book is one I consider to be a "magic" book. It's the one book that I can always get kids to read, even if they don't like reading. So, I had to read it! Most of it was pretty basic and simple, a survival story that wasn't that interesting. There was a lot of info-dumping. But, once I figured out the twist, it got so much better. It made for a really intriguing and exciting read, and one that I ended up enjoying. I think the ending could have been a little better, and the pacing more consistent (it went 0-60 pretty quick), but still very interesting and I totally get why my students enjoy it.
addymims's review against another edition
3.0
Definitely very creepy, but a good short story to read. It was kind of sad in the end, but I liked the plot and the moral of it, so I would recommend this book.
jbojkov's review against another edition
3.0
This was a quick read. I should have seen the ending coming long before I did! Give this to kids who like authors like April Henry or Gail Giles. There is a twist that most people should appreciate. Lots of action in the second half of the book too.
kba76's review against another edition
4.0
Seventeen year old Grant Tavish the fifth is, as the Senator’s son, used to getting what he wants. However, at the stage we meet him he is a mess. Subject to compulsory drug testing after his involvement in a horrific crash, Grant is close to getting away with murder - it’s amazing what money can buy!
While he’s due in court for the final hearing which is likely to acquit him of any charges, Grant has other plans.
Heading off to the Appalachian trail for a traditional Tavish excursion, to survive on his own for days, Grant is preparing to sever his ties with everyone and not return. But then things go horribly wrong.
A rockfall places Grant in a precarious situation. He’s close to giving up and cutting the rope to fall to his death, when he hears the voices of four others also caught in the slide. Grant is resolved not to let anyone else suffer for his sake so determines to do whatever is necessary to get Shay, Kit, Darryl and Maria to safety.
As the teens make their way through the extensive cave system they talk and share experiences. Things are tough but they have each other. Grant, slowly, starts to realise that running away from his problems will help nobody and he has to take responsibility for his behaviours, even if the consequences are bad.
While this is a cathartic experience in some ways, Liggett pulls no punches in describing the experience of being trapped in the cave. The vividness of these moments is pretty scary, and when strange noises take a sinister turn it seems that someone or something else may be down in the caves with them.
We quickly start to realise this is not just a story about a risky moment, but a terrifying life or death experience. The fear felt by the characters is palpable. Grant may not have started as the most likeable character but by the end of the story you can’t help but feel some sympathy for him.
Without giving any spoilers away, this is a deceptive read. It’s a fast-paced, tension-fuelled experience, but only when we get to the end do we see this is a little cleverer than it might first appear.
While he’s due in court for the final hearing which is likely to acquit him of any charges, Grant has other plans.
Heading off to the Appalachian trail for a traditional Tavish excursion, to survive on his own for days, Grant is preparing to sever his ties with everyone and not return. But then things go horribly wrong.
A rockfall places Grant in a precarious situation. He’s close to giving up and cutting the rope to fall to his death, when he hears the voices of four others also caught in the slide. Grant is resolved not to let anyone else suffer for his sake so determines to do whatever is necessary to get Shay, Kit, Darryl and Maria to safety.
As the teens make their way through the extensive cave system they talk and share experiences. Things are tough but they have each other. Grant, slowly, starts to realise that running away from his problems will help nobody and he has to take responsibility for his behaviours, even if the consequences are bad.
While this is a cathartic experience in some ways, Liggett pulls no punches in describing the experience of being trapped in the cave. The vividness of these moments is pretty scary, and when strange noises take a sinister turn it seems that someone or something else may be down in the caves with them.
We quickly start to realise this is not just a story about a risky moment, but a terrifying life or death experience. The fear felt by the characters is palpable. Grant may not have started as the most likeable character but by the end of the story you can’t help but feel some sympathy for him.
Without giving any spoilers away, this is a deceptive read. It’s a fast-paced, tension-fuelled experience, but only when we get to the end do we see this is a little cleverer than it might first appear.
taralittle's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Interesting read though I definitely saw the twist coming. No where near as good as Grace Year.
kimily's review against another edition
4.0
The book was provided to me free of charge. I am giving my review voluntarily.
Kim Liggett chose the absolute best setting for this book. Nothing is more terrifying than the thought of being buried alive, and, in my opinion, being lost in a cave is a very close second. The author kept the adrenaline amped from the moment Grant dropped into the cave until the very end. There is a nice, but pretty predictable, twist at the end. My only major complaint about the book is the title. "The Unfortunates" doesn't really fit with the vibe of the story, and feels like it might have been a last minute choice, because the author couldn't come up with anything else.
Kim Liggett chose the absolute best setting for this book. Nothing is more terrifying than the thought of being buried alive, and, in my opinion, being lost in a cave is a very close second. The author kept the adrenaline amped from the moment Grant dropped into the cave until the very end. There is a nice, but pretty predictable, twist at the end. My only major complaint about the book is the title. "The Unfortunates" doesn't really fit with the vibe of the story, and feels like it might have been a last minute choice, because the author couldn't come up with anything else.
electricjuicebox's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I loved The Grace Year and was excited to read more by this author, but this book pales in comparison.
It was okay, but I found the looming horror/supernatural themes jarring as the first half of the book stayed pretty much in reality. I was actually pretty scared at times, but I'm a bit of a wimp so I'd assume others wouldn't be as freaked out. This is more my fault for picking a book with themes I wouldn't like rather than the fault of the book itself, but I still wasn't a fan of how the story shaped up.
The story wraps itself up at the end of the book in a way that makes all the mysterious parts come together and make sense, I just wasn't a fan of it. It was a fast read so if you'd like to read something fast and spooky that grapples a little bit with guilt, privilege and survival, maybe you'd enjoy it.
It was okay, but I found the looming horror/supernatural themes jarring as the first half of the book stayed pretty much in reality. I was actually pretty scared at times, but I'm a bit of a wimp so I'd assume others wouldn't be as freaked out. This is more my fault for picking a book with themes I wouldn't like rather than the fault of the book itself, but I still wasn't a fan of how the story shaped up.
The story wraps itself up at the end of the book in a way that makes all the mysterious parts come together and make sense, I just wasn't a fan of it. It was a fast read so if you'd like to read something fast and spooky that grapples a little bit with guilt, privilege and survival, maybe you'd enjoy it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident and Injury/Injury detail