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pyretic's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Blood, Cursing, Fire/Fire injury, Violence, Death, Kidnapping, Grief, Child death, and Alcohol
nerdybirdy101's review
dark
tense
4.0
*Thanks to NetGallery for the e-ARC*
I actually read this book in one day that is how pulling it was. I thought it was an interesting thriller targeted towards teenagers, but there are some more violent themes than in typical teen thrillers. I liked the use of the cell phone in this thriller because it helped create the thriller aspect and even showcased the danger cell phones can have. If you like video games that are also a huge portion of the read because that is the unifying activity between the main friend group. The book does jump back and forth between the past and the present, which can be confusing at first but really does help the plot form. I could see this book being translated into a movie. The reason I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars is mostly that there were some scenes and characters that I did not find realistic. It felt like there were stereotypes that were used to help create drama that did not fit with the way the character was written.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Bullying, Gaslighting, Blood, Kidnapping, Cursing, Grief, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, and Eating disorder
rachrreads's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
**I received a physical arc from the author via a TikTok giveaway. **
“Let's play a game. You have 24 hours to win. If you break my rules, she dies. If you call the police, she dies. If you tell your parents or anyone else, she dies. Are you ready?”
I binged this on Sunday and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Through the whole book I was trying to guess who An0nym0us1 is. Right when I thought I’d figured everything out, another twist would be thrown my way.
Crystal is an incredibly clever character and for the most part I found myself liking her. She cares deeply for her sister and would do anything to protect her. This is shown as Crystal’s desperation grows through the book.
I would definitely recommend this if you like faster paced books with a great group of friends. You get a close look into Crystal’s relationship with each friend and small flashbacks throughout.
I also loved the fact that these were a group of friends with a shared interest —in this case a video game. The video game aspect really sets up the competitive nature of the book as well.
While I did figure out the big twist, there was a lot that surprised me. This book is terrifying in the fact that I have no idea what I’d do in this situation. It really makes you think.
“Let's play a game. You have 24 hours to win. If you break my rules, she dies. If you call the police, she dies. If you tell your parents or anyone else, she dies. Are you ready?”
I binged this on Sunday and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Through the whole book I was trying to guess who An0nym0us1 is. Right when I thought I’d figured everything out, another twist would be thrown my way.
Crystal is an incredibly clever character and for the most part I found myself liking her. She cares deeply for her sister and would do anything to protect her. This is shown as Crystal’s desperation grows through the book.
I would definitely recommend this if you like faster paced books with a great group of friends. You get a close look into Crystal’s relationship with each friend and small flashbacks throughout.
I also loved the fact that these were a group of friends with a shared interest —in this case a video game. The video game aspect really sets up the competitive nature of the book as well.
While I did figure out the big twist, there was a lot that surprised me. This book is terrifying in the fact that I have no idea what I’d do in this situation. It really makes you think.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child death, Cursing, Death of parent, Medical trauma, Blood, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Stalking, and Violence
Minor: Car accident
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