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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
vicktorea's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
wtf man???
this was actually terrifying to read. The content itself wasn't gory or anything but the premise was actually terrifying and well-executed - i kept wondering to myself, what would my 16 year-old self do in this type of situation and the thought, together with the plot, had me at the edge of my seat!
This had me hooked from the first chapter, but after the 40% mark, i refused to put this down and couldn't stop until i finished (which turned out to be 12:30AM, and now I'm very tired this Tuesday morning on my commute to work but it was worth it!)!
This book also tackled a few side issues, which I appreciated. There are mentions of abusive parents, alcoholism, death of a friend, gaslighting, racism, and acknowledging privilege. All of these are brief (except the abusive parent, alcoholism and death of a friend which happen on page but aren't super explicit).
Something i enjoyed most about this book was that I didn't quite see the reveal coming until it happened; I saw the connection but still couldn't quite piece together who was behind it and then it all clicked into place. I love this about a mystery - when the pieces actually make sense and you're left like "oh, yeah! that does make sense!". Diana Urban truly delivered that in this mystery and I look forward to more of her future works!
Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review
this was actually terrifying to read. The content itself wasn't gory or anything but the premise was actually terrifying and well-executed - i kept wondering to myself, what would my 16 year-old self do in this type of situation and the thought, together with the plot, had me at the edge of my seat!
This had me hooked from the first chapter, but after the 40% mark, i refused to put this down and couldn't stop until i finished (which turned out to be 12:30AM, and now I'm very tired this Tuesday morning on my commute to work but it was worth it!)!
This book also tackled a few side issues, which I appreciated. There are mentions of abusive parents, alcoholism, death of a friend, gaslighting, racism, and acknowledging privilege. All of these are brief (except the abusive parent, alcoholism and death of a friend which happen on page but aren't super explicit).
Something i enjoyed most about this book was that I didn't quite see the reveal coming until it happened; I saw the connection but still couldn't quite piece together who was behind it and then it all clicked into place. I love this about a mystery - when the pieces actually make sense and you're left like "oh, yeah! that does make sense!". Diana Urban truly delivered that in this mystery and I look forward to more of her future works!
Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child death, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, and Murder
Minor: Physical abuse and Racism
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