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chezler24's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
4.0
Cesare has shown us that YA horror can be as punchy as adult horror! Influencer is an unhinged wild ride depicting just how far people will go to follow their favorite influencer. The book opens with a home invasion scene and does not let up. I thought it was neat we were able to flip back and forth between the pov of Aaron/the Speaker and Crystal. I feel like most things would have our villain appear as this omniscient/omnipresent entity (which Aaron would like to portray); however, having the ability to hear his thoughts showed how tenuous his grasp of power and control was. While I do think the pacing could have been tweaked here or there (e.g., showing two of the characters becoming pawns of the Speaker or the ending sequence), I was hooked and enjoyed every second of this wild story (even the sections that made me squirm).
Check trigger warnings before you dive in. Certain scenes can definitely be a turn-off for some individuals.
Check trigger warnings before you dive in. Certain scenes can definitely be a turn-off for some individuals.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Sexual content, Blood, Stalking, Car accident, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Drug use, Emotional abuse, Outing, and Alcohol
Minor: Homophobia, Islamophobia, Pregnancy, and Lesbophobia