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avidreaderandgeekgirl's review
The narrator wasn't great and it was just too over the top.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Toxic friendship, Medical content, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Vomit and Eating disorder
therewillbenewsuns's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, and Murder
mollyalex's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Child death, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Kidnapping, Domestic abuse, Addiction, Alcoholism, Blood, Stalking, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Eating disorder
bookedandbusy's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I absolutely loved this book! It kept me at the edge of my seat and I didn’t know who to trust!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Child death, Kidnapping, and Stalking
Moderate: Eating disorder, Death of parent, and Blood
nerdybirdy101's review against another edition
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
inkdrinkershorde's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Gaslighting, Child death, Kidnapping, Stalking, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Addiction, Alcoholism, Torture, Confinement, and Death
Minor: Eating disorder, Car accident, and Death of parent
rachrreads's review against another edition
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
juliannar's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Wow, I could not put this one down! I started it last night, and then finished it early this morning. The story was compelling, the characters can really draw you in, and you can feel the pain of everything Crystal has to do. Each riddle and game seemed so innocuous, but there were always dire consequences. Every twist and turn left me gasping and with wide eyes.
I thought that it was really cool for video games to be such a big part of the story, and of Crystal's character. Reading about the hobbies characters have in books is really cool to me.
Overall, I think if you would really enjoy this book if you are a fan of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, One of Us is Lying, and the Inheritance Games.
Wow, I could not put this one down! I started it last night, and then finished it early this morning. The story was compelling, the characters can really draw you in, and you can feel the pain of everything Crystal has to do. Each riddle and game seemed so innocuous, but there were always dire consequences. Every twist and turn left me gasping and with wide eyes.
I thought that it was really cool for video games to be such a big part of the story, and of Crystal's character. Reading about the hobbies characters have in books is really cool to me.
Overall, I think if you would really enjoy this book if you are a fan of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, One of Us is Lying, and the Inheritance Games.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Child death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Grief and Stalking
looseleafellie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This YA thriller follows esports aficionado Crystal Donovan, who must complete challenges set by a mysterious app to save her sister from a kidnapper. But when the app starts directing her to hurt — and even kill — her friends, Crystal must outwit the culprit and bring them to justice!
This book grabbed hold of me and would not let go! I was on the edge of my seat wondering what the killer would make Crystal do next, and how it would end in disastrous consequences. I felt like few places toward the middle weren’t as focused on the actual game as I would have liked, but overall I was hooked.
I did sort of guess the culprit by about the 50% mark, but there was another big twist regarding the killer’s identity that I didn’t see coming, so I was still shocked by the reveal! The plot also leans into making the main character — and the reader — question reality given that the killer covers their tracks so well, which I TOTALLY loved!
Overall, if you’re looking for a cracking YA thriller that plays tricks on your mind, keep an eye out for this one when it releases on February 1st!
Thanks to Wednesday Books for the ARC!
CWs: Kidnapping, murder of a friend, child death, grief, domestic abuse, cyberbullying, doxxing, stalking, panic attacks, gaslighting, suicide, and mentions of eating disorders and racism.
This book grabbed hold of me and would not let go! I was on the edge of my seat wondering what the killer would make Crystal do next, and how it would end in disastrous consequences. I felt like few places toward the middle weren’t as focused on the actual game as I would have liked, but overall I was hooked.
I did sort of guess the culprit by about the 50% mark, but there was another big twist regarding the killer’s identity that I didn’t see coming, so I was still shocked by the reveal! The plot also leans into making the main character — and the reader — question reality given that the killer covers their tracks so well, which I TOTALLY loved!
Overall, if you’re looking for a cracking YA thriller that plays tricks on your mind, keep an eye out for this one when it releases on February 1st!
Thanks to Wednesday Books for the ARC!
CWs: Kidnapping, murder of a friend, child death, grief, domestic abuse, cyberbullying, doxxing, stalking, panic attacks, gaslighting, suicide, and mentions of eating disorders and racism.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Gaslighting, Grief, Kidnapping, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, and Stalking
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Suicide
Minor: Eating disorder and Racism
I tagged this for suicide becausebooksbytheglass's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
*let’s play a game*
if that doesn’t immediately trigger you, you’ve been watching the wrong movies (jk lol).
when crystal receives a text from a mysterious app she certainly did not put on her phone, she did not expect to see her sister gagged and kidnapped. in order to save her sister’s life, she must play the psychopath’s game. the instructions seem harmless enough - until crystal realizes that the consequences have bigger implications than she initially thought. can crystal save her sister while simultaneously figure out who her kidnapper is? or will she be forced to play the game?
there were so many things I loved about this book:
- books about serious gamers
- important messages about general house safety
- a lovable diverse group of friends (and their names!! I’ve always loved the name crystal but now I’m obsessed with akira!!!)
- the mind twisting ways the game ended up playing out
however, the ending seemed a bit of a letdown. I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting - a happy ending?? definitely not, but still. maybe I was just putting myself in crystal’s shoes too much, because I would not have made half the decisions that she did.
either way, I found the ending a bit rushed to tie up everything with a tight bow, when I think I would have actually preferred a bit more ambiguous ending. (who am I right?)
overall, I loved this one so much more than diana’s debut last year - and I cannot wait to read what she has in store next!!!!
rating: 3.75 stars
wine pairing: piedmont moscato
if that doesn’t immediately trigger you, you’ve been watching the wrong movies (jk lol).
when crystal receives a text from a mysterious app she certainly did not put on her phone, she did not expect to see her sister gagged and kidnapped. in order to save her sister’s life, she must play the psychopath’s game. the instructions seem harmless enough - until crystal realizes that the consequences have bigger implications than she initially thought. can crystal save her sister while simultaneously figure out who her kidnapper is? or will she be forced to play the game?
there were so many things I loved about this book:
- books about serious gamers
- important messages about general house safety
- a lovable diverse group of friends (and their names!! I’ve always loved the name crystal but now I’m obsessed with akira!!!)
- the mind twisting ways the game ended up playing out
however, the ending seemed a bit of a letdown. I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting - a happy ending?? definitely not, but still. maybe I was just putting myself in crystal’s shoes too much, because I would not have made half the decisions that she did.
either way, I found the ending a bit rushed to tie up everything with a tight bow, when I think I would have actually preferred a bit more ambiguous ending. (who am I right?)
overall, I loved this one so much more than diana’s debut last year - and I cannot wait to read what she has in store next!!!!
rating: 3.75 stars
wine pairing: piedmont moscato
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death