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swalk's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Set across dual timelines this book begins by telling a classic tale of a teenage bully getting their comeuppance, but becomes much more. Eva Flores is TikTok famous and everyone who meets her is in awe of her, however this façade does not fool Sophia. Having once snubbed Eva, Sophia has made a powerful enemy and soon Eva twists everything to look like Sophia is her stalker and uses her families power in the county to pick her life apart.
When they get set a school assignment to write a piece for English class, Sophie is gifted an old notebook by her friend Morgan, but she soon realises that when she writes in the notebook strange things begin to happen, leading to an obsession which soon snowballs out of control.
Some of the flash forward parts known as The Flores Files, remind me of a podcast documentaries with the police interviews being played, which is quite a nice touch. There are also strong Mean girls vibes - Sofia being Janice and Eva Regina George. This is definitely aimed at teen/ high school kids and I think I would definitely enjoy it if I were in that age bracket, I still found it entertaining even in my 30’s!
Some of the flash forward parts known as The Flores Files, remind me of a podcast documentaries with the police interviews being played, which is quite a nice touch. There are also strong Mean girls vibes - Sofia being Janice and Eva Regina George. This is definitely aimed at teen/ high school kids and I think I would definitely enjoy it if I were in that age bracket, I still found it entertaining even in my 30’s!
The narrators are great and fit the style of book well.
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Death, and Emotional abuse
bandysbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
3.5
Eva Flores is a TikTok celebrity and recent transplant to the area. She gets along with everyone except for sullen, introverted artist, Sophia. Their rivalry gets more and more out of hand, but then Eva goes missing and Sophia becomes the prime suspect. The story that unwinds is unusual and unpredictable.
I really liked the main character Sophia. In some ways, she reminds me of myself when I was in high school. She sort of does her own thing and refuses to bend to what is popular. It makes her a good foil to the constantly dancing, bubbly Eva.
As for Eva, I really disliked her throughout most of the story, but I believe that you're not really supposed to like her. She comes across as shallow and extraordinarily petty when she doesn't get her way. The levels she goes to to get revenge against Sophia are insane. I did find bits unrealistic, but I was able to suspend disbelief.
The only real issue that I had with this book is the way in which the story is told. The book alternates between narrative chapters, text messages, emails, and police interviews. The narrative portions also bounce between past and present. This, in my opinion, makes the reading a bit confusing, particularly in the beginning before we really know what's going on. I personally could've done without the emails, text messages, and interviews.
All in all, it was an enjoyable young adult mystery that would certainly be suited to pre-teens and teens. It was fun imagining the life of a social media star and how the world around her would treat her.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this from the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I really liked the main character Sophia. In some ways, she reminds me of myself when I was in high school. She sort of does her own thing and refuses to bend to what is popular. It makes her a good foil to the constantly dancing, bubbly Eva.
As for Eva, I really disliked her throughout most of the story, but I believe that you're not really supposed to like her. She comes across as shallow and extraordinarily petty when she doesn't get her way. The levels she goes to to get revenge against Sophia are insane. I did find bits unrealistic, but I was able to suspend disbelief.
The only real issue that I had with this book is the way in which the story is told. The book alternates between narrative chapters, text messages, emails, and police interviews. The narrative portions also bounce between past and present. This, in my opinion, makes the reading a bit confusing, particularly in the beginning before we really know what's going on. I personally could've done without the emails, text messages, and interviews.
All in all, it was an enjoyable young adult mystery that would certainly be suited to pre-teens and teens. It was fun imagining the life of a social media star and how the world around her would treat her.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this from the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Bullying, Murder, and Sexual assault
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