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henrymarlene's review
3.0
Sorrow Bay sounds like a place you may not want to linger in. It sounds like an idyllic paradise, where the waves are strong and abundant, the atmosphere is chilled, and your companions all seem to be teetering on a knife’s edge. Kenna is thrust into the life at the Bay when her best friend and husband to be drag her into a very uncomfortable space, where no one else wants her to be included. Kenna never feels part of this group, who seem very close, but are they? Kenna always seems on the periphery of the group, the waves, and any activity taking place, and vulnerably so. The Bay in itself is like a force of nature as powerful as they waves that the character surf, where you may fight a losing battle if you choose to resist.
Each of the character we meet at the bay are unlikeable. So many words come to mind that fit them all: untrusting, suspicious. Irresponsible, thoughtless, negligent. They are so scared of outsiders, and so protective of the Bay and its surrounds. Is it just the surf that they are so protective about? It is such a dark paradise. The connections between the characters is almost like an unfolding web: Mikki (Kenna’s bestie), her fiancé Jack, Sky (oh dear, a doozy of a character who would be bored on the Survivor reality TV show), Ryan, Clemente and Victor. The intimacy – both physical and emotional – is intense and seems more like a bootcamp than a group of passionate friends who want to surf the best waves. The whole premise of finding the best waves and keeping them a secret from the work is quite apt for this book. There is a small element of wantonness here, and a vastness of power and energy. So much turbulence of emotion mixed with a sense of adventure, freedom and letting go. Some seem much more adept at letting go and burying the past than others.
Each of the character we meet at the bay are unlikeable. So many words come to mind that fit them all: untrusting, suspicious. Irresponsible, thoughtless, negligent. They are so scared of outsiders, and so protective of the Bay and its surrounds. Is it just the surf that they are so protective about? It is such a dark paradise. The connections between the characters is almost like an unfolding web: Mikki (Kenna’s bestie), her fiancé Jack, Sky (oh dear, a doozy of a character who would be bored on the Survivor reality TV show), Ryan, Clemente and Victor. The intimacy – both physical and emotional – is intense and seems more like a bootcamp than a group of passionate friends who want to surf the best waves. The whole premise of finding the best waves and keeping them a secret from the work is quite apt for this book. There is a small element of wantonness here, and a vastness of power and energy. So much turbulence of emotion mixed with a sense of adventure, freedom and letting go. Some seem much more adept at letting go and burying the past than others.
kellyvandamme's review
4.0
3.5 rounded up because of the awesome setting
A fabulous start, I was pretty sure I was headed for 5 stars. However, after a while, all the red herrings and Kenna's suspicions got a tad tiresome while basically doing what they were supposed to prevent: leading me right to the bad egg.
The Bay does with surfing what Shiver did with snowboarding, which is something I'd hoped for and really did enjoy. I learnt a few things and I think the author captured the vibe and mentality really well.
The Bay is an addictive summer thriller with an atmospheric setting and plenty of mystery but for me it didn't quite live up to its potential.
A fabulous start, I was pretty sure I was headed for 5 stars. However, after a while, all the red herrings and Kenna's suspicions got a tad tiresome while basically doing what they were supposed to prevent: leading me right to the bad egg.
The Bay does with surfing what Shiver did with snowboarding, which is something I'd hoped for and really did enjoy. I learnt a few things and I think the author captured the vibe and mentality really well.
The Bay is an addictive summer thriller with an atmospheric setting and plenty of mystery but for me it didn't quite live up to its potential.
seasonforreading's review
4.0
The Bay by Allie Reynolds is a thrilling and captivating story, set in a secluded beach in Australia. Sorrow Bay is a dream location for local surfers, but it seems like only a select few know about it. Kenna comes across Sorrow Bay thanks to her friend Mikki, who she visits as a surprise after hearing about her impending nuptials.
Kenna quickly realises that Sorrow Bay isn't just a beach, and Mikki's friends aren't quite as they seem. She endeavours to get to the bottom of the secrets the friendship group are hiding, and in doing so, puts her life at risk.
I enjoyed The Bay! The pace was perfect, and I was kept guessing for the whole book. Kenna seemed irresponsibly risky, digging into the pasts of the Tribe members, but it paid off in the end.
The writing flowed really well, and I loved that there were chapters with perspectives from the Tribe members. These chapters added to the suspense of the book, and guided (or misguided) the reader towards the culprit.
This character driven thriller was enthralling, and I recommend it to thriller lovers everywhere.
Kenna quickly realises that Sorrow Bay isn't just a beach, and Mikki's friends aren't quite as they seem. She endeavours to get to the bottom of the secrets the friendship group are hiding, and in doing so, puts her life at risk.
I enjoyed The Bay! The pace was perfect, and I was kept guessing for the whole book. Kenna seemed irresponsibly risky, digging into the pasts of the Tribe members, but it paid off in the end.
The writing flowed really well, and I loved that there were chapters with perspectives from the Tribe members. These chapters added to the suspense of the book, and guided (or misguided) the reader towards the culprit.
This character driven thriller was enthralling, and I recommend it to thriller lovers everywhere.
jules_writes's review
3.0
It was good, I loved the description and the characters I just felt the ending was a little bland.
rhifallows's review against another edition
3.0
I read and loved Allie Reynolds wintery thriller, Shiver, back when it came out so was interested to read this one and see how I got on with the summery thriller vibes.
I have to say, I think I prefer a cosy winter thriller and maybe I’m more of a summer romance reader, BUT I did thoroughly enjoy this one despite that. The remote Australian coastal setting was perfect for this eclectic group of surfers to keep getting into trouble. All of them have an interesting back story and this made for plenty of twists and turns and unpredictability. I enjoyed the fact that none of the characters were particularly likeable or unlikeable to an extreme. They all had redeeming characteristics, but equally all had baggage and could therefore be capable of the things that happen!
As always, it’s kind of hard to review a thriller without giving anything away, but I definitely enjoyed it, particularly the twisty end and recommend as a different kind of beach read!
I have to say, I think I prefer a cosy winter thriller and maybe I’m more of a summer romance reader, BUT I did thoroughly enjoy this one despite that. The remote Australian coastal setting was perfect for this eclectic group of surfers to keep getting into trouble. All of them have an interesting back story and this made for plenty of twists and turns and unpredictability. I enjoyed the fact that none of the characters were particularly likeable or unlikeable to an extreme. They all had redeeming characteristics, but equally all had baggage and could therefore be capable of the things that happen!
As always, it’s kind of hard to review a thriller without giving anything away, but I definitely enjoyed it, particularly the twisty end and recommend as a different kind of beach read!
sharada_mohan's review
5.0
Rating - 4.5 stars rounded off to 5
Atmospheric evocation and setting at its best!
Kenna’s attempt at surprising her best friend Mikki in Sydney, turns even sweeter when she is taken to the breathtaking Sorrow bay by Mikki and her fiancé Jack. Meeting a group of friends here, Kenna discovers that each of them has something to hide from their past. Even the bay itself seems to harbor secrets and Kenna is soon to find out.
Reynolds has carved out a niche for herself in the world of mystery thrillers. Using themes of dangerous sports like snowboarding/surfing she has a knack to set it up in the most gorgeous yet dangerous locations. Kudos!
I simply fell in love with Sorrow Bay here! Hope my aesthetic reel does justice to the whole vibe of the book!
If Shiver was a locked room mystery, The Bay does not feel claustrophobic. But Reynolds’ description of the Bay has a sense of foreboding with ominous undertones that paint the waves, the rocks and the cliffs in an eerie light. It was all so evocative that it just came alive for me and I could feel the salty air, hear the crash of the waves and even the whispers of the secrets the bay holds.
The first half is slow burn and is essentially so. As Kenna acclimatizes to the conditions of the bay and breaks ice with Mikki’s friends, we get insights into their backgrounds, their fierce passion for surfing in these precious and pristine waves, as well as some of their rigorous and dangerous “ways” of living.
I trusted no one as these folks emanated weird and creepy vibes, with all the extreme and bizarre methods they adopted to overcome their limitations.
Once Kenna’s senses pick up all the things that seem to be wrong with everyone and the very bay itself, she realizes the threat to her life, her suspicions grow, the tension builds and the mystery deepens.
The ending was explosive and relinquished my need for all the thrills and adventure!
I don’t want to give anything away and it’s best to experience this one in its element!
Atmospheric evocation and setting at its best!
Kenna’s attempt at surprising her best friend Mikki in Sydney, turns even sweeter when she is taken to the breathtaking Sorrow bay by Mikki and her fiancé Jack. Meeting a group of friends here, Kenna discovers that each of them has something to hide from their past. Even the bay itself seems to harbor secrets and Kenna is soon to find out.
Reynolds has carved out a niche for herself in the world of mystery thrillers. Using themes of dangerous sports like snowboarding/surfing she has a knack to set it up in the most gorgeous yet dangerous locations. Kudos!
I simply fell in love with Sorrow Bay here! Hope my aesthetic reel does justice to the whole vibe of the book!
If Shiver was a locked room mystery, The Bay does not feel claustrophobic. But Reynolds’ description of the Bay has a sense of foreboding with ominous undertones that paint the waves, the rocks and the cliffs in an eerie light. It was all so evocative that it just came alive for me and I could feel the salty air, hear the crash of the waves and even the whispers of the secrets the bay holds.
The first half is slow burn and is essentially so. As Kenna acclimatizes to the conditions of the bay and breaks ice with Mikki’s friends, we get insights into their backgrounds, their fierce passion for surfing in these precious and pristine waves, as well as some of their rigorous and dangerous “ways” of living.
I trusted no one as these folks emanated weird and creepy vibes, with all the extreme and bizarre methods they adopted to overcome their limitations.
Once Kenna’s senses pick up all the things that seem to be wrong with everyone and the very bay itself, she realizes the threat to her life, her suspicions grow, the tension builds and the mystery deepens.
The ending was explosive and relinquished my need for all the thrills and adventure!
I don’t want to give anything away and it’s best to experience this one in its element!
lindseypeapod's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
andshe_reads's review against another edition
5.0
A wild ride of a book. Gripping from the start taking you on an adrenaline filled ride! This book is full.to the brim of mystery, cliffhangers, action packed dramatic scenes and will have you flipping through the short chapters in no time.
I devoured this book in one day and I honestly didn't have a clue who the culprit was not until the very end and I was super shocked!!!
If someone asks me to go to A Bay... I'm saying a firm NO lol!!
I devoured this book in one day and I honestly didn't have a clue who the culprit was not until the very end and I was super shocked!!!
If someone asks me to go to A Bay... I'm saying a firm NO lol!!
andshe_reads's review
5.0
A wild ride of a book. Gripping from the start taking you on an adrenaline filled ride! This book is full.to the brim of mystery, cliffhangers, action packed dramatic scenes and will have you flipping through the short chapters in no time.
I devoured this book in one day and I honestly didn't have a clue who the culprit was not until the very end and I was super shocked!!!
If someone asks me to go to A Bay... I'm saying a firm NO lol!!
I devoured this book in one day and I honestly didn't have a clue who the culprit was not until the very end and I was super shocked!!!
If someone asks me to go to A Bay... I'm saying a firm NO lol!!