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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Infidelity, Mental illness, Dementia, Murder, Toxic friendship
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Shotgun Beginning Focuses Into Laser Ending. This is one of those stories that opens up with a lot of moving parts, even as we only really get a single perspective of them, so it can be a bit difficult of a read to get into at first. Compelling, to be sure, particularly the accident during the blizzard, but through these intro sections the tale doesn't seem to know what it wants to be yet... and thus the reader may find it difficult to follow.
This noted, as the story progresses, things become ever more clear and pointed and the book finally decides what it wants to be... and oh, boy. Absolutely several interesting twists here, both within the story and in how the story itself subverts expectations of the reader.
Ultimately this is going to be one of those stories that seems like a bit of a challenge up front, even if compelling, but stick with it long enough for the tale to figure itself out. Because once it does, you're in for a fun time indeed.
Very much recommended.
This noted, as the story progresses, things become ever more clear and pointed and the book finally decides what it wants to be... and oh, boy. Absolutely several interesting twists here, both within the story and in how the story itself subverts expectations of the reader.
Ultimately this is going to be one of those stories that seems like a bit of a challenge up front, even if compelling, but stick with it long enough for the tale to figure itself out. Because once it does, you're in for a fun time indeed.
Very much recommended.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If you are looking for a mystery/thriller that will truly surprise you, this is it. Vienna Taylor, from a poor background, and privileged Madison Pierce are unlikely best friends, but their love of music brought them together and keeps them bonded even when things get tough. They first form a duo and then add new members and become a very successful female rock/pop group. While on their way from New York City to the Catskills for an industry holiday party, they're in a car accident and become stranded in an abandoned cabin during a blizzard and not everyone will survive.
The main characters in this book are memorable and I enjoyed following their ups and downs. There is one person in Vienna's life that is such a one-dimensional villain, it was hard to take some of the things done seriously even though they were appalling. Some other things appear to be predictable, but I soon learned that appearances can be deceiving!
Since the story involves a pop/rock band and has some multimedia elements (podcast transcripts, newspaper articles, social media comments), some readers have made comparisons to Daisy Jones and the Six, which is still on my #tbrlist. The cabin scenes have vibes that remind me of the TV series Yellowjackets, as you're wondering who will survive and what is really going on. Besides the current timeline dealing with the accident and the aftermath, there is a past timeline that talks about earlier events in Vienna and Madison's lives.I love being surprised and this twist is very unexpected but it also made me a little sad when the truth was revealed. I can't say too much more without spoiling the shocking plot turn, but even the most seasoned thriller fan will do a double-take when it occurs.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley, HTP Books, and MIRA. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Bullying, Dementia
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Hannah Mary McKinnon takes readers on quite a wild journey that will leave readers shocked in this Rock n Roll themed thriller!
This thriller, told in multiple time frames follows two friends, who form a music group in high school into their adult lives as they expand the group. As they are taking off, the group is in a car accident that changes the entire course of their lives. The dual timelines really gives good perspective on the two main characters: Vienna and Madison.
The dual timeline set ups for the present day story that left me in a jaw dropped reaction. I had to go back and reread what had happened because I couldn’t believe the turn the book took at first. This was a fantastic, well written thriller!
Thanks you to Netgalley, Hannah Mary McKinnon and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the digital ARC of Only One Survives!
This thriller, told in multiple time frames follows two friends, who form a music group in high school into their adult lives as they expand the group. As they are taking off, the group is in a car accident that changes the entire course of their lives. The dual timelines really gives good perspective on the two main characters: Vienna and Madison.
The dual timeline set ups for the present day story that left me in a jaw dropped reaction. I had to go back and reread what had happened because I couldn’t believe the turn the book took at first. This was a fantastic, well written thriller!
Thanks you to Netgalley, Hannah Mary McKinnon and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the digital ARC of Only One Survives!
Only One Survives, a gripping psychological thriller by Hannah Mary McKinnon, unfolds a suspenseful narrative. The story revolves around Vienna, who narrates most of the events from her perspective. It's a dual-timeline saga of a girl with a tumultuous past carving her path in the music industry until a tragic car accident involving the entire band changes everything.
There's a wealth of details I'm eager to share, but I'm mindful of the need to avoid spoilers. This story is easily spoiled, but I've taken great care to respect your reading experience. These are the best kind of thrillers, after all! You can trust that I won't give away any crucial plot points.
The character development in this book is truly captivating. The characters are multi-layered, adding to the tragic, disturbing, yet thrilling nature of the story.
The fast-paced narrative is filled with shocking twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This book is a rollercoaster of suspense and thrill, from the tragic car accident to the revelations about the characters' past. What thriller addict (like me) doesn't love that?
Lastly, I'm still thinking about that ending, and it's been days since I finished the book. I won't spoil it, but I will say that it's a fitting conclusion to the story. The characters are developed so well that it's easy to feel empathy for them, and the ending ties up their arcs in a specific way - whether it's satisfying or not - you will just have to decide for yourself. It's a testament to the book's lasting impact, that I'm still reflecting on it.
There's a wealth of details I'm eager to share, but I'm mindful of the need to avoid spoilers. This story is easily spoiled, but I've taken great care to respect your reading experience. These are the best kind of thrillers, after all! You can trust that I won't give away any crucial plot points.
The character development in this book is truly captivating. The characters are multi-layered, adding to the tragic, disturbing, yet thrilling nature of the story.
The fast-paced narrative is filled with shocking twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This book is a rollercoaster of suspense and thrill, from the tragic car accident to the revelations about the characters' past. What thriller addict (like me) doesn't love that?
Lastly, I'm still thinking about that ending, and it's been days since I finished the book. I won't spoil it, but I will say that it's a fitting conclusion to the story. The characters are developed so well that it's easy to feel empathy for them, and the ending ties up their arcs in a specific way - whether it's satisfying or not - you will just have to decide for yourself. It's a testament to the book's lasting impact, that I'm still reflecting on it.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you so much to NetGalley and MIRA Books for the early release of Only One Survives. I enjoyed this book giving it a solid 3.5 stars. Once I was hooked I wanted to find out what really happened and how it was all going to come together in the end.
As a reader who loves and reads many thrillers it is difficult to shock me while reading this genre. I was not overly stunned when the twist happened I thought it could be possible but wasn’t one hundred percent sure. Some little things also threw me for a loop that I did not see coming.
If you like music bands, creepy cabins, wintry woods, and unreliable characters then this book is for you!
This book follows two young women who become friends after an altercation in high school going from enemies to fast friends. They both have a love for music and decide to make a musical duo that eventually becomes a five person band. One of the girls comes from money while the other comes from a broken home filled with no luxuries. They each get a taste of the fame and want it more than anything. What is the limit of fame and what are you willing to do to have your name in lights and on headlines even if it’s negative infamous attention?
Find out soon when you pick up this book that comes out this Tuesday 7/16! It’s a great mystery that will have you second guessing everything!
As a reader who loves and reads many thrillers it is difficult to shock me while reading this genre. I was not overly stunned when the twist happened I thought it could be possible but wasn’t one hundred percent sure. Some little things also threw me for a loop that I did not see coming.
If you like music bands, creepy cabins, wintry woods, and unreliable characters then this book is for you!
This book follows two young women who become friends after an altercation in high school going from enemies to fast friends. They both have a love for music and decide to make a musical duo that eventually becomes a five person band. One of the girls comes from money while the other comes from a broken home filled with no luxuries. They each get a taste of the fame and want it more than anything. What is the limit of fame and what are you willing to do to have your name in lights and on headlines even if it’s negative infamous attention?
Find out soon when you pick up this book that comes out this Tuesday 7/16! It’s a great mystery that will have you second guessing everything!
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Thank you to Harlequin & NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Only One Survives is like a mashup of Yellowjackets and Daisy Jones & the Six but just an ok version. This started very promising, an all-girls band is on the way to an interview during a severe winter storm when there is a horrible accident. Three band members are dead, one is missing, and only one survives, is it a horrible accident or foul play? This got me hooked right away but unfortunately, I feel that the length of this novel is part of its demise.
Only One Survives is a duo timeline, we see the band members directly after the accident and we are following Vee, our main character, recounting her life and the form of the band The Bittersweets. I enjoyed the dual timeline shift but it started to drag, I even remember having to re-read some chapters cause I zoned out and wanted to get back to the present time.
The twist was another shock to me, I did kinda see it coming but it was more of how it was delivered. There wasn't a build-up to it which irked me. I think if it was revealed differently the story would have had a bigger impact on me as a reader. I was still shocked, I had to re-read the passage over again to make sure I didn't confuse myself.
Only One Survives also utilizes interviews and podcast narration throughout the book. I think reading this with your ears might be better for this kind of story.
Only One Survives is like a mashup of Yellowjackets and Daisy Jones & the Six but just an ok version. This started very promising, an all-girls band is on the way to an interview during a severe winter storm when there is a horrible accident. Three band members are dead, one is missing, and only one survives, is it a horrible accident or foul play? This got me hooked right away but unfortunately, I feel that the length of this novel is part of its demise.
Only One Survives is a duo timeline, we see the band members directly after the accident and we are following Vee, our main character, recounting her life and the form of the band The Bittersweets. I enjoyed the dual timeline shift but it started to drag, I even remember having to re-read some chapters cause I zoned out and wanted to get back to the present time.
The twist was another shock to me, I did kinda see it coming but it was more of how it was delivered. There wasn't a build-up to it which irked me. I think if it was revealed differently the story would have had a bigger impact on me as a reader. I was still shocked, I had to re-read the passage over again to make sure I didn't confuse myself.
Only One Survives also utilizes interviews and podcast narration throughout the book. I think reading this with your ears might be better for this kind of story.