A review by kellysrambles
Then There Was One by Wendy Cross

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

3.5 stars 

This book has a “The Hunger Games meets Lost” kind of vibe which is what initially piqued my interest. 

Told from the POV of 3 characters: Bex, Raya and Zane who have all been chosen to compete in the once in a lifetime opportunity to win £500,00 in famous reality show The Pinnacle. However all is not as it seems and it isn’t long before the 10 contestants realise there is more than money at stake as the competition takes a very swift and sinister turn. As the body count piles up, the tension increases as you wonder who is next and who could possibly be orchestrating such an event. All unfolds over a fast-paced read and although the ending wasn’t entirely surprising to me, it was still good. 

I liked the characters - Raya in particular was my favourite - but I can’t say I fully cared for them which definitely brings my rating down a little. Although we learn more about them as the book progresses, I just found it hard to really root for the others. It was definitely interesting to learn about their backstories and why it was they ended up in this situation in the first place. 

The world itself is well-created and the descriptions of the landscape were vivid enough that I was able to easily envisage the scenery as I read. The book is definitely fast-paced and a lot does happen. The ending has also left itself open for a second instalment which I would definitely check out from pure curiosity of what will happen next! 

Thank you to Penguin Random House UK, Wendy Cross and NetGalley for my early review copy in exchange of a fair and honest review.