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A review by the_readingraven
Only One Survives by Hannah Mary McKinnon

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

3.0

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.