Categotry Archives: Thriller
Illuminae
The Illuminae Files, Book 1
Juvenile Fiction
Alfred a Knopf Incorporated
October 20, 2015
608
"The planet Kerenza is attacked, and Kady and Ezra find themselves on a space fleet fleeing the enemy, while their ship's artificial intelligence system and a deadly plague may be the end of them all"--
Review:
“Illuminae” is a book like none other I have ever read. It felt like I was watching a documentary while playing a video game, with the occasional break to notice I was actually reading a book.
I don’t even know how to write about it without spoiling it, because even the format in which the story is told seems like it would be better as a surprise. There is romance, a lot of humor, some crazy space stuff, a conspiracy, viruses, etc. If you can think of it, it is probably in the book.
The beginning is a little slow, but once you get used to the unusual format the pace begins to pick up. By the end it feels like you just started reading. I really do wish I could say more, but I hate spoiling something so darn fun. And trust me, if nothing else, this book is fun.
I highly recommend “Illuminae” for upper middle readers and up, especially those with a love of video games (hint: Portal) and science fiction. The quick-read format makes it an excellent choice for reluctant readers.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Sexual Situations, Violence, Creepy Stuff
The Storm
Juvenile Fiction
Sourcebooks Fire
October 1, 2015
336
Three months after the killer rain first fell, Ruby is beginning to realise her father might be dead, and that she cannot survive alone. When a chance encounter lands her back in the army camp, Ruby thinks she is safe - at a price. Being forced to live with Darius Spratt is bad enough, but if Ruby wants to stay she must keep her eyes - and her mouth - shut. When she realizes what is going on - the army is trying to find a cure by experimenting on human subjects - Ruby flips out and makes an even more shocking discovery: she's not useless at all. She is immune to the killer in the rain.
Review:
“The Storm” is the sequel to “H2O”, the apocalyptic novel about killer rain.
Ruby is the same as she was in “H2O”, complete with microscopic steps toward personal growth. Many of the other eclectic characters also make reappearances, with their stories further expanded upon. This was the best part of “The Storm”.
Unfortunately, the rest of it seemed to lack cohesion. The story was enjoyable, but seemed to skip around, with the most important parts cut short. Some of it made no sense at all. The ending was rushed and felt like it should have been an entirely separate book. Additionally, there was another case of “Emotional Blackmail” present, bringing in something that was wedged into the plot just to force an emotional reaction from the reader.
If you read and enjoyed “H2O”, then I do recommend you read “The Storm” to find out how it all ends, but be prepared for some frustration. I hope there is a third, because I have seen the potential of the story and the author’s talent, and it would be a shame for it to end this way.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Mild Sexual Situations, Violence, Gore
H2O
H2O, Book 1
Juvenile Fiction
Sourcebooks Fire
October 7, 2014
330
When a strange rain falls bearing a fatal, contagious disease, Ruby finds herself alone with the only drinkable water quickly running out.
Review:
“H2O” is an apocalyptic thriller centering around the premise of deadly rain, and I found it quite enjoyable. For maximum scare factor, be sure to read it during a rainstorm, as I accidentally did.
Ruby, the main character, is pretty much a mean girl everyone knew in high school. Of course, she doesn’t actually realize that she is mean. I’ve read some complaints about her character and, while I agree that she is not always pleasant, she is realistic. She just turned fifteen and from her own story she was never overly mature for her age. The rain didn’t suddenly make her smarter, more likable, or super brave. I appreciate the author keeping it real in that way. She does have some admirable qualities, and she also realizes some mistakes she has made along the way. It’s definitely a love/hate situation with her.
Along with Ruby, there are many intriguing characters met along the way. As it is a disaster situation, most of them are not in the story for long, but I believe that is the way things would be in such a situation. Not every story will get a resolution.
I absolutely loved the premise of the killer rain. The panic and breakdown in society from the fear of the environment and limited supply of water is a terrifying thought, and the author did an excellent job of writing that. She also did a good job of invoking the pain and sadness of so much loss of life, which is the basis of my one complaint. There is one chapter that is totally unnecessary and what I would call emotional blackmail. I won’t spoil what happens, but while heartbreaking, it did not need to be present, as the author had already given multiple reasons for the reader’s heart to be broken that were actually cohesive with the plot. Contriving situations to evoke an emotional response from the reader is one of my pet peeves, as it seems there is no trust put in the reader to pick up all of the emotions already present. I would have dropped it an entire star had I not loved the rest of the book so much, but I still feel the need to point that out here.
In short, if you love a good natural disaster novel and don’t mind having your heart broken, “H2O” is a wonderful choice for upper middle graders and up.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Situations:
Mild Sexual Situations, Violence, Gore, Underage Drug and alcohol Abuse
Awake
Juvenile Fiction
Sourcebooks Fire
August 4, 2015
336
"A car accident causes Scarlett to start remembering pieces of an unfamiliar past. When a new guy moves into town, Scarlett feels an instant spark. But Noah knows the truth of Scarlett's past, and he's determined to shield her from it...because Scarlett grew up in a cult called Eternal Light, controlled by her biological parents. And they want her back"--
Review:
“Awake” has a very promising, creepy plot revolving around a girl with four years of missing memories and a cult. Unfortunately, I found it somewhat lacking in certain areas.
Scarlett and Noah are the main characters, and the story is told using both points of view. Neither character came across as particularly well-developed, but I actually enjoyed Noah quite a bit anyway and wish more time was devoted to developing him. Scarlett, on the other hand, was not likable at all. She is presented as well-loved and desired in some way by all of those around her, and I can’t help but wonder if there is something wrong with the water causing them to hallucinate these qualities. Add to it an instalove situation and my irritation with her became unbearable.
The thing that redeems the book and fulfills the creepy promise made in the summary is the cult itself. I would have loved to learn more about it from other perspectives. The author does an excellent job of presenting why people may be lured into it initially, which is not easy to do considering the reader already knows they are not completely (or even remotely) sane. If there were more stories written about them, I would be happy to read them.
Overall, “Awake” was not a book for me, but it is a quick and easy read. I won’t discourage anyone who likes books about fringe beliefs or who doesn’t mind instalove from giving it a try, because many readers will enjoy it.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence, Child Abuse, Underage Drinking
The Dead House
The Dead House
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
September 15, 2015
Hardcover
432
Welcome to the Dead House.
Three students: dead.
Carly Johnson: vanished without a trace.
Two decades have passed since an inferno swept through Elmbridge High, claiming the lives of three teenagers and causing one student, Carly Johnson, to disappear. The main suspect: Kaitlyn, "the girl of nowhere."
Kaitlyn's diary, discovered in the ruins of Elmbridge High, reveals the thoughts of a disturbed mind. Its charred pages tell a sinister version of events that took place that tragic night, and the girl of nowhere is caught in the center of it all. But many claim Kaitlyn doesn't exist, and in a way, she doesn't - because she is the alter ego of Carly Johnson.
Carly gets the day. Kaitlyn has the night. It's during the night that a mystery surrounding the Dead House unravels and a dark, twisted magic ruins the lives of each student that dares touch it.
Debut author Dawn Kurtagich masterfully weaves together a thrilling and terrifying story using psychiatric reports, witness testimonials, video footage, and the discovered diary - and as the mystery grows, the horrifying truth about what happened that night unfolds.
Review:
“The Dead House” is a wonderfully inventive and creepy book centered around a girl who may or may not suffer from dissociative identity disorder. Part mystery and part horror, it is one of the best psychological young adult thrillers I have read in a long time.
The thing I most loved about the book is the way in which the story is told. There are journal entries, therapy transcripts, police interrogations, transcripts of video footage, and news articles. Since none of these are told from the point of view of someone who knows the full story, it places the reader in the role of a detective. All of the evidence is laid out to be examined. I found it very fun to try to decipher it all, even if it did lead to a sleepless night.
The main character(s), Kaitlyn and Carly, are wonderful and complicated. You can literally feel their fear and confusion in the diary entries. It’s actually quite disturbing. In a good way, of course. My only complaint is that the secondary characters seemed a little too flat. I liked them, but would have preferred to know a bit more about them.
Overall, “The Dead House” is a quick and engaging read that is sure to appeal to horror and thriller lovers from ages 14 and up. Its fast pacing makes it an excellent recommendation for reluctant readers. Highly recommended! Just be sure to keep the lights on.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Mild Sexual Situations, Violence
Dexter Is Dead (Dexter)
Dexter, Book 8
Fiction
Doubleday Books
July 7, 2015
304
After seven national bestsellers and eight seasons as one of the most successful shows on television, New York Times bestselling author Jeff Lindsay bids a thrilling farewell to his uniquely twisted and beloved serial killer, Dexter Morgan. Dexter Is Dead is the definitive conclusion of the character who has become a global icon. Dexter Morgan has burned the candle at both ends for many years. Blood spatter analyst . . . husband . . . father . . . serial killer. And now, for the first time, his world has truly collapsed. Dexter is arrested on charges of murder. He has lost everything--including his wife, his kids, and the loyalty of his sister. Now completely alone, Dexter faces a murder charge (for a crime . . . ironically . . . he did not actually commit). His only chance for freedom lies with his brother, Brian, who has a dark plan to prove Dexter's innocence. But the stakes are deadly, and the epic showdown that lies in Dexter's path may lead, once and for all, to his demise. Jeff Lindsay's trademark devilish wit and cutting satire have never been sharper. Dexter Is Dead marks the end of a beloved series, but is also Dexter's most satisfying and suspenseful outing yet.
Review:
As “Dexter Is Dead” is the last novel in the beloved Dexter series, and I have seen reviews that contain massive spoilers, I am going to keep this review brief so those of you who haven’t been so rudely spoiled will stay that way.
“Dexter Is Dead” is the perfect ending to a wonderful series. The characters, as always, are well-developed. The plot makes sense. Everything comes to a logical conclusion.
The only thing left to say is this: Thank you, Mr. Lindsay. You’ve given all of us the true gift of an incredible character that graced the pages we read and the television screens we watched. We’ll miss you, Dexter.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
As this is an adult novel, there are no content warnings.
Eden (An Archer and Bennett Thriller)
Eden
Archer and Bennett, Book 2
Kensington
August 25, 2015
Paperback
320
“A new murder mystery star—Candice Fox may just be your new literary addiction.”—Primo Life
“I fool myself that Eden has a heart—that she would at least have trouble killing me...”
Most homicide detective teams run on trust, loyalty, and the shared desire to put killers behind bars. Frank Bennett's partner, Eden Archer, thrives on darkness and danger. She has a rare talent for catching killers - but her idea of justice has little to do with courtrooms.
Now three girls are missing, and Eden is going undercover to a remote farm where the troubled go to hide and blood falls more often than rain. Frank’s job is to keep an eye on his partner while she's there - but is it for Eden's protection, or to protect others from her? Walking a tightrope between duty and desperation, Frank confronts a threat from Eden’s past—the sadistic crime lord Hades, who raised her. Suddenly, the hunter is the hunted. And a killer’s vicious desires are about to be unleashed . . .
The breathtaking new thriller from the author of Hades, winner of the Ned Kelly Award for Best Debut Crime Novel, establishes Candice Fox as a suspense writer of international renown and undisputed power.
Review:
I was beyond thrilled when I saw there would be another novel in the Archer and Bennett series after reading the excellent debut, “Hades”. “Eden” did not disappoint. Candice Fox is at the top of the class when it comes to gritty crime thrillers. And when I say gritty, I do mean gritty. This is far from a cozy mystery.
As I had hoped, we get more backstory for Eden’s father, Hades, and it is so well-written that the flashbacks alone could make a complete and satisfying novel. The complexities of Eden are further explored, as well, and Frank grows much more as a character in this novel than in the previous one. There are a few secondary characters who are introduced who are also so well-developed that you keep wanting to know more. Also, the underworld of crime could be considered a character in and of itself. It’s described as if it is a living and breathing thing that looks out for itself and none of those actually involved. Characterization in “Eden” is nothing short of superb.
It’s difficult to say much about the plot without spoiling it because everything is connected, even if you don’t realize it. The pace is steady and makes it difficult to find a stopping point. Make sure you have a few uninterrupted hours before you begin. And the ending…. wow. It more than delivers. No plot failure here.
The only complaint I have is the jumping of points of view. There is first person, third person limited past, and third person limited present. All three of these are different characters. While it worked in the chapters that were dedicated to one character, some chapters combined all three, and that was a bit of a struggle to get my brain to switch gears.
If you like crime thrillers and don’t mind the blood and gore, I highly recommend “Eden”. Please note that this is most definite NOT a young adult book. On occasion I review adult novels, and this is one of those times.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
I normally don’t give content warnings for adult books, but I do feel compelled to warn that there is some animal abuse and racial slurs in “Eden”. They are part of the plot and not gratuitous, but please keep this in mind if you are triggered by those things.
The Suffering
The Suffering
The Girl from the Well, Book 2
Horror
Sourcebooks Fire
September 8, 2015
Hardcover
320
Breathtaking and haunting, Rin Chupeco's second novel is a chilling companion to her debut, The Girl from the Well.
The darkness will find you.
Seventeen-year-old Tark knows what it is to be powerless. But Okiku changed that. A restless spirit who ended life as a victim and started death as an avenger, she's groomed Tark to destroy the wicked. But when darkness pulls them deep into Aokigahara, known as Japan's suicide forest, Okiku's justice becomes blurred, and Tark is the one who will pay the price...
Review:
“The Suffering” is the perfect book for any young adult (or adult, for the matter) fan of horror, suspense, or Japanese folklore. While it is a companion to “The Girl from the Well”, please know that it can be read as a standalone. All that you need to know is covered throughout the book in a way that doesn’t interrupt the flow.
I absolutely love the character development of Tark and the water ghost, Okiku. I don’t know how the author, Rin Chupeco, does it, but somehow a ghost of a girl who died a couple hundred years ago is made relatable. Their relationship even manages to feel natural in spite of obvious challenges. I don’t want to give away too much, but I will say that the other supernatural characters introduced are no less intriguing.
The plot unfolds perfectly. There is a good balance between what feels like nonstop action in a story that is not rushed. All of the clues to the ending are dropped within the chapters leading up to the final revelation, and yet the ending still manages to be a surprise. Think “The Sixth Sense”. I was torn between banging my head at missing the twist and sheer admiration for the author managing to pull it off.
I cannot recommend this enough for reluctant readers around 8th grade and up who like action and don’t mind a little gore. It reads easily and sucks the reader in immediately. There is also very little in the way of romance (a couple of kisses), so for those who immediately shirk away from books that contain it this is perfect. Lots of action completes the reluctant reader test.
Also, I am delighted to say there is diversity in the main character of Tark, who is a Japanese-American. Almost all of the secondary characters are Japanese, as well. We need more diverse books! It’s always a pleasure to find a new one to add to that shelf.
In short, “The Suffering” is a satisfying horror novel that is creepy, causes jumps, and is also just plain fun. Highly recommended!
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Extremely Mild Sexual Situations, Language, Mentions of Abuse, Brief Mentions of Rape, Violence, Disturbing Imagery
Damage Done
Juvenile Fiction
Random House Books for Young Readers
2015-07-21
336
"Exceedingly clever and surprisingly unsettling, Damage Done is an unforgettable read." --Melissa Marr, New York Times bestselling author of Made for You "In her incredible debut novel, Amanda Panitch leaves you on the edge of your seat. Prepare to be stunned. Prepare to be torn apart." --Roxane Gay, New York Times bestselling author of Bad Feminist "A brilliant thriller. Gillian Flynn for the YA set." --Amy Christine Parker, author of Gated 22 minutes separate Julia Vann's before and after. Before: Julia had a twin brother, a boyfriend, and a best friend. After: She has a new identity, a new hometown, and memories of those twenty-two minutes that refuse to come into focus. At least, that's what she tells the police. Now that she's Lucy Black, her fresh start has attracted the attention of one of the hottest guys in school. And someone much more dangerous. She thought her brother's crimes were behind her. But now she's being forced to confront the dark secrets she thought were safely left behind. How far will Julia go to keep her slate clean? One thing is clear: The damage done can never be erased. It's only just beginning. . . . In this deliciously twisted contemporary thriller, family can be a real killer. For fans of We Were Liars and readers who love unique multiple perspectives that leave clues like breadcrumbs until they reach the stunning conclusion. From the Hardcover edition.
Review:
“Damage Done” is a book I expected to enjoy if the description was any indication, but I had no idea just how far beyond my expectations it would go. It’s the perfect blend of mystery, thriller, and to be quite honest, “messed up.”
Julia Vann is living a new life after a horrific crime committed by her twin brother, Ryan. The story is told in her voice, which is very well-written and easy to read. While her circumstances are extraordinary, she is going through many things that are relatable to anyone who has been a teenager: crushes, social cliques, distant parents, and assorted other annoying adults. She’s definitely a narrator that leaves the reader wanting to know more.
The plot is perfectly paced with small flashbacks to the past written in with what is currently happening. To add a bit of an outside view, there are a few notes from Ryan’s psychologist added between some of the chapters. It allows the reader to learn the entire story at a slow pace, or if they prefer playing detective, gives enough clues and room between them for many theories to be developed.
Be warned: The book is quite disturbing and does have graphic violence as well as animal deaths. I believe that none of it was gratuitous in terms of the story and was a necessity in establishing the pattern of a growing sociopath. I can’t say much else without spoilers, but if you’re squeamish this is not the book for you.
I definitely recommend “Damage Done” for all adults and older young adults who like twisted thrillers and mysteries with a good dose of psychology. Please take note of the older above. It isn’t a good choice at all for the younger YA readers.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Graphic Violence, Sexual Situations, Animal Abuse
The Devil’s Only Friend (John Cleaver)
John Cleaver, Book 4
Fiction
Tor Books
2015-06-16
304
John Wayne Cleaver hunts demons: they've killed his neighbors, his family, and the girl he loves, but in the end he's always won. Now he works for a secret government kill team, using his gift to hunt and kill as many monsters as he can . . . . . . but the monsters have noticed, and the quiet game of cat and mouse is about to erupt into a full scale supernatural war. John doesn't want the life he's stuck with. He doesn't want the FBI bossing him around, he doesn't want his only friend imprisoned in a mental ward, and he doesn't want to face the terrifying cannibal who calls himself The Hunter. John doesn't want to kill people. But as the song says, you can't always get what you want. John has learned that the hard way; his clothes have the stains to prove it. When John again faces evil, he'll know what he has to do. The Devil's Only Friend is the first book in a brand-new John Wayne Cleaver trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Dan Wells.
Review:
John Wayne Cleaver is back in “The Devil’s Only Friend”, the first in somewhat of a sub-trilogy within the already established John Cleaver series by Dan Wells.
I’ll start off by saying that the entire John Cleaver series, though popular, is extremely underrated. I also think it’s unfairly compared to Dexter. Granted, Dexter is a wonderful series and he is a great character, but John Cleaver stands on his own as a psychopathic anti-hero. He doesn’t need anyone’s help to establish exactly who and what he is. And yes, I realize I am writing this like he is an actual person, but that is a true testament to how developed he is as a character. Mr. Wells has made him feel like a living, breathing person who may or may not want to kill you, but will most likely not. He’ll just make an intricate plan to do so in case he ever changes his mind.
“The Devil’s Only Friend” is the best of the series yet, and while I would encourage everyone to read the first three, if you feel like jumping in here the backstory is explained in enough detail to keep you from being confused, while also avoiding a dry rundown that will leave previous fans bored and waiting for the plot to get going. Which is great, because the plot is nothing short of amazing. Every single clue adds up to the ultimate conclusion, but I had about ten different theories on how it would go and still managed to be taken by surprise. This is a mystery written by a master. I wish I could go into more of the plot but almost anything I say besides it is blow-your-mind-good will lead to some sort of spoiler.
I feel the need to add this: For some reason unknown to me, many bookstores and libraries insist on shelving this entire series under “Young Adult”. Now, I’m not saying this cannot be read and appreciated by the older young adult set, but I’m also fairly certain that you will traumatize quite a few of them if you hand them a John Cleaver book thinking it’s “Dexter for Kids”. This is NOT a young adult book. This is a book for serious mystery and thriller fans who do not mind a lot of gore, horror, and psychotic thoughts.
In short: Great main character, excellent plot, not for the squeamish, everyone else should read all of the John Cleaver series. Of course, this is a review for “The Devil’s Only Friend”, so be sure to read that one, as well.
Five enthusiastic (albeit bloody) stars.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
This is an adult book about a teenaged psychopath. That should be all the warning necessary.
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