What a wild ride this story was! With separated twins, identity fraud, cult-like groups, and a mysterious private island, this book pulls the reader into a dark, twisted journey. One of the things I appreciated most was how Zhang exposes the darker side of social media. How addicting it can be, how corrupt it has become, and how the pursuit of influencer fame can warp identity and reality.

I loved how the author weaves real life news elements into fiction, giving us a story that feels disturbingly possible. Zhang explores the price of fame in today’s world, where power is measured in followers and approval comes in likes and comments. Julie’s descent into this influencer culture is both fascinating and unsettling.

There are also some really interesting, subtle parallels between the fictional cult like group and real life conspiracy theories about celebrity elites and secret islands. Bella Marie’s island, for instance, eerily mirrors Epstein’s, and I found this comparison both bold and clever. While some readers found these elements far fetched, I think that’s exactly the point. It blurs the line between fiction and the hidden truths of our world.

If I had one critique, it’s that I wish the plot had focused more on Julie investigating Chloe’s disappearance from the start, leaning more into the mystery. The island section also felt a bit off track, almost like a separate storyline.

Still, this book is a captivating, fictional reflection of our society's obsession with fame, the dark allure of the rich and powerful, and the cost of chasing a life that isn’t your own. It leaves you wondering…. What would you do if you had the chance to take over the life of someone rich and famous?

*Thank you to Liann Zhang, Atria Books and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.