I have literally nothing to say about this other than the movie is better. Much better. I know that it’s part of the sacred book community rite of passage to always vehemently reject that sort of statement... but it’s true.

This book had some of the most underdeveloped characters I have ever read about. Vee was an unpleasant protagonist. She had no spark. I could not connect with her. I found her decisions incredibly irritating. Although I understand that she has a shy and timid personality... so I guess it genuinely was a realistic response? However, I just could not understand her motivations or get inside her head.

On top of that, Ian had absolutely no personality. We know almost literally nothing about him so their romance did nothing for me in return. In fact, I was highly sceptical of their entire relationship. Sydney, Matthew, and Tommy were also - similarly - bland as boiled rice. I didn’t understand any of their relationships with Vee either. Sydney and Vee’s friendship was handled poorly, especially when the movie did such a brilliant job, and Tommy came across as the typical jaded ‘friend-zoned’ nerd. I couldn’t stand him.

Despite all of that, it was the plotline which ruined Nerve for me. I assumed this book was going to be a thriller. While it desperately tried to be, especially in the second half, it fell flat. I didn’t like how the game, NERVE, was portrayed. It didn’t feel like a legitimate threat at all! There was no sense of urgency surrounding the dares. They weren’t even dangerous, just mildly embarrassing. The final scene tried to up the stakes but it felt… I don’t know, weird. It was so random, I could not fathom why anyone was participating. The ending was icing on the cake. It was awful.

Also:

• The writing was too simplistic for my tastes.
• The dialogue was stilted and awkward.
• Characters were all cliches & cardboard cut-outs.
• I didn’t understand the role of Watchers.
• The topic of suicide was handled poorly.
• This book is pitched for fans of The Hunger Games and I could not tell you a single feature these books have in common.

Overall? I didn't enjoy a single aspect of this book. The characters were so bland I couldn't muster the energy to remember their names. The romance was underdeveloped and the plotline weak. The dares were cringe-worthy rather than thrilling. I got no sense of urgency or suspense. It was boring and poorly written. I don’t think I’d bother with anything else this author has written.

I definitely recommend the movie over this book. None of the dares at the same and the characterisation in the movie is done so well. Ian is an amazing character and Emma Roberts acting is on point.

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