DNF 40%

*I received a copy from Net Galley for an honest review*

TW: Cancer, Rape, Rape of a minor, Sexual Assault, Suicide, Murder

Knowing this is a podcast style book I knew it would be a great audiobook. I may go and listen if I ever get my hands on the audiobook.

Early on I wondered if having the podcast crime along with the death of Jenny would be a problem. But I was intrigued to how they would be connected by the end.

As the book progressed it made sense as to why both stories were present. Both stories tackled important topics that need attention brought to them. By the end both stories tied together nicely and made sense.

The way Megan wrote about how women are raised and expected to go the extra mile to protect themselves but the rapists are never blamed for what they chose to do to innocent people.

"You know, the usual stuff. Hold your keys between your fingers to use as a weapon. Keep your phone in your hand and dial nine-one-one if you’re being followed or feel afraid. If every woman who felt afraid called nine-one-one, the switchboard would melt. That is what women live with every day of our lives."
"So why is it that when women are attacked, the onus is on them? “If only she hadn’t walked home alone.” “If only she hadn’t cut through the park.” “If only she’d taken a cab."

This was a hard book to read at times. Especially when it came to the graphic detail of the rapes. Such a heart wrenching intense story.

The topic of rape will always be a tough read but we need to read them. Change the way victims are treated. They deserve better. I was frustrated throughout. All the victim blaming that we sadly see with every rape case. Something needs to change.

When it comes to the reveal of the killer I realised I wasn't trying to figure it out so I definitely didn't figure it out. But I'm OK with that. The end made sense and worked.

I would love another book with Rachel and her podcast. Maybe even a book based on season one of her podcast. That story sounds intriguing. Or even Mitch backstory. Either way I'm excited to read more by Megan Goldin.

There are so many quotes throughout this book that I highlighted. I'll leave you with one last one.

"To tell you the truth, I don’t get how we can almost unanimously agree that murder is wrong, yet when it comes to rape some people still see shades of gray."

Trigger Warnings: rape, sexual assault, child abuse, child sexual abuse, human trafficking, organ harvesting.
I discovered this after watching a book recommendations video. After seeing that Scribd had it I decided to pick it up. I’m glad I did.
Going into this I was a little worried due to my reading slump, but I shouldn’t have been. This captivated me. Once I really sat down to read I didn’t want to put it down. I had questions. I wanted to keep reading until I got the answers.
Who is father? What is sanctuary? What happened to Liz? What’s the deal with the town?
I had some theories although none of them came close to what was actually going on. I was left speechless. More on that later.
This was very intense and difficult to read at times. Especially when the topics discussed happen in the real world everyday.
“Black girls are, disproportionately, the victims of it, by a huge margin.”
Quotes like this really brought home how real this is. Especially for black girls. There are other quotes throughout this book that really highlight the issues.
When it comes to the twist at the end I’m unsure what to think. I definitely didn’t see it coming thats for sure. I don’t know if I had a reason to. But then again after looking back at parts I highlighted early on something mentioned in the ‘reveal’ circles back to the very beginning. So I guess clues were always there I just overlooked them.
The ending was chaotic. So much was happening at once. I probably didn’t manage to retain everything. I just know I put the book down speechless.
Overall I really enjoyed this. I would definitely recommend this. The writing style makes it so easy to get lost in the story and the time just fly by as you read what happened to Liz.

DNF @ 26%

After reading The Naturals series I automatically wanted to read this.

This wasn’t what I expected. I’m not sure what I expected but definitely not the way the “games” played out.

Throughout the book I felt like something was missing from really gripping me. It did get there in the end with that cliffhanger though. I had thought at times I probably wouldn’t carry on the series but I need answers.

I have some questions. Especially regarding Max. She may not play a big part but something that happens may seem small but I feel like she plays a bigger role in book two.

I felt the “romance” or hint at one wasn’t necessary. But depending on the direction Jennifer takes it in book two to if I changed my mind or not. Although I feel I may know where one of the mysteries goes so if it does go that way I’m saying no for the romance.

The short chapters definitely made this a quicker read. Once I really say down to read. But at the same time the way they ended somewhat abruptly at times and the next chapter just moves on made the book feel disjointed at times.

The mystery itself felt underwhelming. While I am giving it some room to get better since the story clearly isn’t over yet. This is definitely setting up a bigger story. At least I hope it is.

This definitely has left me with questions in a good way. Making me want to carry on with the next book to find the answers. With multiple twists I didn’t see coming. That were hinted early on but I missed not thinking certain characters or moments meant anything. Especially when it comes to Avery life before this started.

But overall this was above average. Something I would have absolutely loved as a teenager.