Va Par

4.2/5

It seems so fitting having to read and finish this during the scorching hot Southeast Asian summer. Malibu Rising send you away into an environment so vividly rendered, it feels like you're basking in the golden Malibu sun yourself. TJR has a captivating way of taking us to the iconic beachside locale through finely crafted details that stimulate all the senses. The salty ocean breeze, the warmth of the sand, the sound and energy of crashing waves – she paints an immersive tapestry that envelops you in the perfect Malibu experience from the get-go.

At the heart the story are the all-too-human characters of the Riva family. There's this exceptional depth into the siblings. It's impossible not to create a profound connection with each one, empathizing with their unique struggles and triumphs. You find yourself invested in their journeys, cheering them on at every turn as they navigate the complexities of identity, familial bonds, and the human condition.

The final act somewhat leaves you yearning for an extended epilogue glimpsing how the Rivas have faredin the months or years ahead, and there's a certain beauty to that open-endedness.

Malibu Rising is a shining testament to Taylor Jenkins Reid's exceptional storytelling prowess. From what I've observed reading her previous novels, she always impart valuable insights into the essence of human nature. She's a masterclass in crafting layered, unforgettable characters that resonate universal truths about life, love, and the pursuit of fulfillment.

4/5

Five Survive was an intense, suspenseful thrill ride that left me on the edge of my seat. Set mostly inside the cramped quarters of a blown out RV in a span of 8 hours, the story creates an inescapable atmosphere of dread and claustrophobia from start to finish.

Holly Jackson masterfully controls the pacing and constantly shifts focus between the six individuals. Just when you think you can trust one character's motives, another contradicts it, making you doubt everyone. This uncertainty extends to figuring out who the vicious sniper is hunting them. Though I tried figuring out who it was at first, I just let the story unfold without constantly guessing, which heightened the shocks for me once the mole was revealed.

And can we all talk about Oliver? That dude is particularly detestable - a misogynistic, toxic man that you can't help but hate. Jackson uses him effectively to mislead the reader and made him some sort of a faux antagonist. His repugnance makes you suspect him all throughout, even though it's too obvious that he may not be the one who we think he is.

It's the ambiguous ending that truly disturbs and sticks with you after finishing. The really long letter. We never learn what decision Red will choose, leaving you to ponder how the events have turned out next.

Ultimately, this book taps into deeper fears about selfishness and self-preservation, that makes you question humanity's dark impulses just to survive. This was such a harrowing, claustrophobic experience that burrows into your psyche long after the final page.

4/5

I immediately dove into this book after finishing the first one. The beginning chapters started a bit confusing, however, the story eventually made sense as I kept reading and by then, I couldn't stop flipping the pages. For what it's worth, this sequel was a slight improvement over the first book.

Once again, the plot twist caught me completely off-guard. The identity of the UNSUB (unknown subject, or the killer) was a total surprise, as this character had only made brief appearances. I never would have guessed their involvement in a million years.

Unfortunately, the love triangle subplot continued in this book, which was a bit frustrating. However, it seemed to reach a resolution by the end, leaving me hopeful that the Cassie won't get entangled in another love triangle in the remaining two books.

Overall, “Killer Instinct” left me eagerly anticipating the final installments of the series. I'm curious to see if the next books can surpass the quality of the first two. The character growth and surprising plot twists always had me hooked, and I can't wait to see what's in store for these compelling characters.

3.8/5

The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a captivating YA mystery novel that seamlessly blends thrilling suspense with a touch of the superhuman. This book really had me constantly flipping through the pages because of its fast pacing and engaging story.

The diversity represented within the group of characters is refreshingly modern and relatable. Hailing from various ethnic backgrounds and walks of life, they feel like real teenagers you might encounter rather than book characters. Their differing personalities and abilities not only make for an engaging dynamic but also provide an X-Men-esque vibe that adds a layer of intrigue.

While I enjoyed central plot, I could have done without the romantic love triangle subplot. These clichéd romantic entanglements often feel like forced distractions in an otherwise tightly woven mystery narrative. Thankfully, Barnes more than made up for it with bone-chilling interludes told from the UNSUB's perspective. These disturbing glimpses into a psycho upped the tension and made me dread the fate of Cassie each turn of the page.

Speaking of dread, the ending completely blindsided me. Just when I thought I had all the clues pieced together, Barnes pulled the rug out from under me with a jaw-dropping revelation that reframed everything. However, it also felt a tad rushed and anticlimactic, and it still left me desperate to dive into the next book and hopefully I could unravel the unanswered questions that lingers in my mind.

Do note that The Naturals doesn't shy away from mature subject matter. There are graphic depictions of torture, murder, and other violent crimes, which some readers may too disturbing or triggering. However, for fans of gritty crime media like Criminal Minds or the CSI, you'll surely have an exhilarating experience going into this book.

Overall, this is a must-read for anyone seeking an electrifying take on the YA mystery thriller genre. Just like me, you'll find yourself wanting to reach for the second book as soon as possible.

4/5

I'll admit that All In was the hardest installment for me to get through so far. While the first two Naturals books felt grounded in realism, this third one started to stretch plausibility at times. There were numerous instances of extensive information dumping and fact building , which slowed the pace for me. As a reader, I found myself getting bogged down by these flaws, struggling to maintain the adrenaline and momentum. That said, the core story remained as gripping as ever. With each piece of the puzzle Cassie uncovered about her mother's fate, I became more and more immersed in needing to know the truth.

Among the highlights was, as always, Sloane. She is truly the MVP of this entire series. I found myself constantly rooting for her and I hope no harm ever comes her way. Sloane simply must be protected at all costs!

Despite its flaws, this installment has me even more eager on reading the final book to see how this twisted mystery finally unravels. This series has been a wild ride so far, and I'm strapped in until the conclusion. I'm solidly invested in these characters and I can't wait to see how their stories end!