Publisher: Blink
Publication Date: November 5, 2019
Genre: YA, Thriller, Mystery
Adventure Rating: 4 Stars
Lia is the only one still pursuing her father’s killers, two years after attorney Steven Finch’s murder by the Swarm. Devastated and desperate for answers, Lia will do anything to uncover the reasons behind his death and to stop someone else from being struck down. But due to debilitating asthma and PTSD that leaves her with a tenuous hold on reality, Lia is the last person to mount a crusade on her own.
After a close encounter with the Swarm puts Lia on their radar, she teams up with a teen hacker, a reporter, and a mysterious stranger who knows firsthand how the mob works. Together, they work to uncover the master puppeteer behind the group. Though if Lia and her network don’t stop the person pulling the strings—and fast—Lia may end up the next target. “
*Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!*
A book is always creepier if it is based (or even loosely based) on true events. Plus, this is perfect for fall, specifically right around Halloween time. It’s scary because of the fact that you could just be walking amidst strangers that all of the sudden converge and beat you to death. Yep. Terrifying.
Characters. I really liked that Lia had a disease (Asthma) as well as some serious panic attacks. The author did a really good job of replicating how the panic attacks feel, and how you are supposed to overcome them. Lia was hell-bent obsessed with catching these teen murderers. I don’t blame her. I didn’t really like the romance in this book though. It seemed a bit too quick. BUT I can see how being involved in something this tragic can quickly bring two people together, especially two teens trying to figure things out.
Plot. Like I said before, this was actually quite creepy! A death mob made up of hormonal messed up teens is super scary. I have a hard time with the whole cops are useless thing. I do believe that a lot of cops are bought off, and not all cops are good. HOWEVER, it did bother me that the possibility wasn’t even entertained that at least one cop would be willing to listen to Lia. Instead she gets the news anchor. Yeah, right. Pretty much all news stations and news anchors are pathological lairs, so… One thing I did like was the fact that the politicians were messed up. I really believe BOTH sides are so screwed up. They are all paid off and make deals they shouldn’t and they also lie all the time. I’m glad the author put that in there. I wanted a bit more on Cullen. He seemed like a deeper character!
Final Thoughts. It really was the perfect Fall read! I would definitely read more of Gabriel’s books! If you are looking for a quick thriller I highly suggest this! I also think this would be a good book club pick because of the different conversations this could spark!
What are some of your favorite thrillers? I hardly ever read them but like them when I do!
Storied Adventures 