Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Art by @ceecee.arts
✩📓💡Review:
Soto’s YA debut proves that no matter what genre, she will always deliver!
“The Thrashers” follows an elite friend group at New Helvetia High known as The Thrashers after Emily Mills, who desperately wanted to be a Thrasher, dies. Their lives are turned upside down when her journal surfaces. As eerie messages and strange occurrences escalate, it becomes clear—Emily isn’t done with them yet.
This book gripped me from the very first page. Every time I sat down to read it, I tore through each chapter like a woman possessed, desperate to find out what would happen next.
The novel is told from the perspective of Jodi Dillon. Jodi is the odd one out who feels like she must always prove her worth to the group to avoid being left behind, something I found entirely too relatable. Her character, much like the secondary characters, is complex and well drawn. Faced with betraying her friends of protecting herself, she gives readers a glimpse into the group’s dynamic. As the story progresses, Jodi uncovers their secrets and the role each person played in what happened to Emily.
I thoroughly enjoyed trying to put the pieces together alongside Jodi, often falling susceptible to Soto’s misdirection tactics. I love how Soto incorporates Emily’s journal entries in conjunction with flashbacks to add intrigue. The paranormal elements kept me guessing to the very end as I tried to discern what was fact and what was fiction.
The romance that is sprinkled throughout is absolutely phenomenal. While not the focus of the story, the stolen glances, verbal sparring matches, and tantalizing tension made my heart pound. A certain disgustingly attractive water-polo player won me over with that paint room scene!
The ending, while satisfying, adds a new twist that had me flipping back in disbelief. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a sequel!
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