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alessandrams's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
girldetectives's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Not everything is at is seems on Influencer Island. Pitched as the place to be for influencers, the mysterious Wyatt James' art installation quickly turns into something much more sinister as secrets are revealed, horrors are broadcasted to the world, and social media stars are picked off one by one*.
*Sort of. Sometimes more than one by one.
The premise for this book is interesting, and I appreciated the podcast format - it was a great way to quickly dive into a story with a lot of parts. However, I felt as though there were some important beats that were missed that could have really made an impact. This book moved too quickly for me to be invested in all of the plots - there wasn't breathing room between each reveal and resolution. In particular, I wish that there had been more development of the romance (or no inclusion of it) and more time spent with the competition itself. Also, I know it can be difficult to do via transcript, but I wish we'd seen a little more character differentiation and development.
This was a quick read for me, but I don't know that I'd pick it up again.
*Sort of. Sometimes more than one by one.
The premise for this book is interesting, and I appreciated the podcast format - it was a great way to quickly dive into a story with a lot of parts. However, I felt as though there were some important beats that were missed that could have really made an impact. This book moved too quickly for me to be invested in all of the plots - there wasn't breathing room between each reveal and resolution. In particular, I wish that there had been more development of the romance (or no inclusion of it) and more time spent with the competition itself. Also, I know it can be difficult to do via transcript, but I wish we'd seen a little more character differentiation and development.
This was a quick read for me, but I don't know that I'd pick it up again.
Thank you to NetGalley and Greater Path LLC for the e-ARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Addiction and Death of parent
nelli_lakatos's review
1.0
DNF at 62%
The concept of this book is good and I really love the cover.
The story told in podcast transcripts witch is a great idea but the execution was not good.
This book supposed to be fast paced but I was really bored reading it, couldn't get into the story and didn't liked any of the characters. Unfortunately I couldn't continue reading this.
Thank you to netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The concept of this book is good and I really love the cover.
The story told in podcast transcripts witch is a great idea but the execution was not good.
This book supposed to be fast paced but I was really bored reading it, couldn't get into the story and didn't liked any of the characters. Unfortunately I couldn't continue reading this.
Thank you to netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
jdalton's review
5.0
Thank you Netgalley and Greater Path LLC for a review copy of this novel.
This novel is a fairly quick read but I like it because it feels like listening to a true crime podcast or watching a documentary. In fact, I really wish this could be done as a film or something because it’s so compelling!
It really speaks a lot to what we as a society tune into and give attention to, plus has commentary on our influenced culture and what we will do for fame. Definitely recommend!
This novel is a fairly quick read but I like it because it feels like listening to a true crime podcast or watching a documentary. In fact, I really wish this could be done as a film or something because it’s so compelling!
It really speaks a lot to what we as a society tune into and give attention to, plus has commentary on our influenced culture and what we will do for fame. Definitely recommend!
soletka's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I´d give this novel that it is catchy. Because it is also silly to the point of absurdity, written by a person who has obviously very little info about the lives of both artistic and influencer people - I mean the real, everyday life, not the "dreamy", illogical take. This is like a fever dream, where you can believe almost any absurdity because you are conditioned by the feverish state of mind to believe it. But in the real life there is the money trail, the tax office, the police and even the secret services (much more capable and resourceful than one would think). There is also critical thinking. But, yes - I enjoyed this feverish dream read to a point. Catchy it is.
emmaeden93's review
3.0
This was definitely a breath of fresh air! Not only the ideas behind the story, but also the writing format which is set up as a series of podcast style interviews. I quite enjoyed that aspect.
As for the story, it was good. The idea was an interesting one, however it was a little anti climactic for me. The whole time this author had me guessing at who Wyatt could really be and unfortunately I was disappointed in the identity and the motive behind all of this.
The premise however is a good one, it had some really interesting points about human nature and the world we live in right now, and how far people are willing to go to be famous. The writing style was good, and despite the ending I read this book in one
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
As for the story, it was good. The idea was an interesting one, however it was a little anti climactic for me. The whole time this author had me guessing at who Wyatt could really be and unfortunately I was disappointed in the identity and the motive behind all of this.
The premise however is a good one, it had some really interesting points about human nature and the world we live in right now, and how far people are willing to go to be famous. The writing style was good, and despite the ending I read this book in one
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
frontporchreadsmeg's review
2.0
This book had so much potential. I was really intrigued by the premise-- Black Mirror meets Fyre Festival meets Hunger Games. I loved the podcast format and the racing plot- even when the timeline got confusing at times, it had me hooked and trying to figure out what would happen next.
However, I was extremely disappointed. The twists fell flat. I was expecting some intricate mystery about how each person on the island had a hand in Tuck's disappearance.. only to find that Tuck had actually been dead for years. Even though there seemed to be a lot of clues that Tuck was still alive. I was also very disappointed in the revelation of Wyatt James' identity. There was no backstory or clues that would lead to that child actress (I forget her name) becoming this masked figure. Absolutely no build up. It just left me confused. It felt like the whole explanation was rushed into the final chapter, which left me with so many questions. Here are a few...
How did Wyatt James stumble upon Tuck as he's taking his last breaths, and just happened to have his paints and a canvas with him to paint the moment? Like who carries their paints, brushes, easel, canvas etc. at a music festival?? And how did Tuck have time while bleeding out to tell Wyatt every memory he ever had of Carrie?
Some positive: I really liked Carrie as a character. She was resilient, in touch with her emotions, and wasn't like a typical female main character who is only looking for romance. (Also not sure why Cal was in love with her after like a week).
Anyways, while I was disappointed with the last ~30% of the book- I am glad that I read it! It only took me two days because I was so intrigued and wanted to know the ending.
However, I was extremely disappointed. The twists fell flat. I was expecting some intricate mystery about how each person on the island had a hand in Tuck's disappearance.. only to find that Tuck had actually been dead for years. Even though there seemed to be a lot of clues that Tuck was still alive. I was also very disappointed in the revelation of Wyatt James' identity. There was no backstory or clues that would lead to that child actress (I forget her name) becoming this masked figure. Absolutely no build up. It just left me confused. It felt like the whole explanation was rushed into the final chapter, which left me with so many questions. Here are a few...
How did Wyatt James stumble upon Tuck as he's taking his last breaths, and just happened to have his paints and a canvas with him to paint the moment? Like who carries their paints, brushes, easel, canvas etc. at a music festival?? And how did Tuck have time while bleeding out to tell Wyatt every memory he ever had of Carrie?
Some positive: I really liked Carrie as a character. She was resilient, in touch with her emotions, and wasn't like a typical female main character who is only looking for romance. (Also not sure why Cal was in love with her after like a week).
Anyways, while I was disappointed with the last ~30% of the book- I am glad that I read it! It only took me two days because I was so intrigued and wanted to know the ending.
zombiecupcake29's review
4.0
I want to start this review by saying I'm unsure why people were so hard on this book for grammatical errors when all currently reviewed copies are ARCs. Most ARCs have not been edited fully and will be finalized before their release date. The author even sent out an email about the updated edited version today.
Moving on I am so thankful for this book and Kyle Rutkin. I have been in a slump this month and nothing much was holding my attention other than rereading some of my all-time favorite books until I started this book. I was immediately captured by the format in which this book is presented and tried to figure out the mystery before key things were revealed to me. I loved that you got different perspectives because the book is written like a podcast/interview so you're not stuck with just a certain set of POVs, but you get different perspectives about what was happening at the same time by different voices. I think this book would make a wonderful Audiobook and if Kyle Rutkin ever decides to go that route I will be eager to hear the story told to me that way even though I already know how it ends.
The only fault I found with this book was that I wish that certain parts had lasted longer. I felt like a lot of contestants were eliminated super early on in one big swoop and it would have been just a little better had they not been eliminated so soon. It would have given more time to experience the contestants and I felt like there could have been more told about how they were all connected. I don't want to say much more because I don't want to spoil anything for anyone that is looking forward to this book. I feel like this is a perfect summery isolated island mystery/horror that shows just how corrupt the social media lifestyle has made us as a society. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking for something fresh and new.
*I was granted an ARC of this book by Netgalley and Kyle Rutkin. While I did receive this book free all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and not influenced by that at all.*
Moving on I am so thankful for this book and Kyle Rutkin. I have been in a slump this month and nothing much was holding my attention other than rereading some of my all-time favorite books until I started this book. I was immediately captured by the format in which this book is presented and tried to figure out the mystery before key things were revealed to me. I loved that you got different perspectives because the book is written like a podcast/interview so you're not stuck with just a certain set of POVs, but you get different perspectives about what was happening at the same time by different voices. I think this book would make a wonderful Audiobook and if Kyle Rutkin ever decides to go that route I will be eager to hear the story told to me that way even though I already know how it ends.
The only fault I found with this book was that I wish that certain parts had lasted longer. I felt like a lot of contestants were eliminated super early on in one big swoop and it would have been just a little better had they not been eliminated so soon. It would have given more time to experience the contestants and I felt like there could have been more told about how they were all connected. I don't want to say much more because I don't want to spoil anything for anyone that is looking forward to this book. I feel like this is a perfect summery isolated island mystery/horror that shows just how corrupt the social media lifestyle has made us as a society. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking for something fresh and new.
*I was granted an ARC of this book by Netgalley and Kyle Rutkin. While I did receive this book free all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and not influenced by that at all.*
kirkw1972's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoy an epistle style novel so enjoyed this more modern update with the podcast transcript for the most part.
I loved the premise of the novel and the idea of trying to find answers to missing and mysterious people within the competition format of the story. The scariest, most horrific part is with the way social media is going I can see such a competition happening in real life and probably complete with murders for likes.
I would’ve liked more story. In some cases, characters were introduced and then disappeared (killed) and never heard from again and the best friend undergoes some kind of mind control/cult mind games which really isn’t covered enough or makes sense in the overall scheme of things. Another podcast episode/chapter would have really helped pack that out.
My only other quibble is that the voices in the transcripts all sound the same. There’s no accent/tonal variation. It might actually play out better in audible or any other audio book but purely reading I couldn’t pick up the distinction. But that’s it. Loved the rest. It’s fast paced and quite short. I had it read in one sitting. Really enjoyed it and will probably go back and check out the others by this author.
I loved the premise of the novel and the idea of trying to find answers to missing and mysterious people within the competition format of the story. The scariest, most horrific part is with the way social media is going I can see such a competition happening in real life and probably complete with murders for likes.
I would’ve liked more story. In some cases, characters were introduced and then disappeared (killed) and never heard from again and the best friend undergoes some kind of mind control/cult mind games which really isn’t covered enough or makes sense in the overall scheme of things. Another podcast episode/chapter would have really helped pack that out.
My only other quibble is that the voices in the transcripts all sound the same. There’s no accent/tonal variation. It might actually play out better in audible or any other audio book but purely reading I couldn’t pick up the distinction. But that’s it. Loved the rest. It’s fast paced and quite short. I had it read in one sitting. Really enjoyed it and will probably go back and check out the others by this author.
morguebooks's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0