An intriguing, slow-burn thriller full of twists and tuns!

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“Which comes first – character or fate?”

This intriguing, slow-burn psychological thriller was absolutely fantastic in every way! The narrative predominantly unfolds on a secluded Greek island, creating a perfect setting for a locked-room mystery (or rather, a locked-island one). There are seven people on the island, and the plot takes a dramatic turn as one of them is found dead. Who committed the murder, and who fell victim to it? What was their motivation, intention, and goal? It might sound like a classic whodunnit, but I assure you it surpasses those expectations.

The narrator's conversational style was entertaining and made me feel like an integral part of the story. The unique and interactive nature of the narrative, along with the use of short chapters, often concluding with gripping cliffhangers, instantly captured my attention and kept me engaged. The writing style and character development were well executed; each character exhibited shades of gray, with none being entirely good or entirely bad (well, there’s one exception, but no spoilers here). As the main character's psyche and motivations are gradually revealed, the story becomes increasingly intriguing with each chapter. The conclusion is a whirlwind of twists and turns, neatly wrapping up the story. I’d love to see this novel adapted into a movie.

I can’t recommend this book highly enough! It's a clever narrative that initially explores the fine line between love and hate. The author skillfully portrays this through the main character’s story, showing that these emotions are mostly tied to his perception of himself, rather than another person. It's nothing short of brilliant.

Thank you, BookishFirst, the publisher Celadon Books, and author Alex Michaelides for the ARC copy! I received a free copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. My review is based on an uncorrected text. The Fury by Alex Michaelides is due to be released on January 16, 2024.