They Wish They Were Us reads like an early 2000s teen movie, with an ease in the language and a type of dialogue which doesn't quite fit the modern reader. Yet there is something incredibly engaging about this novel, which follows protagonist Jill Newman, three years after her friend was murdered by her boyfriend.
From the prologue, the fast pace is set, with clues and characters being introduced rapidly, though each introduction flows naturally, a clear sign of a more than capable author. The characters seem simple enough, each with room for heavy character arcs which do, in turn, seem to appear. Minor (so far) characters like Robert are already fleshed out enough within the story that the reader can engage with the group - known as the Players - as a whole.
Jill as a character seems complex, though there are times when her reliability as a narrator can be questioned. This is an intriguing technique and one which looks to carry on through the novel.
The texts proclaiming the murderer's innocence, while stated in the synopsis, come from nowhere and their sender adds a certainly interesting dynamic.
Overall, the opening chapters are exciting, fast paced and utterly Young Adult and, despite a couple of grammar or typo issues spotted throughout, this was a joy to read. The full text is much anticipated.
From the prologue, the fast pace is set, with clues and characters being introduced rapidly, though each introduction flows naturally, a clear sign of a more than capable author. The characters seem simple enough, each with room for heavy character arcs which do, in turn, seem to appear. Minor (so far) characters like Robert are already fleshed out enough within the story that the reader can engage with the group - known as the Players - as a whole.
Jill as a character seems complex, though there are times when her reliability as a narrator can be questioned. This is an intriguing technique and one which looks to carry on through the novel.
The texts proclaiming the murderer's innocence, while stated in the synopsis, come from nowhere and their sender adds a certainly interesting dynamic.
Overall, the opening chapters are exciting, fast paced and utterly Young Adult and, despite a couple of grammar or typo issues spotted throughout, this was a joy to read. The full text is much anticipated.