The Devil You Know by Trish DollerReleased: 2nd June 2015
Published by: Bloomsbury
Genre: YA Thriller
Source: Publisher
Pages: 244
My Rating: 3 of 5 stars
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Eighteen-year-old Arcadia wants adventure. Living in a tiny Florida town with her dad and four-year-old brother, Cadie spends most of her time working, going to school, and taking care of her family. So when she meets two handsome cousins at a campfire party, she finally has a chance for fun. They invite her and friend to join them on a road trip, and it's just the risk she's been craving-the opportunity to escape.
But what starts out as a fun, sexy journey quickly becomes dangerous when she discovers that one of them is not at all who he claims to be. One of them has deadly intentions. A road trip fling turns terrifying in this contemporary story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
But what starts out as a fun, sexy journey quickly becomes dangerous when she discovers that one of them is not at all who he claims to be. One of them has deadly intentions. A road trip fling turns terrifying in this contemporary story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
The Devil You Know is a short thriller which hits the mark in some places, though didn't fully deliver for me in others. There's no doubting the chilling undertones of Arcadia's reckless escapades with two guys she hardly knows, but the weirdly paired romance and somewhat predictable plot took away from the wow factor I craved. I did enjoy this book, but was looking for the quality which makes it something that will stay on my mind, instead of being, unfortunately 'meh'.
BUT it's not all bad! Arcadia was at least in the beginning, a character I could connect with. She's struggling to be a 'normal' teenager when given the responsibility of keeping the family togetehr after her mother's death. But once she goes to that fateful party and starts rebelling full throttle, any notion of thinking rationally basically goes out the window. I mean, you get involved with a guy who you know isn't all that stable, and then you meet his cousin who, you know - seems more normal but still can't really trust.
Yet, you take a few days off just to hang out with them? And hardly update the family on what's going on?
BECAUSE THAT'S REALLY SAFE RIGHT?
Hmmmm.
Then again, without her stupidity, there would be no story. So...moving on!
What I did like about this book is that it's fast paced and the characterisation of Noah and Matt was quite good, citing all the underlying tensions and old wounds. There were definitely some shocking moments which left me going 'OMG', but I didn't get the same impact as if the other secondary characters were developed further and in more pages. There is just that little extra something missing here to turn it from 'good' to 'mindblowingly great'.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Teenage debauchery and imminent danger converge in this thriller which despite its flaws, still managed to keep me hooked. My high hopes are intact for Trish Doller's books, and I am looking forward to reading Where The Stars Still Shine.
A shame this was a lacklustre thriller Genie, the heroine's stupidity would be so frustrating to read about I think! Not sure about the teenage debauchery and everything too. Lovely review!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I just wish it had that little extra depth and I could connect more *sigh*
DeleteOhhh, I think I'd have trouble with this one. >_< I really hate it when characters are just plain STUPID. I can never seem to look past the illogical-ness. Gah. And I didn't love Where The Stars Shine either so...eh, it's probably not for me, but I DO LOVE THAT COVER. So creepy. :D And I enjoyed your review anyway. hehe
ReplyDeleteExactly - it's almost like when you're watching a movie and then you *know* something is a bad idea and want to shout 'no don't do that!' - but they do anyway. I agree, the cover *is* deliciously creepy though.
DeleteI totally loved this one, but I can definitely see where you're coming from. On all of it. It WAS pretty predictable, and the romance was a bit eh for me too... but I flew through it and really enjoyed it so much, I couldn't put the book down! Great review!
ReplyDeleteThat's the thing I guess - for me despite it's shortcomings, I can't deny that because it was short and there was enough intrigue there, it was hard to put down. I suppose it's after reflecting on it I found the things I didn't like. Good to hear you enjoyed it though Lisa! :)
DeleteI enjoyed this one but had exactly the same issues too Eugenia, how stupid was she. Honestly, because she's under the stress of what seems to be raising her family, she sees freedom in going off with two strangers she's just met. She needed a slap across the head several times over. Aside from her stupidity, I actually really enjoyed the thriller aspect. A little predictable but that didn't impact me at all. But that ending was terrible, almost comical how she got herself out of that situation. Brilliant review poppet and glad you were still able to enjoy this one somewhat <3
ReplyDeleteYES. It was just a little *too* ridiculous for me to excuse her behaviour, but by the same token the thriller parts especially with the intense moments towards the end were executed well. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Kelly :)
DeleteHmm... I have been debating whether or not I want to read this one myself and although it does sound like it is pretty promising in some places, in others it seems to disappoint so I don't think this is one for me?
ReplyDeleteIt's always worth a try - even if you do have doubts. I think everyone reacts to books differently, and some people did really love this so you might too!
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