WRECKED by Maria Padian

Published: October 4th 2016 by Algonquin Young Readers
Read: December 2016
How I Got It: Ebook (approximately 368 pages) from NetGalley 

Haley and Richard know each other from math tutoring, but they soon find out that they are linked in a disturbing way: Richard’s housemate is accused of raping Haley’s roommate. The two struggle to build a relationship with each other while at the same time being sucked into the college’s disciplinary process through supporting their respective friends. These characters were written with strong personalities so as to present opposing viewpoints of the situation through alternating perspectives. The writing to that point in the novel is strong, but the novel also seemed to be an experiment of how many times Padian could use the word “wrecked” throughout the narrative. The references to the title of the novel seemed forced when many other synonyms could have been used as alternatives.

As it’s told from the perspectives of two outsiders, the story offers a fresh viewpoint in the literature about sexual assault. Readers who want an honest view of sexual assault from both male and female perspectives may find this book enlightening. Also it presents the topic through a college environment where as many others are set in high school such as the eloquently written Courtney C. Stevens’s Faking Normal and the ever popular Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak.

*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with  an advanced electronic copy in exchange for an honest review. 

THE CABIN by Natasha Preston

Published September 6th 2016 by Sourcebooks Fire 
Read: December 2016
How I Got It: Ebook (approximately 352 pages) from NetGalley 

What should have been an unsupervised, drunken, fun-filled weekend away, ends in tragedy when two teens are brutally murdered. Police find no signs of break in or forced entry to the cabin though, so that means one of the remaining five friends is the killer. Mackenzie Keaton trusts her friends though, so she launches her own investigation. Was there a break-in, was it one of her friends she'd known her whole life, or her new crush who is a relative stranger to the group? This story of deceit and suspense will keep readers guessing until the end.

While the plot is far from original, the strong characterization will keep readers interested. Readers of Preston's other professionally published works will not be disappointed as this is yet another terrifying story. This is a quick read that will leave readers feeling just a little off kilter for days after turning the very last page.

*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with  an advanced electronic copy in exchange for an honest review.