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Run Like Hell
What if the perfect party plans didn’t work out so perfectly?
In this young adult thriller, seventeen-year-old Morgan Butler’s parents are out of town and she's finally alone! She has a romantic night planned with her boyfriend after attending the party-of-the-year.
And her aunt is conveniently working late and will stop by the following day to check on her.
All her plans are falling into place. But on the way to the party, her car runs out of gas.
Stranded on a dark, desolate road with no money, no gas and a dead cell phone, Morgan makes a decision with dangerous consequences.
Now she must fight, claw, scratch and scream…and then run like hell to survive.
But will she get away?
In this young adult thriller, seventeen-year-old Morgan Butler’s parents are out of town and she's finally alone! She has a romantic night planned with her boyfriend after attending the party-of-the-year.
And her aunt is conveniently working late and will stop by the following day to check on her.
All her plans are falling into place. But on the way to the party, her car runs out of gas.
Stranded on a dark, desolate road with no money, no gas and a dead cell phone, Morgan makes a decision with dangerous consequences.
Now she must fight, claw, scratch and scream…and then run like hell to survive.
But will she get away?
160 pages, ebook
First published February 6, 2012
17 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Elena Andrews
4 books15 followersElena Andrews always dreamed of becoming an author. She attended writer’s conferences as young as twelve with her mother, also a published author.
Growing up, she moved often, including exciting destinations such as Las Vegas, New York, Hawaii, and Miami. Her love of reading and writing continued despite the hours she spent rowing on the Charles River in Boston for her college crew team, or the nights dancing at Miami’s hottest alternative clubs on South Beach.
Today, Elena lives in Pennsylvania with her family and three cats, two rabbits and fish. She enjoys the outdoors, baseball, candy and skim lattes. And yes, she misses the Miami club scene!
Growing up, she moved often, including exciting destinations such as Las Vegas, New York, Hawaii, and Miami. Her love of reading and writing continued despite the hours she spent rowing on the Charles River in Boston for her college crew team, or the nights dancing at Miami’s hottest alternative clubs on South Beach.
Today, Elena lives in Pennsylvania with her family and three cats, two rabbits and fish. She enjoys the outdoors, baseball, candy and skim lattes. And yes, she misses the Miami club scene!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 1, 2015
This book started off with a great concept and then fell short towards the middle. I felt like the author sat down and wrote it in one setting and then published. It was poorly written and I felt like I was listening to a teenage girl read it to me. Not An amazing read.
June 5, 2012
I enjoyed this 12 chapter book. The opening scene was very impressive. The first sentence was someone saying, “No, don’t die on me now!” It grabbed my attention right away, and my senses were already heightened from the get-go. Turned out the car engine died because Morgan ran out of gas. I was blown away by the fake-out and couldn’t wait to read more.
What’s one of the biggest fears women face? Mine is being stranded alongside a deserted road with no cell phone reception at night. Morgan endured this–except her phone battery died–and I could relate to her fear. She tried to be responsible and do the right thing. She turned down Brian’s offer to take her to a gas station. But cars kept driving past without stopping. To up the creep factor, Brian drove by and stopped again. Running out of options, Morgan hopped into his car.
The red flag for me was that he was acting too nice, being too persistent that she needed to get in his car. If he really wanted to help, he could’ve filled up gas in those red containers then drove back. I was beyond scared when he drove past a gas station. Lights were on, cars in the parking lot–he had the nerve to say it was closed. Brian was nice and polite until Morgan kept asking him to stop the car and let her out. That trigger made him snap.
In survival mode, Morgan managed to escape with cuts and bruises along the way. She was able to physically leave the nightmare, yet she couldn’t get away from Brian’s creepy, obsessive, crazy, demented world. Living in her neighborhood (unbeknownst to her), he was relentless with his stalking and psychological warfare. Chills ran down my spine during this entire novel. Of course, ghosts and horror stories are spooky, but I think the most frightening stories are the ones that describe what can happen in real life. A woman can be stalked by a crazed man. Poor Morgan didn’t even do anything. I loved the twisted reveal of why her. Why Morgan?
This novel was written in Morgan’s first person point-of-view in the present tense, which created the thriller, action, suspense, sitting-on-edge-of-seat feel right in readers’ faces. The author has a brilliant talent with characterization and setting a mood with description. She managed to capture the teen mentality of enduring pain to keep quiet, so her social life wouldn’t be ruined. I wanted to smack some sense into Morgan LOL–she can’t enjoy her friends if she’s dead! I loved getting a sense of Morgan’s motives throughout the story. I liked her sense of style; she was a hoodie girl, reminded me of a cute tomboy.
Run Like Hell was definitely a fast read. I got lost in the story, picturing it as a movie. I could see Emma Roberts as Morgan and Kieran Culkin as Brian. It’s worth reading to see if Brian succeeds in ending Morgan’s life. I think the very last line of the story summed things up perfectly–in fact, it was my favorite line. Can’t reveal it though because I can’t give away the ending.
I RECOMMEND this book to read.
What’s one of the biggest fears women face? Mine is being stranded alongside a deserted road with no cell phone reception at night. Morgan endured this–except her phone battery died–and I could relate to her fear. She tried to be responsible and do the right thing. She turned down Brian’s offer to take her to a gas station. But cars kept driving past without stopping. To up the creep factor, Brian drove by and stopped again. Running out of options, Morgan hopped into his car.
The red flag for me was that he was acting too nice, being too persistent that she needed to get in his car. If he really wanted to help, he could’ve filled up gas in those red containers then drove back. I was beyond scared when he drove past a gas station. Lights were on, cars in the parking lot–he had the nerve to say it was closed. Brian was nice and polite until Morgan kept asking him to stop the car and let her out. That trigger made him snap.
In survival mode, Morgan managed to escape with cuts and bruises along the way. She was able to physically leave the nightmare, yet she couldn’t get away from Brian’s creepy, obsessive, crazy, demented world. Living in her neighborhood (unbeknownst to her), he was relentless with his stalking and psychological warfare. Chills ran down my spine during this entire novel. Of course, ghosts and horror stories are spooky, but I think the most frightening stories are the ones that describe what can happen in real life. A woman can be stalked by a crazed man. Poor Morgan didn’t even do anything. I loved the twisted reveal of why her. Why Morgan?
This novel was written in Morgan’s first person point-of-view in the present tense, which created the thriller, action, suspense, sitting-on-edge-of-seat feel right in readers’ faces. The author has a brilliant talent with characterization and setting a mood with description. She managed to capture the teen mentality of enduring pain to keep quiet, so her social life wouldn’t be ruined. I wanted to smack some sense into Morgan LOL–she can’t enjoy her friends if she’s dead! I loved getting a sense of Morgan’s motives throughout the story. I liked her sense of style; she was a hoodie girl, reminded me of a cute tomboy.
Run Like Hell was definitely a fast read. I got lost in the story, picturing it as a movie. I could see Emma Roberts as Morgan and Kieran Culkin as Brian. It’s worth reading to see if Brian succeeds in ending Morgan’s life. I think the very last line of the story summed things up perfectly–in fact, it was my favorite line. Can’t reveal it though because I can’t give away the ending.
I RECOMMEND this book to read.
June 1, 2013
Morgan gets 5 days of freedom while her parents are away. Morgan's Aunt Rory will be checking in on her but they both know that Rory is more like an older sibling and not a babysitter. While Morgan is on the way to the party of the year, she runs out of gas in the very car her parents only to use for emergencies. A stranger offers to help her but she refuses at first, remembering all that her parents taught her about talking to strangers. As he comes back a second time to offer her some assistance, she finally gives in after being on the side of the road with a dead cell phone for over an hour. Little does she know what really happens when you get in a car with a stranger.
An exciting novel that really captures how teenagers think in these situations. When something tragic happens in a situation that you shouldn't have been in to begin with makes you feel like it was your fault. Morgan is so concerned that her parents will be more furious at her for being irresponsible for taking the car, going to a party, not charging her cell phone, and mot importantly, getting in a car with a stranger. When her dog comes up missing is when she finally admits to herself and her best friend that maybe she can't fix this without dealing with the authorities and her parents.
This book made me think of myself and all the trouble I've gotten into in my teenage years. I was in a similar situation with Morgan where I thought that because I had turned into a victim in a place where I shouldn't have been, that somehow made it my fault. It's not. If you are a victim of a crime it doesn't matter that you were drinking underage, or asking a stranger for a ride, you are a victim none the less.
An exciting novel that really captures how teenagers think in these situations. When something tragic happens in a situation that you shouldn't have been in to begin with makes you feel like it was your fault. Morgan is so concerned that her parents will be more furious at her for being irresponsible for taking the car, going to a party, not charging her cell phone, and mot importantly, getting in a car with a stranger. When her dog comes up missing is when she finally admits to herself and her best friend that maybe she can't fix this without dealing with the authorities and her parents.
This book made me think of myself and all the trouble I've gotten into in my teenage years. I was in a similar situation with Morgan where I thought that because I had turned into a victim in a place where I shouldn't have been, that somehow made it my fault. It's not. If you are a victim of a crime it doesn't matter that you were drinking underage, or asking a stranger for a ride, you are a victim none the less.
June 24, 2012
Morgan Butler, a 17-year-old Junior in high school, is super excited as she heads to a party in her mother's car. Everything is working in Morgan's favor: her Aunt Rory is working late and won't be stopping by the house until tomorrow and her parents are out of town; she's feeling pretty confident, that is until fate intervenes and her mom's car runs out of gas, her iPhone dies, and she is left stranded. A guy offers her help and at first she rejects, but when he comes back again, she accepts the ride to a gas station. Accepting a ride from Brian is the worst thing she could ever do, and she's about to find out just how bad things can get find out just how bad things can get. I really enjoyed this novel, and it only took me half a day to read it. I enjoyed the main character's relationships with her best friend, Traci, boyfriend, Jack, her Aunt Rory, and even her German Shepherd, Tiger. I like the fact that Tiger was like her protector, and the fact that it was written in first person point of view. However, I didn't like how careless Morgan was at times. If I know someone is after me, I'm not going to carelessly leave my front door open or walk my dog at night without a phone and someone to keep me company. Overall, I really enjoyed this book!
July 25, 2012
This book was really good! I enjoyed the character developed, my only problem was I wish it was longer, and had more scenes. I would have loved to have more background on the brothers and why there father wasn't around.
June 17, 2012
Good story. Suspenseful and I did not put it down until I finished.
August 5, 2012
This is a book that you can't put down!
I really like reading it.
I really like reading it.
Read
August 16, 2012it was good
July 23, 2018
Run Like Hell could have been a good book, but it wasn't.
The narrator was likeable enough, and she had a good deal of chutzpah. Unfortunately, the book didn't showcase her well at all. Simplistically written and probably "edited" by Grammarly or the like, Run Like Hell was a middle school attempt to write a YA thriller.
Toward the end of the book, I was completely lost, because the girl kept referring to events (important ones) which I didn't remember reading.
All in all, I can't recommend it.
The narrator was likeable enough, and she had a good deal of chutzpah. Unfortunately, the book didn't showcase her well at all. Simplistically written and probably "edited" by Grammarly or the like, Run Like Hell was a middle school attempt to write a YA thriller.
Toward the end of the book, I was completely lost, because the girl kept referring to events (important ones) which I didn't remember reading.
All in all, I can't recommend it.
July 19, 2019
Oh boy, my review will go longer than this short ebook.
First, the good point: i kind of enjoy the writing, even with the plot hole and many flaws (e.g inconsistency like this one:
I don’t have the energy to walk Tiger this morning.
but then she contradict it in the other paragraph with:
This morning I woke up earlier than usual to walk Tiger and I’m already tired.
Or this
Around each corner I’m expecting to find Brian standing in front of me.
she magically know her attacker name..)
The bad ones were too many, i try highlight just the defining moment :
1. I tried imagine my 17 year old thinking logic and i will say Morgan absolutely a courageous girl full of confidence or something, because my coward teen-self will refuse a ride offer to gas station with a stranger because it scary. I would prefer sleeping myself til morning at the car (maybe not a wise decision too but at least i'm not going to a stranger's car willingly.)
Go with a stranger is a mistake but what teenager that don't make stupid mistake, right?
2. Then she stubbornly refuse to report to police or her parents because
I’ll be grounded forever. I won’t risk ruining my whole summer.
eh apparently her life is meaningless compare to grounded forever and losing her parents trust. Well that's a teenager..
3. oh and her wallet is missing.
What if he has my wallet? What if he knows my name and address?
She still don't give it a deep thought, the big odds of him showing up in her house and reattack just a fleeting concern. I still understand this, after all this is a teenager mind..
4. Her social life is her priority number 1
Alive. Of course I’m alive. Part of me agrees with Traci. I should call the police and report the guy. Another girl could be abducted. But I instigated the attack by getting into his car and by stabbing him with the cigarette. If my parents hear about the incident, my social life will become non-existent.
still on will not sacrifice her social life and hell with others.
***From here on to the end of my review, there would be spoilers and sarcasm, so read on your own risk***
5. then it start getting creepy
Way to go Nancy!
First, the good point: i kind of enjoy the writing, even with the plot hole and many flaws (e.g inconsistency like this one:
I don’t have the energy to walk Tiger this morning.
but then she contradict it in the other paragraph with:
This morning I woke up earlier than usual to walk Tiger and I’m already tired.
Or this
Around each corner I’m expecting to find Brian standing in front of me.
she magically know her attacker name..)
The bad ones were too many, i try highlight just the defining moment :
1. I tried imagine my 17 year old thinking logic and i will say Morgan absolutely a courageous girl full of confidence or something, because my coward teen-self will refuse a ride offer to gas station with a stranger because it scary. I would prefer sleeping myself til morning at the car (maybe not a wise decision too but at least i'm not going to a stranger's car willingly.)
Go with a stranger is a mistake but what teenager that don't make stupid mistake, right?
2. Then she stubbornly refuse to report to police or her parents because
I’ll be grounded forever. I won’t risk ruining my whole summer.
eh apparently her life is meaningless compare to grounded forever and losing her parents trust. Well that's a teenager..
3. oh and her wallet is missing.
What if he has my wallet? What if he knows my name and address?
She still don't give it a deep thought, the big odds of him showing up in her house and reattack just a fleeting concern. I still understand this, after all this is a teenager mind..
4. Her social life is her priority number 1
Alive. Of course I’m alive. Part of me agrees with Traci. I should call the police and report the guy. Another girl could be abducted. But I instigated the attack by getting into his car and by stabbing him with the cigarette. If my parents hear about the incident, my social life will become non-existent.
still on will not sacrifice her social life and hell with others.
***From here on to the end of my review, there would be spoilers and sarcasm, so read on your own risk***
5. then it start getting creepy
Way to go Nancy!
September 12, 2020
Frustrating
This was a very short read, but the main character made so many poor decisions I couldn't relate to her.
This was a very short read, but the main character made so many poor decisions I couldn't relate to her.
July 19, 2013
This started off being really amazing, but it went downhill quickly. I was expecting something different than what I got. The book description made it seem like the book would be about a girl trying to escape from a crazy man, sort of like a horror movie where the events take place over the course of a couple days. However, it was more like ‘I escaped the psycho’s clutches and now he’s stalking me and showing up at my house’. I thought that the opening chapter was done well. The car scene in particular made me feel very unsettled. I was a little disappointed that Morgan managed to get away so easily, but I was still interested in what was going to happen. Unfortunately, the plot became boring the more I read. I felt like more effort should have been spent on the creepiness than the random romances that didn’t add anything to the plot. I usually won’t read books if there’s no romance, but this is one instance that the book would have benefited without it. Stuff like the random hook-up between Aunt Rory and the cop took time away from the unsettling parts of the story that I actually found interesting. I would much rather read about Brian being a stalker weirdo than how much Traci and Carlos liked each other.
The nail in the coffin was Morgan’s steadfast refusal to call 911 after Brian attacks her. She kept saying that she didn’t want to tell because then her parents would find out that she had taken their car to go to a party. Oh my god, it was so annoying! Who cares about that when there’s a psycho threatening your life? It won’t matter if you’re grounded for the rest of the year because you’ll be dead instead. That said, the book would have been boring if Brian had gotten arrested right away, so I was willing to try and ignore it. However, once Morgan found out that Brian had her wallet and still didn’t want to tell anyone, I was done. The guy is mentally unhinged and knows where you live! I mean, I couldn’t even feel bad for the crappy things that happened to Morgan because she brought it on herself. She waited until before deciding ‘maybe I should have called the police about this in the beginning’.
Overall, I was pretty disappointed by this book. Aside from how much I loved Tiger the German Shepherd, the only positive was Traci the best friend. She was one of the only people in the book that had common sense. Whenever Morgan was making stupid decisions, Traci was there to tell her she was being an idiot and should call the cops. It was like Traci was voicing everything I was thinking as I read. In terms of the ending, it felt very anti-climactic. The backstory involving Caroline should have been fleshed out more. It seemed like a cardboard reason that was just put in so Brian would have a reason to act like he did. The absolute worst thing had to be how easily the conflict was resolved. There was a phone call and then all of sudden . It came off as very rushed like the author just wanted to wrap up the story. This book had potential, but the execution wasn’t good.
The nail in the coffin was Morgan’s steadfast refusal to call 911 after Brian attacks her. She kept saying that she didn’t want to tell because then her parents would find out that she had taken their car to go to a party. Oh my god, it was so annoying! Who cares about that when there’s a psycho threatening your life? It won’t matter if you’re grounded for the rest of the year because you’ll be dead instead. That said, the book would have been boring if Brian had gotten arrested right away, so I was willing to try and ignore it. However, once Morgan found out that Brian had her wallet and still didn’t want to tell anyone, I was done. The guy is mentally unhinged and knows where you live! I mean, I couldn’t even feel bad for the crappy things that happened to Morgan because she brought it on herself. She waited until before deciding ‘maybe I should have called the police about this in the beginning’.
Overall, I was pretty disappointed by this book. Aside from how much I loved Tiger the German Shepherd, the only positive was Traci the best friend. She was one of the only people in the book that had common sense. Whenever Morgan was making stupid decisions, Traci was there to tell her she was being an idiot and should call the cops. It was like Traci was voicing everything I was thinking as I read. In terms of the ending, it felt very anti-climactic. The backstory involving Caroline should have been fleshed out more. It seemed like a cardboard reason that was just put in so Brian would have a reason to act like he did. The absolute worst thing had to be how easily the conflict was resolved. There was a phone call and then all of sudden . It came off as very rushed like the author just wanted to wrap up the story. This book had potential, but the execution wasn’t good.
May 30, 2012
Run Like Hell is about a 17-year-old girl named Morgan whose car runs out of gas on her way to a party. Her phone dies(which always happens when you're stuck on a creepy, dark road). A young man stops and asks her if she needs any help and she says she has a tow-truck on the way, because she doesn't want to appear vulnerable. However, when time passes and he's driving past her again, he stops and asks again if she needs help. I won't give too much away but I guess anyone with a working brain will know this man is not as kind as he appears.
I expected something different from this book. I guess I thought the book would be about this one night but it ended up being a week or two(I'm guessing) in Morgan's life. The book was actually kind of fun and reminded me of all those Christopher Pike books I used to read when I was a teen. It reminded me of those books but updated to be more realistic and this author seemed to have a good grasp on how an average teenager talks and thinks.
A lot of people will probably have an issue with Morgan not going to the police but eh, it's just a book. It's strange how people get so annoyed by little things. It's like horror movies; characters do stupid things and it makes the movie entertaining.
I actually liked Morgan as a character because she seemed so strong and didn't get scared/intimidated easily. Maybe it was slightly unrealistic but she seemed so brave in a few scenes.
There were a few editing/grammar errors but nothing too bad and they seem to be in most self-published works, so I don't really get too bothered by them.
Overall, if you're looking for a fast paced ebook with a bit of a thriller edge, I suggest you give this a try. It's not brilliant but it's good fun and I wish there were more Y.A thriller-type books out there.
(Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.)
I expected something different from this book. I guess I thought the book would be about this one night but it ended up being a week or two(I'm guessing) in Morgan's life. The book was actually kind of fun and reminded me of all those Christopher Pike books I used to read when I was a teen. It reminded me of those books but updated to be more realistic and this author seemed to have a good grasp on how an average teenager talks and thinks.
A lot of people will probably have an issue with Morgan not going to the police but eh, it's just a book. It's strange how people get so annoyed by little things. It's like horror movies; characters do stupid things and it makes the movie entertaining.
I actually liked Morgan as a character because she seemed so strong and didn't get scared/intimidated easily. Maybe it was slightly unrealistic but she seemed so brave in a few scenes.
There were a few editing/grammar errors but nothing too bad and they seem to be in most self-published works, so I don't really get too bothered by them.
Overall, if you're looking for a fast paced ebook with a bit of a thriller edge, I suggest you give this a try. It's not brilliant but it's good fun and I wish there were more Y.A thriller-type books out there.
(Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.)
April 26, 2012
The blurb for Run Like Hell grabbed me more than the cover did. The cover it’s cool, but something about the blurb really hooked me and I knew that this was going to be a book that I needed to read. Run Like Hell isn’t a YA paranormal story, but a really gripping YA story.
Before I had read this book, I browsed over a few reviews that people had left and some people didn’t seem to like the writing style of the author. I have to disagree with them. Although the beginning seemed to be choppy, I felt as a reader, this is how 17 yr olds talk and behave, their thoughts are very choppy and ADD like. I liked the style too because it is more along the lines of how I write, whenever that is.
Right away, this book starts off with action. You know as soon as Morgan’s car runs out of gas on the highway, it is not going to end well. Pretty young girl, stranded in a dark, secluded place. Yeah, not good. Now for me, when I read the blurb, I assumed the whole story would be about Morgan and her trying to escape. In a way it is, but I thought it would be the one situation, not multiple. This did not what so ever take anything away from how good this story is, for me it was a little bit of a bummer because I was thinking it was going to be about this big huge escape throughout the whole book. It was but it wasn’t, it’s hard to explain! LoL
This book definitely keeps you on your toes the entire time, and you do not want to put it down. You want to know what is happening at all times. If you are looking for a YA thriller, this is definitely the book for you! I look forward to reading more books from this author!
Before I had read this book, I browsed over a few reviews that people had left and some people didn’t seem to like the writing style of the author. I have to disagree with them. Although the beginning seemed to be choppy, I felt as a reader, this is how 17 yr olds talk and behave, their thoughts are very choppy and ADD like. I liked the style too because it is more along the lines of how I write, whenever that is.
Right away, this book starts off with action. You know as soon as Morgan’s car runs out of gas on the highway, it is not going to end well. Pretty young girl, stranded in a dark, secluded place. Yeah, not good. Now for me, when I read the blurb, I assumed the whole story would be about Morgan and her trying to escape. In a way it is, but I thought it would be the one situation, not multiple. This did not what so ever take anything away from how good this story is, for me it was a little bit of a bummer because I was thinking it was going to be about this big huge escape throughout the whole book. It was but it wasn’t, it’s hard to explain! LoL
This book definitely keeps you on your toes the entire time, and you do not want to put it down. You want to know what is happening at all times. If you are looking for a YA thriller, this is definitely the book for you! I look forward to reading more books from this author!
July 25, 2013
Morgan gets 5 days of freedom while her parents are away. Morgan's Aunt Rory will be checking in on her but they both know that Rory is more like an older sibling and not a babysitter. While Morgan is on the way to the party of the year, she runs out of gas in the very car her parents only to use for emergencies.
A stranger offers to help her but she refuses at first, remembering all that her parents taught her about talking to strangers. As he comes back a second time to offer her some assistance, she finally gives in after being on the side of the road with a dead cell phone for over an hour. Little does she know what really happens when you get in a car with a stranger.
An exciting novel that really captures how teenagers think in these situations. When something tragic happens in a situation that you shouldn't have been in to begin with makes you feel like it was your fault. Morgan is so concerned that her parents will be more furious at her for being irresponsible for taking the car, going to a party, not charging her cell phone, and mot importantly, getting in a car with a stranger. When her dog comes up missing is when she finally admits to herself and her best friend that maybe she can't fix this without dealing with the authorities and her parents.
This book made me think of myself and all the trouble I've gotten into in my teenage years. I was in a similar situation with Morgan where I thought that because I had turned into a victim in a place where I shouldn't have been, that somehow made it my fault. It's not. If you are a victim of a crime it doesn't matter that you were drinking underage, or asking a stranger for a ride, you are a victim none the less.
A stranger offers to help her but she refuses at first, remembering all that her parents taught her about talking to strangers. As he comes back a second time to offer her some assistance, she finally gives in after being on the side of the road with a dead cell phone for over an hour. Little does she know what really happens when you get in a car with a stranger.
An exciting novel that really captures how teenagers think in these situations. When something tragic happens in a situation that you shouldn't have been in to begin with makes you feel like it was your fault. Morgan is so concerned that her parents will be more furious at her for being irresponsible for taking the car, going to a party, not charging her cell phone, and mot importantly, getting in a car with a stranger. When her dog comes up missing is when she finally admits to herself and her best friend that maybe she can't fix this without dealing with the authorities and her parents.
This book made me think of myself and all the trouble I've gotten into in my teenage years. I was in a similar situation with Morgan where I thought that because I had turned into a victim in a place where I shouldn't have been, that somehow made it my fault. It's not. If you are a victim of a crime it doesn't matter that you were drinking underage, or asking a stranger for a ride, you are a victim none the less.
October 13, 2013
The only reason why I carried on reading this book was to see how far the heroine would take it. It being "stupidity" and in this regard the book was exceptional.
I doubt it was intended as such but the book is the "perfect" cautionary tale! And thats the sole reason why it gets 2 stars instead of one.
Do no follow strangers
Do tell the police if something horrible happens to you
Do not go to the stranger's house to find out where his ex-girlfriend's body lies.
Yes...I know that teens are thrill-chasers but she has no common sense whatsoever.
Another major weakness of the book is the weak characterization:
The only character that I liked was the brother of her would-be abductor. He was just a kid but very courageous (albeit also stupid sometimes)
Her parents were non-existent, except for the moments when she would explain how difficult her relationship to her mother was.
Her boyfriend was useless. The only thing I could feel in their relationship is that they wanted to have sex.
And I found that there was way too much drama going on at times. I mean how many times can one be assaulted anyway?
The end was also boring
The guy confessed just like that...I mean the scene happened offscreen the heroine was just told about it.
I never got why she was attacked by her abductor's friends. Maybe it was explained and I missed it or maybe it wasn't (Loose end?)
I do not care enough to read it again.
I doubt it was intended as such but the book is the "perfect" cautionary tale! And thats the sole reason why it gets 2 stars instead of one.
Do no follow strangers
Do tell the police if something horrible happens to you
Do not go to the stranger's house to find out where his ex-girlfriend's body lies.
Yes...I know that teens are thrill-chasers but she has no common sense whatsoever.
Another major weakness of the book is the weak characterization:
The only character that I liked was the brother of her would-be abductor. He was just a kid but very courageous (albeit also stupid sometimes)
Her parents were non-existent, except for the moments when she would explain how difficult her relationship to her mother was.
Her boyfriend was useless. The only thing I could feel in their relationship is that they wanted to have sex.
And I found that there was way too much drama going on at times. I mean how many times can one be assaulted anyway?
The end was also boring
The guy confessed just like that...I mean the scene happened offscreen the heroine was just told about it.
I never got why she was attacked by her abductor's friends. Maybe it was explained and I missed it or maybe it wasn't (Loose end?)
I do not care enough to read it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2012
"In the hands of these two guys, I could disappear."
These words sum up the emotion of this short, action-packed, highly believable story. Morgan, an average teenage girl who is driving her mother's car to a party, is attacked by a man who claims she is his missing ex-girlfriend Caroline. She escapes, but he continues to reach out to her and scare her. Morgan is smart and she has a good head on her shoulders, but there is only so much a teenage girl can do to save herself from a madman.
I liked this book because it showed a realistic portrayal of a strong, smart girl who wanted to protect herself, her dog, and her loved ones from someone who wanted to hurt her, but still felt the confusing shame a girl feels after being a victim of assault. I loved the depiction of Morgan's relationships, especially with her best friend Traci and her aunt Rory, and her talk with her mother at the end had me in tears! This is a good story for girls who have been attacked because it is realistic and is about emotions rather than violence. Definitely worth the read!
These words sum up the emotion of this short, action-packed, highly believable story. Morgan, an average teenage girl who is driving her mother's car to a party, is attacked by a man who claims she is his missing ex-girlfriend Caroline. She escapes, but he continues to reach out to her and scare her. Morgan is smart and she has a good head on her shoulders, but there is only so much a teenage girl can do to save herself from a madman.
I liked this book because it showed a realistic portrayal of a strong, smart girl who wanted to protect herself, her dog, and her loved ones from someone who wanted to hurt her, but still felt the confusing shame a girl feels after being a victim of assault. I loved the depiction of Morgan's relationships, especially with her best friend Traci and her aunt Rory, and her talk with her mother at the end had me in tears! This is a good story for girls who have been attacked because it is realistic and is about emotions rather than violence. Definitely worth the read!
January 22, 2016
Run Like Hell is a relatively quick read, and the author kept my interest in this stalker YA novel, but it needed structural editing. Not just to pick up some errors and clunky narrative, but to help fine tune the story.
Of course, being a thriller, you expect there to be those "don't go in there" moments; however, the main character in Run Like Hell took dumb to a whole new level. This made her a fairly annoying protagonist. Lots of reader face palming going on.
Keeping in mind that this book is narrated by the aforementioned dumb teen, her voice was way too mature. Morgan acted like a teen, but "sounded" like a 30-year-old.
This kept the reader from ever really believing the story.
With fine tuning, this could have been a really good book. The bones are all there. As is, it's not bad, but not great either, and It all wrapped up way too suddenly. The suspense ebbed and flowed throughput the story--mainly ebbed, right to the no-surprise ending.
The author has talent, but like this story, it needs a bit of polish to shine.
Of course, being a thriller, you expect there to be those "don't go in there" moments; however, the main character in Run Like Hell took dumb to a whole new level. This made her a fairly annoying protagonist. Lots of reader face palming going on.
Keeping in mind that this book is narrated by the aforementioned dumb teen, her voice was way too mature. Morgan acted like a teen, but "sounded" like a 30-year-old.
This kept the reader from ever really believing the story.
With fine tuning, this could have been a really good book. The bones are all there. As is, it's not bad, but not great either, and It all wrapped up way too suddenly. The suspense ebbed and flowed throughput the story--mainly ebbed, right to the no-surprise ending.
The author has talent, but like this story, it needs a bit of polish to shine.
August 4, 2014
I loved the way the book started and the basic storyline. Other than some typical misspelling and grammar problems it was well-written until the end. Then it felt like the author has a certain number of pages she could write and had to wrap it up before she exceeded that number. There were too many things left unfinished and then the villain gives up without a whimper. This had the potential of being a really great story but it fell flat. Also, another reviewer mentioned all the mistakes the heroine continues to make. I realize she is just a teenager but having her learn a little from her mistakes instead of making the same childish ones over and over would have made for a better read. I hope the author does better next time. She has talent; just needs a little work
March 16, 2015
It's more of a 3.5 for this short story; the were definitely some parts that were suspenseful and then there were parts were I was like ok get on with it, were is the story going. Of course, there are some parts were I was like "I think something is about to happen" and then something did. The ending could've been better to but I guess the story had to end at some point.
Lesson learned is to absolutely under no circumstances no matter how much the person seems nice/harmless do you get in a vehicle with them. Rather to take punishment from your parents than to risk being abducted or what have you.
Lesson learned is to absolutely under no circumstances no matter how much the person seems nice/harmless do you get in a vehicle with them. Rather to take punishment from your parents than to risk being abducted or what have you.
November 8, 2013
On her way to a party, 17year old Morgan ran out of gas. Stranded in the middle of nowhere, she's faced with a choice; walk to a gas station and miss the party, or flag down a car and get a ride. Morgan takes the ride, but it isn't long before it becomes clear that getting into a car with a stranger was a bad idea.
This book was really interesting and the opening had me on the edge of my seat. A great story about a girl and the consequences of making a bad decision.
Overall, the story was fascinating. There were a few places that felt weak and felt like nothing was happening, but mostly it was a very thrilling read.
Great for those looking for a light thriller to read.
This book was really interesting and the opening had me on the edge of my seat. A great story about a girl and the consequences of making a bad decision.
Overall, the story was fascinating. There were a few places that felt weak and felt like nothing was happening, but mostly it was a very thrilling read.
Great for those looking for a light thriller to read.
May 29, 2012
The blurb for Run Like Hell grabbed me more than the cover did. The cover it’s cool, but something about the blurb really hooked me and I knew that this was going to be a book that I needed to read. Run Like Hell isn’t a YA paranormal story, but a really gripping YA story.
Review originally posted at Step Into Fiction
Review completed by: Ashley
Review originally posted at Step Into Fiction
Review completed by: Ashley
August 3, 2016
The main character was one of the stupidest I've come across (she's one of those girls who would run upstairs in a horror movie I suspect) and as such she is frustrating. I find it hard to believe that there are girls like this but my friend assures me that her teen sister is on par with this. Howe ever half way through she and the book improves. I wasn't entirely satisfied with the ending and the whole thing felt a bit random, but I enjoyed it for what it was - like a thriller horror movie within a book!
September 29, 2014
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone, the character is stupid and reckless, putting not just herself but her friends and family in danger for the sake of not spending some of her summertime grounded. The only reason I even give it 2* is because I quite liked the writing style and the first half of the book is fairly suspenseful. The second half just becomes ridiculous with the behaviour of Morgan just not making any sense to me whatsoever, even for a 17yr old, she acts more like a 12yr old.
December 7, 2012
This was a good story, but read like an inexperienced author wrote it. It's hard to define what exactly was different that identified it as this, but it was there. I think it was more tell what happened instead of showing what happened.
I enjoyed the story and was compelled to finish it. Because it was $.99 I feel like it was a good deal.
I think the author should continue writing and honing her craft.
I enjoyed the story and was compelled to finish it. Because it was $.99 I feel like it was a good deal.
I think the author should continue writing and honing her craft.
March 6, 2012
This was somewhat entertaining--more of a young adult novel, and quite short--only 114 pages on my nook. It ends rather abruptly. One thing a reader might take away from it is how good it is to have a dog to protect oneself. The main character, Morgan, suffers a lot of physical abuse from a psychopath who confuses her with his former girlfriend. Not many girls have an attractive young aunt who drives a Jaguar.
March 14, 2012
I can’t recommend this book. The writing is clunky and first draftish, which unfortunately takes away from the potential of this story and the ideas and characters that the writer presents. Morgan, the main character, comes across as an adult’s version of a 17 year-old girl, and the whole story is in serious need of another edit and some major excising.
March 23, 2012
Been checking out a lot of books from new authors and here is another winner. Stranded alone in the dark with no car and no phone and no way home...Morgan makes a reckless decision and has to deal with the horrible ramifactions of what she's done. It's a fast paced read that you won't want to put down until the very last page
May 16, 2012
A YA book. The main character was unbelievable to me. I can not imagine anyone making the decisions that she did. The adults in this book acted like they had lobotamies. I do not reccomend this at all. It took me several months to finish this book as I had to repeatly quit reading it due to my frustration.
March 7, 2012
The character weren't strong enough to get real involved into the story. Enough was happening to keep my interested but had a weak ending. I do think it was good for the authors first book and hope she will write more.
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