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Web of Darkness
When the incredibly attractive Benedict befriends Lily online, she is thrilled. He is so much more mature than boys her age and he seems to know exactly how she's feeling. She finds herself opening up to him, telling him things she wouldn't tell anybody else.
And she needs someone to confide in more than ever before as a spate of apparent suicides rocks her school - and her group of friends.
But is Benedict the kind, charming person that he seemed to be initially? Lily soon realises that now, with half our lives spent online, you can be found - even if you try to hide . . .
And she needs someone to confide in more than ever before as a spate of apparent suicides rocks her school - and her group of friends.
But is Benedict the kind, charming person that he seemed to be initially? Lily soon realises that now, with half our lives spent online, you can be found - even if you try to hide . . .
432 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2014
7 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
About the author
Bali Rai
80 books72 followersBali Rai was born in 1971 and grew up in Leicester. As a child, Bali wanted to be a footballer or to write stories. Always an avid reader, he hails Sue Townsend, Douglas Adams and Robert Swindells as his writing heroes. Bali grew up reading Dr Seuss and Meg and Mog and his first book purchase was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. He realised he wasn't good enough to play for Liverpool F.C. and after gaining a politics degree in London he returned to his home city and combined a variety of jobs in pubs and clubs with completing his first novel. Bali set about writing a story he had been thinking about for many years. He wanted to write accessible material for children of all ages and backgrounds and realising there were no British Asian authors writing for children, he saw a gap. Bali hopes his novels capture the unique ethnic mix of the UK, of which he is proud to be a part.
Bali writes stories inspired by his working class Punjabi/Sikh background, but his aim was always that his writing should be enjoyed by readers everywhere, irrespective of class or culture. His has the ability to tackle the harsh realities of growing up in the UK and blend this with humour and often a overriding optimism. Bali visits schools and libraries in every major UK city, averaging 70 school and library events a year.
His first book, (un)arranged marriage, created a huge amount of interest and won many awards, including the Angus Book Award and the Leicester Book of the Year. It was also shortlisted for the prestigious Branford Boase first novel award. Rani and Sukh and The Whisper were both shortlisted for the Booktrust Teenage Prize.
All of Bali’s teen titles have been short-listed for awards across the UK, including twice making the Booktrust Teenage Prize shortlist. His third novel Rani and Sukh has represented the UK at the International IBBY awards and this title has its own Facebook tribute group set up by fans. Bali’s first three novels appear in The Ultimate Teenage Book Guide. Bali also writes shorter novels for Barrington Stoke, his first book, Dream On, was selected for the Booktrust’s inaugural Booked Up list. He also writes the hugely popular Soccer Squad series for younger readers.
Bali writes stories inspired by his working class Punjabi/Sikh background, but his aim was always that his writing should be enjoyed by readers everywhere, irrespective of class or culture. His has the ability to tackle the harsh realities of growing up in the UK and blend this with humour and often a overriding optimism. Bali visits schools and libraries in every major UK city, averaging 70 school and library events a year.
His first book, (un)arranged marriage, created a huge amount of interest and won many awards, including the Angus Book Award and the Leicester Book of the Year. It was also shortlisted for the prestigious Branford Boase first novel award. Rani and Sukh and The Whisper were both shortlisted for the Booktrust Teenage Prize.
All of Bali’s teen titles have been short-listed for awards across the UK, including twice making the Booktrust Teenage Prize shortlist. His third novel Rani and Sukh has represented the UK at the International IBBY awards and this title has its own Facebook tribute group set up by fans. Bali’s first three novels appear in The Ultimate Teenage Book Guide. Bali also writes shorter novels for Barrington Stoke, his first book, Dream On, was selected for the Booktrust’s inaugural Booked Up list. He also writes the hugely popular Soccer Squad series for younger readers.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 48 reviews
July 22, 2017
Trigger warnings: suicide, fat phobia, homophobia, seriously you guys there is just SO MUCH fat phobia in this book, body shaming, bullying,
So the gist of this book is that a group of teens are basically being harassed online by someone they think is their internet BFF. Harassed to the point of killing themselves. But are they REALLY killing themselves or is their internet BFF closer than they think?
Look, there's a lot of stuff in here that's good for teenagers to know about. The dangers of accepting random friend requests. The fact that the internet is forever. The idea that just because adults are old and boring doesn't mean they don't know what the fuck they're talking about when they discuss online safety. And I appreciated the fact that a) it's set in Leicester because there are so few UK books set outside of London, and b) the narrator is Asian (which I use in the British sense, not in the rest of the planet sense, as that's how she refers to herself).
HOWEVER.
This felt...heavy handed. I guessed who the villain was preeeeeeetty early on in the story. Like, basically the first time they appeared on the page, I was like "Oop. A wild villain appears..." So. There's that.
And, like, I know teenagers are by and large not the most common sense laden of creatures, but the fact that her internet BFF uses BRITISH SLANG ALL THE FUCKING TIME and Lily still doesn't twig that he's not a male model from New York just made me want to slam my head into a table. Find me an American male model who would say "Babe, you're well fit" in conversation and I will eat my hat. I don't have a hat. But I'll find one and eat it if you can find me an American who casually drops that into conversation without thinking about it. The cast of Love Island or Ex On the Beach? Yes. Definitely. An American? LOL NOPE.
But far and away the biggest problem I had with this was the mentions of Lily's weight. It's discussed like she's the fattest fat girl of ever. She talks about her thunder thighs and her double chins and how big her belly and her butt are. She says that she can barely buy underwear any more because she's soooooo fat. Her friends are all "Nooo, you're more than just your thunder thighs!". And then she casually drops into the conversation that she's a UK size 12??????
That's an Australian size 10. A US size 8. I know that teenage girls have body image issues. Believe me, I know. I was the fattest girl in my year level up until year 11 when someone larger than me transferred to our school.
But FUCK RIGHT OFF with this much fat shaming around a character that size. Basically the second I read the mention of her size after that much fat shaming, I was like "Yeeeeah, this author is a dude". I was not wrong. And it was basically used as a way of Lily falling for Benedict online because, like, she's fat so obviously all the boys she knows IRL aren't interested in her. *insert eternal eyeroll here*
So yeah. The thriller/mystery side of things? A little heavy handed and predictable, but decent. The main character? A little dense. The fat shaming? CONSTANT AND WHOLLY UNNECESSARY.
So the gist of this book is that a group of teens are basically being harassed online by someone they think is their internet BFF. Harassed to the point of killing themselves. But are they REALLY killing themselves or is their internet BFF closer than they think?
Look, there's a lot of stuff in here that's good for teenagers to know about. The dangers of accepting random friend requests. The fact that the internet is forever. The idea that just because adults are old and boring doesn't mean they don't know what the fuck they're talking about when they discuss online safety. And I appreciated the fact that a) it's set in Leicester because there are so few UK books set outside of London, and b) the narrator is Asian (which I use in the British sense, not in the rest of the planet sense, as that's how she refers to herself).
HOWEVER.
This felt...heavy handed. I guessed who the villain was preeeeeeetty early on in the story. Like, basically the first time they appeared on the page, I was like "Oop. A wild villain appears..." So. There's that.
And, like, I know teenagers are by and large not the most common sense laden of creatures, but the fact that her internet BFF uses BRITISH SLANG ALL THE FUCKING TIME and Lily still doesn't twig that he's not a male model from New York just made me want to slam my head into a table. Find me an American male model who would say "Babe, you're well fit" in conversation and I will eat my hat. I don't have a hat. But I'll find one and eat it if you can find me an American who casually drops that into conversation without thinking about it. The cast of Love Island or Ex On the Beach? Yes. Definitely. An American? LOL NOPE.
But far and away the biggest problem I had with this was the mentions of Lily's weight. It's discussed like she's the fattest fat girl of ever. She talks about her thunder thighs and her double chins and how big her belly and her butt are. She says that she can barely buy underwear any more because she's soooooo fat. Her friends are all "Nooo, you're more than just your thunder thighs!". And then she casually drops into the conversation that she's a UK size 12??????
That's an Australian size 10. A US size 8. I know that teenage girls have body image issues. Believe me, I know. I was the fattest girl in my year level up until year 11 when someone larger than me transferred to our school.
But FUCK RIGHT OFF with this much fat shaming around a character that size. Basically the second I read the mention of her size after that much fat shaming, I was like "Yeeeeah, this author is a dude". I was not wrong. And it was basically used as a way of Lily falling for Benedict online because, like, she's fat so obviously all the boys she knows IRL aren't interested in her. *insert eternal eyeroll here*
So yeah. The thriller/mystery side of things? A little heavy handed and predictable, but decent. The main character? A little dense. The fat shaming? CONSTANT AND WHOLLY UNNECESSARY.
June 6, 2014
This is scary stuff! So creepy & gritty I found it so hard to put this down for even a second and finally by 2am this morning I was done!
Lily is a great character and the story carries you through her emotions brilliantly from start to finish. I loved Kane and willed him and Lily to get together - their tension and will they/won't they storyline added to the suspense. I found The Spider to be so disturbing mainly because of the fact that he does what he does - ruining lives - just because he can and not for any real enjoyment or financial gain. I kind of guessed who The Other was but there was so much tension and so many other misleading threads that I wasn't entirely convinced about my choice until the very end. I really felt for Tilly, I wanted so much for her to realize what was happening and listen to Lily's warnings. What I was a little disappointed in was the fact that the bullies in Lily's class didn't really get punished enough for their part in the deaths as I really wanted them to suffer, I felt that strongly towards them.
All in all this is a great suspenseful read. I love Un-arranged Marriage and Rani & Sukh and this has the same memorable writing style but with an underlying darkness which keeps you reading frantically until you finish the very last word! I have passed this straight on to a colleague this morning as I had to share this book immediately!
Lily is a great character and the story carries you through her emotions brilliantly from start to finish. I loved Kane and willed him and Lily to get together - their tension and will they/won't they storyline added to the suspense. I found The Spider to be so disturbing mainly because of the fact that he does what he does - ruining lives - just because he can and not for any real enjoyment or financial gain. I kind of guessed who The Other was but there was so much tension and so many other misleading threads that I wasn't entirely convinced about my choice until the very end. I really felt for Tilly, I wanted so much for her to realize what was happening and listen to Lily's warnings. What I was a little disappointed in was the fact that the bullies in Lily's class didn't really get punished enough for their part in the deaths as I really wanted them to suffer, I felt that strongly towards them.
All in all this is a great suspenseful read. I love Un-arranged Marriage and Rani & Sukh and this has the same memorable writing style but with an underlying darkness which keeps you reading frantically until you finish the very last word! I have passed this straight on to a colleague this morning as I had to share this book immediately!
October 30, 2014
I absolutely love this book!! My new favourite!
I read this book as part of the Carnegie that my school reading group has been shadowing. I loved it. I loved the mystery and the way that all of the characters were so brilliantly written and so involved in the plot. The way that you can't expect what is about to happen next makes it difficult to put down! (Probably the reason I read it in a matter of days!) would definitely recommend this book! Full of shockers and keeps you gripped from beginning to end! One of the best I have ever read and the creepiest and most cleverly written I can think of! 5 star
I read this book as part of the Carnegie that my school reading group has been shadowing. I loved it. I loved the mystery and the way that all of the characters were so brilliantly written and so involved in the plot. The way that you can't expect what is about to happen next makes it difficult to put down! (Probably the reason I read it in a matter of days!) would definitely recommend this book! Full of shockers and keeps you gripped from beginning to end! One of the best I have ever read and the creepiest and most cleverly written I can think of! 5 star
May 8, 2017
Dark, twisted, raw and very VERY important. This book should be read by all teenagers / young adults. It's laced with so much frightful reality when it comes to protecting our identities online. I literally whipped through the story. Barely noticed the pages flipping by, I was so immersed. The characters were very true to that of kids at school. They spoke like them. They behaved like them. And they were cruel like them. I'd read the snippets of 'chat' between Lily and her online friend Benedict and my head would be screaming DON'T LISTEN TO HIM! DON'T DO IT, LIL! YOU'RE TOO SMART FOR THIS! And the ending. My. My. Worth the build up. Please DO pick up this book. It's essential. It's powerful. It'll grip you by the throat.
February 16, 2015
This book is aimed at young adults but to be honest is relevant to everyone who uses the internet whatever your age it is a really thought provoking book!
The story revolves around a group of normal teenagers going about their lives as usual, as everyone knows modern technology plays a huge part nowadays in the life of teenagers, Facebook, snap chat, web cams, smart phones , x boxes you name it teenagers will be attached to them almost as if it is part of their bodies. This is a tale of how things can go drastically wrong, how you are virtually powerless to stop cybercrime, that’s why the story is as horrific as it could happen to anyone, any age, any time!
The main characters are two girls Lilly and Tilly, best friends, partners in crime, closer than sisters. They confide in each other about everything, the trouble starts when an unknown boy sends a friends request to Lilly on Facebook she accepts and starts chatting away to this boy who seems very understanding and in tune with her feelings... One of the girls in the group is being bullied merciless by the other girls in the group basically for being fat; a nasty web site is set up so the bullying can continue via the internet. The girl reaches the end of her tether, but then suddenly strange things start to happen involving other members of the group and secrets start to be kept from each other. Lilly is really shocked to find out that Tilly is seeing an older man whose identity she will not reveal; she herself is also having trouble with the unknown boy she has friended whose behaviour and comments have given her cause for concern.
This is a very dark book and very frightening it deals with teenagers angst, body insecurities, jealousies, bullying and how it is for teenagers growing up in today’s cyber world. A lot of teenagers have in real life discovered the dark side of the internet to their cost and a lot of lives have been lost through it, so the climax to this book although horrific is sadly a true picture for many in today’s society.
The story revolves around a group of normal teenagers going about their lives as usual, as everyone knows modern technology plays a huge part nowadays in the life of teenagers, Facebook, snap chat, web cams, smart phones , x boxes you name it teenagers will be attached to them almost as if it is part of their bodies. This is a tale of how things can go drastically wrong, how you are virtually powerless to stop cybercrime, that’s why the story is as horrific as it could happen to anyone, any age, any time!
The main characters are two girls Lilly and Tilly, best friends, partners in crime, closer than sisters. They confide in each other about everything, the trouble starts when an unknown boy sends a friends request to Lilly on Facebook she accepts and starts chatting away to this boy who seems very understanding and in tune with her feelings... One of the girls in the group is being bullied merciless by the other girls in the group basically for being fat; a nasty web site is set up so the bullying can continue via the internet. The girl reaches the end of her tether, but then suddenly strange things start to happen involving other members of the group and secrets start to be kept from each other. Lilly is really shocked to find out that Tilly is seeing an older man whose identity she will not reveal; she herself is also having trouble with the unknown boy she has friended whose behaviour and comments have given her cause for concern.
This is a very dark book and very frightening it deals with teenagers angst, body insecurities, jealousies, bullying and how it is for teenagers growing up in today’s cyber world. A lot of teenagers have in real life discovered the dark side of the internet to their cost and a lot of lives have been lost through it, so the climax to this book although horrific is sadly a true picture for many in today’s society.
February 9, 2017
I enjoyed this book. I liked most of the characters, and especially liked that, by and large, our protagonist Lily was pretty grounded and sensible and didn't let herself be drawn into the darkness despite her insecurities. Kane was a refreshing love interest; I loved how switched on he was about Internet safety (when all the other characters weren't!). I also liked that it was set in Leicester and had a multicultural suite of characters; this is pretty rare in YA - writers often seem to include one or two token characters of other backgrounds and that's it.
I haven't rated this more highly for two reasons. One is that I didn't feel the chapters from the Spider and Other's points of view worked; they often repeated themselves and I actually think the plot would have worked more effectively had we known less about the villains. If there had been, say, four or so Spider chapters for me it would have worked so much better; there were just too many, and it was pretty jarring to then switch back to Lily's narrative.
The second thing I didn't like was how the book in the latter hald spiralled into a fairly stock thriller (such as - mild spoiler - Lily's mum being ambushed). That just didn't feel as scary and realisitic as the book felt earlier on. I also wasn't convinced that an online predator would overstep the mark into "real life" like this; however much Lily had annoyed them they would more likely just move on. It also felt a little jarring how rooted in school the novel was; while this is realistic, somehow it just instantly makes things feel more juvenile.
I'd also have liked more information in places, such as into Tilly's background. I wasn't quite convinced her her "secret"; she hadn't been presented as the kind of character who would do what she did and fall out with Lily over it, so I required a bit more information there.
My negative points are largely personal and this was by and large a good read, especially the first half.
I haven't rated this more highly for two reasons. One is that I didn't feel the chapters from the Spider and Other's points of view worked; they often repeated themselves and I actually think the plot would have worked more effectively had we known less about the villains. If there had been, say, four or so Spider chapters for me it would have worked so much better; there were just too many, and it was pretty jarring to then switch back to Lily's narrative.
The second thing I didn't like was how the book in the latter hald spiralled into a fairly stock thriller (such as - mild spoiler - Lily's mum being ambushed). That just didn't feel as scary and realisitic as the book felt earlier on. I also wasn't convinced that an online predator would overstep the mark into "real life" like this; however much Lily had annoyed them they would more likely just move on. It also felt a little jarring how rooted in school the novel was; while this is realistic, somehow it just instantly makes things feel more juvenile.
I'd also have liked more information in places, such as into Tilly's background. I wasn't quite convinced her her "secret"; she hadn't been presented as the kind of character who would do what she did and fall out with Lily over it, so I required a bit more information there.
My negative points are largely personal and this was by and large a good read, especially the first half.
October 14, 2016
The ending of this is brutal!
Although this book is aimed at teenagers, it cut really deep with me because the thought of teenagers being lured into suicide online is scary and not unheard of. This book will keep you guessing until the very end and even when you find out who the culprit is...there's a twist in the tale.
Very easy to read, a tad juvenile in parts (but like I say, it is aimed at teenagers) but thoroughly enjoyable. This creepy thriller is truly terrifying in parts!!
Although this book is aimed at teenagers, it cut really deep with me because the thought of teenagers being lured into suicide online is scary and not unheard of. This book will keep you guessing until the very end and even when you find out who the culprit is...there's a twist in the tale.
Very easy to read, a tad juvenile in parts (but like I say, it is aimed at teenagers) but thoroughly enjoyable. This creepy thriller is truly terrifying in parts!!
July 6, 2014
A brilliant phyco logical thriller for young adults! Brilliant for page one the author has you gripped and you can't seem to put it down! Mind blowing and unique. The author uses subjects that teenaged and even myself can connect with and question our own lives and the story builds, and the horror reveals itself. Brilliant
September 25, 2014
Fabulous read, even if so it is dark. A warning for people and especially younger readers not to click 'yes' on Facebook requests without knowing the person.
Had me from page 1...
Very well written, well done Bali Rai !
Had me from page 1...
Very well written, well done Bali Rai !
October 30, 2014
Very frightening but should be read by all teenagers (and probably adults too). A shocking example of how easy it is to infiltrate somebodies life. A fantastic ending as well.
November 4, 2015
Brilliant book
July 17, 2019
Web of Darkness it targeted at a considerably younger audience than me, and I doubt that I ever would have found this book had Bali Rai not visited the school I was working in at the time. However, I’m glad that I met Bali and found this book. It’s a great read, no matter what age you are. I also got a signed copy, which makes it even more exciting!
What I like: Firstly, I have to say that Web of Darkness is a must-read for all young people – and some of the older generation – online. You never do truly know who you’re talking to or what their true purpose is. It’s an eye-opener, especially to those who might think they’re invincible.
Lily is a relatable character with all the insecurities of most young women at her age. She was a delight to follow throughout the book, even when you as a reader know that she’s being extremely naïve and, at times, foolish. Bali Rai definitely knows how to write a character that you’ll love.
I liked the fact that we could see things from the Spider’s point of view. The Spider is the man sending all the messages to the teenagers – the one who sets the children up for the child predator. It gives a good insight into how online hackers work, and how they can find your information so easily on social media and online in general. It really makes you think twice about what you put online!
I thought I’d figured out who the predator was, but Bali was clever and dropped a few red herrings in there. I didn’t guess correctly. I wasn’t even close. I like it when I can’t figure out who the bad guy is. Well done Bali, well done.
The book deals with themes that some may find a little disturbing: suicide, paedophilia, murder, child exploitation. But these are all things that everyone needs to be aware of online. It was all dealt with delicately, and although we all like a happy ending, I appreciated that Web of Darkness had a ‘real’ ending. Stories like this happen in real life. A happy ending just wouldn’t have done the book justice.
What I didn’t like: I found the book a little slow to begin with, but as soon as Lily began to figure things out, the pace quickened, and I didn’t want to put it down. It took a while though, with a lot of frustration from me about how Lily couldn’t see what was happening to her. It made for difficult reading at times, but this is the only negative.
As I read Web of Darkness, some distant memories came back to me about my time as a teenager on MSN Messenger. That was the original Facebook Messenger/ Whatsapp, but it was limited to the PC, not portable like everything nowadays. (Man, I feel old.) Although I can’t remember specifics, I’m sure I used to speak to people that I didn’t know personally. I don’t think anything was as sinister as the events of this book, but it scares me to think that it could have been.
Web of Darkness really is a great read for all young people on social media. If you’ve got kids, give them this book. You never know, it might make them think twice about accepting that new friend request.
What I like: Firstly, I have to say that Web of Darkness is a must-read for all young people – and some of the older generation – online. You never do truly know who you’re talking to or what their true purpose is. It’s an eye-opener, especially to those who might think they’re invincible.
Lily is a relatable character with all the insecurities of most young women at her age. She was a delight to follow throughout the book, even when you as a reader know that she’s being extremely naïve and, at times, foolish. Bali Rai definitely knows how to write a character that you’ll love.
I liked the fact that we could see things from the Spider’s point of view. The Spider is the man sending all the messages to the teenagers – the one who sets the children up for the child predator. It gives a good insight into how online hackers work, and how they can find your information so easily on social media and online in general. It really makes you think twice about what you put online!
I thought I’d figured out who the predator was, but Bali was clever and dropped a few red herrings in there. I didn’t guess correctly. I wasn’t even close. I like it when I can’t figure out who the bad guy is. Well done Bali, well done.
The book deals with themes that some may find a little disturbing: suicide, paedophilia, murder, child exploitation. But these are all things that everyone needs to be aware of online. It was all dealt with delicately, and although we all like a happy ending, I appreciated that Web of Darkness had a ‘real’ ending. Stories like this happen in real life. A happy ending just wouldn’t have done the book justice.
What I didn’t like: I found the book a little slow to begin with, but as soon as Lily began to figure things out, the pace quickened, and I didn’t want to put it down. It took a while though, with a lot of frustration from me about how Lily couldn’t see what was happening to her. It made for difficult reading at times, but this is the only negative.
As I read Web of Darkness, some distant memories came back to me about my time as a teenager on MSN Messenger. That was the original Facebook Messenger/ Whatsapp, but it was limited to the PC, not portable like everything nowadays. (Man, I feel old.) Although I can’t remember specifics, I’m sure I used to speak to people that I didn’t know personally. I don’t think anything was as sinister as the events of this book, but it scares me to think that it could have been.
Web of Darkness really is a great read for all young people on social media. If you’ve got kids, give them this book. You never know, it might make them think twice about accepting that new friend request.
August 4, 2018
This book was creepy.
It was creepy because you could see it happening and playing out in real life. At times the Spider and his partner were slightly convoluted but apart from that it was like 'woah this could be a thing'.
I actually had the pleasure of meeting Bali and asking him about this book and upon learning about what this book was based upon it made the story somewhat more horrific.
We follow Lily who befriends a stranger online. One by one her friends start committing suicide and she learns that they have all spoken to strangers online. These strangers all happen to be the same one.
Its a perfect premise for a thriller and the book supplies enough red herrings and suspense to keep you hooked. At times it did seem far-fetched and a little silly but the drama of the entire thing stopped your thoughts from straying to such opinions.
The best thing about this book is that we get segments which are dedicated to the Spider (the stranger on the other end of the chats). These sections are haunting, fascinating and keep the suspense going throughout.
There were times when the story dragged and I found it hard to keep focused but other than that I enjoyed the realism of it all. The author uses real places and shops which builds a world your familiar with. This familiarity adds to the idea that you could see all these events unfolding on the local news.
It promotes being safe on the web and thinking twice about talking to strangers which I think is a very good message. After reading this book I did find I was more paranoid about cameras than ever before!
Great little thriller with a cracking ending (won't spoil but its great!) It can be a little silly at times but the drama is fantastic.
It was creepy because you could see it happening and playing out in real life. At times the Spider and his partner were slightly convoluted but apart from that it was like 'woah this could be a thing'.
I actually had the pleasure of meeting Bali and asking him about this book and upon learning about what this book was based upon it made the story somewhat more horrific.
We follow Lily who befriends a stranger online. One by one her friends start committing suicide and she learns that they have all spoken to strangers online. These strangers all happen to be the same one.
Its a perfect premise for a thriller and the book supplies enough red herrings and suspense to keep you hooked. At times it did seem far-fetched and a little silly but the drama of the entire thing stopped your thoughts from straying to such opinions.
The best thing about this book is that we get segments which are dedicated to the Spider (the stranger on the other end of the chats). These sections are haunting, fascinating and keep the suspense going throughout.
There were times when the story dragged and I found it hard to keep focused but other than that I enjoyed the realism of it all. The author uses real places and shops which builds a world your familiar with. This familiarity adds to the idea that you could see all these events unfolding on the local news.
It promotes being safe on the web and thinking twice about talking to strangers which I think is a very good message. After reading this book I did find I was more paranoid about cameras than ever before!
Great little thriller with a cracking ending (won't spoil but its great!) It can be a little silly at times but the drama is fantastic.
March 7, 2020
This is such a raw, unsettling and sinister story of the dangers of the internet and the “spiders” which haunt and prey on vulnerable teenagers. It is really heart-wrenching young adult fiction, closer to adult, and I honestly couldn’t put it down. Bali’s character development is perfect. There is a symbolic, Freudian imagery here too. His depiction of the evil psychopathic Spider, in contrast to the sexual perversions of the OTHER, were like expelled disembodied mirror images. Both criminals are predators, yet they are driven by juxtaposed cruelties in order to hurt people. The Spider, being Joe Spinner the hostile I.T technician at the school, is nihilistically deranged and enjoys manipulating teenagers on the web in his spare time. He tricks his victims into committing suicide because it is senseless fun and gives the Spider power, as he hacks into their lives. The OTHER, his accomplice, is just a pedophile, with desperate money signs in his eyes.
Lily, who is emotionally haunted, tries to find courage within herself, but even in the aftermath she is still outsmarted by the predator- an ugly, haunting reality for victims in real life who have been exploited psychologically, as well as sexually online. Yet the Spider gloats he actually let Lily come out of her shell, through making her suffer.
Bali is a fantastic writer who deserves far more recognition with his raw themes on child exploitation, as well his perceptiveness on the twisted mind of a predator who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
Lily, who is emotionally haunted, tries to find courage within herself, but even in the aftermath she is still outsmarted by the predator- an ugly, haunting reality for victims in real life who have been exploited psychologically, as well as sexually online. Yet the Spider gloats he actually let Lily come out of her shell, through making her suffer.
Bali is a fantastic writer who deserves far more recognition with his raw themes on child exploitation, as well his perceptiveness on the twisted mind of a predator who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2018
If I had to sum it up in one word it would be ‘predictable’. I guessed most of the main features of the novel waaay before they happened and for me, that doesn’t make a good story.
Moreover, the characters all felt rather 2D? Lily felt like she had no real personality and was a myriad of tropes that appeal to younger audiences, rather than an authentic character.
I did enjoy it on the basis that it was a quick easy read that got me out of a reading block but it wasn’t the amazing mystery that I was expecting so it has to be 2.5/5 from me.
Moreover, the characters all felt rather 2D? Lily felt like she had no real personality and was a myriad of tropes that appeal to younger audiences, rather than an authentic character.
I did enjoy it on the basis that it was a quick easy read that got me out of a reading block but it wasn’t the amazing mystery that I was expecting so it has to be 2.5/5 from me.
August 5, 2020
Excellent story and gripped me from start to finish.
Should be compulsory reading in all schools.
I do IT support for a living and come across hacked passwords into social media accounts all the time, mostly due to guessable passwords and far too much information being put into tweets and posts for whoever might be interested.
Reading this just might make people think twice about what they put on their pages and who they befriend, and what they use as their passwords
Should be compulsory reading in all schools.
I do IT support for a living and come across hacked passwords into social media accounts all the time, mostly due to guessable passwords and far too much information being put into tweets and posts for whoever might be interested.
Reading this just might make people think twice about what they put on their pages and who they befriend, and what they use as their passwords
September 26, 2020
I honestly don’t know how I feel about it. I mean it’s scary to think that people are hacking your computers and monitoring you though your webcam but I needed more. I like that the book kept me wanting to read more but I was kind of disappointed in the end but sometimes that’s what makes it good, I guess?
January 4, 2021
PLEASE MAKE THIS INTO A MOVIE, I'M BEGGING YOU
Read
August 9, 2022
Trigger & Content Warnings
Fatmisia & body shaming
Queermisia
Teacher-student relationship
Suicide
Bullying
Fatmisia & body shaming
Queermisia
Teacher-student relationship
Suicide
Bullying
January 17, 2023
Just great honestly. From start to finish I was engaged throughout (despite some slower points), I really enjoyed the book overall and the plot twist had me shocked.
March 12, 2017
My first time reading a book by this author. The premise intrigued me because it has to do with the internet and reliance in technology. The teen issues and suicide were another factor that added to my interest.
Lily Basra is an ordinary girl living in the suburbs of Leicester UK. She is insecure about how she looks, has a close group of friends she hangs out with, crushes on her long time friend and like everyone her age, is crazy about social media. Social media is a way of life for young people. Shown aptly in the book and in real life. She is a nice girl and her best friend Tilly stands up for the ones who get bullied.
One day, Lily gets a friend request from a hot guy living in New York City. She only sees an image of him and in a rush of excitement, accepts without much thought to who he really is. Scarily, I think this is something most people do as well. They just judge the image even though they do not know the person. It gives them a thrill I suppose. Lily discovers how dangerous this can be.
She confinds in him about the recent suicide of a girl at her school. He seems to understand her very well and she opens up to him about how she feels. Honestly, as I read their messages I rolled my eyes at how "Benedict" speaks to Lily. It is so fake and ass kissing. Lily falls for it though. In a way, I was annoyed by her naiveness but I could understand why she was so smitten. Everyone wants to matter and when they are shown that they are by someone, anyone will revel in it.
Things start to go downhill from there. Another suicide occurs and this time it is close to home, Benedict starts acting weird and a series of events do not match up. Soon, Lily's life is turned upside down just because she accepeted a friend request. Sinister things unfild as well.
I think this book deals with mature and dark themes. However, I feel that every young person should read this. It shows how much we rely on technology and how it is used to take bullying and shaming of others to the next level.
What is worse is this can be anonymous. You will not know whom are the people you speak to online. Someone could hack into your account and do terrible things. All these situations occurred in the book and while they were scary. What was even more frightening is how real it could be. It could happen to anyone because they were not careful online.
Through this book, readers will realize how easy it can be to bully someone online by just leaving a comment. Hopefully this makes everyone more aware of when not to cross the line. Other themes are sex scandals where videos of people doing lurid acts are put online for all to see, a teenager-adult relationship, the humiliation of having your dirty secrets revealed online and suicide which is a heavy topic. Many of the themes here are not easy to tackle and even harder to write about.
It also explores the different kinds of characters and how they ended up in bad situations. From being humiliated to dying. From the girl who has always wanted to be popular to the gay boy to the boy with a dirty secret and then the girl who has a secret relationship with an older man. What leads them to make bad choices and why they are the way they are. The diversity and realistic feel to the characters was great because in some way, small or big. The reader could relate to how they feel.
Lily may be naive at times but she surprised me with her level headedness and how sensible she could be when put under pressure. She might be concious of her looks but she has a right head on her shoulders. I like how she has the support of Kane and her mother. It was nice to know Kane felt the same about her. Danny did not have a big role but his character was not quiet even though he was gay. I liked him.
The story is told from two povs: Lily's and The Spider's who is the mastermind of every bad thing that occurs in the book. The author made an interesting move to reveal more to the reader than her MC. I was in suspense wondering when Lily would discover the truth and hatching suspicions of my own. I had theories as to how the story would go and could not put the book down.
Some scenes are disturbing such as the hanging scenes and implied rape scene. When Lily gets creepy messages I could just feel her fear and paranoia. The tension was taut. My heart went out to Lily during many points in the book. The thing is, when you do something there will be consequences. No matter what. You have to be ready to deal with it and learn.
The ending was not what I expected. A little unrealistic but scary all the same. The author did an excellent job and I loved reading this.
I think after reading this, anyone who has a computer with a webcam in their room will think twice.
Highly recommeded.
Lily Basra is an ordinary girl living in the suburbs of Leicester UK. She is insecure about how she looks, has a close group of friends she hangs out with, crushes on her long time friend and like everyone her age, is crazy about social media. Social media is a way of life for young people. Shown aptly in the book and in real life. She is a nice girl and her best friend Tilly stands up for the ones who get bullied.
One day, Lily gets a friend request from a hot guy living in New York City. She only sees an image of him and in a rush of excitement, accepts without much thought to who he really is. Scarily, I think this is something most people do as well. They just judge the image even though they do not know the person. It gives them a thrill I suppose. Lily discovers how dangerous this can be.
She confinds in him about the recent suicide of a girl at her school. He seems to understand her very well and she opens up to him about how she feels. Honestly, as I read their messages I rolled my eyes at how "Benedict" speaks to Lily. It is so fake and ass kissing. Lily falls for it though. In a way, I was annoyed by her naiveness but I could understand why she was so smitten. Everyone wants to matter and when they are shown that they are by someone, anyone will revel in it.
Things start to go downhill from there. Another suicide occurs and this time it is close to home, Benedict starts acting weird and a series of events do not match up. Soon, Lily's life is turned upside down just because she accepeted a friend request. Sinister things unfild as well.
I think this book deals with mature and dark themes. However, I feel that every young person should read this. It shows how much we rely on technology and how it is used to take bullying and shaming of others to the next level.
What is worse is this can be anonymous. You will not know whom are the people you speak to online. Someone could hack into your account and do terrible things. All these situations occurred in the book and while they were scary. What was even more frightening is how real it could be. It could happen to anyone because they were not careful online.
Through this book, readers will realize how easy it can be to bully someone online by just leaving a comment. Hopefully this makes everyone more aware of when not to cross the line. Other themes are sex scandals where videos of people doing lurid acts are put online for all to see, a teenager-adult relationship, the humiliation of having your dirty secrets revealed online and suicide which is a heavy topic. Many of the themes here are not easy to tackle and even harder to write about.
It also explores the different kinds of characters and how they ended up in bad situations. From being humiliated to dying. From the girl who has always wanted to be popular to the gay boy to the boy with a dirty secret and then the girl who has a secret relationship with an older man. What leads them to make bad choices and why they are the way they are. The diversity and realistic feel to the characters was great because in some way, small or big. The reader could relate to how they feel.
Lily may be naive at times but she surprised me with her level headedness and how sensible she could be when put under pressure. She might be concious of her looks but she has a right head on her shoulders. I like how she has the support of Kane and her mother. It was nice to know Kane felt the same about her. Danny did not have a big role but his character was not quiet even though he was gay. I liked him.
The story is told from two povs: Lily's and The Spider's who is the mastermind of every bad thing that occurs in the book. The author made an interesting move to reveal more to the reader than her MC. I was in suspense wondering when Lily would discover the truth and hatching suspicions of my own. I had theories as to how the story would go and could not put the book down.
Some scenes are disturbing such as the hanging scenes and implied rape scene. When Lily gets creepy messages I could just feel her fear and paranoia. The tension was taut. My heart went out to Lily during many points in the book. The thing is, when you do something there will be consequences. No matter what. You have to be ready to deal with it and learn.
The ending was not what I expected. A little unrealistic but scary all the same. The author did an excellent job and I loved reading this.
I think after reading this, anyone who has a computer with a webcam in their room will think twice.
Highly recommeded.
November 5, 2021
This book was sooo good to read! If you like mysteries then you will definitely love the book.
February 25, 2017
Never really tried reading a thriller but after reading this, I love it. It keeps you on edge and won't let you put the book down
November 25, 2014
2.5 STARS
This one was such a disappointment! I loved Unarranged Marriage and Killing Honour, and I love thrillers and books about the dangers of the internet, so this should have been amazing. Sadly, despite its long length, it felt rushed (and not in a good, breathless, thriller way), and although I've nothing against plot-driven books, this one sacrificed any character development for its speed and plot. I know Lily dislikes her thighs and hero-worships Tilly, I know Tilly has blonde hair and pointy ears, I know Danny is gay (and rather a stereotype), I know next to nothing about Kane - and these are our main characters! 'Character development' seemed to be just listing their clothes and physical description in one tell-y paragraph.
The ending could have been sensational and creepy, a la Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas, but it was just a bit of a let down.
Things I did like: The Spider's POV chapters - soooo creepy. The involvement of the police - so many YA and kids' books tend to skirt around the police, with main characters refusing to talk to them or lying. This one got it right. The author's obvious knowledge of the internet and hacking.
I feel awful about writing a bad review for an author I admire so much, though. Sorry Mr Rai! (I'll probably read your next book)
This one was such a disappointment! I loved Unarranged Marriage and Killing Honour, and I love thrillers and books about the dangers of the internet, so this should have been amazing. Sadly, despite its long length, it felt rushed (and not in a good, breathless, thriller way), and although I've nothing against plot-driven books, this one sacrificed any character development for its speed and plot. I know Lily dislikes her thighs and hero-worships Tilly, I know Tilly has blonde hair and pointy ears, I know Danny is gay (and rather a stereotype), I know next to nothing about Kane - and these are our main characters! 'Character development' seemed to be just listing their clothes and physical description in one tell-y paragraph.
The ending could have been sensational and creepy, a la Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas, but it was just a bit of a let down.
Things I did like: The Spider's POV chapters - soooo creepy. The involvement of the police - so many YA and kids' books tend to skirt around the police, with main characters refusing to talk to them or lying. This one got it right. The author's obvious knowledge of the internet and hacking.
I feel awful about writing a bad review for an author I admire so much, though. Sorry Mr Rai! (I'll probably read your next book)
July 1, 2014
Lily is in Year 11, revising for her fast approaching GCSEs, hanging out with her best friend, Tilly, and, like most of her friends, spends much of her time online. When one of her classmates apparently commits suicide after a spate of cyber-bullying and she argues with Tilly over her new boyfriend, an "older" man who Tilly won't talk about, Lily finds her new online friend, Benedict, surprisingly easy to chat to. They seem to have so much in common, he totally understands her and doesn't seem to mind talking about feelings, unlike most of the boys she knows. Then another classmate is found dead ... after another incident of cyberbullying ...
But what Lily doesn't know is that Benedict's persona is a complete lie and she is drawn unwittingly into his deception, putting not only herself but also her mother and Tilly in danger.
This is a tense, mesmerising and gripping book about the dangers of being too trusting online, of posting inappropriate images and the lack of control once information becomes electronic. It deals with both real and cyber bullying around body image and self esteem. Aimed at older readers, this should be read by every young adult to highlight the dangers of social networking and the importance of online security.
But what Lily doesn't know is that Benedict's persona is a complete lie and she is drawn unwittingly into his deception, putting not only herself but also her mother and Tilly in danger.
This is a tense, mesmerising and gripping book about the dangers of being too trusting online, of posting inappropriate images and the lack of control once information becomes electronic. It deals with both real and cyber bullying around body image and self esteem. Aimed at older readers, this should be read by every young adult to highlight the dangers of social networking and the importance of online security.
July 19, 2014
Chilling and gritty insight into the dangers of the Internet and how much our online lives are entangled with our 'off-line' lives.
Lily is a normal teenage girl - she has friends, is approaching her GCSEs, and has an active online life.
She meets a boy on Facebook. His name is Benedict, he's from New York, and he's fit. Better than that, he really seems to get her and is sweet to her, paying her compliments etc. But is he really who he says he is?
In real life, a spate of suicides rocks Lily's schools - all teenagers, all in her year, and all connected with the teenagers' online lives. But are they what they seem? A terrifying predator - 'the Spider' is out there in the dark depths of the Web, using the Internet to access the most intimate feelings and secrets of teenagers and using it to destroy them.
Very very scary book about how easy it is for people to prey on others via the Internet, especially teenagers who aren't too careful with security settings and downloads etc. I liked all the characters - especially Lily and her best friend Tilly and their mate Danny. The bad guy is truly evil and scary.
Haven't read any of Bali Rai's books before but will definitely read some more of his work.
Lily is a normal teenage girl - she has friends, is approaching her GCSEs, and has an active online life.
She meets a boy on Facebook. His name is Benedict, he's from New York, and he's fit. Better than that, he really seems to get her and is sweet to her, paying her compliments etc. But is he really who he says he is?
In real life, a spate of suicides rocks Lily's schools - all teenagers, all in her year, and all connected with the teenagers' online lives. But are they what they seem? A terrifying predator - 'the Spider' is out there in the dark depths of the Web, using the Internet to access the most intimate feelings and secrets of teenagers and using it to destroy them.
Very very scary book about how easy it is for people to prey on others via the Internet, especially teenagers who aren't too careful with security settings and downloads etc. I liked all the characters - especially Lily and her best friend Tilly and their mate Danny. The bad guy is truly evil and scary.
Haven't read any of Bali Rai's books before but will definitely read some more of his work.
October 13, 2014
Having finished reading this book, I have to say I enjoyed every moment of the story, even though it is quite dark. The plot is quite tense, gripping and captivating, theme is popular which you can probably tell from the title; a typical psychological thriller that sends chills down your spine as you read it, and the unexpected ending makes you feel depressed, worried and keep wondering about what will happen to Lily, the protagonist, in her future life.
The story tells you how dangerous it is surfing online and click on ‘yes’ button on the Facebook requests from people you don’t really know, and how terrifying if you downloaded software sent through by friends without knowing they were actually from some wicked hackers hidden behind the darkness of the cloud world, who tempted to control your web privacy. If you downloaded files from suspicious sources, you will end up bring virus into your PC, the cyber – criminals and hackers can access to your PC anytime they want, to steal passwords and bank account details, or buy things on your eBay account – anything they like. I do think every teenager should read this book and learn about how important cyber safety is and become more wise and sensible when using internet.
The story tells you how dangerous it is surfing online and click on ‘yes’ button on the Facebook requests from people you don’t really know, and how terrifying if you downloaded software sent through by friends without knowing they were actually from some wicked hackers hidden behind the darkness of the cloud world, who tempted to control your web privacy. If you downloaded files from suspicious sources, you will end up bring virus into your PC, the cyber – criminals and hackers can access to your PC anytime they want, to steal passwords and bank account details, or buy things on your eBay account – anything they like. I do think every teenager should read this book and learn about how important cyber safety is and become more wise and sensible when using internet.
July 18, 2014
A highly exciting read, and a truly gripping thriller. I loved every moment of the book, and it kept me as the reader on my toes, second guessing characters and their true motives. This book is one of a kind, scarily relatable with the topics such as privacy over the Internet and social media, and I believe this will have connected to other readers too. Modern and easy to read, and the antagonist was not cringe-worthy in the slightest - truly evil. The characters were well built up, and I loved following Lily's growth as a person, and her reactions to the events unfolding. The plot twist of the "other" and "spider" was amazing, which I did not guess at all . Altogether, it was a great book, very dark (and just enough romance to not make it soppy, or make the book romantically focused), but for me, one that I cannot read again, as I now know the ending.
November 7, 2022
Svært spennende om tenåringen Lily som får kontakt med superkjekke Benedict på nettet. Romansen forstyrres av selvmord i vennekretsen. At mobbeofferet Amy hengte seg er fælt, men kanskje ikke så rart, og at Max ikke ønsket å leve lenger etter at en høyst privat video havnet på nettet er forståelig, men hva med Molly, hun som fortalte alle at hun endelig hadde fått modellkontrakt, hvorfor skulle hun ta livet av seg? Det er noen som lurer der ute, i internets store virvar og mørke. Litt "kluntete" beskrivelser av skurken, Spinder, en overdreven trang til å beskrive i detalj hva alle har på seg, også når det er helt uten betydning for historien, bruk av et for lettvint triks for å spre en mistanke, og lite troverdig opptreden fra politiet som setter Lily i livsfare til tross, dette er en god thriller. At den også fungerer som en kraftig advarsel mot å ta alt som rører seg på nettet for god fisk, er et stort pluss.
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