If I Was There

by Brie Ellis, Remote Creative Agency California (editor), Ash Lethal (illustrator)

In the chilling young adult psychological thriller, "If I Was There," the early 2000s serve as a backdrop for the harrowing journey of 14-year-old Bianca Manning. Her family and friends know her as a good girl who never causes problems, so why is she suddenly acting strange and pushing away everyone who loves her? His name is Tyler Drake. Disguised as a 16-year-old boy from her favorite teen support forum, this Cougar weaves a dangerous relationship that eventually unravels Bianca's entire life. By taking away everything she holds dear, including her passion for writing and photography, Tyler leaves a young lioness unsure if her Prince Charming is the hero or villain in her story. Bianca grapples with the chilling realization that those closest to her have now become pawns in his torturous games. She is isolated, vulnerable, and unsure of who she can trust. As Bianca's light teeters on the edge of being extinguished and her happy place starts to burn to the ground, the difference between escaping a predator and succumbing to his sinister plan falls on a single sentence. "If I Was There" is a heart-wrenching exploration of resilience, courage, and the strength it takes to battle the monsters who lurk in the shadows of the internet. Themes such as abuse, grooming from "online friends", effects of divorce on children, and other tough topics are woven through this story to expose the haunting realities of adolescence in the age of the internet.

306 pages, Paperback

Published March 21, 2024

Reviews

[Tomorrow D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just got my copy today I haven't started it but I am so excited too I will leave another review when I'm done reading it but I'm going to go ahead and say I think that it's going to be a five I love the artwork and I know my inner child with heal with this book

[Angie Botner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opening this book was the equivalent of going to take a bite of the most delicious looking chocolate covered strawberry, just to discover there's a hidden fish hook inside. From the first "bite" I was hooked. The way the book is written it leaves you clinging to the pages racing to find out what happens next.

I absolutely love how the author used examples and descriptions that were identifiable by readers who have (unfortunately) experienced some of the evil doings that Bianca had to go through, while leaving it vague enough to NOT damage readers who have no idea what's actually out there.

Brie really paved the way with her bravery and openness for other people in the world, especially scared and wounded survivors of abuse, to be able to not only feel less alone with their traumatic thoughts and memories, but to also allow their inner child to be acknowledged and even healed.

This is a MUST read for anybody who struggles with a damaged inner child, anybody who is getting ready to face the Cougars of the world, and mostly anybody who needs a guiding light to the path of healing and happy places.

[DAVID HOTALING · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is bull coming out the chute of not stop interactions that will have you rooting for the main character. As parent at times you may feel why aren't the parents more invested but it written well. This her debut novel and looking forward to more books from her. Can't recommend this book enough if you have children that could be in such situations.