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A Familiar Betrayal
The Bennetts are the picture-perfect family: at least, that’s what they want the subscribers to their famous vlogging channel to think. Between Mom’s obsession with their impeccable reputation and Dad hardly in the picture, seventeen-year-old Alyssa’s life is anything but normal when the cameras are off. Her parents’ divorce was a lot messier than it was portrayed online, and Alyssa wants nothing more than for Mom to put an end to their channel so they can finally get the privacy they deserve.
But when a video exposing the truth goes viral, Dad is out for revenge.
The last thing Alyssa ever expected was to be kidnapped by her own father, but as the days take a darker turn and the threats become increasingly violent, she must fight for survival. But what do you do when the person who was supposed to keep you safe becomes your biggest nightmare?
But when a video exposing the truth goes viral, Dad is out for revenge.
The last thing Alyssa ever expected was to be kidnapped by her own father, but as the days take a darker turn and the threats become increasingly violent, she must fight for survival. But what do you do when the person who was supposed to keep you safe becomes your biggest nightmare?
- GenresMysteryMystery Thriller
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2024
About the author
Brianna North
6 books59 followersBrianna North is the author of several novels including the social-media-themed thriller A Familiar Betrayal and the emotional contemporary tale Where the Sun Won't Shine. She is a graduate of the public relations program at Cambrian College and currently works as a full-time marketing manager, specializing in copywriting and social media marketing. When she’s not working on her next novel, you can find her reading, checking new countries off her bucket list, or playing with her cat Cooper.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 6, 2024
I like that this was set in Canada. That was a cool bonus.
Although some of this felt predictable I still had a lot of fun reading it. (That ending made me tear up and for what!!!)
Although some of this felt predictable I still had a lot of fun reading it. (That ending made me tear up and for what!!!)
February 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Gosh I've had this book on my kindle for ages and only finally picked it up. Wish I'd read it sooner! It was a gripping and fast-paced thriller!
Towards the end it became slightly far-fetched and I didn't quite understand the reasons why but up until then I could barely put this book down. It's a quick read. And quite poignant in this day and age with social media and blogging.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy quick and entertaining thrillers.
Gosh I've had this book on my kindle for ages and only finally picked it up. Wish I'd read it sooner! It was a gripping and fast-paced thriller!
Towards the end it became slightly far-fetched and I didn't quite understand the reasons why but up until then I could barely put this book down. It's a quick read. And quite poignant in this day and age with social media and blogging.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy quick and entertaining thrillers.
June 21, 2024
4.5 stars! I really enjoyed this one, it was fast paced and had a few really good twists considering it’s quite a short book! It’s a really interesting look into blogger culture. I did see the twist at the end coming but I think it had to be that way for the story to reflect true life, so I didn’t mind so much! A really fun short thriller!
March 26, 2026
I liked it, but some things were predictable. like 1.75/5⭐
December 15, 2024
Fast paced original YA thriller with multiple twists and packed with action. I’ve read it in two sittings and it was a good one. 🥰
June 16, 2024
Blurb:
The Bennetts are the picture-perfect family: at least, that’s what they want the subscribers to their famous vlogging channel to think. Between Mom’s obsession with their impeccable reputation and Dad hardly in the picture, seventeen-year-old Alyssa’s life is anything but normal when the cameras are off. Her parents’ divorce was a lot messier than it was portrayed online, and Alyssa wants nothing more than for Mom to put an end to their channel so they can finally get the privacy they deserve.
But when a video exposing the truth goes viral, Dad is out for revenge.
This story was a rollercoaster of emotions. Looking through the eyes of 17 year old Alyssa we see the dark twisted side of living life as an Influencer. Unfortunately, Alyssa and her younger siblings Harper and Levi didn't choose this life. This life is thrust upon them by their social media obsessed mother and soon they all will suffer the consequences of their mothers greed and obsession.
Taking a look at how social media can be damaging to a family and the great lengths a person is willing to go in order to get away from the spotlight. This story went far beyond Alyssa's father's betrayal of kidnapping his children in an attempt to get revenge. This book uncovers the damage caused by secrets and deception from both parents.
Alyssa is a typical teenage girl put in a dire situation where not only her life but the lives of her siblings are on the line. A story of courage against unbeatable odds, sibling love that goes the distance and one's willingness to sacrifice everything including their life so that others could be saved.
Talk about Plot twists. In reading this book you know that their father is not working alone but too witness the enormity of the betrayal and deception that plays out during the climax of the book leaves the reader thinking: Everybody was betraying each other and the children were the ones caught in the middle.
What to Expect:
Life as a Influencer
Divorce
Infidelity
Toxic Family
Greed
Kidnapping
Betrayal
Revenge
Strong Sibling Bonds
Fight for Survival
Somethings are better left offline.
The Bennetts are the picture-perfect family: at least, that’s what they want the subscribers to their famous vlogging channel to think. Between Mom’s obsession with their impeccable reputation and Dad hardly in the picture, seventeen-year-old Alyssa’s life is anything but normal when the cameras are off. Her parents’ divorce was a lot messier than it was portrayed online, and Alyssa wants nothing more than for Mom to put an end to their channel so they can finally get the privacy they deserve.
But when a video exposing the truth goes viral, Dad is out for revenge.
This story was a rollercoaster of emotions. Looking through the eyes of 17 year old Alyssa we see the dark twisted side of living life as an Influencer. Unfortunately, Alyssa and her younger siblings Harper and Levi didn't choose this life. This life is thrust upon them by their social media obsessed mother and soon they all will suffer the consequences of their mothers greed and obsession.
Taking a look at how social media can be damaging to a family and the great lengths a person is willing to go in order to get away from the spotlight. This story went far beyond Alyssa's father's betrayal of kidnapping his children in an attempt to get revenge. This book uncovers the damage caused by secrets and deception from both parents.
Alyssa is a typical teenage girl put in a dire situation where not only her life but the lives of her siblings are on the line. A story of courage against unbeatable odds, sibling love that goes the distance and one's willingness to sacrifice everything including their life so that others could be saved.
Talk about Plot twists. In reading this book you know that their father is not working alone but too witness the enormity of the betrayal and deception that plays out during the climax of the book leaves the reader thinking: Everybody was betraying each other and the children were the ones caught in the middle.
What to Expect:
Life as a Influencer
Divorce
Infidelity
Toxic Family
Greed
Kidnapping
Betrayal
Revenge
Strong Sibling Bonds
Fight for Survival
Somethings are better left offline.
June 18, 2024
I received this book as an ARC from the author.
This was a fast-paced, YA/adult thriller, that I couldn't put down. If I did, it's all I thought about until I picked it back up again. This is a page-turning, fast-paced, quick-read novel and I loved every second of it.
I enjoyed the author's choice to show the unseen side of being so present on social media. Also getting to experience that from the child/teen perspective throughout the book was an interesting take. While it seems so wonderful from the viewer's perspective of the content, the harsh reality is that it's not as fun as it appears on the app. This makes you question what you share openly on social media and at what cost that "stuff" is shared. It seems innocent at first, but this book shows how it can spiral out of control, and fast.
I rated this book 4.5/5 stars and would recommend it to a friend who enjoys thriller novels. I also recommend it as a beach/pool read as it's fast-pacing is perfect for devouring in one sitting.
This was a fast-paced, YA/adult thriller, that I couldn't put down. If I did, it's all I thought about until I picked it back up again. This is a page-turning, fast-paced, quick-read novel and I loved every second of it.
I enjoyed the author's choice to show the unseen side of being so present on social media. Also getting to experience that from the child/teen perspective throughout the book was an interesting take. While it seems so wonderful from the viewer's perspective of the content, the harsh reality is that it's not as fun as it appears on the app. This makes you question what you share openly on social media and at what cost that "stuff" is shared. It seems innocent at first, but this book shows how it can spiral out of control, and fast.
I rated this book 4.5/5 stars and would recommend it to a friend who enjoys thriller novels. I also recommend it as a beach/pool read as it's fast-pacing is perfect for devouring in one sitting.
July 31, 2026
3.5 on Storygraph!
I was recommended this book on Tiktok and it was pretty good! A really interesting premise highlighting the dangers of family vlogging, and I think it did this really well. The plot, especially the twists towards the end felt a little unrealistic, and parts were quite predictable, but I still enjoyed it!
I was recommended this book on Tiktok and it was pretty good! A really interesting premise highlighting the dangers of family vlogging, and I think it did this really well. The plot, especially the twists towards the end felt a little unrealistic, and parts were quite predictable, but I still enjoyed it!
June 2, 2024
A fast paced tale that really brings to light the darker side of the "influencer" lifestyle, and the consequences of sharing your life online.
A quick and enjoyable read with some heart pounding moments.
Huge thanks to the author and the indie visible tour for the arc ebook.
A quick and enjoyable read with some heart pounding moments.
Huge thanks to the author and the indie visible tour for the arc ebook.
April 21, 2025
I actually loved this thriller. I am so surprised this doesn't have more reviews and ratings and hasn't blown up on TikTok. The family vlogger true crime angles are really interesting. while I was able to get some of the twists I was pleasantly surprised by the ones I couldn't. I highly recommend.
June 19, 2024
Intense and fast paced, a non stop feast of tension.
A familiar betrayal is a story of family and tension underpinned by selfishness and ignorance. The story tells the tale of parents that don’t listen and have seemingly no respect for there children and as a result…chaos ensues!
I read this story in 2 sittings as the tension that Brianna North creates is exceptional. I really enjoyed the break up of the chapters with some narrations of YouTube videos and social messaging too, it keeps the story fresh and keeps the reader reading.
The main talking point of the book is the intensity of emotions that are abundant throughout the entire story. Both the children and the adults go through so much and these feelings translate into the story seamlessly. I’m sure you’ll find yourself sharing emotions with at least one character throughout.
The author has written a really unique story that has such a modern feel. It is an exciting read and I very much look forward to reading more from Brianna North.
A familiar betrayal is a story of family and tension underpinned by selfishness and ignorance. The story tells the tale of parents that don’t listen and have seemingly no respect for there children and as a result…chaos ensues!
I read this story in 2 sittings as the tension that Brianna North creates is exceptional. I really enjoyed the break up of the chapters with some narrations of YouTube videos and social messaging too, it keeps the story fresh and keeps the reader reading.
The main talking point of the book is the intensity of emotions that are abundant throughout the entire story. Both the children and the adults go through so much and these feelings translate into the story seamlessly. I’m sure you’ll find yourself sharing emotions with at least one character throughout.
The author has written a really unique story that has such a modern feel. It is an exciting read and I very much look forward to reading more from Brianna North.
June 11, 2024
Genre: YA thriller (although this is definitely one that older adults would enjoy too.)
Rating: 4.5/5, rounded up
Content warnings: Violence (including domestic), death, kidnapping, swearing, brief mentions of pregnancy and hospitals. Nothing graphic; I would say this is suitable for ages 12+
This is a really great thriller; in fact, it's my second favourite read of 2024 so far. It was original, well-written, fast-paced, and with several twists which I didn't guess, yet still made sense once explained.
The book follows a vlogging family, and I really liked this aspect; I've come across a lot of social media-based thrillers in the last few years, but this is the first family vlogger themed one I've seen. The family in this story, aside from the influencer aspect, are very normal: the children especially are like any others you might know, and the parents - despite having issues in their marriage - come across as respectable for the most part, at least to the outside world. Them being so normal made the later events all the more shocking.
Our protagonist, Alyssa, was a great character. She was as normal on the outside as the rest of her family - a somewhat meek, book-obsessed girl who just wants to keep her head down and get through school - and I found her very likable and easy to root for. I especially appreciated the fact that she was so strong, without having the traits of the usual "strong female protagonist" type character. Instead of being cold and stubborn, with a one-track mind and great fighting skills, Alyssa is emotional, not very physically strong, and is conflicted as to what she should do at several points of the novel. She felt so real, like the kind of girl I would be friends with.
The writing style was great, too, and well-suited to a YA thriller: easy to understand, but still fairly detailed, and fast paced. The action scenes were particularly well-written. As for the overall pacing, it was very fast the whole way through. I liked that for the most part, but I do have one criticism regarding it, which is my only real criticism of this book as a whole: it was too fast at some points, namely the beginning and end chapters. I think the build-up to the kidnapping could've lasted a bit longer, showing more of the family's everyday life vlogging and being internet celebrities before it all imploded. But my main problem was with the ending; I really feel like an extra chapter or two should've been added to show the aftermath of the whole situation, as it felt like everything was skipped over from after the point where Without having any of these scenes, the ending felt rushed, as if the author just wanted to wrap up the book as quickly as possible.
Overall, this was a really good quick read, with the pacing of the ending being my only real criticism: everything else, from the characters, to the settings, to the twists, was perfect. I would strongly recommend it if you want a fast-paced, short thriller (at just under 200 pages, it could easily be read in just a day or two) that discusses a highly relevant, yet rarely talked about social issue. I am looking forward to working my way through the rest of Brianna North's books now, starting with Where the Sun Won't Shine.
Rating: 4.5/5, rounded up
Content warnings: Violence (including domestic), death, kidnapping, swearing, brief mentions of pregnancy and hospitals. Nothing graphic; I would say this is suitable for ages 12+
This is a really great thriller; in fact, it's my second favourite read of 2024 so far. It was original, well-written, fast-paced, and with several twists which I didn't guess, yet still made sense once explained.
The book follows a vlogging family, and I really liked this aspect; I've come across a lot of social media-based thrillers in the last few years, but this is the first family vlogger themed one I've seen. The family in this story, aside from the influencer aspect, are very normal: the children especially are like any others you might know, and the parents - despite having issues in their marriage - come across as respectable for the most part, at least to the outside world. Them being so normal made the later events all the more shocking.
Our protagonist, Alyssa, was a great character. She was as normal on the outside as the rest of her family - a somewhat meek, book-obsessed girl who just wants to keep her head down and get through school - and I found her very likable and easy to root for. I especially appreciated the fact that she was so strong, without having the traits of the usual "strong female protagonist" type character. Instead of being cold and stubborn, with a one-track mind and great fighting skills, Alyssa is emotional, not very physically strong, and is conflicted as to what she should do at several points of the novel. She felt so real, like the kind of girl I would be friends with.
The writing style was great, too, and well-suited to a YA thriller: easy to understand, but still fairly detailed, and fast paced. The action scenes were particularly well-written. As for the overall pacing, it was very fast the whole way through. I liked that for the most part, but I do have one criticism regarding it, which is my only real criticism of this book as a whole: it was too fast at some points, namely the beginning and end chapters. I think the build-up to the kidnapping could've lasted a bit longer, showing more of the family's everyday life vlogging and being internet celebrities before it all imploded. But my main problem was with the ending; I really feel like an extra chapter or two should've been added to show the aftermath of the whole situation, as it felt like everything was skipped over from after the point where Without having any of these scenes, the ending felt rushed, as if the author just wanted to wrap up the book as quickly as possible.
Overall, this was a really good quick read, with the pacing of the ending being my only real criticism: everything else, from the characters, to the settings, to the twists, was perfect. I would strongly recommend it if you want a fast-paced, short thriller (at just under 200 pages, it could easily be read in just a day or two) that discusses a highly relevant, yet rarely talked about social issue. I am looking forward to working my way through the rest of Brianna North's books now, starting with Where the Sun Won't Shine.
May 29, 2024
Thank you Indie Visible (@hayley_a_writes) and the author for letting me have a copy of this book. This is an ARC read and the book will be released into the world on the 15th June. Very soon. Should you add to your TBR? Absolutely!
This is a fast paced, gripping thriller and my heart was beating out of my chest reading it.
Alyssa just wants to be a normal seventeen year old, but how can she when her mum is an social media influencer? Subjected to multiple vlogs a day, Alyssa and her siblings find their lives and their personal details shared to around 4 million viewers! Their dad hates it too, but he takes it to the next level. Kidnapping the kids, Alyssa finds her world turned upside down.
This was intense! Alyssa needs to find a way to escape, survive and more importantly keep her younger siblings safe. Can they trust their dad? Or is he dangerous? Will he hurt them just to get back at their mother?
Alyssa comes up against pretty much everything and her journey is breathtaking. Just when she thinks she's jumped over one hurdle, a worse one is thrown her way! My heart was pounding, I was biting my nails. I found myself rushing to read more, but also going back so I could take in absolutely everything happening. Brianna writes fantastic emotions, as with her last novel... But her ability to write a thriller is 10/10! The tension!
I also think this shows a fine example of the whole "influencer" thing! Lives not being as perfect as they seem. Obsessions with content. Not living in the moment because of it. Stalkers and crazy fans. Is it worth the money? Is it worth the potential danger? It's one thing doing it for yourself, but when children are involved... do they suffer the consequences of all the negatives more so than others?
Brilliant! This was so tense and I devoured it so quickly, unable to look away and NEEDING to know what was going to happen next. Obviously a 5 star read!
This is a fast paced, gripping thriller and my heart was beating out of my chest reading it.
Alyssa just wants to be a normal seventeen year old, but how can she when her mum is an social media influencer? Subjected to multiple vlogs a day, Alyssa and her siblings find their lives and their personal details shared to around 4 million viewers! Their dad hates it too, but he takes it to the next level. Kidnapping the kids, Alyssa finds her world turned upside down.
This was intense! Alyssa needs to find a way to escape, survive and more importantly keep her younger siblings safe. Can they trust their dad? Or is he dangerous? Will he hurt them just to get back at their mother?
Alyssa comes up against pretty much everything and her journey is breathtaking. Just when she thinks she's jumped over one hurdle, a worse one is thrown her way! My heart was pounding, I was biting my nails. I found myself rushing to read more, but also going back so I could take in absolutely everything happening. Brianna writes fantastic emotions, as with her last novel... But her ability to write a thriller is 10/10! The tension!
I also think this shows a fine example of the whole "influencer" thing! Lives not being as perfect as they seem. Obsessions with content. Not living in the moment because of it. Stalkers and crazy fans. Is it worth the money? Is it worth the potential danger? It's one thing doing it for yourself, but when children are involved... do they suffer the consequences of all the negatives more so than others?
Brilliant! This was so tense and I devoured it so quickly, unable to look away and NEEDING to know what was going to happen next. Obviously a 5 star read!
May 24, 2025
Ever wondered what it’s like to be THAT kid, the one whose parents record your every waking moment? Now imagine if they shared those embarrassing videos on YouTube, and the channel blew up. Suddenly, millions of strangers know the most intimate details of your life.
This is the premise behind A Familiar Betrayal by Briana North. With chapters alternating present day and flashbacks to fill in the Bennett family’s backstory, the author weaves a timely and cautionary tale about privacy and deception. When mom Melissa creates a channel featuring her daughters, Alyssa and Harper, and son, Levi, no one imagines the fallout, least of all main character and narrator Alyssa, who grew up in front of the camera and longs for a normal teenaged life out of the spotlight. But in the age of AI and deep fake videos, it’s easy to forget that trickery online doesn’t require any high-tech skill. The internet itself is a powerful tool for anyone who knows how to be convincing. As one character observes, “If someone said it on the internet, then it must be true.”
North’s novel is fast-paced and entertaining with a major twist near the end I didn’t see coming. I read the book at a time when I had to set it aside every few chapters, but as soon as I picked it back up, the story hooked me all over again. It’s an excellent choice for time-pressed readers and should also appeal to fans of family-centered reality TV shows. If either describes you, then do yourself a favor and read A Familiar Betrayal.
This is the premise behind A Familiar Betrayal by Briana North. With chapters alternating present day and flashbacks to fill in the Bennett family’s backstory, the author weaves a timely and cautionary tale about privacy and deception. When mom Melissa creates a channel featuring her daughters, Alyssa and Harper, and son, Levi, no one imagines the fallout, least of all main character and narrator Alyssa, who grew up in front of the camera and longs for a normal teenaged life out of the spotlight. But in the age of AI and deep fake videos, it’s easy to forget that trickery online doesn’t require any high-tech skill. The internet itself is a powerful tool for anyone who knows how to be convincing. As one character observes, “If someone said it on the internet, then it must be true.”
North’s novel is fast-paced and entertaining with a major twist near the end I didn’t see coming. I read the book at a time when I had to set it aside every few chapters, but as soon as I picked it back up, the story hooked me all over again. It’s an excellent choice for time-pressed readers and should also appeal to fans of family-centered reality TV shows. If either describes you, then do yourself a favor and read A Familiar Betrayal.
May 24, 2026
Alyssa is the daughter of family vloggers but after her dad kidnaps her and her two siblings it's up to her to help them get out alive. Along the way, they discover how deep the rot and secrets behind their fame and lifestyle go.
This is a good YA thriller about an important subject. The writing style is good for the genre, descriptive enough and very much has the right pacing for this type of book.
The book hooks you in, is well-paced without being too fast or light on description, keeps you guessing, and has some good twists towards the end. Exciting with good action, the exploration into the darker side of the subject matter can get heavy at times but also leaves you rooting for the kids. Obviously, the subject matter is both topical and adds an extra layer of depth to the book. I also like how the plot incorporates different aspects of online life like Youtube videos (complete with comments) as well as flashbacks to build up the narrative.
It can be dark with moments of dread, threats, violence, and death, although the worst is mostly kept off page or only discussed in passing. There is also mild swearing throughout, but most teens and above should have no problem with the content.
While being outside the target readership lowered my enjoyment a bit, anyone who likes YA thrillers should like this book. And because of its length and pace it can also be great for a quick read for a long wait or to get out of a reading slump.
This is a good YA thriller about an important subject. The writing style is good for the genre, descriptive enough and very much has the right pacing for this type of book.
The book hooks you in, is well-paced without being too fast or light on description, keeps you guessing, and has some good twists towards the end. Exciting with good action, the exploration into the darker side of the subject matter can get heavy at times but also leaves you rooting for the kids. Obviously, the subject matter is both topical and adds an extra layer of depth to the book. I also like how the plot incorporates different aspects of online life like Youtube videos (complete with comments) as well as flashbacks to build up the narrative.
It can be dark with moments of dread, threats, violence, and death, although the worst is mostly kept off page or only discussed in passing. There is also mild swearing throughout, but most teens and above should have no problem with the content.
While being outside the target readership lowered my enjoyment a bit, anyone who likes YA thrillers should like this book. And because of its length and pace it can also be great for a quick read for a long wait or to get out of a reading slump.
May 31, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this domestic thriller about a 17-year old girl, Alyssa and her dysfunctional family whose parents mistreat their three children in ways that are unfortunately, widespread today.
Events take a tragic turn when Alyssa’s father kidnaps her and her two siblings as a revenge move against their mother. But Alyssa refuses to be a victim and fights for her freedom in more ways than one.
Her father doesn’t plan for the unexpected when the situation changes. When an alliance takes a turn for the worst, it reveals secrets and escalates events.
The courage and fighting spirit of Alyssa and her siblings impressed me, showing how pressure can push you to act in ways you wouldn’t typically choose.
Will the children be able to escape the toxic relationship of their parents and find their freedom, or will they remain trapped forever?
The plotline is interesting as it opens the discussion about domestic violence in all its forms, and how secrets and lies come out, eventually.
What an amazing story that kept me turning the pages. It is so highly recommended and deserves the highest rating.
Events take a tragic turn when Alyssa’s father kidnaps her and her two siblings as a revenge move against their mother. But Alyssa refuses to be a victim and fights for her freedom in more ways than one.
Her father doesn’t plan for the unexpected when the situation changes. When an alliance takes a turn for the worst, it reveals secrets and escalates events.
The courage and fighting spirit of Alyssa and her siblings impressed me, showing how pressure can push you to act in ways you wouldn’t typically choose.
Will the children be able to escape the toxic relationship of their parents and find their freedom, or will they remain trapped forever?
The plotline is interesting as it opens the discussion about domestic violence in all its forms, and how secrets and lies come out, eventually.
What an amazing story that kept me turning the pages. It is so highly recommended and deserves the highest rating.
July 3, 2024
In A Familiar Betrayal Breanna North delivers a compelling young-adult thriller and family drama with lots of true authenticity (not just the buzzword online influencers love to use). And the concept is uniquely of our time: the Bennet Family is a social media phenomenon, with mom Melissa recording every moment of their lives for a YouTube channel—they look like a perfect family, until it all goes shatteringly wrong.
North skillfully captures all the teenage angst, self-doubt, and confusion of the novel’s narrator Alyssa, the family’s eldest daughter, vividly evoking the heartache of having every humiliating detail of Alyssa’s life exposed to millions of strangers and cruel schoolmates. We feel her painfully mixed emotions as a victim of her parents’ conflict. And when the situation turns violent, Alyssa has to summon every scrap of inner strength she has left for the sake of her siblings.
A Familiar Betrayal will keep you turning the pages as it opens your eyes to the dark side of online obsession.
North skillfully captures all the teenage angst, self-doubt, and confusion of the novel’s narrator Alyssa, the family’s eldest daughter, vividly evoking the heartache of having every humiliating detail of Alyssa’s life exposed to millions of strangers and cruel schoolmates. We feel her painfully mixed emotions as a victim of her parents’ conflict. And when the situation turns violent, Alyssa has to summon every scrap of inner strength she has left for the sake of her siblings.
A Familiar Betrayal will keep you turning the pages as it opens your eyes to the dark side of online obsession.
May 29, 2024
Thank you to the author for the ARC of this fun read.
I really enjoyed this YA thriller. It had all the elements of a thriller that you'd expect, but the vlog aspect added a little extra something. There was suspense, drama, family secrets, and action just on a less graphic level.
The story centers on Alyssa (Lissy) and her siblings, Harper & Levi, after they are kidnapped by their father. They don't know why their father has abducted him, they don't know what he may do to them, and as their time with him progresses, they learn that they may not know their parents as well as they think they do.
This story explores some of the downsides of sharing too much of our lives and presenting ourselves as picture perfect on social media. It really makes you realize how much of a mask people wear on the internet and that in reality, we don't really know what goes on in someone's life offline.
TW: Kidnapping. Infidelity. Death.
I really enjoyed this YA thriller. It had all the elements of a thriller that you'd expect, but the vlog aspect added a little extra something. There was suspense, drama, family secrets, and action just on a less graphic level.
The story centers on Alyssa (Lissy) and her siblings, Harper & Levi, after they are kidnapped by their father. They don't know why their father has abducted him, they don't know what he may do to them, and as their time with him progresses, they learn that they may not know their parents as well as they think they do.
This story explores some of the downsides of sharing too much of our lives and presenting ourselves as picture perfect on social media. It really makes you realize how much of a mask people wear on the internet and that in reality, we don't really know what goes on in someone's life offline.
TW: Kidnapping. Infidelity. Death.
June 8, 2024
I am a big true crime girlie, like I listen to a true crime podcast everyday on my way to work. If you like the Family Vlogger crime stories/scandals (i.e. Ruby Frankie is the one I can think of most recently) or finding out the truth behind the lives of influencer, you will really enjoy this read!
It was fast, paced and kept my attention the whole way through. It seems cut and dry initially, but there are several twists throughout the story that have you second guessing the intetions of multiple characters.
I finished the entire book in a day! I would definitely recommend it to my true crime and thriller readers who want to get lost in someone else’s secrets and family drama.
It was fast, paced and kept my attention the whole way through. It seems cut and dry initially, but there are several twists throughout the story that have you second guessing the intetions of multiple characters.
I finished the entire book in a day! I would definitely recommend it to my true crime and thriller readers who want to get lost in someone else’s secrets and family drama.
June 27, 2024
I received this story as an ARC from the author.
I want to give my apologies on uploading this review later than intended. Due to family stuff I wasn’t able to get this out until now. But I am extremely grateful to the author for the opportunity I was given.
This YA Thriller does not shy away from exposing how damaging a social media platform can be to someone’s family life, or the abuse it inflicts on the children when they are at the forefront of the content being released.
A Familiar Betrayal is about The Bennett Family. They are a family who seem to have, according to their subscribers, a perfect family home life. The reality is of course the opposite. Told through Alyssa’s POV, the oldest of the three Bennett children, their life is anything but perfect. The Vlogging channel has ruined her parents’ marriage, and Alyssa wants nothing more than for her life to no longer be uploaded to the internet for strangers to see. When her mother posts a video detailing the divorce, Alyssa’s father, outraged and looking for revenge, kidnaps her and her two siblings. The clock is ticking as Alyssa tries to figure out how to save herself and her siblings from the person who’s supposed to protect them.
I thought this story was extremely well done. It definitely has it’s uncomfortable moments, especially for me as a mom, seeing the exploitation the children endure from their mothers YouTube channel. I think the fact that it doesn’t shy away from this darker side is definitely a strength to the story. It’s very fast paced and engaging. I was definitely hooked and managed to read this in one day.
Again, I thought this story was well done, engaging an I definitely recommend checking it out.
I want to give my apologies on uploading this review later than intended. Due to family stuff I wasn’t able to get this out until now. But I am extremely grateful to the author for the opportunity I was given.
This YA Thriller does not shy away from exposing how damaging a social media platform can be to someone’s family life, or the abuse it inflicts on the children when they are at the forefront of the content being released.
A Familiar Betrayal is about The Bennett Family. They are a family who seem to have, according to their subscribers, a perfect family home life. The reality is of course the opposite. Told through Alyssa’s POV, the oldest of the three Bennett children, their life is anything but perfect. The Vlogging channel has ruined her parents’ marriage, and Alyssa wants nothing more than for her life to no longer be uploaded to the internet for strangers to see. When her mother posts a video detailing the divorce, Alyssa’s father, outraged and looking for revenge, kidnaps her and her two siblings. The clock is ticking as Alyssa tries to figure out how to save herself and her siblings from the person who’s supposed to protect them.
I thought this story was extremely well done. It definitely has it’s uncomfortable moments, especially for me as a mom, seeing the exploitation the children endure from their mothers YouTube channel. I think the fact that it doesn’t shy away from this darker side is definitely a strength to the story. It’s very fast paced and engaging. I was definitely hooked and managed to read this in one day.
Again, I thought this story was well done, engaging an I definitely recommend checking it out.
June 21, 2024
I thought the story of this new release by @briannanorthauthor sounded interesting and different so I couldn't wait to give it a read. It is based around the story of a mother's obsession with social media, highlighting the influence it can have on people today. I like how it is mostly told from the point of view of the oldest child, who's life has been affected by her mother's constant family filming for social media content, as has her younger sister and brother. It all leads to an abduction by their unstable father and a fight for survival for the whole family. I really enjoyed reading this, the tension was well built up and it was well written. I would read more from this author.
October 6, 2024
📱 A Familiar Betrayal 📱
By Brianna North
📱 Thriller
🏠 YouTube family vloggers
📱 Dual timeline
🏠 Single POV
📱 This was a twisty tale of the dangers of being in the public eye as told by a teenager. Of growing up in the spotlight of social media. Having a parent who is obsessed with internet engagement.
🏠 The message within this was strong, especially given how prevalent family accounts seem to have gotten in recent years.
✨ If you’re looking for a short, fast paced, eery fall read with some action, go right ahead and pick this one up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️: No
August 6, 2025
A Familiar Betrayal is an exciting YA thriller telling the unsettling story of the Bennett family.
Brianna North does a great job capturing the psychological weight of growing up under constant scrutiny, especially in the age of social media. You won't get it anymore contemporary than that.
The main character’s emotional arc felt authentic, and I appreciated the slow unraveling of the truth. The last part was a bit rushed, I think. It could have been worked out a bit more, but overall l, I did like the story.
4/5⭐️
Brianna North does a great job capturing the psychological weight of growing up under constant scrutiny, especially in the age of social media. You won't get it anymore contemporary than that.
The main character’s emotional arc felt authentic, and I appreciated the slow unraveling of the truth. The last part was a bit rushed, I think. It could have been worked out a bit more, but overall l, I did like the story.
4/5⭐️
May 28, 2024
I really enjoyed this read. The young adult point of view of the impact social media can have on people was realistic and at times very uncomfortable.
But to see the bigger impact it has on Alyssa's family was alarming. To see the shift from 'perfect family' to fighting for your life and realising how social media can hide so many lies is what made this feel intense for me.
This book was fast paced and well written. Definitely a good starter for someone wanting to read a YA thriller
But to see the bigger impact it has on Alyssa's family was alarming. To see the shift from 'perfect family' to fighting for your life and realising how social media can hide so many lies is what made this feel intense for me.
This book was fast paced and well written. Definitely a good starter for someone wanting to read a YA thriller
July 24, 2024
This was my first Brianna North book, and it definitely won't be my last. From the moment she mentioned the subject of this book, way before release, I knew I had to read it. What's more fascinating than the lives of family bloggers? You just know nothing is as it seems. Brianna North painted such a great, realistic picture of what it would be like to grow up in that environment. A fast-paced, one-more-page, book that kept me hooked.
December 12, 2024
Short, fast read with twists and turns, although still somewhat predictable. I love the fact this book addresses the issue of kids growing up in a social media household and (although extreme) the consequences that could happen for everyone involved. It’s an ongoing issue that most of us don’t realize as social media has become so intertwined in our lives, but a very necessary issue for the privacy and safety of kids.
June 3, 2024
This book is very different from my previous thriller reads. I loved the vlogging + influencer aspects. The author really focuses on social media and what it can do to a person. Everything you see online isn’t always as it seems and we never truly know what’s going on in someone’s life or truly know them. My heart was absolutely broken for the Bennett children throughout the book. They are some of the strongest characters I’ve read in a while. This book was fast paced and had me hooked to the end. Such a great read!
June 14, 2024
This was a really captivating story! The daughter of a family vlogger grows tired of her mother documenting every aspect of her life. Her father decides to “help” his daughter, as well as her siblings, get away from this life. His solution? Kidnapping them. This YA thriller had me nervous for the main character, and while YA usually isn’t my preferred genre, I enjoyed it!
July 21, 2024
This book was great! It has modern themes many of us can relate to. It was suspenseful. I was on the edge of my seat many times with my heart racing. There were twists I didn't see coming, and although at one point I felt there was a twist thrown in just for shock, it did end up helping move the story along. I highly recommend giving this one a go if you like suspenseful family drama thrillers.
August 13, 2024
I think this was my first ever proper thriller (I've read dark romances which were leaning very close to thrillers but were not genre thrillers) and it was really enjoyable! It was such a unique concept and I felt it was really well done, including lots of issues with family vlogging along with more dramatic kidnapping etc themes. There was a reveal towards the end which I really didnt see coming, but I think really made this book even better.
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