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Never Have I Ever
Finalist — American Writing Awards
Finalist — Global Literary Book Awards
Indie Author Project selection
Winner, Young Adult — Regal Summit Book Award
Winner, Horror — Independent Author Network
Finalist — Page Turner Awards Horror
Top 3 Finalist, Horror — International Book Awards
Top 5 Finalist, Horror — National Indie Excellence Awards
Trust no one. Because it could be anyone.
When eight teenagers in a small Michigan town start receiving texts urging them to play Never Have I Ever, they find themselves caught up in a deadly game of secrets, repentance and retribution that may be connected to a girl who disappeared the year before.
As they’re stalked by someone in a scarecrow costume — or is it a costume? — the school bully sets out to discover who’s playing the prank in hopes of redeeming his past behavior.
And staying alive.
But will he figure it out before that past catches up to him?
Finalist — Global Literary Book Awards
Indie Author Project selection
Winner, Young Adult — Regal Summit Book Award
Winner, Horror — Independent Author Network
Finalist — Page Turner Awards Horror
Top 3 Finalist, Horror — International Book Awards
Top 5 Finalist, Horror — National Indie Excellence Awards
Trust no one. Because it could be anyone.
When eight teenagers in a small Michigan town start receiving texts urging them to play Never Have I Ever, they find themselves caught up in a deadly game of secrets, repentance and retribution that may be connected to a girl who disappeared the year before.
As they’re stalked by someone in a scarecrow costume — or is it a costume? — the school bully sets out to discover who’s playing the prank in hopes of redeeming his past behavior.
And staying alive.
But will he figure it out before that past catches up to him?
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2024
21 people are currently reading
2483 people want to read
About the author
Harker Jones
5 books28 followersHarker Jones is the author of the best-selling, award-winning love story “Until September” and the acclaimed young-adult thriller “Never Have I Ever” and the celebrated children’s book “The Bird Who Was Afraid to Fly.” His short thrillers “Cole & Colette” and “One-Hit Wonder” have been accepted into more than 60 film festivals combined, garnering several awards. He was managing editor of “Out” magazine for seven years and is currently a theater critic for Broadway World. A published poet, he is a member of the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle, the Dramatists Guild of America, the Horror Writers Association and Mensa. He loves cats and carbs and would like to be a pop star but would settle for being killed in a slasher movie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 21, 2024
DNF @12%
I was excited to read this book, as the synopsis and the cover are great, but although it’s a horror, I just couldn’t get into it. I hate not finishing a book, and very rarely do it.
It’s a YA horror, and I’m fine with that genre, but it didn’t seem as though it was going anywhere. There are too many characters, which got a bit confusing, and by 12% I had expected the story to have got somewhere, but it hadn’t, and I felt as though I’d been reading it forever. Also the book doesn’t read like a YA, as it doesn’t flow easily. I’m really sorry for giving the 1⭐️ but it wasn’t for me 😐
Thanks to the author and BookSirens for providing me with this free ARC, with which I give a voluntary review.
1 ⭐️
I was excited to read this book, as the synopsis and the cover are great, but although it’s a horror, I just couldn’t get into it. I hate not finishing a book, and very rarely do it.
It’s a YA horror, and I’m fine with that genre, but it didn’t seem as though it was going anywhere. There are too many characters, which got a bit confusing, and by 12% I had expected the story to have got somewhere, but it hadn’t, and I felt as though I’d been reading it forever. Also the book doesn’t read like a YA, as it doesn’t flow easily. I’m really sorry for giving the 1⭐️ but it wasn’t for me 😐
Thanks to the author and BookSirens for providing me with this free ARC, with which I give a voluntary review.
1 ⭐️
October 21, 2024
I struggled to follow this book. I love the cover and the premise is great, but the style didn't work for me. If the synopsis sounds interesting to you, give it a go. It's YA.
I had trouble following the multiple POVs which usually isn't a problem for me, but the character descriptions here are sort of info dumps and then action and my brain forgot who we were on by the time we got into the action. This could be a me issue. So, don't let my struggle stop you from giving this a go.
2.5 Rounded Up because ARCs aren't final drafts.
I had trouble following the multiple POVs which usually isn't a problem for me, but the character descriptions here are sort of info dumps and then action and my brain forgot who we were on by the time we got into the action. This could be a me issue. So, don't let my struggle stop you from giving this a go.
2.5 Rounded Up because ARCs aren't final drafts.
September 20, 2024
This was a hard one for me to rate. Loved the synopsis and the title, but the writing was rough and too many people and POVs to keep track of. It is a YA, and I was expecting a more juvenile writing style. It’s spooky, with slasher vibes … okay twists, but just wasn’t one I found enjoyable. “Never Have I Ever” follows eight teenagers in a small town after they start receiving odd texts telling them to play the game. The group finds themselves in a game of deadly secrets and retribution that leads back to a girl who disappeared last year. As the group’s numbers dwindle and their bloody bodies are found, they have to work harder than ever to figure out how to stay alive.
September 10, 2024
I was so excited to start this book I loved the look of the cover and the name but I was disappointed. Personally I couldn’t get into it. There was too many character point of view swaps for me. I was struggling to follow them. I only got 17% into the book.
March 2, 2025
History remembers the loudest voices—the revolutionaries, the leaders, the ones who take up space. But what about the quiet ones? The ones who hold secrets like currency, who listen when others only speak? Jones’s novel examines the hidden power of silence: what people choose not to say, and what happens when those words resurface.
Manchester, Michigan, is the kind of place where everyone knows everyone—until someone disappears. A high school party, a seemingly harmless game, and then a void where a person used to be. One year later, the air is thick with unspoken fears. The past refuses to stay buried, and a simple message—"Never Have I Ever"—pulls old wounds wide open.
A Psychological Maze, Not Just a Mystery
Unlike typical thrillers that rely on external threats, Never Have I Ever turns the fear inward. The novel doesn’t just ask "Who did it?" but "How do we live with it?" Characters grapple with their own complicity, guilt, and the terrifying realization that what we ignore can be just as dangerous as what we confront.
Through subtle narrative shifts, Jones crafts a town that feels alive, its shadows stretching long over those who remain. The scarecrows in the fields may be stuffed with straw, but they stand like sentinels, watching, waiting. In many ways, they are no different from the town itself—full of faceless judgment, stitched together by shared history.
The Unpredictability of Memory
Neuroscience suggests that memories aren’t fixed but reconstructed every time we recall them. This novel plays with that idea, forcing characters—and readers—to question what they think they know. Was Jessica Harding’s disappearance the tragedy everyone believes, or is there another story buried beneath their collective recollections? Jones doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, he reminds us that nostalgia and horror often share the same space.
A Book That Asks, Not Just Tells
Never Have I Ever doesn’t just tell a story; it forces readers to interact with it. The novel’s strength lies in its ability to blur the line between victim and bystander, friend and foe. No character is wholly innocent, and in that moral grayness lies its greatest horror.
For fans of One of Us Is Lying and I Know What You Did Last Summer, this book is an unsettling, cerebral ride through the fragility of youth, the weight of hidden truths, and the games we play long after the rules stop mattering.
---------------
This book is a winner of the Spotlyts Story Award. (Reference that will go live on or after 5 March 2025: https://spotlyts.com/2025/03/05/spotl...)
Manchester, Michigan, is the kind of place where everyone knows everyone—until someone disappears. A high school party, a seemingly harmless game, and then a void where a person used to be. One year later, the air is thick with unspoken fears. The past refuses to stay buried, and a simple message—"Never Have I Ever"—pulls old wounds wide open.
A Psychological Maze, Not Just a Mystery
Unlike typical thrillers that rely on external threats, Never Have I Ever turns the fear inward. The novel doesn’t just ask "Who did it?" but "How do we live with it?" Characters grapple with their own complicity, guilt, and the terrifying realization that what we ignore can be just as dangerous as what we confront.
Through subtle narrative shifts, Jones crafts a town that feels alive, its shadows stretching long over those who remain. The scarecrows in the fields may be stuffed with straw, but they stand like sentinels, watching, waiting. In many ways, they are no different from the town itself—full of faceless judgment, stitched together by shared history.
The Unpredictability of Memory
Neuroscience suggests that memories aren’t fixed but reconstructed every time we recall them. This novel plays with that idea, forcing characters—and readers—to question what they think they know. Was Jessica Harding’s disappearance the tragedy everyone believes, or is there another story buried beneath their collective recollections? Jones doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, he reminds us that nostalgia and horror often share the same space.
A Book That Asks, Not Just Tells
Never Have I Ever doesn’t just tell a story; it forces readers to interact with it. The novel’s strength lies in its ability to blur the line between victim and bystander, friend and foe. No character is wholly innocent, and in that moral grayness lies its greatest horror.
For fans of One of Us Is Lying and I Know What You Did Last Summer, this book is an unsettling, cerebral ride through the fragility of youth, the weight of hidden truths, and the games we play long after the rules stop mattering.
---------------
This book is a winner of the Spotlyts Story Award. (Reference that will go live on or after 5 March 2025: https://spotlyts.com/2025/03/05/spotl...)
October 28, 2024
The small town of Manchester, Michigan, is shaken by the mysterious disappearance of one of its own—the beautiful and popular Jessica Harding. Despite her mysterious disappearance, the teens of Manchester High are preoccupied with the upcoming dance, placing Jessica on the back burner. But when eight of them begin receiving anonymous text messages urging them to play a game called Never Have I Ever, things turn sinister.
The game was the last thing Jessica played before she went missing. And now someone dressed as a scarecrow is out for blood, hunting down the teens one by one. The more they play the game, the more shocking secrets are revealed. Is the killer trying to pit the teens against one another? Could it be linked to the young woman’s disappearance?
Could it be the high school bully? The outcast? The golden one? Or maybe it’s the girls who keep whispering about what happened last fall. In this propulsive, thrilling horror, every second counts because this diabolical individual is thirsty for blood, and they’re zeroing in on the group of teens.
Never have I been so terrified while reading a book. Harker Jones’ bone-chilling novel “Never Have I Ever” reaches out its gnarled hand, plucking readers from the comfort of their living rooms and placing them amidst the haunting scenes. A small town, a group of teens, and a crazed killer who is feeling particularly stabby—sounds like the makings of a spine-tingling horror, right?
Horror readers will delight in this eerie, adrenaline-inducing book that will have you looking over your shoulder. Harker Jones has outdone himself with his take on the classic slasher storyline. It’s gory and unrelenting but with substance. Between the impeccable character development, mysterious elements, and creepy vibe, it sets itself apart from other books in its genre. Plus, readers with an affinity for piecing together clues will enjoy narrowing down the suspects.
Perfectly timed jump scares, steady pacing, building in intensity, and shocking backstories materializing are what’s in store for readers of “Never Have I Ever.” The author has grouped a motley crew of characters together who are somehow connected in their terror, while skillfully weaving in their various indiscretions. Horror enthusiasts will be confident in their suspicions but ultimately thrown off course by the twists and turns. When all the cards have been turned over, readers will be dumbfounded and amazed. Get ready for a haunting whodunit that will leave you speechless.
The game was the last thing Jessica played before she went missing. And now someone dressed as a scarecrow is out for blood, hunting down the teens one by one. The more they play the game, the more shocking secrets are revealed. Is the killer trying to pit the teens against one another? Could it be linked to the young woman’s disappearance?
Could it be the high school bully? The outcast? The golden one? Or maybe it’s the girls who keep whispering about what happened last fall. In this propulsive, thrilling horror, every second counts because this diabolical individual is thirsty for blood, and they’re zeroing in on the group of teens.
Never have I been so terrified while reading a book. Harker Jones’ bone-chilling novel “Never Have I Ever” reaches out its gnarled hand, plucking readers from the comfort of their living rooms and placing them amidst the haunting scenes. A small town, a group of teens, and a crazed killer who is feeling particularly stabby—sounds like the makings of a spine-tingling horror, right?
Horror readers will delight in this eerie, adrenaline-inducing book that will have you looking over your shoulder. Harker Jones has outdone himself with his take on the classic slasher storyline. It’s gory and unrelenting but with substance. Between the impeccable character development, mysterious elements, and creepy vibe, it sets itself apart from other books in its genre. Plus, readers with an affinity for piecing together clues will enjoy narrowing down the suspects.
Perfectly timed jump scares, steady pacing, building in intensity, and shocking backstories materializing are what’s in store for readers of “Never Have I Ever.” The author has grouped a motley crew of characters together who are somehow connected in their terror, while skillfully weaving in their various indiscretions. Horror enthusiasts will be confident in their suspicions but ultimately thrown off course by the twists and turns. When all the cards have been turned over, readers will be dumbfounded and amazed. Get ready for a haunting whodunit that will leave you speechless.
December 19, 2024
For an indie horror book, it was a solid spooky story to tell around a campfire. A lot of teen drinking, a lot of bump in the night, and a lot of fanfare for the University of Michigan. My suspicions on who the killer was changed on multiple occasions and it was a fun mystery to figure out.
May 7, 2025
Science has long studied why humans seek out fear. Adrenaline surges, our hearts race, and yet, we willingly watch horror films, tell ghost stories, and pick up books like Never Have I Ever. But this novel does something different—it doesn’t just present fear; it dissects it.
The story begins with a party, a game, and a group of high school students who have no idea their past is about to catch up to them. A year later, Jessica Harding is gone, and the town of Manchester carries on like a wound trying to heal over something still festering underneath. And then the texts start.
Why Uncertainty is the Ultimate Horror
Studies show that the brain fears ambiguity more than an actual threat. This novel thrives in that space of the unknown. Jones carefully builds suspense not through gore or overt violence, but through psychological unease. The scariest moments aren’t the loud ones—they’re the quiet pauses, the sidelong glances, the nagging question: What aren’t they telling us?
The characters reflect this expertly. Some struggle with their conscience, others with their survival. The novel subtly challenges the reader: Would you tell the truth if it meant losing everything?
The Social Science of Teen Dynamics
High school is its own ecosystem, governed by status, loyalty, and unspoken rules. Jones captures the way teenagers form and fracture alliances with chilling accuracy. The friendship between Johnny and Biff, for example, is a case study in social hierarchy—charismatic leader, reluctant follower, and the power shifts that occur when fear enters the equation.
And then there’s Swampy Susan—the town’s urban legend, a woman both real and mythologized. Her presence lingers like folklore, a reminder that sometimes the scariest thing isn’t what lurks in the shadows but what a community chooses to believe.
A Book That Knows Its Audience
Young adult thrillers often lean on high drama, but Never Have I Ever respects its readers. It trusts them to piece together the mystery, to question motives, and to understand that real horror doesn’t always come with a masked villain—it comes with the realization that the people you thought you knew might not be who they seem.
For readers drawn to unsettling narratives, creeping dread, and psychological suspense, this novel delivers. It’s a slow burn with a payoff that lingers, a book that will have you checking your phone for messages you hope never come.
---------------
The story begins with a party, a game, and a group of high school students who have no idea their past is about to catch up to them. A year later, Jessica Harding is gone, and the town of Manchester carries on like a wound trying to heal over something still festering underneath. And then the texts start.
Why Uncertainty is the Ultimate Horror
Studies show that the brain fears ambiguity more than an actual threat. This novel thrives in that space of the unknown. Jones carefully builds suspense not through gore or overt violence, but through psychological unease. The scariest moments aren’t the loud ones—they’re the quiet pauses, the sidelong glances, the nagging question: What aren’t they telling us?
The characters reflect this expertly. Some struggle with their conscience, others with their survival. The novel subtly challenges the reader: Would you tell the truth if it meant losing everything?
The Social Science of Teen Dynamics
High school is its own ecosystem, governed by status, loyalty, and unspoken rules. Jones captures the way teenagers form and fracture alliances with chilling accuracy. The friendship between Johnny and Biff, for example, is a case study in social hierarchy—charismatic leader, reluctant follower, and the power shifts that occur when fear enters the equation.
And then there’s Swampy Susan—the town’s urban legend, a woman both real and mythologized. Her presence lingers like folklore, a reminder that sometimes the scariest thing isn’t what lurks in the shadows but what a community chooses to believe.
A Book That Knows Its Audience
Young adult thrillers often lean on high drama, but Never Have I Ever respects its readers. It trusts them to piece together the mystery, to question motives, and to understand that real horror doesn’t always come with a masked villain—it comes with the realization that the people you thought you knew might not be who they seem.
For readers drawn to unsettling narratives, creeping dread, and psychological suspense, this novel delivers. It’s a slow burn with a payoff that lingers, a book that will have you checking your phone for messages you hope never come.
---------------
September 29, 2024
Thank you to netgalley for an Advanced Readers copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Before we start this review, please keep in mind this is my own opinion on the version of this book I have received so please take it with a pinch of salt.
There’s a lot I could say about this book, and I will get to those shortly. I would like to admit I stopped reading at the 10% mark so unfortunately, I had to DNF this book.
The positives were that it was in a genre I loved which is horror. I don’t mind the YA so much if written well which I personally thought this book wasn’t, but we will get to that later. I loved the cover and thought the blurb was interesting enough that it pulled me in. I personally love horror books and read them all the time so when I read the blurb, I got excited to read this book. The part about the scarecrow costume also intrigued me.
I wanted to love this book, but I honestly had to push my way to continue reading past the 8% mark of the book. I spent three days trying to read this book, but it just gave me a headache the more I read it.
As for the parts I didn’t like, there were quite a few and I will try to get through them as best as I can. The first thing I struggled with were the constant point of view switches. We were in so many different characters' headspaces in the first 10% that I read that I just could not keep reading. Don’t get me wrong, I have read books with multiple characters POV’s, but they were not like this one. I just couldn’t ‘vibe’ with these characters. I don’t know if it was me, the YA aspect or the writing that just wasn’t hitting the spot. While I appreciate what the author has done, I feel like it could be improved. Had the characters been introduced slowly and in a different way, I could have digested it a little better.
I also felt like the way the flashbacks appeared in the story could have been improved as the way we were drawn into them and out of them didn’t immerse me and I found it hard to concentrate on the present parts of the story.
The next aspect I liked less about this book was the descriptions. A lot of the description I appreciated and had no complaints about like the scenery and such, but I did find it hard with the details of the people and children. The descriptions of them felt very stilted and just… there? It was as if they were being described for the sake of describing them and for me it was less memorable as I couldn’t remember what each kid/person looked like so when they appeared it made me wonder who they were. If the descriptions of the people were weaved into the narrative, I would have had an easier time digesting all the descriptions. I also personally felt like there was some unnecessary information like with chapter two and the teacher who mentions his age and relationship status. To me I couldn’t care less as I didn’t know who this man was, nor did it feel to me like that information was needed or did anything to move the story along. I also didn’t care to know about the teacher's medicine or blood pressure issues as it had nothing to do with the story in my opinion.
Finally, I’d like to mention the big words. Personally, I feel like, if anyone in the YA age range (12 to 18) were to read this book, they will struggle with the big words as I, myself, struggled with some of the big words and I’m in my early 20’s. I do admit I had to look up some of the words like ‘emblazoned’ and such so I feel like maybe some of the words could be said in simpler terms.
All in all, I couldn’t get into this book. I really was pushing myself to keep reading even though I actually wanted to stop. There were too many head-hops and point of view changes that I couldn’t keep going. It just frustrated me. There was so much that happened but at the same time nothing really happened as well. As I said earlier, maybe this book wasn’t for me, but I did feel like it needs to be edited to be more digestible. I also felt like there wasn’t much suspense or horror in the parts that I read so I didn’t get much of a horror feel when reading.
I’d rate this book a 1.5 out of five stars. While there is promise, I felt like this book needed to be edited and possibly reworded in some aspects. I couldn’t get into this book. I liked the concept of it but overall, it wasn’t for me as a horror lover.
Before we start this review, please keep in mind this is my own opinion on the version of this book I have received so please take it with a pinch of salt.
There’s a lot I could say about this book, and I will get to those shortly. I would like to admit I stopped reading at the 10% mark so unfortunately, I had to DNF this book.
The positives were that it was in a genre I loved which is horror. I don’t mind the YA so much if written well which I personally thought this book wasn’t, but we will get to that later. I loved the cover and thought the blurb was interesting enough that it pulled me in. I personally love horror books and read them all the time so when I read the blurb, I got excited to read this book. The part about the scarecrow costume also intrigued me.
I wanted to love this book, but I honestly had to push my way to continue reading past the 8% mark of the book. I spent three days trying to read this book, but it just gave me a headache the more I read it.
As for the parts I didn’t like, there were quite a few and I will try to get through them as best as I can. The first thing I struggled with were the constant point of view switches. We were in so many different characters' headspaces in the first 10% that I read that I just could not keep reading. Don’t get me wrong, I have read books with multiple characters POV’s, but they were not like this one. I just couldn’t ‘vibe’ with these characters. I don’t know if it was me, the YA aspect or the writing that just wasn’t hitting the spot. While I appreciate what the author has done, I feel like it could be improved. Had the characters been introduced slowly and in a different way, I could have digested it a little better.
I also felt like the way the flashbacks appeared in the story could have been improved as the way we were drawn into them and out of them didn’t immerse me and I found it hard to concentrate on the present parts of the story.
The next aspect I liked less about this book was the descriptions. A lot of the description I appreciated and had no complaints about like the scenery and such, but I did find it hard with the details of the people and children. The descriptions of them felt very stilted and just… there? It was as if they were being described for the sake of describing them and for me it was less memorable as I couldn’t remember what each kid/person looked like so when they appeared it made me wonder who they were. If the descriptions of the people were weaved into the narrative, I would have had an easier time digesting all the descriptions. I also personally felt like there was some unnecessary information like with chapter two and the teacher who mentions his age and relationship status. To me I couldn’t care less as I didn’t know who this man was, nor did it feel to me like that information was needed or did anything to move the story along. I also didn’t care to know about the teacher's medicine or blood pressure issues as it had nothing to do with the story in my opinion.
Finally, I’d like to mention the big words. Personally, I feel like, if anyone in the YA age range (12 to 18) were to read this book, they will struggle with the big words as I, myself, struggled with some of the big words and I’m in my early 20’s. I do admit I had to look up some of the words like ‘emblazoned’ and such so I feel like maybe some of the words could be said in simpler terms.
All in all, I couldn’t get into this book. I really was pushing myself to keep reading even though I actually wanted to stop. There were too many head-hops and point of view changes that I couldn’t keep going. It just frustrated me. There was so much that happened but at the same time nothing really happened as well. As I said earlier, maybe this book wasn’t for me, but I did feel like it needs to be edited to be more digestible. I also felt like there wasn’t much suspense or horror in the parts that I read so I didn’t get much of a horror feel when reading.
I’d rate this book a 1.5 out of five stars. While there is promise, I felt like this book needed to be edited and possibly reworded in some aspects. I couldn’t get into this book. I liked the concept of it but overall, it wasn’t for me as a horror lover.
October 18, 2024
Read Full & Detailed review: https://cynthology.blogspot.com/2024/...
A young student, Jess, disappears after a Halloween party at an abandoned farmhouse. A year later, she still hasn’t been found. In the run-up to the anniversary of her disappearance, the following Halloween, the nerves of the townsfolk, especially those of her classmates, are already strained.
When eight students, Chase, Kim, Beth, Johnny, Biff, Andy, Scott and Christa, receive an identical text from an unknown number, asking them to play the game, Never Have I Ever, or be prepared to face the consequences, at first they fear that Jess may have returned to wreak vengeance, though no one knows what grudge she might bear. Initially, the eight students take the threat lightly until one of them is killed by someone in a scarecrow costume. Or maybe it isn’t a costume?
For at the end of the town, on the edge of the forest, lives Susan Boyle, an old and nearly destitute hag who is rumoured to dabble in magic and who is accused of having murdered her own kids. Is it Susan killing the children of the town for the rhyme they all sing about her?
First one, then another of the eight students who received the text begin to get killed. As the numbers drop from 8 to 7, and then 6, then 5, nerves are frayed, and it seems that every one of them has secrets they are hiding.
The remaining students huddle together, hoping to find answers and stay alive. Will they figure out who is out to get them before the killer comes for them again?
The book, written in the omniscient past tense PoV, took a long time to get into the heart of the story. For far too long, the narrative remained caught up in the drama of the high school students’ lives.
Around the 24 percent mark, the author was still dishing out more inane high school drama—who is crushing on who, who is in a relationship, etc. The characters took too long to figure out that they had all received the same text. Things started becoming interesting only at the 25 percent mark.
Once the killings started, the author was on a surer footing, holding the pace fast and steady, and keeping us readers at the edge of our seats. I continued to read. The author’s confidence was evident in the quality of the writing. The dialogues improved, not hitting a false note. The descriptions, particularly those relating to the rural setting, got better.
What marred the reading experience for me was the large number of errors. The book needed better editing.
A boy was described as, “He was so shining.” In another instance, we see this line, “Why tempt fate of suspension?’ One character, we are told, “busted into laughter.” Another character feels an “alleviation of the heart.”
In Chapter 1, we meet Barrett ‘Biff’ Branigan. Then in Chapter 7, we meet Biff’s mother, Elizabeth Barrett, even though in Chapter 6, she had been referred to as Elizabeth Branigan. The author uses the word sphincter when perhaps the word, spectre, was more suitable.
The fact that the school building was built in an H formation was repeated twice.
A good editor would have weeded out these issues.
Although I was drawn into the events of the plot, I didn’t actually relate to the characters, possibly because of the surfeit of information about each one of them. Too much is told to us about them. Despite all the information, they were all no different from high school students in any other book. The only character I would have liked to know more about was Susan.
There’s a subplot that seems to be making a big deal about Biff’s sexuality, when it is obvious from the beginning.
I thought it was clever of the author to invoke the scarecrow, the scary creature that scares birds and people alike, while bringing in a reference to Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz.
I also appreciated the author’s attempt to bolster an unlikely hero.
Even though I don’t really enjoy the slasher-fest sub-genre of horror, this book held my interest. I hope the author intends to build on the momentum raised by this one. The only way I could settle for that ending was if there was a Book II coming up.
A young student, Jess, disappears after a Halloween party at an abandoned farmhouse. A year later, she still hasn’t been found. In the run-up to the anniversary of her disappearance, the following Halloween, the nerves of the townsfolk, especially those of her classmates, are already strained.
When eight students, Chase, Kim, Beth, Johnny, Biff, Andy, Scott and Christa, receive an identical text from an unknown number, asking them to play the game, Never Have I Ever, or be prepared to face the consequences, at first they fear that Jess may have returned to wreak vengeance, though no one knows what grudge she might bear. Initially, the eight students take the threat lightly until one of them is killed by someone in a scarecrow costume. Or maybe it isn’t a costume?
For at the end of the town, on the edge of the forest, lives Susan Boyle, an old and nearly destitute hag who is rumoured to dabble in magic and who is accused of having murdered her own kids. Is it Susan killing the children of the town for the rhyme they all sing about her?
First one, then another of the eight students who received the text begin to get killed. As the numbers drop from 8 to 7, and then 6, then 5, nerves are frayed, and it seems that every one of them has secrets they are hiding.
The remaining students huddle together, hoping to find answers and stay alive. Will they figure out who is out to get them before the killer comes for them again?
The book, written in the omniscient past tense PoV, took a long time to get into the heart of the story. For far too long, the narrative remained caught up in the drama of the high school students’ lives.
Around the 24 percent mark, the author was still dishing out more inane high school drama—who is crushing on who, who is in a relationship, etc. The characters took too long to figure out that they had all received the same text. Things started becoming interesting only at the 25 percent mark.
Once the killings started, the author was on a surer footing, holding the pace fast and steady, and keeping us readers at the edge of our seats. I continued to read. The author’s confidence was evident in the quality of the writing. The dialogues improved, not hitting a false note. The descriptions, particularly those relating to the rural setting, got better.
What marred the reading experience for me was the large number of errors. The book needed better editing.
A boy was described as, “He was so shining.” In another instance, we see this line, “Why tempt fate of suspension?’ One character, we are told, “busted into laughter.” Another character feels an “alleviation of the heart.”
In Chapter 1, we meet Barrett ‘Biff’ Branigan. Then in Chapter 7, we meet Biff’s mother, Elizabeth Barrett, even though in Chapter 6, she had been referred to as Elizabeth Branigan. The author uses the word sphincter when perhaps the word, spectre, was more suitable.
The fact that the school building was built in an H formation was repeated twice.
A good editor would have weeded out these issues.
Although I was drawn into the events of the plot, I didn’t actually relate to the characters, possibly because of the surfeit of information about each one of them. Too much is told to us about them. Despite all the information, they were all no different from high school students in any other book. The only character I would have liked to know more about was Susan.
There’s a subplot that seems to be making a big deal about Biff’s sexuality, when it is obvious from the beginning.
I thought it was clever of the author to invoke the scarecrow, the scary creature that scares birds and people alike, while bringing in a reference to Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz.
I also appreciated the author’s attempt to bolster an unlikely hero.
Even though I don’t really enjoy the slasher-fest sub-genre of horror, this book held my interest. I hope the author intends to build on the momentum raised by this one. The only way I could settle for that ending was if there was a Book II coming up.
November 11, 2024
Set in the small town of Willow Creek, Michigan, "Never Have I Ever" transforms a classic party game into a deadly challenge when eight teenagers receive anonymous texts demanding they reveal their darkest secrets. As players begin dying one by one, what starts as a threatening game evolves into a fight for survival.
The Good
Engaging Premise
The novel's central concept cleverly modernizes classic teen horror tropes by incorporating social media and text messaging into its narrative framework. The "Never Have I Ever" game provides an effective vehicle for exploring themes of secrets, trust, and teenage relationships.
Pacing and Suspense
The story hits its stride around the halfway mark, maintaining a gripping momentum through to its conclusion. The gradual unveiling of secrets creates genuine intrigue, while the mounting body count adds urgency to the narrative.
The Challenges
Character Overload
The early chapters suffer from introducing too many characters too quickly, making it difficult for readers to keep track of the large cast. This initial confusion eventually settles, but it creates a rocky start for readers.
Language Inconsistencies
A notable issue appears in the novel's vocabulary choices. The author's use of advanced vocabulary (particularly in the first fifth of the book) feels forced and unrealistic for teenage characters. While linguistic variety is admirable, the sophisticated word choices often break character authenticity and may alienate readers.
Plot Structure Issues
The narrative struggles with maintaining consistent character involvement. Key characters like Hikah inexplicably fade into the background after strong initial presence, while new characters appear late in the story with little explanation. The reveal of the killer's identity lacks proper foundation, leading to a conclusion that feels more confusing than satisfying.
Romance Elements
The romantic subplots tend toward the superficial, though this may be appropriate for the young adult target audience. These elements, while potentially appealing to younger readers, might feel underdeveloped to more mature audiences.
Writing Style
The author demonstrates skill in creating atmosphere and maintaining suspense, reminiscent of classic young adult horror series like Point Horror. The writing is generally polished and accessible, though occasionally marred by vocabulary choices that don't align with character voices.
Final Verdict
"Never Have I Ever" is a mixed success that will likely appeal to younger readers who enjoy thriller elements and don't mind some narrative inconsistencies. While the novel shows promise in its premise and ability to build tension, it struggles with character development and plot coherence.
Rating: 3/5 stars
Recommended for:
Fans of young adult thrillers
Readers who enjoy social media-integrated storytelling
Those nostalgic for 90s teen horror
May Not Appeal To:
Readers seeking complex character development
Those who prefer tightly plotted mysteries
Adults looking for sophisticated thriller elements
The novel ultimately reads like a modern take on classic teen horror, complete with both the genre's strengths (suspense, high stakes) and weaknesses (plot holes, character inconsistencies). While it may not satisfy more demanding readers, it provides enough thrills to entertain its target young adult audience.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
The Good
Engaging Premise
The novel's central concept cleverly modernizes classic teen horror tropes by incorporating social media and text messaging into its narrative framework. The "Never Have I Ever" game provides an effective vehicle for exploring themes of secrets, trust, and teenage relationships.
Pacing and Suspense
The story hits its stride around the halfway mark, maintaining a gripping momentum through to its conclusion. The gradual unveiling of secrets creates genuine intrigue, while the mounting body count adds urgency to the narrative.
The Challenges
Character Overload
The early chapters suffer from introducing too many characters too quickly, making it difficult for readers to keep track of the large cast. This initial confusion eventually settles, but it creates a rocky start for readers.
Language Inconsistencies
A notable issue appears in the novel's vocabulary choices. The author's use of advanced vocabulary (particularly in the first fifth of the book) feels forced and unrealistic for teenage characters. While linguistic variety is admirable, the sophisticated word choices often break character authenticity and may alienate readers.
Plot Structure Issues
The narrative struggles with maintaining consistent character involvement. Key characters like Hikah inexplicably fade into the background after strong initial presence, while new characters appear late in the story with little explanation. The reveal of the killer's identity lacks proper foundation, leading to a conclusion that feels more confusing than satisfying.
Romance Elements
The romantic subplots tend toward the superficial, though this may be appropriate for the young adult target audience. These elements, while potentially appealing to younger readers, might feel underdeveloped to more mature audiences.
Writing Style
The author demonstrates skill in creating atmosphere and maintaining suspense, reminiscent of classic young adult horror series like Point Horror. The writing is generally polished and accessible, though occasionally marred by vocabulary choices that don't align with character voices.
Final Verdict
"Never Have I Ever" is a mixed success that will likely appeal to younger readers who enjoy thriller elements and don't mind some narrative inconsistencies. While the novel shows promise in its premise and ability to build tension, it struggles with character development and plot coherence.
Rating: 3/5 stars
Recommended for:
Fans of young adult thrillers
Readers who enjoy social media-integrated storytelling
Those nostalgic for 90s teen horror
May Not Appeal To:
Readers seeking complex character development
Those who prefer tightly plotted mysteries
Adults looking for sophisticated thriller elements
The novel ultimately reads like a modern take on classic teen horror, complete with both the genre's strengths (suspense, high stakes) and weaknesses (plot holes, character inconsistencies). While it may not satisfy more demanding readers, it provides enough thrills to entertain its target young adult audience.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
October 4, 2024
Harker Jones’ Never Have I Ever is a chilling thriller that takes the classic high-school party game to terrifying new levels. Set in a small Michigan town, the novel plunges readers into a suspenseful game of secrets and survival as eight teenagers find themselves being stalked by a killer dressed as a scarecrow. At its heart, the book explores the consequences of secrets and past actions, creating a palpable tension as the characters’ buried wrongdoings are brought to light.
The premise of receiving ominous texts urging them to play “Never Have I Ever” sets the stage for an eerie atmosphere that captures the fear and paranoia of being hunted. With each chapter, the stakes grow higher as the teens are picked off one by one, and the identity of the killer remains shrouded in mystery. Jones does an excellent job of building suspense by blending horror elements with a psychological edge, making readers question every character’s motives and backstory.
The book’s central character, the school bully, offers an interesting twist on the “final girl” trope commonly seen in slasher stories. His quest for redemption adds layers to the plot, especially as he struggles to atone for his past while racing against time to uncover the killer. This moral complexity enhances the story, making it more than just a typical survival tale.
While the scarecrow costume adds a creepy, almost supernatural element to the killer, Jones keeps the mystery grounded in reality, leaving readers questioning whether the killer is human or something else entirely. This ambiguity heightens the suspense, particularly as the plot draws connections to a girl who went missing the previous year, hinting at a deep and possibly supernatural connection to the past.
However, the novel does have some familiar tropes of the slasher genre that could feel predictable to seasoned readers of thrillers, such as the isolated setting, the group of teens with hidden sins, and the deadly game motif. That said, Never Have I Ever still manages to carve its own identity with a unique antagonist and a redemptive arc for the protagonist.
In summary, Never Have I Ever by Harker Jones is a tense, well-paced thriller that will appeal to fans of horror and psychological suspense. The book’s exploration of guilt, redemption, and fear adds depth to a familiar premise, making it an engaging read from start to finish. With unexpected twists, a high body count, and a relentless sense of dread, Jones delivers a novel that keeps readers guessing until the final page. Perfect for the Halloween season.
The premise of receiving ominous texts urging them to play “Never Have I Ever” sets the stage for an eerie atmosphere that captures the fear and paranoia of being hunted. With each chapter, the stakes grow higher as the teens are picked off one by one, and the identity of the killer remains shrouded in mystery. Jones does an excellent job of building suspense by blending horror elements with a psychological edge, making readers question every character’s motives and backstory.
The book’s central character, the school bully, offers an interesting twist on the “final girl” trope commonly seen in slasher stories. His quest for redemption adds layers to the plot, especially as he struggles to atone for his past while racing against time to uncover the killer. This moral complexity enhances the story, making it more than just a typical survival tale.
While the scarecrow costume adds a creepy, almost supernatural element to the killer, Jones keeps the mystery grounded in reality, leaving readers questioning whether the killer is human or something else entirely. This ambiguity heightens the suspense, particularly as the plot draws connections to a girl who went missing the previous year, hinting at a deep and possibly supernatural connection to the past.
However, the novel does have some familiar tropes of the slasher genre that could feel predictable to seasoned readers of thrillers, such as the isolated setting, the group of teens with hidden sins, and the deadly game motif. That said, Never Have I Ever still manages to carve its own identity with a unique antagonist and a redemptive arc for the protagonist.
In summary, Never Have I Ever by Harker Jones is a tense, well-paced thriller that will appeal to fans of horror and psychological suspense. The book’s exploration of guilt, redemption, and fear adds depth to a familiar premise, making it an engaging read from start to finish. With unexpected twists, a high body count, and a relentless sense of dread, Jones delivers a novel that keeps readers guessing until the final page. Perfect for the Halloween season.
October 3, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Never Have I Ever by Harker Jones is a gripping young adult thriller that masterfully blends suspense, mystery, and the complexities of teenage life. Set in a small Michigan town, the novel follows eight teenagers who find themselves ensnared in a deadly game of “Never Have I Ever,” receiving ominous texts that force them to confront their darkest secrets.
The story begins with a chilling premise: a year after a girl goes missing, the teens start receiving texts urging them to play the game. As the game progresses, they realize that someone is targeting them, and the stakes are life and death. The tension escalates when they discover that the person behind the texts might be connected to the missing girl, and the school bully takes it upon himself to uncover the truth in hopes of redeeming his past actions and staying alive.
Jones’s writing is sharp and engaging, capturing the angst and drama of teenage life while weaving a suspenseful and unpredictable plot. The characters are well-developed, each with their own secrets and motivations that add depth to the story. The dynamics between the characters are complex and realistic, making their interactions and conflicts feel authentic.
Never Have I Ever explores themes such as guilt, redemption, and the impact of past actions on the present. Jones delves into the psychological aspects of the characters, providing a nuanced portrayal of how they cope with fear and uncertainty. The novel touches on issues of bullying, peer pressure, and the desire for acceptance, making it a thought-provoking read for young adults.
The pacing of the novel is brisk, with plenty of twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The suspense builds steadily, leading to a climactic and satisfying conclusion that ties together the various threads of the story. Jones’s ability to maintain tension and keep readers guessing is a testament to his skill as a storyteller.
Never Have I Ever is a must-read for fans of young adult thrillers and mystery novels. Harker Jones has crafted a compelling and suspenseful tale that will keep readers hooked.
Never Have I Ever by Harker Jones is a gripping young adult thriller that masterfully blends suspense, mystery, and the complexities of teenage life. Set in a small Michigan town, the novel follows eight teenagers who find themselves ensnared in a deadly game of “Never Have I Ever,” receiving ominous texts that force them to confront their darkest secrets.
The story begins with a chilling premise: a year after a girl goes missing, the teens start receiving texts urging them to play the game. As the game progresses, they realize that someone is targeting them, and the stakes are life and death. The tension escalates when they discover that the person behind the texts might be connected to the missing girl, and the school bully takes it upon himself to uncover the truth in hopes of redeeming his past actions and staying alive.
Jones’s writing is sharp and engaging, capturing the angst and drama of teenage life while weaving a suspenseful and unpredictable plot. The characters are well-developed, each with their own secrets and motivations that add depth to the story. The dynamics between the characters are complex and realistic, making their interactions and conflicts feel authentic.
Never Have I Ever explores themes such as guilt, redemption, and the impact of past actions on the present. Jones delves into the psychological aspects of the characters, providing a nuanced portrayal of how they cope with fear and uncertainty. The novel touches on issues of bullying, peer pressure, and the desire for acceptance, making it a thought-provoking read for young adults.
The pacing of the novel is brisk, with plenty of twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The suspense builds steadily, leading to a climactic and satisfying conclusion that ties together the various threads of the story. Jones’s ability to maintain tension and keep readers guessing is a testament to his skill as a storyteller.
Never Have I Ever is a must-read for fans of young adult thrillers and mystery novels. Harker Jones has crafted a compelling and suspenseful tale that will keep readers hooked.
September 29, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Never Have I Ever” by Harker Jones is a YA slasher story that revolves around eight teenagers in a small town who begin receiving cryptic texts compelling them to play a deadly game. As their numbers dwindle and bloody bodies start piling up, the survivors must uncover the truth about a girl who disappeared the previous year and find a way to survive.
The premise of the novel is undeniably strong, with echoes of teen slasher films and a fun, eerie Halloween vibe throughout the book. The deadly secrets and retribution element are intriguing, and the author does a commendable job of keeping you on edge with unexpected twists, especially a climactic ending that definitely ended up surprising me.
However, the book's execution doesn't quite live up to its potential. The book is told from multiple points of view, which can be overwhelming at times. I am absolutely horrible with names, so I found it incredibly difficult to keep up with the different characters. There are frequent time jumps that often make the plot difficult to follow, and with so many characters introduced early on, it’s easy to lose track of who’s who and what is actually going on.
Despite its structural flaws, Never Have I Ever has its strengths. The pacing picks up significantly once the action begins (the beginning is a bit slow), and the eerie atmosphere makes it a perfect Halloween read. While the character development may not be very deep, the fast-paced nature of the plot and the slasher elements will likely appeal to fans of teen horror. There are plenty of spooky scenes to keep you engaged.
Overall, “Never Have I Ever” is an enjoyable YA slasher; it’s a fun, creepy read that could make for a great movie adaptation with some tightening of its structure. If you're a fan of teen slasher films with masked killers and eerie small-town settings, this book is worth a try—just be prepared to navigate some confusing time jumps and a large cast of characters.
“Never Have I Ever” by Harker Jones is a YA slasher story that revolves around eight teenagers in a small town who begin receiving cryptic texts compelling them to play a deadly game. As their numbers dwindle and bloody bodies start piling up, the survivors must uncover the truth about a girl who disappeared the previous year and find a way to survive.
The premise of the novel is undeniably strong, with echoes of teen slasher films and a fun, eerie Halloween vibe throughout the book. The deadly secrets and retribution element are intriguing, and the author does a commendable job of keeping you on edge with unexpected twists, especially a climactic ending that definitely ended up surprising me.
However, the book's execution doesn't quite live up to its potential. The book is told from multiple points of view, which can be overwhelming at times. I am absolutely horrible with names, so I found it incredibly difficult to keep up with the different characters. There are frequent time jumps that often make the plot difficult to follow, and with so many characters introduced early on, it’s easy to lose track of who’s who and what is actually going on.
Despite its structural flaws, Never Have I Ever has its strengths. The pacing picks up significantly once the action begins (the beginning is a bit slow), and the eerie atmosphere makes it a perfect Halloween read. While the character development may not be very deep, the fast-paced nature of the plot and the slasher elements will likely appeal to fans of teen horror. There are plenty of spooky scenes to keep you engaged.
Overall, “Never Have I Ever” is an enjoyable YA slasher; it’s a fun, creepy read that could make for a great movie adaptation with some tightening of its structure. If you're a fan of teen slasher films with masked killers and eerie small-town settings, this book is worth a try—just be prepared to navigate some confusing time jumps and a large cast of characters.
October 22, 2024
Never have I ever by Harker Jones
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.
I love horror and YA so was really looking forward to reading this book, I was hoping it was going to be like ‘scream’ crossed with ‘I know what you did last summer’ and ‘pretty little liars’ and the description it should have been, that and the cover really drew me in. Sadly thats where the excitement ends. It’s 3rd person written, which I personally struggle with, so it took me a lot longer than usual to read. That coupled with the fact that it was overly descriptive to the point it ruined the flow of the book for me. Not much happens for the first 3rd of the book, unfortunately it was really slow to get to anything that made me want to continue.
I’ve never DNF’d a book in my life and I don’t intend to start now, that being said I was close to putting it down. I loved the concept, not so much the execution. I pushed through and it does get better.
It’s set during the autumn and Halloween which helps set the scene for the creepy things that happen. There’s a lot of mentions of secrets and lies to be unravelled and honestly that’s what kept me reading. The twists were good and the secrets revealed throughout were decent too. The author builds enough suspense to make the conclusion worth waiting for.
It brought light to teenage angst and the struggle to fit in with your peers and showed us just how fragile the teen ego is. Overall I enjoyed this read once I got past the first 30% the more I read the more I enjoyed it.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.
I love horror and YA so was really looking forward to reading this book, I was hoping it was going to be like ‘scream’ crossed with ‘I know what you did last summer’ and ‘pretty little liars’ and the description it should have been, that and the cover really drew me in. Sadly thats where the excitement ends. It’s 3rd person written, which I personally struggle with, so it took me a lot longer than usual to read. That coupled with the fact that it was overly descriptive to the point it ruined the flow of the book for me. Not much happens for the first 3rd of the book, unfortunately it was really slow to get to anything that made me want to continue.
I’ve never DNF’d a book in my life and I don’t intend to start now, that being said I was close to putting it down. I loved the concept, not so much the execution. I pushed through and it does get better.
It’s set during the autumn and Halloween which helps set the scene for the creepy things that happen. There’s a lot of mentions of secrets and lies to be unravelled and honestly that’s what kept me reading. The twists were good and the secrets revealed throughout were decent too. The author builds enough suspense to make the conclusion worth waiting for.
It brought light to teenage angst and the struggle to fit in with your peers and showed us just how fragile the teen ego is. Overall I enjoyed this read once I got past the first 30% the more I read the more I enjoyed it.
September 27, 2024
I loved the Halloween vibes throughout the book, though I was a bit disappointed that the cover didn’t match the eerie atmosphere. The premise and plot are strong, and the twist really caught me off guard, especially with an ending that had me saying "damn."
However, the story's structure made it a bit difficult to follow at times. The time jumps, in particular, were confusing and often threw me off, especially if I wasn’t paying close attention. There were also quite a few characters introduced early on, which made it hard to keep track at first, but once the story picked up, it flowed more smoothly—though the time jumps still felt jarring.
I’m giving it 3 stars because the story’s structure, especially the time jumps, could have been better executed. I think the author would have benefited from labeling chapters by character and focusing on them individually to avoid confusion. Additionally, I’m not sure the structure will resonate well with young adult readers.
If you enjoy teen slasher films with masked killers, this book would be up your alley, but you'll need to navigate the timeline shifts. That said, it would make for an excellent movie adaptation.
Thank you Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
However, the story's structure made it a bit difficult to follow at times. The time jumps, in particular, were confusing and often threw me off, especially if I wasn’t paying close attention. There were also quite a few characters introduced early on, which made it hard to keep track at first, but once the story picked up, it flowed more smoothly—though the time jumps still felt jarring.
I’m giving it 3 stars because the story’s structure, especially the time jumps, could have been better executed. I think the author would have benefited from labeling chapters by character and focusing on them individually to avoid confusion. Additionally, I’m not sure the structure will resonate well with young adult readers.
If you enjoy teen slasher films with masked killers, this book would be up your alley, but you'll need to navigate the timeline shifts. That said, it would make for an excellent movie adaptation.
Thank you Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 8, 2024
I have conflicting feelings on Never Have I Ever, and it kind of makes me a little sad.
I really wanted to enjoy this story, I really wanted to get into the horror aspect of it, but I really just... couldn't.
It does the YA trope pretty well and I love the inclusiveness in the book, but the constant change in POVs, some poorly placed flashbacks, and trying to keep up with who's doing what, who's who, and whoddunit truly kept me from enjoying the story. It took about 13 chapters for things to start moving along and to get out of "teens in high school" mode. I did not want it as a DNF, so I did find myself skimming through pages to find any kind of important information to help piece things together and keep reading until the plot got interesting. Though I did finish the book, I don't quite remember any specific parts that stood out to me other than the Big Reveal™.
The characters do develop over the course of the 388 pages, but it gets very confusing trying to remember who's who, who's died, who likes who, and so on. Also, I did find that some of the vocabulary didn't fit even though the book is marketed as a YA novel.
I received Never Have I Ever from BookSirens for an honest post-publication review, and here you are.
3/5 stars.
I really wanted to enjoy this story, I really wanted to get into the horror aspect of it, but I really just... couldn't.
It does the YA trope pretty well and I love the inclusiveness in the book, but the constant change in POVs, some poorly placed flashbacks, and trying to keep up with who's doing what, who's who, and whoddunit truly kept me from enjoying the story. It took about 13 chapters for things to start moving along and to get out of "teens in high school" mode. I did not want it as a DNF, so I did find myself skimming through pages to find any kind of important information to help piece things together and keep reading until the plot got interesting. Though I did finish the book, I don't quite remember any specific parts that stood out to me other than the Big Reveal™.
The characters do develop over the course of the 388 pages, but it gets very confusing trying to remember who's who, who's died, who likes who, and so on. Also, I did find that some of the vocabulary didn't fit even though the book is marketed as a YA novel.
I received Never Have I Ever from BookSirens for an honest post-publication review, and here you are.
3/5 stars.
November 11, 2025
Never Have I Ever is a young adult slasher about eight high school students who all receive an anonymous text that says "Never Have I Ever." Some of them are friends, while a couple are just acquaintances. The book is written from different characters' points of view and is told using flashbacks to various events in the characters' pasts. I thought this added depth to the story and had no problem following it.
I thought it was kind of odd that one of the main, popular people was obsessed with Hanson (and it's not the 90s). If you like Hanson and their Middle of Nowhere album, prepare for nostalgia. Mmmbop is mentioned a lot.
The mystery and killings were pretty well done with some gory spots, but the actual reason for everything fell flat for me. The descriptions of their town, school and the characters were great. Biff really did try to redeem himself for being such a bully for the past few years. I feel like this would be good for fans of small town horror and slasher movies.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I thought it was kind of odd that one of the main, popular people was obsessed with Hanson (and it's not the 90s). If you like Hanson and their Middle of Nowhere album, prepare for nostalgia. Mmmbop is mentioned a lot.
The mystery and killings were pretty well done with some gory spots, but the actual reason for everything fell flat for me. The descriptions of their town, school and the characters were great. Biff really did try to redeem himself for being such a bully for the past few years. I feel like this would be good for fans of small town horror and slasher movies.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Read
September 17, 2024Never Have I Ever follows eight teenagers in a small town after they start receiving odd texts telling them to play the game. The group finds themselves in a game of deadly secrets and retribution that leads back to a girl who disappeared last year. As the group’s numbers dwindle and their bloody bodies are found, they have to work harder than ever to figure out how to stay alive.
While there is a lot to love here, it wasn’t for me. I wasn’t a huge fan of the characters or writing, but I did enjoy the concept--it's fun and unique. I think teenagers will love this book and have a lot of fun reading. It’s got a large cast of characters so it should be easy to find someone you like and the plot has a steady, fast pace.
There are some great eerie and scary scenes that make this perfect to read in October for Halloween. The ending has a big twist and the author did a great job keeping you guessing.
If you like twisty, mystery, horror novels in the YA genre, then check this one out!
Thank you to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
While there is a lot to love here, it wasn’t for me. I wasn’t a huge fan of the characters or writing, but I did enjoy the concept--it's fun and unique. I think teenagers will love this book and have a lot of fun reading. It’s got a large cast of characters so it should be easy to find someone you like and the plot has a steady, fast pace.
There are some great eerie and scary scenes that make this perfect to read in October for Halloween. The ending has a big twist and the author did a great job keeping you guessing.
If you like twisty, mystery, horror novels in the YA genre, then check this one out!
Thank you to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC of this book.
The premise of this book sounded really interesting and it started out decent. Minus the fact that the author used at least 4 words in the first 19% that even I had to use my kindle dictionary for, and that teens, especially 3 or 4 separate ones, are highly unlikely to use. I get wanting to change up the words so you aren’t over using them, but they need to make sense for your characters. These just didn’t and so it felt a bit pretentious and alienating at those moments.
After that the first 40% or so was intriguing, but then it just started to drag out and become a bit convoluted.
Also, in the beginning Hikah was involved with the texts and then all of a sudden she was just a side person not part of it at all. Also, another random person is brought in at the last bit in passing.
Once we find out who the killer is it just makes no sense. Then two other side characters are randomly there, who knows why, and the ending just felt like a mess.
The premise of this book sounded really interesting and it started out decent. Minus the fact that the author used at least 4 words in the first 19% that even I had to use my kindle dictionary for, and that teens, especially 3 or 4 separate ones, are highly unlikely to use. I get wanting to change up the words so you aren’t over using them, but they need to make sense for your characters. These just didn’t and so it felt a bit pretentious and alienating at those moments.
After that the first 40% or so was intriguing, but then it just started to drag out and become a bit convoluted.
Also, in the beginning Hikah was involved with the texts and then all of a sudden she was just a side person not part of it at all. Also, another random person is brought in at the last bit in passing.
Once we find out who the killer is it just makes no sense. Then two other side characters are randomly there, who knows why, and the ending just felt like a mess.
November 20, 2024
This is an interesting book. If you were a teen in the late 90s or a parent of a teen in that same era then some of the references might give you flashbacks of that time. (The genre is horror and for some taking you back to then might make it even scarier.) Even if you can’t relate to that era you’ll probably still be able to relate to what the teen years are like for most of us. If you’ve had experience living in a small town and how life there can be different then you’ll relate to what the kids in this book go through even more. Along with the horror aspect you’ve got a mystery or two at work which kept this reader engaged as I tried to figure out all the pieces, guessing wrong way more than I want to admit as I tried to figure out what was going on and anticipate how it was going to end. The result was an engaging and entertaining read, even if some of those flashbacks to the late 90s weren’t so great.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
January 6, 2025
At around 30%, I LOVED this book.
The first 30%, however was one of the most confusing and horribly choppy writing I’ve read in a book. I truly almost DNF’d this book because I was worried the rest would continue with the weird writing style and confusing characters. This is the reason I rated this book 4 stars in an otherwise 5 star book.
Luckily, this book picked up significantly and seemed like someone completely different started to write it. It was chilling, claustrophobic, and suspenseful. One by one the group starts to die by an unknown killer. Where were there parents?!
This book had multiple point of views. At first, it was confusing but I started to pick up who was who. While I found that the killer wasn’t all that twisty, based on something that was said throughout the book (I won’t spoil it), I still started to fall for the red herrings. The ending was NOT expected and further pushed the horror aspect of the story.
I am so glad I stuck with this one as I ended up enjoying it immensely! Highly recommend.
The first 30%, however was one of the most confusing and horribly choppy writing I’ve read in a book. I truly almost DNF’d this book because I was worried the rest would continue with the weird writing style and confusing characters. This is the reason I rated this book 4 stars in an otherwise 5 star book.
Luckily, this book picked up significantly and seemed like someone completely different started to write it. It was chilling, claustrophobic, and suspenseful. One by one the group starts to die by an unknown killer. Where were there parents?!
This book had multiple point of views. At first, it was confusing but I started to pick up who was who. While I found that the killer wasn’t all that twisty, based on something that was said throughout the book (I won’t spoil it), I still started to fall for the red herrings. The ending was NOT expected and further pushed the horror aspect of the story.
I am so glad I stuck with this one as I ended up enjoying it immensely! Highly recommend.
January 29, 2025
Harker Jones delivers a gripping thriller with Never Have I Ever, keeping me engaged from start to finish with various character perspectives. The story takes place in a quiet Michigan town, which becomes a pressure cooker of secrets and suspense. His short story She Said Goodbye an Afternoon in September, featured in the Thriller/Suspense chapter of 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42², shares thematic ties with his acclaimed novel Until September, which was mentioned in The London Times and won a Beyond Boundaries Reads Award. It’s no surprise that Never Have I Ever was a finalist in the American Writing Awards and a runner-up in the Halloween Book Festival. The Midwest Book Review called it “young adult horror fiction at its strongest,” praising Jones’ delicate weave of personalities and paranoia. Fans of psychological thrillers with rich character depth will find this book a must-read.
September 27, 2024
Never Have I Ever immerses readers in the eerie atmosphere of a small Michigan town 🌲 where eight teenagers are drawn into a deadly game 🎮, confronting their darkest secrets 😱. A mysterious figure dressed as a scarecrow 🤡 picks them off one by one, creating tension that builds with every twist.
Harker Jones masterfully combines horror 👻, suspense 🕵️♂️, and psychological thrills 🧠, keeping readers guessing until the final page 📖. The flawed characters and LGBTQ+ representation 🏳️🌈 add depth to the chilling narrative. This gripping YA horror-thriller is perfect for fans of mystery 🔍 and retribution-driven stories.
Highly recommended for those seeking an unpredictable and spooky read 👻!
#NeverHaveIEver #YAHorror #SuspensefulReads #ThrillerBooks #LGBTQBooks #HorrorLovers #MysteryFans #BookRecommendations
Harker Jones masterfully combines horror 👻, suspense 🕵️♂️, and psychological thrills 🧠, keeping readers guessing until the final page 📖. The flawed characters and LGBTQ+ representation 🏳️🌈 add depth to the chilling narrative. This gripping YA horror-thriller is perfect for fans of mystery 🔍 and retribution-driven stories.
Highly recommended for those seeking an unpredictable and spooky read 👻!
#NeverHaveIEver #YAHorror #SuspensefulReads #ThrillerBooks #LGBTQBooks #HorrorLovers #MysteryFans #BookRecommendations
July 10, 2025
Thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an e-ARC of Harker Jones YA mystery, Never Have I Ever.
The cover and the synopsis are what caught my attention and had me requesting and reading this book. Sadly, the book did not live up to the hype I created in my head. The book is considered YA, but I found the writing to be geared more toward an adult audience. I had trouble with the large number of characters and thier POVs. I really struggled to "get into" this book as it was a bit pretencious with its writing when it did not need to be and I could not connect to that characters (any of them) because there were so many jumps between POVs. I did finish this book, however I considered DNFing is several times. I am not sure I would recommend this book to be honest.
The cover and the synopsis are what caught my attention and had me requesting and reading this book. Sadly, the book did not live up to the hype I created in my head. The book is considered YA, but I found the writing to be geared more toward an adult audience. I had trouble with the large number of characters and thier POVs. I really struggled to "get into" this book as it was a bit pretencious with its writing when it did not need to be and I could not connect to that characters (any of them) because there were so many jumps between POVs. I did finish this book, however I considered DNFing is several times. I am not sure I would recommend this book to be honest.
dnf
October 11, 2025I won this book from Goodreads and this in my honest review. I had to DNF this book, only made it about 7% in and I usually give a book 25% before I give up, but this book was horrible. Too many characters and it started too slow. Then there are the names the author chose for 2 of the characters, Biff and Johnny Angel. I mean come on!!!!! Biff AND Johnny Angel!!!! And Biff is the school bully and Johnny Angel is the handsome boy all of the girls want. To me this was just laziness on the part of the author, maybe they were just supposed to be name holders and she intended to change them, then just didn't. Whatever the reason for the name choices it was another reason I couldn't finish the book.
December 7, 2024
Never Have I Ever by Hawker Jones, I really like this book except for the fact I thought they were way too many people in the book but a Halloween horror story is right up my alley and with the teens trying to figure out who is texting them and why was something I really enjoyed. It a small town in Michigan, eight friends and a killer or at first a potential killer on the loose. I do want to mention I really was surprised as to who the culprit was and think I may be losing my discernment because that has been happening a lot lately. As far as this book goes, I would definitely recommend it for a fast fun horror story.#NetGalley, #HawkerJones, #NeverHaveIEver,
September 23, 2024
This was a fun read! Quite slow on the start, and I got irritated at all the hints at secrets yet to be revealed, but I loved the trope and the setting and although the twists were just fair, the ending was great and took me by surprise. This is set at Halloween time and that increased my enjoyment of it. It was a bit hard to keep track of who was who tho….had to skip back a couple of times to refresh my memory. Would make a great movie after some of the excessive time spent on hinting about unrevealed secrets was cut. All in all, I enjoyed it.
October 15, 2024
3.5 /5
I absolutely loved the premise of this YA thriller. Set in a small town in Michigan, eight teenagers find themselves lured into a deadly game of 𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗜 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿.
Harker writes an eerily atmospheric and engaging story, reminiscent of the old teenage slasher movies. The pacing keeps the reader turning the pages and picks up even more with plenty of twists and turns once the action begins.
His characters are believable and relatable, and he really captures their typical teenage angst.
The book builds up the suspense gradually while weaving psychological elements throughout the narrative. Various themes are explored, such as bullying, peer pressure, guilt, and redemption, and it also has LGBTQ+ representation. Overall, this would be a great horror/thriller read for any young adult, especially during the spooky season.
I absolutely loved the premise of this YA thriller. Set in a small town in Michigan, eight teenagers find themselves lured into a deadly game of 𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗜 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿.
Harker writes an eerily atmospheric and engaging story, reminiscent of the old teenage slasher movies. The pacing keeps the reader turning the pages and picks up even more with plenty of twists and turns once the action begins.
His characters are believable and relatable, and he really captures their typical teenage angst.
The book builds up the suspense gradually while weaving psychological elements throughout the narrative. Various themes are explored, such as bullying, peer pressure, guilt, and redemption, and it also has LGBTQ+ representation. Overall, this would be a great horror/thriller read for any young adult, especially during the spooky season.
October 21, 2024
I enjoyed the story - it reminded me of the Point Horror series from my youth. In the first few chapters it felt like there were too many characters and perspectives which I found difficult to keep up with. I also found the story lines of teenage crushes and love interests a little shallow and juvenile though I appreciate this is tailored to the intended market. I also liked the way the secrets unravelled. There was good sense of drama - the injection of pace from about half way through that carried through to the end was particularly successful, as was the ending.
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