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Blood Lasts Forever
Not every death is a tragedy.
When fifteen-year-old Wyatt Bucks is found dead in the Sagasett River, the small town of Chambers breathes a collective sigh of relief. Wyatt was a troubled youth, feared and despised by many. But his death, deemed an accident by the local sheriff, leaves a chilling legacy that will haunt the town for decades.
Twenty years later, Mitch Ansel, now a middle school teacher, receives a call that resurrects the nightmares of his past. Alongside his old friends, the Fab Five, Mitch is forced to confront the dark secret they’ve buried for years—a secret that ties them to Wyatt’s death.
As the friends reunite at a remote cabin, they must navigate a web of deceit, fear, and violence. Each carries scars from the past, but none are prepared for the revelations that await them. Mitch’s terrifying visions of Wyatt and the relentless pull of their shared guilt threaten to unravel their lives and sanity.
When fifteen-year-old Wyatt Bucks is found dead in the Sagasett River, the small town of Chambers breathes a collective sigh of relief. Wyatt was a troubled youth, feared and despised by many. But his death, deemed an accident by the local sheriff, leaves a chilling legacy that will haunt the town for decades.
Twenty years later, Mitch Ansel, now a middle school teacher, receives a call that resurrects the nightmares of his past. Alongside his old friends, the Fab Five, Mitch is forced to confront the dark secret they’ve buried for years—a secret that ties them to Wyatt’s death.
As the friends reunite at a remote cabin, they must navigate a web of deceit, fear, and violence. Each carries scars from the past, but none are prepared for the revelations that await them. Mitch’s terrifying visions of Wyatt and the relentless pull of their shared guilt threaten to unravel their lives and sanity.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2024
12 people are currently reading
3886 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Gunhus
27 books550 followersJeff Gunhus is the USA TODAY bestselling author of thriller and horror novels for adults and the middle grade series, The Jack Templar Chronicles. The first book, Jack Templar Monster Hunter, was written in an effort to get his reluctant reader eleven-year old son excited about reading. It worked and a new series was born. His books are available in several languages, been Foreword Reviews Book of the Year Finalists, and reached the USA TODAY bestseller list.
After his experience with his son, he is passionate about helping parents reach young reluctant readers and is active in child literacy issues. As a father of five, he leads an active lifestyle in Maryland with his wife Nicole by trying to constantly keep up with their kids. In rare moments of quiet, he can be found in the back of the City Dock Cafe in Annapolis working on his next novel.
After his experience with his son, he is passionate about helping parents reach young reluctant readers and is active in child literacy issues. As a father of five, he leads an active lifestyle in Maryland with his wife Nicole by trying to constantly keep up with their kids. In rare moments of quiet, he can be found in the back of the City Dock Cafe in Annapolis working on his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 27, 2024
Blood Lasts Forever is not my first Jeff Gunhus novel. His writing is amazing and there is never any hesitation when I am offered a copy for review.
Fifteen year old Wyatt Bucks is a bully. When he turns up dead, no one in the small town of chambers questions it. It only took one mistake for someone to hunt him down and make him pay. The Fab Five have taken a blood oath to take their secret to the grave.
It’s twenty years later, and the past has come calling. Jeff Gunhus did a great job of creating a story and characters that are realistic and gripping. The details enabled me to visualize the scenes as they unfolded.
I wondered what would happen at the cabin. I figured someone must have broken the blood oath, but who and why was the big question. It didn’t go down the way I thought it would, but that’s not surprising with Jeff Gunhus. He is a master at creating suspense and roller coaster ride stories, keeping me flipping pages, eager to know what comes next.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
Fifteen year old Wyatt Bucks is a bully. When he turns up dead, no one in the small town of chambers questions it. It only took one mistake for someone to hunt him down and make him pay. The Fab Five have taken a blood oath to take their secret to the grave.
It’s twenty years later, and the past has come calling. Jeff Gunhus did a great job of creating a story and characters that are realistic and gripping. The details enabled me to visualize the scenes as they unfolded.
I wondered what would happen at the cabin. I figured someone must have broken the blood oath, but who and why was the big question. It didn’t go down the way I thought it would, but that’s not surprising with Jeff Gunhus. He is a master at creating suspense and roller coaster ride stories, keeping me flipping pages, eager to know what comes next.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
January 21, 2025
If you’re in the mood for a thriller that starts off with a bang and maintains that intensity until the very last page, you should check this one out! It’s a quick read (less than 300 pages) and seamlessly alternates between past and present POVs.
This book starts off with the death of a teenager and walks the reader through how the death happened and what goes on in the lives of those affected. The author did a great job of writing a story that doesn’t ever really slow down.
This one is a bit on the gory side, so it’s almost like a mix between thriller and horror as opposed to a domestic/psychological thriller. I didn’t mind it, but it is quite dark at times, so it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
This book starts off with the death of a teenager and walks the reader through how the death happened and what goes on in the lives of those affected. The author did a great job of writing a story that doesn’t ever really slow down.
This one is a bit on the gory side, so it’s almost like a mix between thriller and horror as opposed to a domestic/psychological thriller. I didn’t mind it, but it is quite dark at times, so it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
January 21, 2025
This locked-room thriller is told from the perspective of five adults who made a pact as teenagers to keep secret their awful deed. They vowed that if one person in the group struggled to keep the secret they'd all come together to help that person. Years later, one of the five has called a meeting and no one seems to know who, or how far that person will go to get what they want. The story alternates between the past and the present playing out key events in a way that's both suspenseful and entertaining while maintaining a fast pace. I highly recommend this book for fans of crime/murder thrillers and locked-room mysteries.
December 10, 2024
This is a good read a group of friends with a bully in common do something they can’t take back and spend the rest of their lives relying on each other to stay quiet. It’s easy to read I found it pretty predictable if I’m totally honest but a decent read overall.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 3, 2025
Another amazing psychological thriller, but this time the darkness was a bit thicker. We’re introduced to the story with the death of the town bully. A death that was quickly forgotten as the decades passed until one of the Fab Five, Mitch Ansel, starts seeing things. As the group gathers at a cabin, be prepared for mind melds and fists and turns a la gore.
This one is pretty dark, almost in line with some gory horror films. You think you have everything figured out and then Jeff Gunhus goes in a completely new direction that will leave you guessing until the end.
With a fast pace and exquisite storytelling from the author, Blood Lasts Forever is a read you may want to tackle with all the lights on.
{I received a complimentary copy of this book. All reviews are my own.}
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This one is pretty dark, almost in line with some gory horror films. You think you have everything figured out and then Jeff Gunhus goes in a completely new direction that will leave you guessing until the end.
With a fast pace and exquisite storytelling from the author, Blood Lasts Forever is a read you may want to tackle with all the lights on.
{I received a complimentary copy of this book. All reviews are my own.}
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January 23, 2025
Its first seven pages are spent belabouring the point that no one cares about Wyatt Bucks’ death. An unfortunate portent of what’s to come. There’s quite a lot of back-and-forthing at times and the sense of circiling the drain gets tiresome. It’s a shame. I understand the uncertainty and the mistrust that the characters regard one another with but it just drags on a bit too long.
Approaching the midway point is a reveal that I enjoyed seeing the characters react to. But I do struggle to believe that it came as a surprise. In part because the Fab Five never cohered as a friend group. Neither in the present nor in the flashbacks. Most of which are focused on an individual character and therefore didn’t develop the relationships which does feed excellently into the tension of the present. Even in moments of levity there’s often the sense that they’re standing on ice that could collapse under them at the slightest shift.
If it weren’t for the occasional comment like ‘the good vibes of them hanging out’, it would be perfect. The presentation of their relationship as something it’s not is vexing. None of them oblivious to the tension they were walking into. It just doesn’t feel true.
I tend to think of thrillers as a faster paced genre. This is largely not the case here. However, once the group is reunited there’s a fantastic ramping up of the pace which builds until you’re rocketing back and forth. It’s very destabilising and ties into the confusion of the moment. I understand why some don’t like the tense shift but for characters trapped by this one deed presenting the flashbacks in present tense can be effective.
I do wish it had stuck to its style of shifting back and forth though. It was jarring to start a chapter where there wasn’t even an attempt to make it fit. Unfortunately not the most disappointing element of the chapter. Lauren and Kelly-Ann were very much second thoughts throughout the book. None of the characters rise above archetype but the women were least developed and the flashbacks ultimately lean on not like other girls even though the scene had the potential for depth.
When its pacing works, it works fantastically. I loved the horror elements. I loved the confrontation with Wyatt. For those reasons I was going to give this book four stars. Regretfully the end brings with it a moment of honesty that feels more for the benefit of the reader and it breaks all suspension.
Thanks to iRead Book Tours and Jeff Gunhus for this review copy. I leave this review voluntarily.
Approaching the midway point is a reveal that I enjoyed seeing the characters react to. But I do struggle to believe that it came as a surprise. In part because the Fab Five never cohered as a friend group. Neither in the present nor in the flashbacks. Most of which are focused on an individual character and therefore didn’t develop the relationships which does feed excellently into the tension of the present. Even in moments of levity there’s often the sense that they’re standing on ice that could collapse under them at the slightest shift.
If it weren’t for the occasional comment like ‘the good vibes of them hanging out’, it would be perfect. The presentation of their relationship as something it’s not is vexing. None of them oblivious to the tension they were walking into. It just doesn’t feel true.
I tend to think of thrillers as a faster paced genre. This is largely not the case here. However, once the group is reunited there’s a fantastic ramping up of the pace which builds until you’re rocketing back and forth. It’s very destabilising and ties into the confusion of the moment. I understand why some don’t like the tense shift but for characters trapped by this one deed presenting the flashbacks in present tense can be effective.
I do wish it had stuck to its style of shifting back and forth though. It was jarring to start a chapter where there wasn’t even an attempt to make it fit. Unfortunately not the most disappointing element of the chapter. Lauren and Kelly-Ann were very much second thoughts throughout the book. None of the characters rise above archetype but the women were least developed and the flashbacks ultimately lean on not like other girls even though the scene had the potential for depth.
When its pacing works, it works fantastically. I loved the horror elements. I loved the confrontation with Wyatt. For those reasons I was going to give this book four stars. Regretfully the end brings with it a moment of honesty that feels more for the benefit of the reader and it breaks all suspension.
Thanks to iRead Book Tours and Jeff Gunhus for this review copy. I leave this review voluntarily.
January 29, 2025
Blood Lasts Forever is a classic thriller tale, in which a group of kids commit a murder, albeit somewhat accidentally, at age thirteen and make a blood pact in agreement to never tell a soul. Over a decade later, however, it seems someone wants to, so despite having gone their separate ways after high school, this unlikely group agree to meet again at an isolated cabin in the woods to discuss what to do. Little do they know, they're not alone.
This wasn't the most groundbreaking storyline that I've ever read, and it did give me ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ type vibes, though obviously the initial crime was committed when the characters were much younger. I did feel sympathy for the thirteen year old children, who were bullied and abused by the older boy, Wyatt, who ended up being their victim, though I also felt like I wanted a bit more development of their characters and why exactly they were friends, even then they called themselves the ‘Fab Five' but they were so different that it's difficult to see how their friendship came about. Though I guess that's how it is in Middle School.
While I think there was definitely some tension building throughout the book, I did find it rather predictable, and could sense the twist coming. The very end did surprise me though, I will say, as the way the characters had reacted to killings and each other throughout the book seemed to suddenly be vastly contrasting in that moment, again maybe that would have been clearer with a bit more character development.
I will also say I wasn't a fan of the animal abuse, or the homophobic and transphobic language used by the villains of the piece, though I do understand that it was used to show what terrible people they were.
I did appreciate the transitions between some of the chapters when a character would start a sentence as the ending of one chapter, and finish it at the start of the next one, but at a different stage in their life, between age thirteen and present day.
All in all an entertaining thriller tale but definitely one of several similar stories I've read before!
This wasn't the most groundbreaking storyline that I've ever read, and it did give me ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ type vibes, though obviously the initial crime was committed when the characters were much younger. I did feel sympathy for the thirteen year old children, who were bullied and abused by the older boy, Wyatt, who ended up being their victim, though I also felt like I wanted a bit more development of their characters and why exactly they were friends, even then they called themselves the ‘Fab Five' but they were so different that it's difficult to see how their friendship came about. Though I guess that's how it is in Middle School.
While I think there was definitely some tension building throughout the book, I did find it rather predictable, and could sense the twist coming. The very end did surprise me though, I will say, as the way the characters had reacted to killings and each other throughout the book seemed to suddenly be vastly contrasting in that moment, again maybe that would have been clearer with a bit more character development.
I will also say I wasn't a fan of the animal abuse, or the homophobic and transphobic language used by the villains of the piece, though I do understand that it was used to show what terrible people they were.
I did appreciate the transitions between some of the chapters when a character would start a sentence as the ending of one chapter, and finish it at the start of the next one, but at a different stage in their life, between age thirteen and present day.
All in all an entertaining thriller tale but definitely one of several similar stories I've read before!
January 20, 2025
See this and other reviews at https://www.thebookdragondotblog.word...
The first chapter of this book is amazing. I was so hooked by the characters, writing style, and premise that my expectations skyrocketed going into Chapter 2. This book gives the vibes of I Know What You Did Last Summer, and includes the POV of each of the Fab Five, both in the past and the present. It jumps around in time, giving us a firsthand look at what they did way back as young teenagers, a glimpse of some time after that, and then roots us in the present, where something fishy is going on.
The writing is fantastic. Each character felt authentic and had their own ways of speaking and interacting. Gunhus also has this gimmick where he ends each chapter in the middle of a sentence, only to finish that sentence at the beginning of the next chapter. It’s fun, but it can be a bit confusing, and it does make it a bit difficult to keep in mind everything happening during each time period, as he’ll end a chapter in the middle of the action or even dialogue. Additionally, it was also difficult to keep track of each person–both their present-day old version and their young kid version–in the beginning, as we are introduced to each, but don’t really get the chance to commit them to memory before we’re moving onto the next person.
I really enjoyed the plot. So much so that I wish there had simply been more of it in the present day. I remember getting to the good part in the present day and looking down at how much of the book I had left, and I was at 80%. I was surprised. That 80% had felt like the lead up to maybe the first half of the book, and then the second half would be them in the present fighting for their lives or something. It just felt… too bogged down in the past for me. I wanted more thrill. The very end was a surprise, though! I was kept guessing, even when I thought I had everything already figured out.
But overall, entertaining book, and definitely dark. Be sure to check content warnings. Things will get gross. And disturbing. Good luck.
I received a free digital version of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
The first chapter of this book is amazing. I was so hooked by the characters, writing style, and premise that my expectations skyrocketed going into Chapter 2. This book gives the vibes of I Know What You Did Last Summer, and includes the POV of each of the Fab Five, both in the past and the present. It jumps around in time, giving us a firsthand look at what they did way back as young teenagers, a glimpse of some time after that, and then roots us in the present, where something fishy is going on.
The writing is fantastic. Each character felt authentic and had their own ways of speaking and interacting. Gunhus also has this gimmick where he ends each chapter in the middle of a sentence, only to finish that sentence at the beginning of the next chapter. It’s fun, but it can be a bit confusing, and it does make it a bit difficult to keep in mind everything happening during each time period, as he’ll end a chapter in the middle of the action or even dialogue. Additionally, it was also difficult to keep track of each person–both their present-day old version and their young kid version–in the beginning, as we are introduced to each, but don’t really get the chance to commit them to memory before we’re moving onto the next person.
I really enjoyed the plot. So much so that I wish there had simply been more of it in the present day. I remember getting to the good part in the present day and looking down at how much of the book I had left, and I was at 80%. I was surprised. That 80% had felt like the lead up to maybe the first half of the book, and then the second half would be them in the present fighting for their lives or something. It just felt… too bogged down in the past for me. I wanted more thrill. The very end was a surprise, though! I was kept guessing, even when I thought I had everything already figured out.
But overall, entertaining book, and definitely dark. Be sure to check content warnings. Things will get gross. And disturbing. Good luck.
I received a free digital version of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
January 27, 2025
The title 'Blood Lasts Forever' perfectly captures the book's themes and plot, making it a fitting and haunting title.
I was utterly hooked from the very first chapter of this book, and it's easy to see why. The author masterfully crafted a narrative that evoked strong emotions from the get-go. As I read about Wyatt's death, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness,nor just for Wyatt, but also over the fact that everyone in the town seemed relieved.But it was the final line of the first chapter mentioning 'Five kids' that sparked curiosity and suspense, drawing me in and leaving me eager to uncover the truth.
I was captivated by the author's masterful storytelling, which seamlessly wove together the past and present. The writing style was effortlessly fluent, making it easy to become fully immersed in the narrative. The fast-paced plot was expertly crafted, with revelations unfolding at a perfect pace.
What i loved most was that despite the intense nature of the story, there were several relatable moments that resonated deeply with me. The author's ability to balance tension with emotional authenticity made for a truly compelling read.
What truly stole the show for me was the dynamic between the Fab Five, their conversations, arguments, and finger-pointing created a deliciously intense atmosphere that kept me hooked. The way the author crafted their interactions, expertly revealing their complex personalities and relationships made book worth reading!
And just when I thought I had it all figured out, the plot twist at the end completely blindsided me! 😭i wasn't expecting that at all,i thought okay its over now its coming to an end and then the last chapter?i literally had to go and re read it to process what just happened, if you love psychological thriller must give it a try!
I was utterly hooked from the very first chapter of this book, and it's easy to see why. The author masterfully crafted a narrative that evoked strong emotions from the get-go. As I read about Wyatt's death, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness,nor just for Wyatt, but also over the fact that everyone in the town seemed relieved.But it was the final line of the first chapter mentioning 'Five kids' that sparked curiosity and suspense, drawing me in and leaving me eager to uncover the truth.
I was captivated by the author's masterful storytelling, which seamlessly wove together the past and present. The writing style was effortlessly fluent, making it easy to become fully immersed in the narrative. The fast-paced plot was expertly crafted, with revelations unfolding at a perfect pace.
What i loved most was that despite the intense nature of the story, there were several relatable moments that resonated deeply with me. The author's ability to balance tension with emotional authenticity made for a truly compelling read.
What truly stole the show for me was the dynamic between the Fab Five, their conversations, arguments, and finger-pointing created a deliciously intense atmosphere that kept me hooked. The way the author crafted their interactions, expertly revealing their complex personalities and relationships made book worth reading!
And just when I thought I had it all figured out, the plot twist at the end completely blindsided me! 😭i wasn't expecting that at all,i thought okay its over now its coming to an end and then the last chapter?i literally had to go and re read it to process what just happened, if you love psychological thriller must give it a try!
February 10, 2025
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🤫 are good at keeping secrets
🔪 enjoyed the movie I Know What You Did Last Summer
👥 were part of a tight friend group during high school
👻 have ever seen a ghost
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Not every death is a tragedy.
When fifteen-year-old Wyatt Bucks is found dead in the Sagasett River, the small town of Chambers breathes a collective sigh of relief. Wyatt was a troubled youth, feared and despised by many. But his death, deemed an accident by the local sheriff, leaves a chilling legacy that will haunt the town for decades.
Twenty years later, Mitch Ansel, now a middle school teacher, receives a call that resurrects the nightmares of his past. Alongside his old friends, the Fab Five, Mitch is forced to confront the dark secret they’ve buried for years—a secret that ties them to Wyatt’s death.
As the friends reunite at a remote cabin, they must navigate a web of deceit, fear, and violence. Each carries scars from the past, but none are prepared for the revelations that await them. Mitch’s terrifying visions of Wyatt and the relentless pull of their shared guilt threaten to unravel their lives and sanity.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was a really thrilling story at the start, but significantly hits the brakes a few chapters in. I was so excited to hear about this friend group and discover the secrets they shared and were hiding from one another, but the story felt a bit weighed down with a lot of the past and not nearly enough of the present. I wanted to hear more about how this group had grown up and changed over time since the incident, but we didn’t really get to see that development as much as I wanted. The mystery itself was fairly interesting though, and I enjoyed the overall premise of the story.
🤫 are good at keeping secrets
🔪 enjoyed the movie I Know What You Did Last Summer
👥 were part of a tight friend group during high school
👻 have ever seen a ghost
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Not every death is a tragedy.
When fifteen-year-old Wyatt Bucks is found dead in the Sagasett River, the small town of Chambers breathes a collective sigh of relief. Wyatt was a troubled youth, feared and despised by many. But his death, deemed an accident by the local sheriff, leaves a chilling legacy that will haunt the town for decades.
Twenty years later, Mitch Ansel, now a middle school teacher, receives a call that resurrects the nightmares of his past. Alongside his old friends, the Fab Five, Mitch is forced to confront the dark secret they’ve buried for years—a secret that ties them to Wyatt’s death.
As the friends reunite at a remote cabin, they must navigate a web of deceit, fear, and violence. Each carries scars from the past, but none are prepared for the revelations that await them. Mitch’s terrifying visions of Wyatt and the relentless pull of their shared guilt threaten to unravel their lives and sanity.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was a really thrilling story at the start, but significantly hits the brakes a few chapters in. I was so excited to hear about this friend group and discover the secrets they shared and were hiding from one another, but the story felt a bit weighed down with a lot of the past and not nearly enough of the present. I wanted to hear more about how this group had grown up and changed over time since the incident, but we didn’t really get to see that development as much as I wanted. The mystery itself was fairly interesting though, and I enjoyed the overall premise of the story.
February 4, 2025
Expect a Character-Driven Thriller. While the premise of the novel seems like it should be a character-driven, coming-of-age style thriller with characters coming to terms with secrets and past mistakes, it is more of a thriller than a novel of redemption and character growth. The characters are engaging and the novel contains an interesting blend of backstories. It successfully merges the past with the present as the characters move through the events of the novel. Don't expect to necessarily like any of the characters. The book isn't really about learning lessons from the past or "growing up."
Blood Lasts Forever is Easy to Read. The novel adds some twists and turns that may actually surprise readers--all the way to the end. The novel is a little long and the early character backstories require a little focus at first to keep all of the characters in place as you read. Despite that, the novel is a page-turner, and while I didn't personally like any of the characters, their stories and outcomes were interesting. The phrase, "Not every death is a tragedy," has a lot of meaning in this book!
Would I Recommend Blood Lasts Forever by Jeff Gunhus? If you want a coming-of-age book with remorseful kids who grow up and seek forgiveness and redemption--this isn't really that book. The book explores the psychological impacts of the teens' pasts, but some secrets unravel somewhat differently than you may expect. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with some unexpected elements, this book is a great addition to your reading list.
I received a copy of this book for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
Blood Lasts Forever is Easy to Read. The novel adds some twists and turns that may actually surprise readers--all the way to the end. The novel is a little long and the early character backstories require a little focus at first to keep all of the characters in place as you read. Despite that, the novel is a page-turner, and while I didn't personally like any of the characters, their stories and outcomes were interesting. The phrase, "Not every death is a tragedy," has a lot of meaning in this book!
Would I Recommend Blood Lasts Forever by Jeff Gunhus? If you want a coming-of-age book with remorseful kids who grow up and seek forgiveness and redemption--this isn't really that book. The book explores the psychological impacts of the teens' pasts, but some secrets unravel somewhat differently than you may expect. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with some unexpected elements, this book is a great addition to your reading list.
I received a copy of this book for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
February 4, 2025
This review first appeared on https://ginaraemitchell.com. Visit to read an author interview.
The story opens with the death of Wyatt Bucks, a local troubled teen. We then jump ahead 20 years to reacquaint ourselves with Mitch Ansel, now a middle-grade teacher, and his chums from the past called the Fab Five.
There are several themes prevalent in this tale. The main ones for me are:
*Long Buried Secrets
*Friendship/Betrayal
*Guilt
*Psychological Horror
*Unreliable Narrator
You might consider these points if you are looking for deeper introspection into Blood Lasts Forever.
*Are Mitch’s visions of Wyatt purely guilt-driven, or do they hint at something more sinister?
*How does paranoia influence the characters' decisions?
*How does the novel explore the idea that “the past always catches up with you”?
*Does the town’s attitude toward Wyatt’s death reflect real-world issues of justice and prejudice?
*If placed in the same situation, would you have acted differently?
Fans of Gillian Flynn's Sharp Objects, The Chalk Man by C.J. Tudor, or It by Stephen King will enjoy the similar feelings evoked in Blood Lasts Forever. It's a psychological horror with a touch of supernatural (or is it?). The novel keeps readers questioning whether the supernatural elements are real or if they stem from trauma and guilt.
Leave a light on and prepare to read long into the night to solve the questions in this thrilling tale.
I received a copy of the book for an iRead Book Tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
The story opens with the death of Wyatt Bucks, a local troubled teen. We then jump ahead 20 years to reacquaint ourselves with Mitch Ansel, now a middle-grade teacher, and his chums from the past called the Fab Five.
There are several themes prevalent in this tale. The main ones for me are:
*Long Buried Secrets
*Friendship/Betrayal
*Guilt
*Psychological Horror
*Unreliable Narrator
You might consider these points if you are looking for deeper introspection into Blood Lasts Forever.
*Are Mitch’s visions of Wyatt purely guilt-driven, or do they hint at something more sinister?
*How does paranoia influence the characters' decisions?
*How does the novel explore the idea that “the past always catches up with you”?
*Does the town’s attitude toward Wyatt’s death reflect real-world issues of justice and prejudice?
*If placed in the same situation, would you have acted differently?
Fans of Gillian Flynn's Sharp Objects, The Chalk Man by C.J. Tudor, or It by Stephen King will enjoy the similar feelings evoked in Blood Lasts Forever. It's a psychological horror with a touch of supernatural (or is it?). The novel keeps readers questioning whether the supernatural elements are real or if they stem from trauma and guilt.
Leave a light on and prepare to read long into the night to solve the questions in this thrilling tale.
I received a copy of the book for an iRead Book Tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
January 9, 2025
Blood Lasts Forever by Jeff Gunhus is a gripping, emotionally charged thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Right from the eerie opening, where the morally complex death of Wyatt Bucks sets the stage, Gunhus pulls you into a story filled with psychological tension, dark secrets, and the weight of past decisions.
At the heart of the novel is the "Fab Five," a group of childhood friends who share a deadly secret. Two decades after their shocking act, they are forced to face their past when it threatens to destroy the lives they’ve spent years trying to build. Each character is deeply flawed and compelling in their own way, especially Mitch, the thoughtful teacher, and Kelly-Ann, a survivor who's both strong and scarred. Their shared history is full of unspoken tension and guilt that they can’t escape.
Gunhus’s writing is sharp and cinematic, making each scene vivid and alive. He expertly balances suspense with emotional depth, drawing readers in with every twist and turn. The pacing is relentless, driving the plot forward through shocking revelations and an intense final act that leaves a lasting impact.
*Blood Lasts Forever* is more than just a thriller; it’s a haunting exploration of how the scars of youth linger and how far people will go to bury the truth. If you’re a fan of intense, character-driven stories with layers of suspense, this one is a must-read.
At the heart of the novel is the "Fab Five," a group of childhood friends who share a deadly secret. Two decades after their shocking act, they are forced to face their past when it threatens to destroy the lives they’ve spent years trying to build. Each character is deeply flawed and compelling in their own way, especially Mitch, the thoughtful teacher, and Kelly-Ann, a survivor who's both strong and scarred. Their shared history is full of unspoken tension and guilt that they can’t escape.
Gunhus’s writing is sharp and cinematic, making each scene vivid and alive. He expertly balances suspense with emotional depth, drawing readers in with every twist and turn. The pacing is relentless, driving the plot forward through shocking revelations and an intense final act that leaves a lasting impact.
*Blood Lasts Forever* is more than just a thriller; it’s a haunting exploration of how the scars of youth linger and how far people will go to bury the truth. If you’re a fan of intense, character-driven stories with layers of suspense, this one is a must-read.
January 27, 2025
This book is a masterful blend of psychological suspense, mystery, and thriller elements that will keep you guessing until the very end. The story revolves around a group of friends who are haunted by a dark secret from their past, and their lives are forever changed when they reunite twenty years later.
The author has woven a complex web of deceit, fear, and violence that is both captivating and unsettling. The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, with each one carrying their own scars from their troubled past. As the story unfolds, the tension builds, and the reader is left wondering what secrets each character is hiding.
The themes of guilt, shame, and redemption are expertly explored throughout the book. The author raises important questions about the consequences of our actions and the power of secrets to both bind and destroy us. The ending is both shocking and satisfying, providing a sense of closure while still leaving the reader with plenty to think about.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to fans of psychological thrillers and suspenseful fiction. It's a gripping and unsettling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Recommendation: If you enjoy psychological thrillers, suspenseful fiction, and complex characters, then this book is a must-read.
💖❤️💖❤️
The author has woven a complex web of deceit, fear, and violence that is both captivating and unsettling. The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, with each one carrying their own scars from their troubled past. As the story unfolds, the tension builds, and the reader is left wondering what secrets each character is hiding.
The themes of guilt, shame, and redemption are expertly explored throughout the book. The author raises important questions about the consequences of our actions and the power of secrets to both bind and destroy us. The ending is both shocking and satisfying, providing a sense of closure while still leaving the reader with plenty to think about.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to fans of psychological thrillers and suspenseful fiction. It's a gripping and unsettling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Recommendation: If you enjoy psychological thrillers, suspenseful fiction, and complex characters, then this book is a must-read.
💖❤️💖❤️
February 1, 2025
Wyatt Bucks, a troubled teenager, is found dead in the Sagasett River, leaving the small town of Chambers with a sense of relief, as Wyatt’s reign of terror is finally over. But two decades later, Mitch Ansel, a middle school teacher, receives a phone call that drags him back to a haunting past. Alongside his old friends, Mitch must confront a secret tied to Wyatt’s death, a secret that will force them to face terrifying truths and their own guilt. As Mitch’s disturbing visions of Wyatt grow stronger, he and his friends must navigate the dangerous web of their shared history before it consumes them.
Reading Blood Lasts Forever equals being drawn into a world where the past doesn't stay buried, no matter how hard one tries. Jeff Gunhus has a way of creating characters who are real in their flaws and fears. The author does an incredible job of weaving together the psychological tension and supernatural elements.
What struck me most was how the story didn’t just focus on Wyatt’s death, but on the consequences of it. There are scenes were unsettling, but in the best way possible. The pacing is spot-on. The author doesn’t rush through the mystery but lets it unfold slowly. I was hooked to the book. The writing is so good, this book can be perfectly adapted into a netflix series. I'd love to read more from the author!
Reading Blood Lasts Forever equals being drawn into a world where the past doesn't stay buried, no matter how hard one tries. Jeff Gunhus has a way of creating characters who are real in their flaws and fears. The author does an incredible job of weaving together the psychological tension and supernatural elements.
What struck me most was how the story didn’t just focus on Wyatt’s death, but on the consequences of it. There are scenes were unsettling, but in the best way possible. The pacing is spot-on. The author doesn’t rush through the mystery but lets it unfold slowly. I was hooked to the book. The writing is so good, this book can be perfectly adapted into a netflix series. I'd love to read more from the author!
February 19, 2025
Psychological thrillers are one of my favorite blends of genres. And so is isolating a group of people who think they know each other and have a big shared secret. What could be more thrilling.
In this book, something that was thought to be buried in the past is in danger of coming to light. A blood oath is about to be broken. Which of the five friends, known as the Fab Five in their youth, is wanting to spill their guts. And will the others convince him to be quiet or silence him forever.
The synopsis grabbed me right away. Take some close friends. Put them in an isolated place. Then drop a bomb and see who’s still standing when the dust settles. I particularly like that in group dynamics. I try to guess who will stay strong and who will cave. I’m right some of the time. But this is written by Jeff Gunhus and he’s a master at writing unpredictable characters. Outcomes too.
You’re taken from the present to the past to learn what the big secret is and what the main players have been up to. That worked really well. The pace stayed fast and exciting.
Jeff also doesn’t shy away from writing about the dark side of events and actions. It sure makes for an intense experience.
There was never a dull or awkward moment as I powered through this book. I loved every minute of it.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
In this book, something that was thought to be buried in the past is in danger of coming to light. A blood oath is about to be broken. Which of the five friends, known as the Fab Five in their youth, is wanting to spill their guts. And will the others convince him to be quiet or silence him forever.
The synopsis grabbed me right away. Take some close friends. Put them in an isolated place. Then drop a bomb and see who’s still standing when the dust settles. I particularly like that in group dynamics. I try to guess who will stay strong and who will cave. I’m right some of the time. But this is written by Jeff Gunhus and he’s a master at writing unpredictable characters. Outcomes too.
You’re taken from the present to the past to learn what the big secret is and what the main players have been up to. That worked really well. The pace stayed fast and exciting.
Jeff also doesn’t shy away from writing about the dark side of events and actions. It sure makes for an intense experience.
There was never a dull or awkward moment as I powered through this book. I loved every minute of it.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
March 14, 2025
BookSiren Advanced Read
Started January 11th, finished March 11th.
This is my first time reading and then leaving a book review for a book read from BookSirens. I wasn't sure what to fully expect when I picked this book and chose it because from the summary, the book sounded like a dark thriller with an undertone of horror.
I rather enjoyed the book pretty much from the beginning. I liked that it had the POV of all the main characters at some point, and included chapters from the POV of the antagonists.
A negative for me and the loss of a star, was how the chapters ended and started. The chapter would end halfway through a sentence... ...and then the next chapter would be a continuation of that sentence in a different context. The odd chapter like this is fine, but it was almost every chapter, and I quickly found it rather annoying. I'm not sure what the author was trying to achieve with this.
I will admit that I did figure out the first part of who is it halfway through the book, and guessed correctly at the second part of who is it not too long later. The twist at the ending I didn't guess though and did like that's how the author decided to end the book.
Overall, this was a rather well written novel and I did enjoy it. There was tension and suspense, great characters that were easy to like or dislike, and a flowing storyline.
Started January 11th, finished March 11th.
This is my first time reading and then leaving a book review for a book read from BookSirens. I wasn't sure what to fully expect when I picked this book and chose it because from the summary, the book sounded like a dark thriller with an undertone of horror.
I rather enjoyed the book pretty much from the beginning. I liked that it had the POV of all the main characters at some point, and included chapters from the POV of the antagonists.
A negative for me and the loss of a star, was how the chapters ended and started. The chapter would end halfway through a sentence... ...and then the next chapter would be a continuation of that sentence in a different context. The odd chapter like this is fine, but it was almost every chapter, and I quickly found it rather annoying. I'm not sure what the author was trying to achieve with this.
I will admit that I did figure out the first part of who is it halfway through the book, and guessed correctly at the second part of who is it not too long later. The twist at the ending I didn't guess though and did like that's how the author decided to end the book.
Overall, this was a rather well written novel and I did enjoy it. There was tension and suspense, great characters that were easy to like or dislike, and a flowing storyline.
December 19, 2024
I have never heard of this author and one thing I enjoy as a reader is discovering new authors.
I enjoyed this story. It had the right amount of twistedness to keep me turning pages. I liked the way this story flowed and unfolded. I enjoyed reading about the Fab Five and their secret, the glue that made them stay quiet over the years. The Fab Five consisted of Mitch, Dan, Kelly-Ann, Lauren, and Rick. Each of the Fab Five grew up to lead relatively normal lives, but there was something that continually haunted all of them.
Wyatt and Sykes Bucks – brothers. Wyatt wanted to be like his older brother, Sykes, or so it seemed. Both were troublemakers.
There is also a bit of a ghost story involved in this tale of childhood gone wrong.
What I also enjoyed about this tale is how the chapters ended with a phrase that led right into the following chapter, the chapters of which flipped back and forth between the present time and memories of a long-past childhood that surrounded each character and what they each had to lose as adults if their secret was revealed. Who would benefit the most from the secret remaining buried? Who wanted to gather everyone in adulthood to make sure everyone stayed silent? A ghost from the past or one of the Fab Five?
I enjoyed this story. It had the right amount of twistedness to keep me turning pages. I liked the way this story flowed and unfolded. I enjoyed reading about the Fab Five and their secret, the glue that made them stay quiet over the years. The Fab Five consisted of Mitch, Dan, Kelly-Ann, Lauren, and Rick. Each of the Fab Five grew up to lead relatively normal lives, but there was something that continually haunted all of them.
Wyatt and Sykes Bucks – brothers. Wyatt wanted to be like his older brother, Sykes, or so it seemed. Both were troublemakers.
There is also a bit of a ghost story involved in this tale of childhood gone wrong.
What I also enjoyed about this tale is how the chapters ended with a phrase that led right into the following chapter, the chapters of which flipped back and forth between the present time and memories of a long-past childhood that surrounded each character and what they each had to lose as adults if their secret was revealed. Who would benefit the most from the secret remaining buried? Who wanted to gather everyone in adulthood to make sure everyone stayed silent? A ghost from the past or one of the Fab Five?
February 13, 2025
murder mystery, suspense, psychological thriller
Trigger warning: bullying.
A group of thirteen-year-olds accidentally kill someone and cover it up, vowing to keep it a secret forever. Years later, their past comes back to haunt them, forcing them to face the truth they tried to bury.
Dark, engaging and good for a slump!
The setup was strong. Loved the psychological horror elements especially the eerie atmosphere and guilt-driven paranoia and paranoia kept me hooked and I was IN the story, judging every character, the tension building, amazing. Also I'm not sure if it's common in thrillers but going back and forth alot which was fun but could also be exhausting. The plot twist however might feel a little predictable(a little). It had elements of surprise but not that shocking for me. The ending was actually intriguing like when either love that it keeps the mystery alive. However,I Loved the confrontation scene, like I'd TOTALLY watch that movie.
Would I recommend it to you? Yes—but not as a mind-blowing, must-read thriller. More like a solid, well-written, eerie mystery that’s engaging but might not fully satisfy your need for that WOAH didn’t-see-that-coming moment, but it definitely an entertaining read.
Trigger warning: bullying.
A group of thirteen-year-olds accidentally kill someone and cover it up, vowing to keep it a secret forever. Years later, their past comes back to haunt them, forcing them to face the truth they tried to bury.
Dark, engaging and good for a slump!
The setup was strong. Loved the psychological horror elements especially the eerie atmosphere and guilt-driven paranoia and paranoia kept me hooked and I was IN the story, judging every character, the tension building, amazing. Also I'm not sure if it's common in thrillers but going back and forth alot which was fun but could also be exhausting. The plot twist however might feel a little predictable(a little). It had elements of surprise but not that shocking for me. The ending was actually intriguing like when either love that it keeps the mystery alive. However,I Loved the confrontation scene, like I'd TOTALLY watch that movie.
Would I recommend it to you? Yes—but not as a mind-blowing, must-read thriller. More like a solid, well-written, eerie mystery that’s engaging but might not fully satisfy your need for that WOAH didn’t-see-that-coming moment, but it definitely an entertaining read.
May 14, 2025
Jeff Gunhus’s Blood Lasts Forever tells the story of five friends make a pact with each other during childhood after sharing a terrible secret. These five friends are bullied and terrorized by the same boy while growing up, and these same friends share a terrible and all-consuming secret throughout their entire lives. As adults, the fab five reconvene at a remote cabin because someone in the group is considering sharing their secret, and they can’t allow the truth to see the light of day.
I loved the premise of this book. Just the very nature of friends sharing such a secret gives the book an air of suspense. The tension remained high with this book, and I got through it in just a few days because I was too interested in finding out what happened next. The pacing in the book was excellent and it featured a non-linear timeline that really worked well within the storyline. Gunhus was able to seamlessly tie the past and the present together in the book in a way that made the story cohesive even though it jumped between two different time periods.
Additionally, Gunhus made great use of multiple viewpoints. There were parts of the story that were told from each of the main characters’ viewpoints and that decision added a nice bit of complexity to the story that might not have existed otherwise. The characters, for the most part, were also complex and interesting. Ultimately, they felt like real people. They had their strong points as well as their flaws, and they lived among them. The antagonists, on the other hand, felt a little more one dimensional and seemed as though they were written a little bit bad for the sake of being bad. Overall, though, the characters were really well done and well thought out.
The story itself was extremely dark. It was actually a lot darker than I expected it to be when I started the book. In fact, there were several different parts that I would even go so far as to say that I found a little hard to read, so if you’re not expecting a dark storyline, this might not the book for you.
Dark themes aside, I really liked this book. I enjoy a dark thriller, and I would recommend Blood Lasts Forever to those that enjoy a dark thriller, or even to those that enjoy horror. While I would say that this is a thriller, to me, this one really pushes against the line into horror territory. However, if you like this sort of genre, I would absolutely recommend Blood Lasts Forever. I would like to extend a special thank you to Jeff Gunhus, Seven Guns Press, and Book Sirens for providing me a digital copy for review. All opinions are my own.
I loved the premise of this book. Just the very nature of friends sharing such a secret gives the book an air of suspense. The tension remained high with this book, and I got through it in just a few days because I was too interested in finding out what happened next. The pacing in the book was excellent and it featured a non-linear timeline that really worked well within the storyline. Gunhus was able to seamlessly tie the past and the present together in the book in a way that made the story cohesive even though it jumped between two different time periods.
Additionally, Gunhus made great use of multiple viewpoints. There were parts of the story that were told from each of the main characters’ viewpoints and that decision added a nice bit of complexity to the story that might not have existed otherwise. The characters, for the most part, were also complex and interesting. Ultimately, they felt like real people. They had their strong points as well as their flaws, and they lived among them. The antagonists, on the other hand, felt a little more one dimensional and seemed as though they were written a little bit bad for the sake of being bad. Overall, though, the characters were really well done and well thought out.
The story itself was extremely dark. It was actually a lot darker than I expected it to be when I started the book. In fact, there were several different parts that I would even go so far as to say that I found a little hard to read, so if you’re not expecting a dark storyline, this might not the book for you.
Dark themes aside, I really liked this book. I enjoy a dark thriller, and I would recommend Blood Lasts Forever to those that enjoy a dark thriller, or even to those that enjoy horror. While I would say that this is a thriller, to me, this one really pushes against the line into horror territory. However, if you like this sort of genre, I would absolutely recommend Blood Lasts Forever. I would like to extend a special thank you to Jeff Gunhus, Seven Guns Press, and Book Sirens for providing me a digital copy for review. All opinions are my own.
January 24, 2025
What happens to a school bully? What happens to a pack of friends who are the ones being bullied? Well, they grow up, and you get this thrilling story.
The plot revolves around five teenage friends who share a dark secret and Wyatt, who is much more than just the school bully he’s pretty much the town bully. The truth is, Wyatt is the worst ever, and pretty much the whole town would be better off without him.
The chapters in the book intertwine the past and present, with each character sharing their backstory and how Wyatt played into their lives. He was much more than a bully; he was a menace who affected each of them into their adulthood. Each chapter layers and builds upon the previous one to give you the whole story.
This book had moments where I was enraged and moments that I had to flip through because I felt I couldn’t handle them. For the most part, I did enjoy the book. It definitely gave you moments of discomfort and agitation, which I believe is what the writer was trying to evoke. Just when you think you have it all figured out just keep reading, friends. Keep reading.
The plot revolves around five teenage friends who share a dark secret and Wyatt, who is much more than just the school bully he’s pretty much the town bully. The truth is, Wyatt is the worst ever, and pretty much the whole town would be better off without him.
The chapters in the book intertwine the past and present, with each character sharing their backstory and how Wyatt played into their lives. He was much more than a bully; he was a menace who affected each of them into their adulthood. Each chapter layers and builds upon the previous one to give you the whole story.
This book had moments where I was enraged and moments that I had to flip through because I felt I couldn’t handle them. For the most part, I did enjoy the book. It definitely gave you moments of discomfort and agitation, which I believe is what the writer was trying to evoke. Just when you think you have it all figured out just keep reading, friends. Keep reading.
February 2, 2025
Ever since high school, the Fab Five swore to never tell a secret. Now they all must meet again.
The Fab Five, now adults, were meeting at a remote cabin. Right away, this storyline grabs you from the start—literally from page 1. It gets you intrigued, especially when trying to figure out what this secret was.
In the beginning, we get the stories of individual characters—some part of the Fab Five in the present, some part of the Fab Five in the past it seemed, and some were even students, I think. To be honest, it really wasn’t too clear at times. Stories kind of went in different directions and my mind was spinning with questions. What was this big secret? Did the Fab Five murder Wyatt? But then how is Wyatt alive in some chapters? When was the Fab Five going to reach the cabin already? This wasn’t quite what I was expecting. It was mostly reminiscing and harping over the “murder” for a good chunk of the book. It started off well, but then it started going downhill. I really didn’t care for that dissected cat scene. I guess I was just expecting something different, something more exciting.
Still, this was a fairly nice read.
The Fab Five, now adults, were meeting at a remote cabin. Right away, this storyline grabs you from the start—literally from page 1. It gets you intrigued, especially when trying to figure out what this secret was.
In the beginning, we get the stories of individual characters—some part of the Fab Five in the present, some part of the Fab Five in the past it seemed, and some were even students, I think. To be honest, it really wasn’t too clear at times. Stories kind of went in different directions and my mind was spinning with questions. What was this big secret? Did the Fab Five murder Wyatt? But then how is Wyatt alive in some chapters? When was the Fab Five going to reach the cabin already? This wasn’t quite what I was expecting. It was mostly reminiscing and harping over the “murder” for a good chunk of the book. It started off well, but then it started going downhill. I really didn’t care for that dissected cat scene. I guess I was just expecting something different, something more exciting.
Still, this was a fairly nice read.
February 7, 2025
Not Every Death is a Tragedy. Wyatt Bucks is found murdered one day in the river of Chambers. However, no one is upset, except for Wyatt's family, no one is sad. Interesting plot already for the readers. And then we find out there are 5 friends from school that have a dark secret that they share together. One that involves Wyatt.
Then Mitch, one of the kids, 20 years later, starts having bad nightmares about the past and Wyatt. Mitch is also very attracted still to another member of their group named Kelly-Ann. Each member has grown up and is dealing with their past in very different ways in this book, I quite enjoyed reading each member's modern-day careers and where life has taken them since the secret! And I highly enjoyed how Wyatt is not the most wonderful kid that when he is murdered has no secrets in his past, Wyatt is revealed as a horrible kid in this book as you continue to read but you also feel a little bad for him at times. I love this author's writing style and how they wrote a truly engaging thriller/mystery to find out what happened to Wyatt Bucks. I was also not expecting that ending! WOW!
Then Mitch, one of the kids, 20 years later, starts having bad nightmares about the past and Wyatt. Mitch is also very attracted still to another member of their group named Kelly-Ann. Each member has grown up and is dealing with their past in very different ways in this book, I quite enjoyed reading each member's modern-day careers and where life has taken them since the secret! And I highly enjoyed how Wyatt is not the most wonderful kid that when he is murdered has no secrets in his past, Wyatt is revealed as a horrible kid in this book as you continue to read but you also feel a little bad for him at times. I love this author's writing style and how they wrote a truly engaging thriller/mystery to find out what happened to Wyatt Bucks. I was also not expecting that ending! WOW!
January 26, 2025
This was such an interesting, suspenseful and harrowing thriller! I thought I knew how it was gonna end, but no, it took a turn I didn’t expect. I love the back and forth between the past and the present, seeing what led up to that fateful day, and how they’re coping in the present. Also adore the way the author writes the ending and beginning of many of the chapters, how the sentence ends at one point in time, and picks up somewhere else. Very inventive and great way to have the reader keep on reading. I mean, I would have anyways, this was a true page turner, very fast paced and addicting thriller plot, so yes I did read most of it in one sitting! One of my favourite horror movies is ”I know what you did last summer”, and this book absolutely gives the same vibes and themes of that story, but in a completely different setting, and with a bit more malicious intent. Interesting characters, that you’ll both feel for and dislike at the same time. Nobody’s ”perfect”.
Great read, highly recommend if you love thrillers! 🙏🏼
Great read, highly recommend if you love thrillers! 🙏🏼
December 30, 2024
Thank you to the Author, Publisher and GoodReads for choosing me for this GoodReads giveaway ARC!
This book was GOOD. I read it in 3 days! The transitions from the end of the chapter to the beginning of the next was great writing. Something I don’t think I’ve ever come across before. It keeps the reader saying the most used phrase, “just ONE more chapter.”
The ENDING?!?! Sheeeeesh did not see that coming. I feel like I tend to figure out how books will end but not this one. It keeps you guessing up til the very end.
I do wish there was a bit more backstory on how the “Fab Five” became friends. I feel that it would make you like the characters more because they fell a little flat for me. They make this massive life altering pact yet we never got to really see how close of friends they really were. This pact took place in middle school? It should’ve been in high school, and with some more of what happened to them after the pact. That would’ve pushed this rating to 5 stars.
This book was GOOD. I read it in 3 days! The transitions from the end of the chapter to the beginning of the next was great writing. Something I don’t think I’ve ever come across before. It keeps the reader saying the most used phrase, “just ONE more chapter.”
The ENDING?!?! Sheeeeesh did not see that coming. I feel like I tend to figure out how books will end but not this one. It keeps you guessing up til the very end.
I do wish there was a bit more backstory on how the “Fab Five” became friends. I feel that it would make you like the characters more because they fell a little flat for me. They make this massive life altering pact yet we never got to really see how close of friends they really were. This pact took place in middle school? It should’ve been in high school, and with some more of what happened to them after the pact. That would’ve pushed this rating to 5 stars.
January 2, 2025
This was my first read by this author, and as a crime/thriller fan I’m always looking for new authors. He didn’t disappoint and I will be looking for more of his books.
I found the writing engaging and the story grabbed me right away. There were twists and turns and surprises along the way.
The story is about five friends who endure the torment from a bully who already shows signs of being a sociopath, they finally band together to face their fears, creating a blood oath that forever binds them together. But can they deal with what they did in the past and move on? Or will the past catch up to them. Reading along you wonder are they just paranoid or is there a Judas in their midst.
All in all a wonderful and compelling read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found the writing engaging and the story grabbed me right away. There were twists and turns and surprises along the way.
The story is about five friends who endure the torment from a bully who already shows signs of being a sociopath, they finally band together to face their fears, creating a blood oath that forever binds them together. But can they deal with what they did in the past and move on? Or will the past catch up to them. Reading along you wonder are they just paranoid or is there a Judas in their midst.
All in all a wonderful and compelling read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 20, 2025
My 2025 reading was kicked off with a bang for me when I read Jeff Gunhus' Blood Lasts Forever. I found that the main characters of The Fab Five to be believable and realistic. This is the kind of thriller that had me intrigued within the first chapter and continue to keep me on my toes. I never knew what was going to happen from scene to scene. Just when I had it all figured it out, I was thrown into another twist. There was no way of predicting of what the outcome would be. There were secrets and mysteries to uncover all throughout. The suspense just kept building and building for me. I had to keep reading to find out what would be revealed in the end. I would love to see this story play out on screen one day. I believe it would make a great movie and / or tv show.
I would give Blood Lasts Forever one hundred stars if I could. I have no doubt readers, fans, and lovers of action packed and fast paced psychological thrillers will not want to miss this thrilling ride. I am eager to find other releases from the talented Jeff Gunhus to see where else his imagination takes his readers to. He has earned himself a new fan here.
I received a paperback copy of Jeff Gunhus' Blood Lasts Forever from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I would give Blood Lasts Forever one hundred stars if I could. I have no doubt readers, fans, and lovers of action packed and fast paced psychological thrillers will not want to miss this thrilling ride. I am eager to find other releases from the talented Jeff Gunhus to see where else his imagination takes his readers to. He has earned himself a new fan here.
I received a paperback copy of Jeff Gunhus' Blood Lasts Forever from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
February 10, 2025
Wow. What a thriller. From the beginning to the end. I could not put this book down, and I finished it in one sitting. Wyatt may have deserved what he got, but he was just a kid. His brother never forgot about him. The Fab five were not that faboulous. They defended each other. But, not for long. They soon started to separate and go their different ways. Then, someone calls a meeting and the truth starts to come out. Who called the meeting? Who was terrorizing them at the cabin? How did they find out that they were all together at the cabin? I was shocked at the ending. I knew something was going to happen, but not what did. The ending answered the questions I had. I have read this author before and am always ready to read his new books. I really liked this book from beginning to the end. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy, however all opinions are my own.
February 14, 2025
Thrilling, mysterious and so good
The book Blood Lasts Forever is thrilling, mysterious, and so good. I was hooked from the first chapter until the last. It was hard to put it down. The characters are all engaging and different from each other. The loyalty is there until one is swept away.
It is gruesome but it is tolerable. One character you can say that it is a good thing he is dead because he deserved to die. Bullies always had their justice being served. This book is so entertaining in so many ways. It has politics, education, dancing, and everything else. One book that you cannot miss to read if you like thriller stories. This is one of a kind. Secrets should be buried in the grave until it is accidentally opened. The author Mr. Jeff Gunhus' writing is phenomenal. I cannot wait to read his other books. I know thriller is my other favorite genre to read next to mystery
The book Blood Lasts Forever is thrilling, mysterious, and so good. I was hooked from the first chapter until the last. It was hard to put it down. The characters are all engaging and different from each other. The loyalty is there until one is swept away.
It is gruesome but it is tolerable. One character you can say that it is a good thing he is dead because he deserved to die. Bullies always had their justice being served. This book is so entertaining in so many ways. It has politics, education, dancing, and everything else. One book that you cannot miss to read if you like thriller stories. This is one of a kind. Secrets should be buried in the grave until it is accidentally opened. The author Mr. Jeff Gunhus' writing is phenomenal. I cannot wait to read his other books. I know thriller is my other favorite genre to read next to mystery
March 12, 2025
This is the story of five friends who, at the age of 13, do something that no one can ever know about, so they make a pact to keep their secret. As part of the pact, if any of them are struggling with the secret, then they will all, no matter where or when, get together to assist the stuggling friend.
Well, someone begins to stuggle. As an adult.
And they all agree to meet. In an isolated cabin.
That isn't so isolated.
And, although they know why they're there, they don't yet know the identity of the friend who summoned them.
Or the danger that awaits them.
I really enjoyed this short novel by Mr. Gunhus, even though this type of "coming of age, group of kids returning as adults" trope has been used many times.
The author gives it new life, and provide many thrills, twists, and turns along the way.
Well, someone begins to stuggle. As an adult.
And they all agree to meet. In an isolated cabin.
That isn't so isolated.
And, although they know why they're there, they don't yet know the identity of the friend who summoned them.
Or the danger that awaits them.
I really enjoyed this short novel by Mr. Gunhus, even though this type of "coming of age, group of kids returning as adults" trope has been used many times.
The author gives it new life, and provide many thrills, twists, and turns along the way.
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