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Win or Die
One week. Nineteen thousand pounds. A dangerous game. Can she win or will she die?
Since their parents died, Cassie and Sam only have each other. And now Sam is in trouble.
Sam has got involved with the wrong guys and he owes them money. When he is found beaten and bloody, Cassie knows these people will stop at nothing.
Sam has one week to find nineteen thousand pounds.
There’s only one way to make that much money that fast: DareMe — a new social media craze that is sweeping the nation, where players film themselves completing reckless dares for money.
The only way Cassie can help Sam is to join the game.
But the deeper Cassie gets into the dares, the more dangerous they become.
Soon, Cassie isn’t just playing for money, she’s playing for her life.
Since their parents died, Cassie and Sam only have each other. And now Sam is in trouble.
Sam has got involved with the wrong guys and he owes them money. When he is found beaten and bloody, Cassie knows these people will stop at nothing.
Sam has one week to find nineteen thousand pounds.
There’s only one way to make that much money that fast: DareMe — a new social media craze that is sweeping the nation, where players film themselves completing reckless dares for money.
The only way Cassie can help Sam is to join the game.
But the deeper Cassie gets into the dares, the more dangerous they become.
Soon, Cassie isn’t just playing for money, she’s playing for her life.
- GenresMystery Thriller
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2025
93 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
May 1, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It took me a little bit to get into this one, but once it clicked, I could not put it down.
As the oldest sister myself, I found Cassie so relatable. The way she felt responsible for her brother, even for his mistakes, really hit home. The slower start gives you the background you need to understand her choices, and from there it just takes off.
The whole idea of DareMe, a social app where people do increasingly risky dares for money, felt way too believable. I love speculative fiction that feels a little too close to real life, and this definitely delivered. The tension builds fast, and the multiple POVs added a lot to the story.
And finding out Darren O’Sullivan is friends with John Marrs? Makes total sense. If you love Marrs’ books, this will be right up your alley.
The ending didn’t totally match the flow of the rest of the book, which threw me off a little… but that final page? I NEED a book two!
Highly recommend if you’re into dark, fast-paced thrillers with a tech twist and morally messy characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
It took me a little bit to get into this one, but once it clicked, I could not put it down.
As the oldest sister myself, I found Cassie so relatable. The way she felt responsible for her brother, even for his mistakes, really hit home. The slower start gives you the background you need to understand her choices, and from there it just takes off.
The whole idea of DareMe, a social app where people do increasingly risky dares for money, felt way too believable. I love speculative fiction that feels a little too close to real life, and this definitely delivered. The tension builds fast, and the multiple POVs added a lot to the story.
And finding out Darren O’Sullivan is friends with John Marrs? Makes total sense. If you love Marrs’ books, this will be right up your alley.
The ending didn’t totally match the flow of the rest of the book, which threw me off a little… but that final page? I NEED a book two!
Highly recommend if you’re into dark, fast-paced thrillers with a tech twist and morally messy characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
May 12, 2025
I was all set to give this 4 or 5 stars. The topic was refreshingly different from the over saturated domestic thriller. I enjoyed it, until the ending. Not only is there DOG ABUSE, but the ending just sucked. It was another of those where the author thinks he is being clever. But, I hate these type of endings!
March 31, 2025
Win Or Die, by Darren O’Sullivan, in the book Cassie who raised her younger brother Sam is worried about him when he comes home with a blackeye and starts crying out of the blue she knows something is up with the 18 year-old. It isn’t until the next day that he admits he lost $19,000 belonging to some really bad guys and has a week to pay it back. If only their kind reminders didn’t have him winding up in the hospital. it’s also the reason Cassie decides to become KF 74 on the app dare me. People dare her to do strange weird odd and out of the box things for financial gain and so far it’s working, but when she is dared to steal a car and decides to steal the car of the bad guys is when her night only gets worse. They shortened the time to pay to 24 hours and by the time she has the money it’ll be far too late because they want something else… Cassie’s life. to make matters worse anyone on Dare Me can be the hitman and most are keen to do it. I think this is the best social media thriller/horror story I have ever read. It was so good and despite they’re having a couple of eye rolling moments I still was so down for this story. don’t even get me started on the ending because OMG if there is a second book signed me freaking up to read it. This book had my heart palpitating my fingers turning the pages and I bet I could’ve won speed reading contest this book was so so good. Anyone who loves thriller/horror stories that involve social media should definitely read this book it was so good… I know I said that but I just keep wanting to say it I absolutely freaking loved it!#NetGalley, #JoffeBooks, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #DarrenO’Sullivan, #WinOrDie,
April 18, 2025
This book was brilliant!! I couldn't put this one down. It had me on edge the entire time. The concept of the DareMe app was fantastic. It has great plot twists and good ending.
The book was really well written and flowed nicely. There were no plot holes and no unanswered questions except maybe one from the epilogue!
I liked the characters a lot. I felt sorry for Cassie and Sam but there sibling bond was strong and that was excellent. All the other characters were good and I enjoyed how they all came together to make this book work well.
The book is written in both first and third person! First person POV was Cassie. Third person POVs were Jamieson and Wakelin. I liked this a lot and it was extremely well done!
I really recommend this to everyone who loves a good and twisty psychological thriller.
The book was really well written and flowed nicely. There were no plot holes and no unanswered questions except maybe one from the epilogue!
I liked the characters a lot. I felt sorry for Cassie and Sam but there sibling bond was strong and that was excellent. All the other characters were good and I enjoyed how they all came together to make this book work well.
The book is written in both first and third person! First person POV was Cassie. Third person POVs were Jamieson and Wakelin. I liked this a lot and it was extremely well done!
I really recommend this to everyone who loves a good and twisty psychological thriller.
March 31, 2025
‘We can create boredom. We can make them feel frustrated. We can scare them... They won't be able to do anything and say anything that we won't allow. We are going to take away their individuality in various ways, and at no point will anyone call them by name; they will be given numbers and addressed by their numbers. Overall, this should produce a sense of powerlessness. We have total control over the situation. They have none.’
(Stanford Prison Experiment, 1971)
+-+-+
What a breathtakingly suspenseful story, and from the opening scene of the book, in which a woman hides from her pursuer(s), the reader is drawn into this high octane roller coaster ride.
At first, the story reminded me of the ice bucket challenges on Tiktok. I am only on FB and Goodreads myself, but my children have grown up with social media from a young age.
Of course, we've all heard the stories of how addictive and dangerous social media can be. (I am very concerned about how children are being influenced on social media. )
This story dives deeper into the dangers of social media, and what people will do for love (or money).
This story is about Cassie - who has been caring for her brother Sam since their mum died.
When Sam gets into trouble by owing money to the wrong people, Cassie decides to help her brother. She feels guilty and responsible for the fact that her brother is now in trouble and does everything she can to help him. She earns too little at her job and has nothing left in the bank, so she is forced to look for other options to make more money as fast as possible.
Her friend Mia alerts her to the fact that she can earn some money by signing up on the DareMe platform, where you have to complete challenges that you live stream, when the dare is over, you get your money deposited into your paypal account.
She completes the first challenges successfully, but then it turns out that a bounty has been placed on her head and she must run for her life. Will she be able to complete this dare before the clock runs out?
Incredibly suspenseful right up to the last page, where there is also a twist in the story towards the end, which I totally didn't see coming. The story is a mix of Bachman’s Running Man, and the famous Black Mirror episode Nosedive, where likes influence people's behaviour on social media.
Cassie in the first book was a woman with balls who wouldn't back down from anything, in the second book she feels guilty for her brother's behaviour and she becomes insecure, not knowing whom to trust and feeling scared.
Sam is 19, - I understand doing anything for those you love, but how far does that love go? I found Sam to be too passive in this process, where is his responsibility for the mess he put his sis in?! Cassie tended to be very naive at times, believing in the good of others (trust me, that changes when you are about my age lol!)
I think a lot of kids are diving into this social media world quite naively, not being able to see the consequences. I think that is a worrying development.
Gradually the story changes into a kind of morality game: what would people do for money, or for likes on social media platforms? What is the price for popularity or for one's life? And how is it possible that ‘good people’ can be transformed into perpetrators of evil?
My dad was right all along, we are an evil lot, and this book is a warning when things get out of hand.
For fans of John Marrs, Richard Bachman, and the Black Mirror series.
Thank you Joffe Books for the review copy 🌷 - Publication date: April 16, 2025
(Stanford Prison Experiment, 1971)
+-+-+
What a breathtakingly suspenseful story, and from the opening scene of the book, in which a woman hides from her pursuer(s), the reader is drawn into this high octane roller coaster ride.
At first, the story reminded me of the ice bucket challenges on Tiktok. I am only on FB and Goodreads myself, but my children have grown up with social media from a young age.
Of course, we've all heard the stories of how addictive and dangerous social media can be. (I am very concerned about how children are being influenced on social media. )
This story dives deeper into the dangers of social media, and what people will do for love (or money).
This story is about Cassie - who has been caring for her brother Sam since their mum died.
When Sam gets into trouble by owing money to the wrong people, Cassie decides to help her brother. She feels guilty and responsible for the fact that her brother is now in trouble and does everything she can to help him. She earns too little at her job and has nothing left in the bank, so she is forced to look for other options to make more money as fast as possible.
Her friend Mia alerts her to the fact that she can earn some money by signing up on the DareMe platform, where you have to complete challenges that you live stream, when the dare is over, you get your money deposited into your paypal account.
She completes the first challenges successfully, but then it turns out that a bounty has been placed on her head and she must run for her life. Will she be able to complete this dare before the clock runs out?
Incredibly suspenseful right up to the last page, where there is also a twist in the story towards the end, which I totally didn't see coming. The story is a mix of Bachman’s Running Man, and the famous Black Mirror episode Nosedive, where likes influence people's behaviour on social media.
Cassie in the first book was a woman with balls who wouldn't back down from anything, in the second book she feels guilty for her brother's behaviour and she becomes insecure, not knowing whom to trust and feeling scared.
Sam is 19, - I understand doing anything for those you love, but how far does that love go? I found Sam to be too passive in this process, where is his responsibility for the mess he put his sis in?! Cassie tended to be very naive at times, believing in the good of others (trust me, that changes when you are about my age lol!)
I think a lot of kids are diving into this social media world quite naively, not being able to see the consequences. I think that is a worrying development.
Gradually the story changes into a kind of morality game: what would people do for money, or for likes on social media platforms? What is the price for popularity or for one's life? And how is it possible that ‘good people’ can be transformed into perpetrators of evil?
My dad was right all along, we are an evil lot, and this book is a warning when things get out of hand.
For fans of John Marrs, Richard Bachman, and the Black Mirror series.
Thank you Joffe Books for the review copy 🌷 - Publication date: April 16, 2025
April 10, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for a complimentary early release copy of Win or Die by Darren O’Sullivan.
Wow this book was an absolute joy ride from the very beginning! The premise and pacing of the story had me hooked. Something intense is always happening and it kept me engaged throughout the whole book. The characters were interesting, I liked that we got multiple perspectives throughout the book to see how different characters were handling DareMe situations. There were never any dull or flat moments in Win or Die, the thrilling parts of the story were excellent and played out nicely. It really brought on the tension and kept me invested!
The ending of the story does feel a bit abrupt to me, the epilogue brought things together but I would have liked to see just a few more chapters before this end piece. I think something from Sam’s perspective would have been a nice addition. Overall rating 4.5!
Wow this book was an absolute joy ride from the very beginning! The premise and pacing of the story had me hooked. Something intense is always happening and it kept me engaged throughout the whole book. The characters were interesting, I liked that we got multiple perspectives throughout the book to see how different characters were handling DareMe situations. There were never any dull or flat moments in Win or Die, the thrilling parts of the story were excellent and played out nicely. It really brought on the tension and kept me invested!
The ending of the story does feel a bit abrupt to me, the epilogue brought things together but I would have liked to see just a few more chapters before this end piece. I think something from Sam’s perspective would have been a nice addition. Overall rating 4.5!
April 17, 2025
Darren O’Sullivan’s Win or Die is a high-stakes, adrenaline-charged thriller that grips you from the start and doesn’t let go. Fast-paced and unpredictable, this novel takes readers on a wild, dangerous ride where every choice could mean life or death.
With echoes of Nerve and the unsettling intensity of The Purge, Win or Die blends psychological tension with pulse-pounding action. O’Sullivan crafts a premise that feels disturbingly plausible, immersing readers in a game of survival that’s as gripping as it is terrifying. The twists are relentless, and the sense of urgency is palpable, making it nearly impossible to put down.
Thrilling, twisted, and thoroughly entertaining, Win or Die is a must-read for fans of dark, cinematic-style thrillers. If you enjoy stories that keep you on the edge of your seat and constantly second-guessing what’s coming next, this one is not to be missed.
With echoes of Nerve and the unsettling intensity of The Purge, Win or Die blends psychological tension with pulse-pounding action. O’Sullivan crafts a premise that feels disturbingly plausible, immersing readers in a game of survival that’s as gripping as it is terrifying. The twists are relentless, and the sense of urgency is palpable, making it nearly impossible to put down.
Thrilling, twisted, and thoroughly entertaining, Win or Die is a must-read for fans of dark, cinematic-style thrillers. If you enjoy stories that keep you on the edge of your seat and constantly second-guessing what’s coming next, this one is not to be missed.
April 28, 2025
This is one of those crazy on-line games that sounds appealing...to someone else! Cassie is excited to ;play Dare Me as the prize money is worth it, but there's also a time limit for each dare and of course the more money involved, the harder the victim will be to catch. Oh...and you must livestream to make the money! It's a race against time and opponents who will do anything to be seen. Imagine not being able to know if your best friend is playing and will "stab" you in the back for cash! It's a fascinating concept, but in reality it's frightening to think what people will do for money! Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
April 2, 2025
Wow, wow, WOW!!! I read this book like the boogeyman was after me. It was like I was in a high-octane, GTA-style race, speeding through chapters like I was running down those annoying streetworkers one right after another. Packed with non-stop action and nail-biting suspense, I was literally on the edge of my seat the entire time. What a RUSH! This book was both thrilling and exciting. It captivated me from the start and was absolutely terrifying. I would love to say that I hope the world never creates an app like DareMe, but I think the possibilities are already out there. Greed and mob mentality are real and it's scary that at any given time, the likes of this story could become a reality. This was a fantastic, unputdownable, well written, crazy ride! I can't rave about this book enough. It was pure perfection and everything I want from a thriller. I'm new to this author and I've already started looking for more of his books to read. And he's friends with John Marrs?! Another added plus. Sign me up! He's officially gained another fan out of me. I LOVED this book! I highly recommend and classify it as a MUST READ for thriller fans!
Thank you to Joffe Books for granting me a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to Joffe Books for granting me a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
September 27, 2025
Great read! Loved the ending!!!!!! ❤️
April 5, 2025
I love books or movies that center around games and so eagerly picked this one up after reading the intriguing plot about an app which gives the users dares to complete. The book was fast paced, and had plenty of actions. My only gripe was I'd have liked to have spent more time focused on the dares, rather than the other subplot that is going on. Recommend this one if you like intense, dark thrillers. It reminded me of the movie/book Nerve (Jeanne Ryan) which I'd also recommend if you like this one.
May 16, 2025
This book was just so addictive and I was swept away from the very start.
When her brother Sam gets into trouble with the wrong people, she needs to find the money to help him out - before it's too late!
The concept of this new app that pays people to act out and film the ever increasing dares set, was brilliant.
I mean, I absolutely hated the idea ....thinking of how easy this could actually be to create or maybe, there's even been things like this in the past already?
But this was a scary concept all the same and yet so, so believable!
I was so worried for Cassie throughout.
The problem being just how far would you be willing to go, to keep your family safe from the wrong kind - but in doing so, actually getting into more of a mess yourself.
The writing style really sucked me in from the start and I literally had my heart in my throat for the majority of this read.
The atmosphere created was just so tangible and I raced through each page, desperate to find out how each date would play out and how on earth Cassie would deal with the consequences as the stakes were raised.
This was twisty and tense right to the end and I absolutely loved every second.
I can't wait to see more from this author soon!
When her brother Sam gets into trouble with the wrong people, she needs to find the money to help him out - before it's too late!
The concept of this new app that pays people to act out and film the ever increasing dares set, was brilliant.
I mean, I absolutely hated the idea ....thinking of how easy this could actually be to create or maybe, there's even been things like this in the past already?
But this was a scary concept all the same and yet so, so believable!
I was so worried for Cassie throughout.
The problem being just how far would you be willing to go, to keep your family safe from the wrong kind - but in doing so, actually getting into more of a mess yourself.
The writing style really sucked me in from the start and I literally had my heart in my throat for the majority of this read.
The atmosphere created was just so tangible and I raced through each page, desperate to find out how each date would play out and how on earth Cassie would deal with the consequences as the stakes were raised.
This was twisty and tense right to the end and I absolutely loved every second.
I can't wait to see more from this author soon!
April 16, 2025
When Cassie's brother, Sam, finds himself in a bad situation owing money to some bad people she knows she will do anything to help him. However, they are struggling financially as it is so Cassie gets a bank loan but it's nowhere near enough, she needs to get money and fast.
There's a new app that everyone is going crazy over called Dare Me where people will pay you to do silly dares with a monetary value attached. All you have to do is accept the dare and film it and the money will automatically be paid into your account. It can be as simple as streaking down the street for £20 or stealing something from a shop for £40, sounds like easy money so Cassie signs up. However, the game soon takes a turn, and Cassie is left fighting for her life.
I was on the edge of my seat through this entire book. I was gripped!!! The tension is so palpable throughout and you really become immersed in Cassies world especially as it plays out almost in real time. I genuinely felt I was in it with her. She is such a relatable character who like all of us just want the best for their family and will do all they can to help them.
It emphasis' the crazes that are taking over social media which can often get out of hand and become dangerous. It was terrifying how quickly things got serious and how a game switched from being an innocent bit of fun to creating a mob mentality that became deadly. I can actually imagine something like this playing out in real life.
This book is full of suspense and I highly recommend you readin
There's a new app that everyone is going crazy over called Dare Me where people will pay you to do silly dares with a monetary value attached. All you have to do is accept the dare and film it and the money will automatically be paid into your account. It can be as simple as streaking down the street for £20 or stealing something from a shop for £40, sounds like easy money so Cassie signs up. However, the game soon takes a turn, and Cassie is left fighting for her life.
I was on the edge of my seat through this entire book. I was gripped!!! The tension is so palpable throughout and you really become immersed in Cassies world especially as it plays out almost in real time. I genuinely felt I was in it with her. She is such a relatable character who like all of us just want the best for their family and will do all they can to help them.
It emphasis' the crazes that are taking over social media which can often get out of hand and become dangerous. It was terrifying how quickly things got serious and how a game switched from being an innocent bit of fun to creating a mob mentality that became deadly. I can actually imagine something like this playing out in real life.
This book is full of suspense and I highly recommend you readin
April 18, 2025
Every now and then a book comes along thay totally blows away. It looks the same as all the others, you go in with no expectations. These are the books I love the most and this is absolutely one of those.
it follows the story of Cassie and Sam, young siblings, separated in age by 10 years. Cassie became her brothers parent when their mother died.
When Sam gets in trouble, owing £19k to the wrong kind of people, she knows she has to try and get it back. That's where DareMe comes in. An app set up for fun, where people live stream themselves performing dares for small amounts of money. As you'd expect, with this being a crime novel, this soon turns dark.
This is split into two parts, although there is no break in story and its cleverly done. It's told from the point of view of Cassie, the lead cop on the case and the criminal mastermind.
The book throws you straight into the action and it doesnt let up until the end. I raced through it and read it cover to cover in a day. I could not put it down, I had to know what happened. A few moments completely caught me out and I never saw them coming at all. The ending seems to leave it open for a potential sequel. If that's the case, sign me up now.
The clever but scary thing about this however is how easily this could happen. It looks at morals, mob mentality, poverty, friendship and family. You may wonder what you'd do in the same circumstances.
I think this will stick with me for a while. I will be talking about it for a while too. Stunning. Worth more than 5 stars!
it follows the story of Cassie and Sam, young siblings, separated in age by 10 years. Cassie became her brothers parent when their mother died.
When Sam gets in trouble, owing £19k to the wrong kind of people, she knows she has to try and get it back. That's where DareMe comes in. An app set up for fun, where people live stream themselves performing dares for small amounts of money. As you'd expect, with this being a crime novel, this soon turns dark.
This is split into two parts, although there is no break in story and its cleverly done. It's told from the point of view of Cassie, the lead cop on the case and the criminal mastermind.
The book throws you straight into the action and it doesnt let up until the end. I raced through it and read it cover to cover in a day. I could not put it down, I had to know what happened. A few moments completely caught me out and I never saw them coming at all. The ending seems to leave it open for a potential sequel. If that's the case, sign me up now.
The clever but scary thing about this however is how easily this could happen. It looks at morals, mob mentality, poverty, friendship and family. You may wonder what you'd do in the same circumstances.
I think this will stick with me for a while. I will be talking about it for a while too. Stunning. Worth more than 5 stars!
April 17, 2025
Amazing book!
OK... I'm still stat here thinking... wow... where do I even start with Win Or Die?
The story follows Cassie and her brother Sam and what happens when £19,000 is owed to some very dodgy people by Sam.
So how can Cassie collect £19k inside a week to save her brother? Well, by joining in the new social media craze DareMe. Things get dark and twisty very fast...
This book has some serious 'Nerve' vibes (2016 movie) but is incredibly realistic in its approach. I also love that film so it was a given I'd love this book too.
Cassie and Sam are great characters and I loved how Darren portrayed Cassie. I immediately empathised with her!
The whole concept of this book is exploring the depravity of social media and of course, just how low will someone go for cash...
I started reading this and didn't quite know what to expect as it initially starts off as a calm before the storm kind of thriller but when the adrenaline kicks in, boy does it kick in and I became hooked until I finished!
And... I DIDN'T GUESS THE BAD GUYS! This (to me) is the sign of an outstanding crime thriller as normally I can work out a bag guy really on in the book!
This is the first time I've read Darren but based on this book alone, I will definitely read Darren's work again as this was incredible!
OK... I'm still stat here thinking... wow... where do I even start with Win Or Die?
The story follows Cassie and her brother Sam and what happens when £19,000 is owed to some very dodgy people by Sam.
So how can Cassie collect £19k inside a week to save her brother? Well, by joining in the new social media craze DareMe. Things get dark and twisty very fast...
This book has some serious 'Nerve' vibes (2016 movie) but is incredibly realistic in its approach. I also love that film so it was a given I'd love this book too.
Cassie and Sam are great characters and I loved how Darren portrayed Cassie. I immediately empathised with her!
The whole concept of this book is exploring the depravity of social media and of course, just how low will someone go for cash...
I started reading this and didn't quite know what to expect as it initially starts off as a calm before the storm kind of thriller but when the adrenaline kicks in, boy does it kick in and I became hooked until I finished!
And... I DIDN'T GUESS THE BAD GUYS! This (to me) is the sign of an outstanding crime thriller as normally I can work out a bag guy really on in the book!
This is the first time I've read Darren but based on this book alone, I will definitely read Darren's work again as this was incredible!
April 16, 2025
When Cassie’s brother Sam lands himself in a huge amount of trouble and finally confesses that he needs to find a huge amount of money by the end of the week. But when he’s badly beaten up, Cassie knows the only way to try and raise the funds by joining an online game called Dare Me where the bigger the dare, the bigger the money. At first I cringed at some of the things Cassie forced herself to do, but loved her willingness to do anything to help her brother. But, as the story progressed and the game got darker I found myself almost begging her to believe in DS Wakelin. Although this was a fast paced book anyway, with each dare having a time limit, when the stakes are dramatically raised, each chapter heading shows the time counting down which really ramped up the tension, adding to the pulse racing immediacy of the story.
I think what makes this book truly disturbing though, is that I could very easily imagine this happening in towns and cities today.
Win or Die is a stunning thriller and I can’t wait to read the rest of Darren’s books. This book has definitely gone straight into my top 10 reads of the year.
I think what makes this book truly disturbing though, is that I could very easily imagine this happening in towns and cities today.
Win or Die is a stunning thriller and I can’t wait to read the rest of Darren’s books. This book has definitely gone straight into my top 10 reads of the year.
April 13, 2025
Suspenseful and an interesting story that forces you to consider the lengths you might go to for someone you love or for money.
Cass does what she feels necessary to support her brother and fix the mess he's in. Not sure I'd have done things in the same way although it's understandable why she acts the way she does. I think, if she'd done things differently, then the outcome for both her and Sam would have been worse earlier on.
This is very much a cat and mouse story with us knowing the motive but not the identity of the main criminals until later on. It shows us corruption at its best/worst. I like that there are still some helpful people that try to support Cass along the way whilst we also see the ugly side of social media and how it's grip on people can skew reality, morals and basic human decency.
This was a fun and interesting read. I remember a film I watched years ago that had a similar premise. It makes good viewing and I like how it makes you think about your own actions should you (hopefully not) find yourself in that position!!
Cass does what she feels necessary to support her brother and fix the mess he's in. Not sure I'd have done things in the same way although it's understandable why she acts the way she does. I think, if she'd done things differently, then the outcome for both her and Sam would have been worse earlier on.
This is very much a cat and mouse story with us knowing the motive but not the identity of the main criminals until later on. It shows us corruption at its best/worst. I like that there are still some helpful people that try to support Cass along the way whilst we also see the ugly side of social media and how it's grip on people can skew reality, morals and basic human decency.
This was a fun and interesting read. I remember a film I watched years ago that had a similar premise. It makes good viewing and I like how it makes you think about your own actions should you (hopefully not) find yourself in that position!!
April 19, 2025
Cassie & Sam sadly lost their mother almost 1p years ago. Since then Cassie has tried to raise Sam as best she can while struggle to keep a roof over their heads. Sam unfortunately has gotten in with the wrong crowd and owes £19000.hes beaten and hospitalised. Cassie tries to protect Sam from further harm by raising the money on her own. How is she going to do that?
Well, there is an app called Dareme, where people can do dares for money. Sounds simple. Cassie signs up using an anonymous name and starts to play. It starts easy enough, swim across the river kiss a stranger...but as the money increases, so do the risks and the dares become increasingly more dangerous and illegal. How far will she go to save her brother. Oh and the people Sam owes money to are after her aswell.
This was a fast paced, gripping cat & mouse chase that I couldn't put down. Darren certainly knows how to keep his readers engrossed. The reveal left me gobsmacked, just casually mentioned unexpectedly. If there's one book to add your tbrs this month, it should be this one
Well, there is an app called Dareme, where people can do dares for money. Sounds simple. Cassie signs up using an anonymous name and starts to play. It starts easy enough, swim across the river kiss a stranger...but as the money increases, so do the risks and the dares become increasingly more dangerous and illegal. How far will she go to save her brother. Oh and the people Sam owes money to are after her aswell.
This was a fast paced, gripping cat & mouse chase that I couldn't put down. Darren certainly knows how to keep his readers engrossed. The reveal left me gobsmacked, just casually mentioned unexpectedly. If there's one book to add your tbrs this month, it should be this one
April 19, 2025
Cassie needs to make money to save her brother, so she joins the Dare Me app. You get paid to do dares that you film in public. What seems like harmless fun to make some cash quickly turns sinister and soon Cassie doesn't know how to escape. This book had me glued to its pages, it was a fast paced thriller that got you thinking. How would you react to the Dare Me app. I loved the characters and felt that this was realistic to how quickly something can turn against you. I found it interesting how the author played with the idea of the app and people treating it like just a game even when it became more serious. This is a book that will keep you on your toes and if you love social media with a twist this is for you.
Thanks to Zooloo's Book Tours, the author Darren O'Sullivan and Publisher Joffe Books, for my copy of the book. I loved being part of this tour and all opinions are my own.
Thanks to Zooloo's Book Tours, the author Darren O'Sullivan and Publisher Joffe Books, for my copy of the book. I loved being part of this tour and all opinions are my own.
April 21, 2025
I loved the concept of this book and I’m not going to lie, the story itself actually scared me quite a bit, because in the world we’re living in at the moment, this could quite easily become a reality and it just highlighted the uglier side of humanity. But I can safely say, the author did have me hanging off every word from beginning to end.
This was action packed and tense, I found myself on the edge of my seat numerous times and I genuinely felt fear for Cass. The count down at the beginning of each chapter definitely added to the tension too as you could feel the desperation intensify.
This book was one of those reads you had to prise back out of your hands, every time I went to put it down, I’d tell myself just one more chapter. The twists and turns really packed a punch and the ending had me reeling. This was a wild ride that’s for sure, everything was perfectly plotted and it’s safe to say the author is now on my radar.
This was action packed and tense, I found myself on the edge of my seat numerous times and I genuinely felt fear for Cass. The count down at the beginning of each chapter definitely added to the tension too as you could feel the desperation intensify.
This book was one of those reads you had to prise back out of your hands, every time I went to put it down, I’d tell myself just one more chapter. The twists and turns really packed a punch and the ending had me reeling. This was a wild ride that’s for sure, everything was perfectly plotted and it’s safe to say the author is now on my radar.
April 9, 2025
A huge thank you to Zoe at ZooLoo Book Tours for having me on this tour.
Deary me. I absolutely devoured this book. I was captivated by the premise and even more encapsulated by the actual narrative. The dystopian element of this narrative that ran throughout kept me on the edge of my seat and I genuinely struggled to think of anything else during the time I was reading this novel. I just have no words. The characterisation, the narrative, the different plots, the twists, everything! I didn't know who to trust, who to listen to and who to ignore.
This was an absolute mind-field - in the best way!
Deary me. I absolutely devoured this book. I was captivated by the premise and even more encapsulated by the actual narrative. The dystopian element of this narrative that ran throughout kept me on the edge of my seat and I genuinely struggled to think of anything else during the time I was reading this novel. I just have no words. The characterisation, the narrative, the different plots, the twists, everything! I didn't know who to trust, who to listen to and who to ignore.
This was an absolute mind-field - in the best way!
April 18, 2025
Win or Die is a story meant to keep you reading and it did! Fast paced with deadlines it kept the sense of urgency on the reader high. If you love a miscommunication troupe you need to read this book. Cass just wants to help her brother unknown to either of them her brother’s mistake is not a big deal to the people he was working with. Things escalated quickly when Cass joins a DareMe app, which pays people for completing dares within a deadline. She wants to raise money to help her brother but then it turns into dares on her. This book also has the huge message that from behind a computer or app, people forget other people lives are involved and think it’s a game without consequences.
April 22, 2025
A gripping and unputdownable crime thriller’ - that’s what the cover says and that’s exactly what you get.
Make yourself some time, sit down and relax before you start, because once you start you won’t be able to stop.
A book that gets your heart pumping, plus gets you thinking what’s you’d be willing to do to save someone you love.
It also makes you think of the madness that can happen on social media, in this case a game that turns out to be anything but!
Guaranteed to keep you thinking long after you’ve finished the book.
Make yourself some time, sit down and relax before you start, because once you start you won’t be able to stop.
A book that gets your heart pumping, plus gets you thinking what’s you’d be willing to do to save someone you love.
It also makes you think of the madness that can happen on social media, in this case a game that turns out to be anything but!
Guaranteed to keep you thinking long after you’ve finished the book.
April 21, 2025
What a brilliant plot idea! I can see this app being a possibility in today’s world which is quite frightening. There’s a lot of reasons people need some “quick cash” and the author created an interesting one for this book. I felt sorry for Cass and the way she dealt with things was completely understandable. I also enjoyed the link to the other story and how that panned out too. Overall a brilliant read which I will be recommending to others.
April 15, 2025
This author used to be a five star all the way for me. But then he had a few books that were still good but not quite THAT good. I am please to say that this book WAS THAT good!
We start with two siblings whose parents died when Sam was quite young, leaving much older sister Cassie to bring him up, putting her life on hold - well tickover - for him. But he is currently rewarding that generosity by acting out. And now, it appears that he is in big trouble as he owes the wrong people a lot of money.
Cassie, ever the saviour as far as he is concerned, is determined to bail him out one more. But where is she going to get £19000 from. In ONE week.
Luckily, there is a new internet craze going about - DareMe - where users accept dares from sponsors for actually money. Silly things like flashing or kissing a stranger. That kind of thing. But these small fry dares only attract small money. She needs to go deeper into the game - to do the big challenges. But the bigger the spoils, the more dangerous the Dare... But she would do anything for her brother... no matter how big the price...
Oh my days. This was deliciously both over the top bonkers but, at the same time, totally and utterly credible. With the way internet challenges are these days I would actually be surprised if this doesn't already happen in some way, or if not, then it's not long coming. Sadly, on occasion, it's all a bit Darwinian at its best!
I loved Cassie though, cos even though she was a bit gung-ho and there was probably a better way of helping her brother, her heart was in the right place and she was a bit game for it all. She was also a bit on the Captain Scarlett side of indestructible, rather than being an ordinary person, and developed a lot of skills in quite a short time. But, all in the spirit of the brilliance that this book delivered. So I can forgive the odd incredible feat...
And as for what happened to the rest of humanity - if I told you, you wouldn't believe it. Until you too sit back and actually equate it all to what is going on in the world at the moment and then I bet you'll start to worry too... Scary days ahead...
And as I was reading, as it all escalated, I really needed to know how it ended. So much so that I actually read this book start to finish in one sitting. I did NOT want to put it down.
And then it ended THERE. Oh My Days! You can NOT do that to me... But you did, and I have to say that I actually kinda liked it!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
We start with two siblings whose parents died when Sam was quite young, leaving much older sister Cassie to bring him up, putting her life on hold - well tickover - for him. But he is currently rewarding that generosity by acting out. And now, it appears that he is in big trouble as he owes the wrong people a lot of money.
Cassie, ever the saviour as far as he is concerned, is determined to bail him out one more. But where is she going to get £19000 from. In ONE week.
Luckily, there is a new internet craze going about - DareMe - where users accept dares from sponsors for actually money. Silly things like flashing or kissing a stranger. That kind of thing. But these small fry dares only attract small money. She needs to go deeper into the game - to do the big challenges. But the bigger the spoils, the more dangerous the Dare... But she would do anything for her brother... no matter how big the price...
Oh my days. This was deliciously both over the top bonkers but, at the same time, totally and utterly credible. With the way internet challenges are these days I would actually be surprised if this doesn't already happen in some way, or if not, then it's not long coming. Sadly, on occasion, it's all a bit Darwinian at its best!
I loved Cassie though, cos even though she was a bit gung-ho and there was probably a better way of helping her brother, her heart was in the right place and she was a bit game for it all. She was also a bit on the Captain Scarlett side of indestructible, rather than being an ordinary person, and developed a lot of skills in quite a short time. But, all in the spirit of the brilliance that this book delivered. So I can forgive the odd incredible feat...
And as for what happened to the rest of humanity - if I told you, you wouldn't believe it. Until you too sit back and actually equate it all to what is going on in the world at the moment and then I bet you'll start to worry too... Scary days ahead...
And as I was reading, as it all escalated, I really needed to know how it ended. So much so that I actually read this book start to finish in one sitting. I did NOT want to put it down.
And then it ended THERE. Oh My Days! You can NOT do that to me... But you did, and I have to say that I actually kinda liked it!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
April 16, 2025
I received this novel as an ARC through Netgalley!
"Things always get better, sometimes you gotta embrace the change, to find a way through..."
___
I have to say it was an absolute thrill ride! "Win or Die" is a nail-biting, nerve-racking fiction that had me hooked from the start. It follows Cassie, also known as KJ74, who finds herself trapped in a deadly game intensified by a dare from an app she joined. The stakes couldn't be higher as our mouse races to escape a horde of cats, all while trying to keep her loved ones safe. Trust becomes a luxury—not even with the police. It is not just about survival; it's about confronting fears and making tough choices that will have you second-guessing everyone's motives because "Money was money, and people wanted to make it, whatever the cost.."
What really struck me about this book is how well-crafted the plot and characters are. The emotional rollercoaster it takes you on is nothing short of stimulating. Each dare draws you deeper into the suspense, especially as Cassie gets closer to her goal of raising money to pay off Sam's debts. It'll keep you turning pages while keeping you at the edge of your seat, guessing, wondering what the next dare will be and what will happen to the characters. Knowing beforehand that they weren't really after Sam made a difference in how I felt about the book, and I found myself contemplating all the possible "what ifs"—like, what if Cassie had chosen a different route instead of DareMe? Or what if they gave her enough time to raise the money? In addition, in her confession to Sam, before they cornered her, the weight of guilt she carries is evident, making her character even more relatable, and I found the scene incredibly moving. Imagine shouldering them alone for her brother's Sam'ssake!
That said, I did feel that some of the earlier dares dragged a bit, and I found myself skimming through a few pages. They didn't seem to carry the same weight as the later, more intense moments. But honestly, the overall experience was so gripping that these minor issues didn't take away from my delight. I was practically shouting at my Kindle (deffo didn't almost throw it) during those final twists—seriously, SIRE, why do you have to do this to us? (LOL)
I'd highly recommend "Win or Die" to anyone who loves a fast-paced thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat! Just prepare your nails coz' you might bite them all! HAHA!
"Things always get better, sometimes you gotta embrace the change, to find a way through..."
___
I have to say it was an absolute thrill ride! "Win or Die" is a nail-biting, nerve-racking fiction that had me hooked from the start. It follows Cassie, also known as KJ74, who finds herself trapped in a deadly game intensified by a dare from an app she joined. The stakes couldn't be higher as our mouse races to escape a horde of cats, all while trying to keep her loved ones safe. Trust becomes a luxury—not even with the police. It is not just about survival; it's about confronting fears and making tough choices that will have you second-guessing everyone's motives because "Money was money, and people wanted to make it, whatever the cost.."
What really struck me about this book is how well-crafted the plot and characters are. The emotional rollercoaster it takes you on is nothing short of stimulating. Each dare draws you deeper into the suspense, especially as Cassie gets closer to her goal of raising money to pay off Sam's debts. It'll keep you turning pages while keeping you at the edge of your seat, guessing, wondering what the next dare will be and what will happen to the characters. Knowing beforehand that they weren't really after Sam made a difference in how I felt about the book, and I found myself contemplating all the possible "what ifs"—like, what if Cassie had chosen a different route instead of DareMe? Or what if they gave her enough time to raise the money? In addition, in her confession to Sam, before they cornered her, the weight of guilt she carries is evident, making her character even more relatable, and I found the scene incredibly moving. Imagine shouldering them alone for her brother's Sam'ssake!
That said, I did feel that some of the earlier dares dragged a bit, and I found myself skimming through a few pages. They didn't seem to carry the same weight as the later, more intense moments. But honestly, the overall experience was so gripping that these minor issues didn't take away from my delight. I was practically shouting at my Kindle (deffo didn't almost throw it) during those final twists—seriously, SIRE, why do you have to do this to us? (LOL)
I'd highly recommend "Win or Die" to anyone who loves a fast-paced thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat! Just prepare your nails coz' you might bite them all! HAHA!
April 18, 2025
WoW!!!! What did I just read?
Win or Die by Darren O’Sullivan was an intense read which was full of brilliant twists and turns that had me just wanting more!!! I was hooked when I read - it was a roller coaster ride. . . . I could not stop reading it!
"One week. Nineteen thousand pounds. A dangerous game. Can she win or will she die?"
OMG this was a excellent book from start to finish. . . . . . .Scary times if this ever happened!!!
Cassie and is raising her younger brother Sam, after their mother died when Cassie was 19 and Sam was 10. She tried her best and became so worried when Sam came home with a black eye and then starts crying out of the blue in his bedroom. Cassie knows something is wrong with her 18 year-old brother, and gives him some space hoping he will tell her.
Sam is beaten up again and now he is recovering in Hospital from this latest attack, he finally breaks down and tells Cassie that he owes some men £19,000's. Cassie knows it is up to her to pay her brother's debt and needs to find a way of doing it fast! She asks her bank and gets a loan for a small amount. But the clock is ticking. . . . . . . .
Cassie hears about a social media game app called DareMe! and signs up to it. DareMe is new, where players can earn money by accepting and completing dares/challenges and they have to film themselves doing them.
Cassie does a few of these dares and the money pot is slowly rising! But she has a big way to go to get the £19,000' to get Sam out of trouble!
These dare's have been simple but you only get small change for doing these!
1, Swim across a river.
2. Kiss a complete stranger,
3. Run down the street in your underwear etc.
Now, Cassie needs to start doing the higher paying dares, these dares are illegal or worse, can be Very Dangerous!!!
But, the clock is still ticking! . . . . . . . . and these men want their money and will Stop at nothing to get it
Will Cassie make enough money to pay back these men?
or
Will these dare's become so dangerous for the big money and will she survive them? .
WoW this book was EXCELLENT!!!!! I loved it. Win or Die would make a great film!
I highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Darren O'Sullivan, and Joffe Books for this ARC!
Win or Die by Darren O’Sullivan was an intense read which was full of brilliant twists and turns that had me just wanting more!!! I was hooked when I read - it was a roller coaster ride. . . . I could not stop reading it!
"One week. Nineteen thousand pounds. A dangerous game. Can she win or will she die?"
OMG this was a excellent book from start to finish. . . . . . .Scary times if this ever happened!!!
Cassie and is raising her younger brother Sam, after their mother died when Cassie was 19 and Sam was 10. She tried her best and became so worried when Sam came home with a black eye and then starts crying out of the blue in his bedroom. Cassie knows something is wrong with her 18 year-old brother, and gives him some space hoping he will tell her.
Sam is beaten up again and now he is recovering in Hospital from this latest attack, he finally breaks down and tells Cassie that he owes some men £19,000's. Cassie knows it is up to her to pay her brother's debt and needs to find a way of doing it fast! She asks her bank and gets a loan for a small amount. But the clock is ticking. . . . . . . .
Cassie hears about a social media game app called DareMe! and signs up to it. DareMe is new, where players can earn money by accepting and completing dares/challenges and they have to film themselves doing them.
Cassie does a few of these dares and the money pot is slowly rising! But she has a big way to go to get the £19,000' to get Sam out of trouble!
These dare's have been simple but you only get small change for doing these!
1, Swim across a river.
2. Kiss a complete stranger,
3. Run down the street in your underwear etc.
Now, Cassie needs to start doing the higher paying dares, these dares are illegal or worse, can be Very Dangerous!!!
But, the clock is still ticking! . . . . . . . . and these men want their money and will Stop at nothing to get it
Will Cassie make enough money to pay back these men?
or
Will these dare's become so dangerous for the big money and will she survive them? .
WoW this book was EXCELLENT!!!!! I loved it. Win or Die would make a great film!
I highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Darren O'Sullivan, and Joffe Books for this ARC!
April 9, 2025
Rating: 4.0/5
Darren O'Sullivan discloses in his "Acknowledgements" section that the idea for this book was borne out of a conversation with John Marrs and there are definitely aspects of this novel that are reminiscent of something that John Marrs may have produced. However, it would be doing the author a great disservice to suggest that "Win or Die" is merely a facsimile of a Marrs story - it certainly isn't.
Cassie's brother, Sam, has got involved with the wrong type of people and now owes them £19,000. Cassie wants to help her brother, but how can she possibly raise so much money - and in just one week? That is when she hits upon the idea of using a phone app called "DareMe". Players carry out dares posted on the app in return for cash rewards. Some are just silly and potentially embarrassing, but others can be recklessly dangerous. It soon becomes clear that merely doing the silly stunts is not going to get Cassie the amount of money she needs, but she never anticipated just how much peril she was going to place herself in.
The story is split into two parts. Part One sets the scene and draws the reader in. Yes, you have to grant the author a degree of dramatic licence, but the reward for doing so is that it delivers an engrossing experience on the back of an intriguing premise. It also sets up the potential for an exhilarating "woman on the run" adventure in Part Two. One of the things that I particularly like about Part Two is that Darren O'Sullivan has constructed it in such a way that the clock counts down in what feels very close to real time, which has the effect of heightening the sense of involvement. Against that, there are times in the second half of the story that the writing is not quite as polished as it is in the first half. The element of the plot relating to the bad guys and their ultimate unmasking is a touch clumsy and predictable, but this can be forgiven in the context of how impressive the remainder of the book is.
I hadn't read any of Darren O'Sulllivan's work previously, but I dare say that is about to change.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Darren O'Sullivan discloses in his "Acknowledgements" section that the idea for this book was borne out of a conversation with John Marrs and there are definitely aspects of this novel that are reminiscent of something that John Marrs may have produced. However, it would be doing the author a great disservice to suggest that "Win or Die" is merely a facsimile of a Marrs story - it certainly isn't.
Cassie's brother, Sam, has got involved with the wrong type of people and now owes them £19,000. Cassie wants to help her brother, but how can she possibly raise so much money - and in just one week? That is when she hits upon the idea of using a phone app called "DareMe". Players carry out dares posted on the app in return for cash rewards. Some are just silly and potentially embarrassing, but others can be recklessly dangerous. It soon becomes clear that merely doing the silly stunts is not going to get Cassie the amount of money she needs, but she never anticipated just how much peril she was going to place herself in.
The story is split into two parts. Part One sets the scene and draws the reader in. Yes, you have to grant the author a degree of dramatic licence, but the reward for doing so is that it delivers an engrossing experience on the back of an intriguing premise. It also sets up the potential for an exhilarating "woman on the run" adventure in Part Two. One of the things that I particularly like about Part Two is that Darren O'Sullivan has constructed it in such a way that the clock counts down in what feels very close to real time, which has the effect of heightening the sense of involvement. Against that, there are times in the second half of the story that the writing is not quite as polished as it is in the first half. The element of the plot relating to the bad guys and their ultimate unmasking is a touch clumsy and predictable, but this can be forgiven in the context of how impressive the remainder of the book is.
I hadn't read any of Darren O'Sulllivan's work previously, but I dare say that is about to change.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
April 9, 2025
This is my third book by the author and each time i am always astonished by how good and engrossed i get into reading these books.
From the get go there is unlimited amount of twists, action and suspense. An edge of your seat thriller read that will play on your emotions and have you rooting for characters that feel relatable and real.
We follow alongside Cassie as her little brother Sam has gotten himself into trouble and owes big money nineteen thousand pounds to be exact and has to have it paid in one week. After he is found beaten, Cassie as his big sister would do anything to help her brother which is where DareMe comes along. A new social media app where players film themselves doing dares to earn money. What soon starts out as simple dares becomes much more dangerous even risking your life to earn money for the cause of saving Sam.
Cassie is a character that i really rooted for and loved following alongside her, no matter how scary or daunting a dare was she went straight into it, it was heartbreaking but the resilience and strength she put into everything just showed how strong of a person she was and i rooted for her all throughout hoping for the best outcome. A brilliant character that i’m going to be thinking about for a while.
Win or die also shows how mob mentality and social media can make a dangerous situation arise for things such as popularity gains, online approval and making money and how something such as a simple dare can turn into something a lot worse even life threatening.
Told in short chapters which will engross and keeping you guessing who is the good or bad. Full of suspense, pure tension, and twists you won’t see coming.
You will be biting your nails until the very end when a bombshell moment even i did not see coming.
Definitely don’t want to miss this, a must read for everyone you won’t regret it.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Joffe Books for the copy of this arc in exchange of my full honest review.
Publication Date: 16 April 2025
5/5 stars
From the get go there is unlimited amount of twists, action and suspense. An edge of your seat thriller read that will play on your emotions and have you rooting for characters that feel relatable and real.
We follow alongside Cassie as her little brother Sam has gotten himself into trouble and owes big money nineteen thousand pounds to be exact and has to have it paid in one week. After he is found beaten, Cassie as his big sister would do anything to help her brother which is where DareMe comes along. A new social media app where players film themselves doing dares to earn money. What soon starts out as simple dares becomes much more dangerous even risking your life to earn money for the cause of saving Sam.
Cassie is a character that i really rooted for and loved following alongside her, no matter how scary or daunting a dare was she went straight into it, it was heartbreaking but the resilience and strength she put into everything just showed how strong of a person she was and i rooted for her all throughout hoping for the best outcome. A brilliant character that i’m going to be thinking about for a while.
Win or die also shows how mob mentality and social media can make a dangerous situation arise for things such as popularity gains, online approval and making money and how something such as a simple dare can turn into something a lot worse even life threatening.
Told in short chapters which will engross and keeping you guessing who is the good or bad. Full of suspense, pure tension, and twists you won’t see coming.
You will be biting your nails until the very end when a bombshell moment even i did not see coming.
Definitely don’t want to miss this, a must read for everyone you won’t regret it.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Joffe Books for the copy of this arc in exchange of my full honest review.
Publication Date: 16 April 2025
5/5 stars
April 16, 2025
Taut, timely, and relentlessly gripping, Win or Die by Darren O’Sullivan is a thriller that feels uncomfortably close to reality—a pulse-pounding story about desperation, loyalty, and the deadly side of internet fame.
When Cassie’s brother Sam gets tangled up with violent criminals and lands himself in hospital, Cassie is thrust into an impossible situation: find nineteen thousand pounds in one week or risk losing the only family she has left. Her only option? DareMe, a viral social media challenge app that pays participants to complete escalating, reckless dares—each one riskier than the last.
From the moment Cassie signs up, Win or Die takes off at breakneck speed. O’Sullivan doesn’t just explore the thrill of the game; he dives into the dark psychology behind it. The dares aren’t just dangerous—they’re designed to strip away Cassie’s morality, safety, and identity. Each challenge pushes her further from who she was and closer to the edge, both literally and figuratively.
Cassie is a compelling protagonist—tough, determined, and painfully human. Her love for her brother is the heartbeat of the novel, and her descent into the dangerous world of online dares is equal parts heartbreaking and terrifying. O’Sullivan keeps readers on edge by layering suspense with timely commentary on social media addiction, voyeurism, and how quickly society can turn pain into entertainment.
The pacing is razor-sharp, the twists smart and unpredictable, and the stakes terrifyingly high. And while the premise is wild, it never feels implausible—in a world already obsessed with likes, clicks, and viral fame, DareMe feels like the next logical (and horrifying) step.
Perfect for fans of Black Mirror, Squid Game, and fast-paced psychological thrillers, Win or Die is a high-stakes tale that lingers long after the final page. It’s a sobering reminder that in a world where everything is for sale, the cost of survival might just be your soul.
When Cassie’s brother Sam gets tangled up with violent criminals and lands himself in hospital, Cassie is thrust into an impossible situation: find nineteen thousand pounds in one week or risk losing the only family she has left. Her only option? DareMe, a viral social media challenge app that pays participants to complete escalating, reckless dares—each one riskier than the last.
From the moment Cassie signs up, Win or Die takes off at breakneck speed. O’Sullivan doesn’t just explore the thrill of the game; he dives into the dark psychology behind it. The dares aren’t just dangerous—they’re designed to strip away Cassie’s morality, safety, and identity. Each challenge pushes her further from who she was and closer to the edge, both literally and figuratively.
Cassie is a compelling protagonist—tough, determined, and painfully human. Her love for her brother is the heartbeat of the novel, and her descent into the dangerous world of online dares is equal parts heartbreaking and terrifying. O’Sullivan keeps readers on edge by layering suspense with timely commentary on social media addiction, voyeurism, and how quickly society can turn pain into entertainment.
The pacing is razor-sharp, the twists smart and unpredictable, and the stakes terrifyingly high. And while the premise is wild, it never feels implausible—in a world already obsessed with likes, clicks, and viral fame, DareMe feels like the next logical (and horrifying) step.
Perfect for fans of Black Mirror, Squid Game, and fast-paced psychological thrillers, Win or Die is a high-stakes tale that lingers long after the final page. It’s a sobering reminder that in a world where everything is for sale, the cost of survival might just be your soul.
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