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Fearless #1
Game of Fear
In this “sassy, edgy page-turner” a no-nonsense, high-achieving high school senior is determined to get into the Ivy League but a mistake from the past sets her on a collision course with a diabolical enemy who’s threatening to ruin her before she can hit the “submit” button on her college applications.
Ambitious high school senior, Abbie Cooper, is determined to become a brilliant neurosurgeon one day. She just needs to be admitted into Princeton, the Ivy League university of her dreams. But someone is threatening to expose her dark secret—the secret that could get her expelled from her elite private school and ruin her chances of getting into Princeton.
Competition to get into the Ivy League is hyper-competitive and Abbie isn't about to let anyone shatter her dreams. So it's game on, and she will go to any lengths necessary to achieve her goal—even if it means breaking every rule.
ACCOLADES FOR THE FEARLESS SERIES
Next Generation Indie Book Award for Best Fiction Series (2020)
Eric Hoffer Award First Runner Up in Mystery/Crime (2020)
IPPY Award Silver Medalist in Suspense/Thriller (2020)
National Indie Excellence Award Gold Medalist in Suspense (2019)
Ambitious high school senior, Abbie Cooper, is determined to become a brilliant neurosurgeon one day. She just needs to be admitted into Princeton, the Ivy League university of her dreams. But someone is threatening to expose her dark secret—the secret that could get her expelled from her elite private school and ruin her chances of getting into Princeton.
Competition to get into the Ivy League is hyper-competitive and Abbie isn't about to let anyone shatter her dreams. So it's game on, and she will go to any lengths necessary to achieve her goal—even if it means breaking every rule.
ACCOLADES FOR THE FEARLESS SERIES
Next Generation Indie Book Award for Best Fiction Series (2020)
Eric Hoffer Award First Runner Up in Mystery/Crime (2020)
IPPY Award Silver Medalist in Suspense/Thriller (2020)
National Indie Excellence Award Gold Medalist in Suspense (2019)
290 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2016
377 people are currently reading
892 people want to read
About the author
Glede Browne Kabongo
14 books159 followersGledé Browne Kabongo is a multiple award-winning author of unputdownable psychological thrillers about resilient women who navigate dark secrets, deadly lies, and impossible choices.
Her novels, characterized by their strong emotional core, heart-pounding suspense, and jaw- dropping twists include: The Forbidden Heiress, A Game of Malice, Our Wicked Lies, Fool Me Twice, Conspiracy of Silence, and the Fearless series.
Readers have described Gledé’s work as "unbelievably addictive," "brilliant," "captivating," "unputdownable," "spellbinding," "deliciously duplicitous," and "haunting and complex."
Gledé has spoken at multiple industry events including the Boston Book Festival, Sisters in Crime (SinC) New England Crime Bake, Concord Festival of Authors, and the Women in Publishing Summit.
She lives outside Boston with her husband and children. You can reach her at glede@gledekabongo.com or her author website.
Her novels, characterized by their strong emotional core, heart-pounding suspense, and jaw- dropping twists include: The Forbidden Heiress, A Game of Malice, Our Wicked Lies, Fool Me Twice, Conspiracy of Silence, and the Fearless series.
Readers have described Gledé’s work as "unbelievably addictive," "brilliant," "captivating," "unputdownable," "spellbinding," "deliciously duplicitous," and "haunting and complex."
Gledé has spoken at multiple industry events including the Boston Book Festival, Sisters in Crime (SinC) New England Crime Bake, Concord Festival of Authors, and the Women in Publishing Summit.
She lives outside Boston with her husband and children. You can reach her at glede@gledekabongo.com or her author website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
February 18, 2020
"At your service, Mademoiselle."
"And one more thing."
"Yes?"
"This stays between us. Forever."
"I'll never tell".
Game of Fear by Glede Browne Kabongo
So this was a fun read. Abby has always been a good girl. She goes to an elite school and she is on track for Harvard or Yale. She is a straight up overachiever.
Except for one time in her life. When she did something very bad..
Now someone has found out. Calling themselves "the avenger", (nice, sane choice), this person has contacted Abby from a blocked number on a burner phone. They want what they want. And if Abby does not participate in their "game of fear" the sane and well adjusted (note..sarcasm) avenger may just let the world know of Abby's one slip from grace.
This book was awfully fun. I had a field day trying to choose whom the avenger might be. Abby is an interesting main character. I did not always like her or agree with her choices. I did not like her secrecy or the way she refuses to be honest with her boyfriend. I doubt I could be so forgiving as he was.
But the book moves along at perfect pace and one really gets involved, wanting to know the outcome of all this.
SPOILERS:
If there is one thing that I did not like it is that I was able to figure out who the avenger was before the book was even halfway done. It was to obvious. Maybe I have just read to many mysteries but I do not think so. I think it was really to obvious.
I'd have liked more mystery around who the avenger was and more guessing. For me, I kept reading hoping I was wrong and it really wasn't that easy to guess. No such luck. But maybe others will have a more difficult time. I am not always the greatest at figuring out plot twists so the fact that I figured out this one was a let down.
I still really enjoyed this though and I think fans of fast paced YA mysteries will enjoy this greatly. 3.5 stars fore a fun and interesting book.
"And one more thing."
"Yes?"
"This stays between us. Forever."
"I'll never tell".
Game of Fear by Glede Browne Kabongo
So this was a fun read. Abby has always been a good girl. She goes to an elite school and she is on track for Harvard or Yale. She is a straight up overachiever.
Except for one time in her life. When she did something very bad..
Now someone has found out. Calling themselves "the avenger", (nice, sane choice), this person has contacted Abby from a blocked number on a burner phone. They want what they want. And if Abby does not participate in their "game of fear" the sane and well adjusted (note..sarcasm) avenger may just let the world know of Abby's one slip from grace.
This book was awfully fun. I had a field day trying to choose whom the avenger might be. Abby is an interesting main character. I did not always like her or agree with her choices. I did not like her secrecy or the way she refuses to be honest with her boyfriend. I doubt I could be so forgiving as he was.
But the book moves along at perfect pace and one really gets involved, wanting to know the outcome of all this.
SPOILERS:
If there is one thing that I did not like it is that I was able to figure out who the avenger was before the book was even halfway done. It was to obvious. Maybe I have just read to many mysteries but I do not think so. I think it was really to obvious.
I'd have liked more mystery around who the avenger was and more guessing. For me, I kept reading hoping I was wrong and it really wasn't that easy to guess. No such luck. But maybe others will have a more difficult time. I am not always the greatest at figuring out plot twists so the fact that I figured out this one was a let down.
I still really enjoyed this though and I think fans of fast paced YA mysteries will enjoy this greatly. 3.5 stars fore a fun and interesting book.
August 13, 2020
Game of Fear, book one in the Fearless series, was never on my radar. However, when I signed up to review Autumn of Fear, I discovered that this was the third book in the series. Readers can read each book as a standalone, however, I think it’s best to read the books in order.
Abbie, a high school senior, is looking forward to graduation and attending the college of her dreams. Everything is going well, but it all comes crashing down when she found a cryptic note in her locker. The person behind the note is blackmailing her for a mistake she made in the past. A mistake which, if found out, would lead to expulsion and destruction of her chances of attending a prestigious University. Can Abbie find out the identity of her blackmailer before times runs out?
The story plunged me into the world of rich students. It had me hooked from the first page. Curious to learn the identity of the blackmailer and the motive behind the blackmail, I eagerly flipped through the pages to get the answers. Also, I needed to know the mistake Abbie made that had the potential to destroy her future. I spent most of the story trying to figure out the identity of the blackmailer. To say it surprised me to learn who was responsible would be an understatement. It flabbergasted me. It goes to show not everyone who eats and drink with you can be trusted.
I admired Abbie. I found her to be smart, strong and determined. She refused to let the blackmailer control her and would do everything in her power to stop the person destroying her life. She wasn’t perfect, which made it easy to relate to her. I watched her attempt to navigate a relationship while trying to handle her problems on her own.
In typical high school fashion, there was the mean girls’ clique. A group of girls who made their mission to destroy fellow students who they thought were beneath them. The leader had her own issues dealing with, and for some reason she hated Abbie.
Although classified as a psychological thriller I would consider it such. It is more of a mystery as the pacing was slow for a thriller. Despite the slow pacing, there was never a dull moment. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and what made them tick.
Overall, I enjoyed the time spent in the world created by Glede Browne Kabongo. I already have book two, which follows Abbie as she navigates college, queued on my Kindle. I recommend this to fans of young adult mystery. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Abbie, a high school senior, is looking forward to graduation and attending the college of her dreams. Everything is going well, but it all comes crashing down when she found a cryptic note in her locker. The person behind the note is blackmailing her for a mistake she made in the past. A mistake which, if found out, would lead to expulsion and destruction of her chances of attending a prestigious University. Can Abbie find out the identity of her blackmailer before times runs out?
The story plunged me into the world of rich students. It had me hooked from the first page. Curious to learn the identity of the blackmailer and the motive behind the blackmail, I eagerly flipped through the pages to get the answers. Also, I needed to know the mistake Abbie made that had the potential to destroy her future. I spent most of the story trying to figure out the identity of the blackmailer. To say it surprised me to learn who was responsible would be an understatement. It flabbergasted me. It goes to show not everyone who eats and drink with you can be trusted.
I admired Abbie. I found her to be smart, strong and determined. She refused to let the blackmailer control her and would do everything in her power to stop the person destroying her life. She wasn’t perfect, which made it easy to relate to her. I watched her attempt to navigate a relationship while trying to handle her problems on her own.
In typical high school fashion, there was the mean girls’ clique. A group of girls who made their mission to destroy fellow students who they thought were beneath them. The leader had her own issues dealing with, and for some reason she hated Abbie.
Although classified as a psychological thriller I would consider it such. It is more of a mystery as the pacing was slow for a thriller. Despite the slow pacing, there was never a dull moment. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and what made them tick.
Overall, I enjoyed the time spent in the world created by Glede Browne Kabongo. I already have book two, which follows Abbie as she navigates college, queued on my Kindle. I recommend this to fans of young adult mystery. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
May 18, 2016
Abbie Cooper has always been an overachiever setting her sights on getting accepted into an Ivy League school after her senior year. But when Abbie finds a note in her locker with the warning, “I know what you did” her plans may all start to crumble around her.
Abbie wants to believe the note was a joke or a mistake but when a photo shows up in the mail she can't deny that someone knows her secret. Now she's being blackmailed by someone calling themselves The Avenger who for a price will keep the secret safe.
Game of Fear is one of those books that hooked me in right from the beginning wanting to know exactly who was behind it all. I flew right through the story trying to guess how it would turn out and see if my guess would be right.
My one complaint in this read would be that Abbie was completely focused on it being one certain person behind the notes and calls. I liked Abbie overall but as a reader you just know that the one person that is being pointed out over and over is not going to be the one behind the suspense and I kept wondering why such a smart girl wouldn't think of anyone else. Of course as a reader I had my own theories so it so I was still completely engaged.
Overall, a fast paced young adult novel full of suspense.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Abbie wants to believe the note was a joke or a mistake but when a photo shows up in the mail she can't deny that someone knows her secret. Now she's being blackmailed by someone calling themselves The Avenger who for a price will keep the secret safe.
Game of Fear is one of those books that hooked me in right from the beginning wanting to know exactly who was behind it all. I flew right through the story trying to guess how it would turn out and see if my guess would be right.
My one complaint in this read would be that Abbie was completely focused on it being one certain person behind the notes and calls. I liked Abbie overall but as a reader you just know that the one person that is being pointed out over and over is not going to be the one behind the suspense and I kept wondering why such a smart girl wouldn't think of anyone else. Of course as a reader I had my own theories so it so I was still completely engaged.
Overall, a fast paced young adult novel full of suspense.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
January 18, 2016
OMFG!!! So, I have this book and it's an author I had not experienced. I started it l and I am not ashamed to say that I am completely lost on the world this author has created. It's a damn journey every reader must go on. Holy F**k!!!!
Abbie Cooper has a heck of a story to tell. One that is full of suspense, twist, turns, loyalty is tested and questioned. This author will keep you at the edge of your seat!!!! I want more and I am dying to have it NOW!!!
Hate, love, murder, extortion, attempted murder, conspiracy all in a very well written and very well thought out storyline.
I URGE YOU, BEG YOU to go give this amazing author and make sure to read this beauty.
Wow!!! 5+ stars!!!!
Abbie Cooper has a heck of a story to tell. One that is full of suspense, twist, turns, loyalty is tested and questioned. This author will keep you at the edge of your seat!!!! I want more and I am dying to have it NOW!!!
Hate, love, murder, extortion, attempted murder, conspiracy all in a very well written and very well thought out storyline.
I URGE YOU, BEG YOU to go give this amazing author and make sure to read this beauty.
Wow!!! 5+ stars!!!!
June 1, 2016
2.5 Stars for this one. **Originally Posted on G. Jacks Writes. Received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.** May contain spoilers.
Constructively, I had trouble coming up with a rating for this book as I did like a majority of the dialogue, Abbie and her close circle of friends and the fact that Abbie’s character was trying to hide the fact that she was once addicted to Adderall. On the other hand, I struggled with the overall narrative plot and the characterization of the characters in this book.
I like that Abbie is funny and smart and meticulous when it comes to her school work, grades and college applications, but I must confess that nothing about her immediately life, or experiences show cause or reason for me to feel 100% apathetic toward her or the situation she’s in. Throughout this book, I was entirely rooting for the blackmailer to expose her and bring her down a few pegs because her character is hypercritical, self-centered, a bit petty, and clueless.
It was obvious that It was even more annoying to see how Abbie would flip back and forth between her “sympathy” for Sidney’s life and the possibility of her innocent to her insubstantial theory that Sidney is the person she’s looking for. And the author seems to plunge the reader into this back and forth, drawn-out cat and mouse game of an entitled and rich character who is entirely deserving of being outed to the world as someone who’s taken drugs.
Abbie’s rejection of the lavish, high-society and her good-girl attitude would be more believable if she weren’t one of the elites herself. She is literally like the poster child for rich girl rebel.
I’ve admitted that this story has it’s ups and down—Abbie and her strong girl squad were well worth the attention given to them—but the platform for the rest of characters seemed a bit rudamentional. Her blackmailer turns out to be I’ll let you sit on that plot twist for a second.
I sincerely considered this book to be comedic parody to life halfway through it. Abbie’s character and the entire narrative would have benefited from seeing Abbie’s character struggling with the Adderall addiction and then have her trying to cover up her tracks because as it is now she just comes across as whinny. I would have loved to see Abbie’s character truly at her lowest point and work her way through that. Even the school’s popular it girl/flirt/mean girl, Sidney shows more relatability to the reader at her low point.
Notable mentions: I liked how Christian’s character was portrayed at the beginning of the book (but only then) and I also like Ty and Abbie’s close friendship in this book.
Lastly, I was left with a few questions about the context of Abbie’s supposed “one time mistake.” If she was admittedly addicted to the drug in the past and was constantly taking it, than it technically wasn’t just an isolated event. What’s more, in the prologue it’s worded as if Abbie were looking to sell the drug, not take it herself.
Also, the discrepancy around the part regarding Sidney’s going public with what happened.
Constructively, I had trouble coming up with a rating for this book as I did like a majority of the dialogue, Abbie and her close circle of friends and the fact that Abbie’s character was trying to hide the fact that she was once addicted to Adderall. On the other hand, I struggled with the overall narrative plot and the characterization of the characters in this book.
I like that Abbie is funny and smart and meticulous when it comes to her school work, grades and college applications, but I must confess that nothing about her immediately life, or experiences show cause or reason for me to feel 100% apathetic toward her or the situation she’s in. Throughout this book, I was entirely rooting for the blackmailer to expose her and bring her down a few pegs because her character is hypercritical, self-centered, a bit petty, and clueless.
It was obvious that It was even more annoying to see how Abbie would flip back and forth between her “sympathy” for Sidney’s life and the possibility of her innocent to her insubstantial theory that Sidney is the person she’s looking for. And the author seems to plunge the reader into this back and forth, drawn-out cat and mouse game of an entitled and rich character who is entirely deserving of being outed to the world as someone who’s taken drugs.
Abbie’s rejection of the lavish, high-society and her good-girl attitude would be more believable if she weren’t one of the elites herself. She is literally like the poster child for rich girl rebel.
I’ve admitted that this story has it’s ups and down—Abbie and her strong girl squad were well worth the attention given to them—but the platform for the rest of characters seemed a bit rudamentional. Her blackmailer turns out to be I’ll let you sit on that plot twist for a second.
I sincerely considered this book to be comedic parody to life halfway through it. Abbie’s character and the entire narrative would have benefited from seeing Abbie’s character struggling with the Adderall addiction and then have her trying to cover up her tracks because as it is now she just comes across as whinny. I would have loved to see Abbie’s character truly at her lowest point and work her way through that. Even the school’s popular it girl/flirt/mean girl, Sidney shows more relatability to the reader at her low point.
Notable mentions: I liked how Christian’s character was portrayed at the beginning of the book (but only then) and I also like Ty and Abbie’s close friendship in this book.
Lastly, I was left with a few questions about the context of Abbie’s supposed “one time mistake.” If she was admittedly addicted to the drug in the past and was constantly taking it, than it technically wasn’t just an isolated event. What’s more, in the prologue it’s worded as if Abbie were looking to sell the drug, not take it herself.
Also, the discrepancy around the part regarding Sidney’s going public with what happened.
March 29, 2016
It wasn’t until the very end of this novel that I realized this book is a sequel. It totally reads like a standalone book! That’s plus number one. Plus number two: pretty much everything else about this book. A suspenseful thriller if I’ve ever read on, that’s for sure! I could not put this book down (well... I did put it down, but not willingly... stuff like sleep and work and such got in the way, but you get the idea, right? I didn’t want to put it down!), and it was just non-stop suspense, mystery, and sweet romance from the start to the finish. Pretty much everything I am looking for in a good YA book.
A super quick summary for those of you who like that kind of thing: Abbie did something a couple of years ago that she is not super proud of (hey, she was under a lot of stress!). But now it appears that someone is out to get her, an anonymous texter/caller, to bring the past back to haunt her. With threats that could get her kicked out of her prestigious high school just months before graduation and quickly off the path to an Ivy League college, Abbie has to find a way to catch whoever is blackmailing her... all while juggling a potential love interest she never imagined.
Now I really want to read the previous book in the series, which I think might revolve more around Abbie’s mom and the drama from two years prior to this story. And I definitely can’t wait to read the next book, which follows Abbie off to college (whoops... I almost told you where! No spoilers!). This one is a definite recommend from me!
A super quick summary for those of you who like that kind of thing: Abbie did something a couple of years ago that she is not super proud of (hey, she was under a lot of stress!). But now it appears that someone is out to get her, an anonymous texter/caller, to bring the past back to haunt her. With threats that could get her kicked out of her prestigious high school just months before graduation and quickly off the path to an Ivy League college, Abbie has to find a way to catch whoever is blackmailing her... all while juggling a potential love interest she never imagined.
Now I really want to read the previous book in the series, which I think might revolve more around Abbie’s mom and the drama from two years prior to this story. And I definitely can’t wait to read the next book, which follows Abbie off to college (whoops... I almost told you where! No spoilers!). This one is a definite recommend from me!
February 1, 2016
I was actually a beta reader for this book last year, and I've been itching to review it ever since...now I just hope I can write coherent sentences to do it justice!
When I originally read it, I had no idea that it tied in with the author's previous book, Swan Deception (which I read earlier this year, after reading this one). While it stands on its own, I would suggest reading Swan Deception first so that you understand a little more of the background of the family.
I absolutely LOVE the character of Abbie Cooper, and the development of her relationships with her peers. There are so many scenes that I highlighted as favorites, I couldn't begin to pick just one to share.
This book has a multitude of plot twists and moments that will leave you breathless. The ending will shock and surprise you and hopefully, like me, you'll be saying "I need the next book NOW!"
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
When I originally read it, I had no idea that it tied in with the author's previous book, Swan Deception (which I read earlier this year, after reading this one). While it stands on its own, I would suggest reading Swan Deception first so that you understand a little more of the background of the family.
I absolutely LOVE the character of Abbie Cooper, and the development of her relationships with her peers. There are so many scenes that I highlighted as favorites, I couldn't begin to pick just one to share.
This book has a multitude of plot twists and moments that will leave you breathless. The ending will shock and surprise you and hopefully, like me, you'll be saying "I need the next book NOW!"
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
November 28, 2020
"What did I miss?"
I read two-thirds of this book and gave up. I kept trying to rationalise how this was an award winning, or best selling title. The writing style is competent. The story was uninspiring and appeared to centre around teenage girls at college in the US. For me there was a complete lack of the psychological thriller the blurb promised. The promise of a devious twist at the end failed to persuade me to continue. I can't work out what it was I missed.
I read two-thirds of this book and gave up. I kept trying to rationalise how this was an award winning, or best selling title. The writing style is competent. The story was uninspiring and appeared to centre around teenage girls at college in the US. For me there was a complete lack of the psychological thriller the blurb promised. The promise of a devious twist at the end failed to persuade me to continue. I can't work out what it was I missed.
July 20, 2018
(I received a copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.)
This wasn't an awful read, but it wasn't one suited for me unfortunately. I found the pacing to be pretty slow, so most of it dragged for me quite badly. I didn't like the characters either, which didn't help.
Overall, Not awful, but not for me.
This wasn't an awful read, but it wasn't one suited for me unfortunately. I found the pacing to be pretty slow, so most of it dragged for me quite badly. I didn't like the characters either, which didn't help.
Overall, Not awful, but not for me.
June 24, 2016
Poor Abbie...her nearly perfect, planned-to-the-last-detail life has run into a stumbling block, one she can't control or even understand. Who could be sending her these threats and what are they referring to? While that's going on, she's monumentally distracted by bad boy Christian who seems to be pursuing her relentlessly but Abbie doesn't trust that his intentions are good and his ex-girlfriend, Sidney, queen of the mean girls, is out to make Abbie's existence miserable.
Christian actually is pretty likeable and Abbie is, too, except that she's so controlled, so driven, to the point where I sort of thought these threats from The Avenger might rattle her cage enough to make her a bit more like an ordinary teenager. Her best friends Callie and Frances are truly loyal to Abbie and each other and the three take strength and comfort from each other. In fact, all of this is almost too good.
I know there are very privileged kids in this world and many of them go to extremely exclusive private schools but Saint Matthews Academy and its students are so over the top I couldn't really relate to any of them. This is a world in which nearly everyone has enough money to buy a small island or the Hope Diamond and they're all paragons of beauty. Essentially, they're interesting but nowhere close to normal.
I also can't really agree that this is a thriller because the pace is pretty slow and, in fact, far more attention is paid to the romance than to the apparent blackmail. The final resolution is kind of ho-hum, possibly because it's hard to feel too sorry for these kids. On the positive side, though, this is a pretty good story, better than average escapism, and that's not a bad thing at all.
Autumn of Fear, the sequel to Game of Fear, will be coming out in the future but, for those who'd like to know more about Abbie before then can check out her first appearance in Swan Deception, available now.
Christian actually is pretty likeable and Abbie is, too, except that she's so controlled, so driven, to the point where I sort of thought these threats from The Avenger might rattle her cage enough to make her a bit more like an ordinary teenager. Her best friends Callie and Frances are truly loyal to Abbie and each other and the three take strength and comfort from each other. In fact, all of this is almost too good.
I know there are very privileged kids in this world and many of them go to extremely exclusive private schools but Saint Matthews Academy and its students are so over the top I couldn't really relate to any of them. This is a world in which nearly everyone has enough money to buy a small island or the Hope Diamond and they're all paragons of beauty. Essentially, they're interesting but nowhere close to normal.
I also can't really agree that this is a thriller because the pace is pretty slow and, in fact, far more attention is paid to the romance than to the apparent blackmail. The final resolution is kind of ho-hum, possibly because it's hard to feel too sorry for these kids. On the positive side, though, this is a pretty good story, better than average escapism, and that's not a bad thing at all.
Autumn of Fear, the sequel to Game of Fear, will be coming out in the future but, for those who'd like to know more about Abbie before then can check out her first appearance in Swan Deception, available now.
February 28, 2016
Wow! This book has so much in it. Mystery, intrigue, romance and death. When I was asked to give an honest review on this book, I wasn't sure what to expect. Abbie was a high school senior enjoying her last year with her friends Callie and Frances. Christian is a jack the lad boy and has "dated" all the girls with the exception of Abbie. He finds that he has fallen head over heals for her and tries to convince her to go out with him. His ex girlfriend Sidney is Abbie's arch nemesis. Sidney dated Christian and was dumped. The main storyline is Abbie being caught at something. The romance between Abbie and Christian blooms and the trouble escalates out of control. Abbie does her best but gets caught up in it.
This book is an excellent read and I wish I could give the author more than five stars. She is comparable to James Patterson that is for sure. Please if you are unsure about the book, please try it, you will not be disappointed. It was more than I could wish for. Excellent
This book is an excellent read and I wish I could give the author more than five stars. She is comparable to James Patterson that is for sure. Please if you are unsure about the book, please try it, you will not be disappointed. It was more than I could wish for. Excellent
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2016
I was one of the lucky ladies who were asked to beta read this book, although this is not my usual genre of book i did enjoy the story.
The characters were well balanced and you got to see their flaws as well as their triumphs, there are plenty of twists in this tale which had me suspecting one person then in the next chapter suspecting someone else.
At the start of the book Abbie comes across as a very smart young woman who has her whole life planned out and you see her dreams begin to crumble as she desperately tries to figure out who is trying to ruin her life and her plans.
Set against a background of teenage angst and an elite private school, this book delivers all you would expect in a thrilling story.
I didn't realize until today that this novel is part of a series and i shall definitely be purchasing the first one and re-reading game of fear
The characters were well balanced and you got to see their flaws as well as their triumphs, there are plenty of twists in this tale which had me suspecting one person then in the next chapter suspecting someone else.
At the start of the book Abbie comes across as a very smart young woman who has her whole life planned out and you see her dreams begin to crumble as she desperately tries to figure out who is trying to ruin her life and her plans.
Set against a background of teenage angst and an elite private school, this book delivers all you would expect in a thrilling story.
I didn't realize until today that this novel is part of a series and i shall definitely be purchasing the first one and re-reading game of fear
April 13, 2016
I have grown to love the way Glede Brown Kobongo keeps her readers in suspense. She did not disappoint in Game of Fear. Abbie Cooper is one strong, fearsome, and determined teenager who refuses to buckle, cower, and hide even when a sinister player threatens to ruin her life and keep her from attending the college of her choice—Yale.
Ms Kobongo keeps her readers on the edge of our seats, guessing to the last page, and when we get there, we are totally floored by the identity of the perpitrator, in this case: The Avenger. I did not see that coming!
Keep the books coming, Ms Kobongo. A Must Read!!!
I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Ms Kobongo keeps her readers on the edge of our seats, guessing to the last page, and when we get there, we are totally floored by the identity of the perpitrator, in this case: The Avenger. I did not see that coming!
Keep the books coming, Ms Kobongo. A Must Read!!!
I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
February 24, 2016
This was not a genre that I normally read, but I'm so glad I did. Glede has brought these characters to life. Abbie Cooper is one tough cookie and will let nothing get in her way of getting into a good school. There are so many twists and turns. It reminded me of a Veronica Mars plot(teenage sluething with lots of wow moments), which I love the show so I absolutely fell in love with it. Definetly worth 5 stars! :)
March 29, 2021
3.5 Stars but going up!
Quick, enjoyable thriller. I actually read the author’s other book, Swan Deception, a while ago. I didn’t realize right away that it is the same family. You do not have to have read the first in order to read this one, but it might help to understand how the main character got herself in the trouble that she did.
This is a YA thriller that I enjoyed reading. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
Quick, enjoyable thriller. I actually read the author’s other book, Swan Deception, a while ago. I didn’t realize right away that it is the same family. You do not have to have read the first in order to read this one, but it might help to understand how the main character got herself in the trouble that she did.
This is a YA thriller that I enjoyed reading. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
January 20, 2016
I could not wait to get this book after reading Swan Deception. This is just as great a read and I would recommend it to everyone who loves suspense. Full of questions and surprises it keeps you wondering and when you get to the end you can't wait to see what comes next from this author. This is a real page turner you won't want to put down. Can't wait for the next in this series.
January 24, 2016
Why does the past never stay hidden. A though.
High school is a battleground, the issues that kids have now are insane and things get out of hand so quickly. It was a great well written read that will appeal to many ages. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
High school is a battleground, the issues that kids have now are insane and things get out of hand so quickly. It was a great well written read that will appeal to many ages. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2016
This is the second book in a series, and I hadn't read the first. I wasn't lost at all, so it works great as a standalone. Now i really want to read the first book!
I was kept guessing until the end, and really enjoyed the story.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I was kept guessing until the end, and really enjoyed the story.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
February 16, 2020
I wanted to like this book. Really.
I waited almost all the way up until the end to give this book a chance.
Unfortunately, it just couldn't deliver.
Game of Fear submerges you in a world of wealth that acts as a shiny veneer for nefarious deeds. Our heroine, Abbie Cooper, is a good girl. No seriously. She is. We know this by the title of Part 1 - "The Good Girl." We know this because her nemesis, mean girl Sydney, constantly lobs this label at her as an insult. From the very start, we're led to believe that Abbie is a good girl because she's never dated and doesn't really do parties.
Abbie's a good girl, which makes it all the more shocking when we learn she's made one glaring mistake in her past that's now come back to haunt her and mess with her chances of attending an Ivy League school.
Insert faceless villain: The Avenger. With untraceable threats and mockery, The Avenger blackmails Abbie with the warning that if she doesn't listen, her secrets will be exposed to all.
Here's what Game of Fear does well:
Friendship: I enjoyed the tight friendship between Abbie and her two best friends, particularly because they were a departure from stories that feature only white characters. Pretty early on, we learn that the group is called the "Rainbow Posse because of our diverse ethnic backgrounds" which may be laying it on a bit thick, but I appreciate it still. Unfortunately, these girls' identities don't always seem to be a part of them. Besides a few brief mentions sprinkled throughout the book, their ethnic backgrounds don't play a meaningful role in their lives, it seems. Overall, these girls were loyal, and Frances and Callie had their own peripheral arcs so that they weren't just accessories to Abbie's problems. I liked them a lot and wish they had even more complexity to draw them out as real characters.
Multi-Tasking: The Avenger's schemes don't occupy full-time space in Abbie's head. As an almost-graduate entering her first relationship, Abbie deals with complex problems in addition to the main problem that drives the plot. Kabongo did a good job sharing the stage with other issues that would pop up in a teenager's life.
Here's what I did not enjoy:
Pacing: Ah, the further into the story I went, the more I got irked as chapters would just cut off in the middle of a conversation. Rather than establishing a dramatic tone that adequately closed one section to lead into the next, the effect was just jarring. Had this book gone through another round of edits, it might've read a bit smoother so transitions wouldn't have been so bumpy. This became a severe problem with the big reveal at the end. All this build-up, and then it's just--
Editing: Speaking of another round of edits...I was still catching typos as I read. While this isn't the author's fault, it does disrupt the ability to be submerged in their work. I was disappointed to find these in a published novel.
Mental Health: Okay, this one is pretty heavy, and I won't go too in-depth, but more than one character carries trauma with them, and I was grossly disappointed at how Kabongo chose to handle it with one particular character. I just - I'm so tired of seeing characters' pain serve the plot. Can we not anymore? Like, can we all decide to stop using trauma as a salacious tidbit of discovery?
Abbie's Inner Monologue: At times, Abbie's thoughts just baffled me. Here are a few examples:
1. "I giggle like the teenage girl that I am. He does things to me."
2. "That's it. After school, I'm heading to the mall to purchase some kind of gag or mouth restraint thingy."
I can't tell if this is bad or if I'm just truly aging out of this demographic, but these made me wince.
The Wealth: Oh the wealth. When I was younger, I may have enjoyed the opportunity to open the pages of a book and pretend, if just for a couple of hours, I was rich. But such is not the case anymore. Some inner part of me just switched off when the characters casually talked about drumming up $50,000 for something (that could pay off my student loans almost twice over). Like I said, this could just be the side effects of aging and seeing the world through a realistic lens but it could also be a developing allergy to the excess and frivolity of wealth. Hmm.
Maybe I sound harsh and judgmental. Maybe downright irrelevant. It's just that I had a hard time imagining teens connecting with Abbie at a realistic level. Sure, we all make mistakes and many students in the U.S. undergo the stressful process of college applications. But how many of us visit our boyfriend's families on a private jet, attend a private school that significantly increases our chances of getting into the Ivy Leagues, and have a famous chef for a mom so we can have elaborate spreads of food when friends come over for the holidays?
While a fun ride at times, this book required me to suspend too much of my disbelief.
I waited almost all the way up until the end to give this book a chance.
Unfortunately, it just couldn't deliver.
Game of Fear submerges you in a world of wealth that acts as a shiny veneer for nefarious deeds. Our heroine, Abbie Cooper, is a good girl. No seriously. She is. We know this by the title of Part 1 - "The Good Girl." We know this because her nemesis, mean girl Sydney, constantly lobs this label at her as an insult. From the very start, we're led to believe that Abbie is a good girl because she's never dated and doesn't really do parties.
Abbie's a good girl, which makes it all the more shocking when we learn she's made one glaring mistake in her past that's now come back to haunt her and mess with her chances of attending an Ivy League school.
Insert faceless villain: The Avenger. With untraceable threats and mockery, The Avenger blackmails Abbie with the warning that if she doesn't listen, her secrets will be exposed to all.
Here's what Game of Fear does well:
Friendship: I enjoyed the tight friendship between Abbie and her two best friends, particularly because they were a departure from stories that feature only white characters. Pretty early on, we learn that the group is called the "Rainbow Posse because of our diverse ethnic backgrounds" which may be laying it on a bit thick, but I appreciate it still. Unfortunately, these girls' identities don't always seem to be a part of them. Besides a few brief mentions sprinkled throughout the book, their ethnic backgrounds don't play a meaningful role in their lives, it seems. Overall, these girls were loyal, and Frances and Callie had their own peripheral arcs so that they weren't just accessories to Abbie's problems. I liked them a lot and wish they had even more complexity to draw them out as real characters.
Multi-Tasking: The Avenger's schemes don't occupy full-time space in Abbie's head. As an almost-graduate entering her first relationship, Abbie deals with complex problems in addition to the main problem that drives the plot. Kabongo did a good job sharing the stage with other issues that would pop up in a teenager's life.
Here's what I did not enjoy:
Pacing: Ah, the further into the story I went, the more I got irked as chapters would just cut off in the middle of a conversation. Rather than establishing a dramatic tone that adequately closed one section to lead into the next, the effect was just jarring. Had this book gone through another round of edits, it might've read a bit smoother so transitions wouldn't have been so bumpy. This became a severe problem with the big reveal at the end. All this build-up, and then it's just--
Editing: Speaking of another round of edits...I was still catching typos as I read. While this isn't the author's fault, it does disrupt the ability to be submerged in their work. I was disappointed to find these in a published novel.
Mental Health: Okay, this one is pretty heavy, and I won't go too in-depth, but more than one character carries trauma with them, and I was grossly disappointed at how Kabongo chose to handle it with one particular character. I just - I'm so tired of seeing characters' pain serve the plot. Can we not anymore? Like, can we all decide to stop using trauma as a salacious tidbit of discovery?
Abbie's Inner Monologue: At times, Abbie's thoughts just baffled me. Here are a few examples:
1. "I giggle like the teenage girl that I am. He does things to me."
2. "That's it. After school, I'm heading to the mall to purchase some kind of gag or mouth restraint thingy."
I can't tell if this is bad or if I'm just truly aging out of this demographic, but these made me wince.
The Wealth: Oh the wealth. When I was younger, I may have enjoyed the opportunity to open the pages of a book and pretend, if just for a couple of hours, I was rich. But such is not the case anymore. Some inner part of me just switched off when the characters casually talked about drumming up $50,000 for something (that could pay off my student loans almost twice over). Like I said, this could just be the side effects of aging and seeing the world through a realistic lens but it could also be a developing allergy to the excess and frivolity of wealth. Hmm.
Maybe I sound harsh and judgmental. Maybe downright irrelevant. It's just that I had a hard time imagining teens connecting with Abbie at a realistic level. Sure, we all make mistakes and many students in the U.S. undergo the stressful process of college applications. But how many of us visit our boyfriend's families on a private jet, attend a private school that significantly increases our chances of getting into the Ivy Leagues, and have a famous chef for a mom so we can have elaborate spreads of food when friends come over for the holidays?
While a fun ride at times, this book required me to suspend too much of my disbelief.
December 28, 2019
Game of Fear: A gripping psychological thriller with a shocking twist (Fearless Series)
By Glede Browne Kabongo
5 out of 5 stars
The story Game of Fear: A gripping psychological thriller with a shocking twist (Fearless Series) by Glede Browne Kabongo is a YA thriller that I loved reading. It pulls you in from the beginning and I didn’t want to put it down until the final page. There is mystery, romance, and suspense. I enjoyed reading about the character of Abbie Cooper. She is a young woman whose concern is getting into a prestigious college. Then she receives a threat from an anonymous source known as The Avenger. He knows a secret that could destroy everything that she has worked for. Will Abbie find out who The Avenger is? Will she be forced to play by his rules? Read this book to find out. I found Abbie to be intelligent, independent and determined when she needs to be. She is a character that is likable and has flaws. I found myself rooting for her to succeed. There are many other characters that I enjoyed reading about. They interact with Abby and are supportive of her. Then there are those that are only out for themselves. Will their plans and agenda succeed? Don’t miss out on a suspenseful book that will keep you guessing. I highly recommend reading it.
By Glede Browne Kabongo
5 out of 5 stars
The story Game of Fear: A gripping psychological thriller with a shocking twist (Fearless Series) by Glede Browne Kabongo is a YA thriller that I loved reading. It pulls you in from the beginning and I didn’t want to put it down until the final page. There is mystery, romance, and suspense. I enjoyed reading about the character of Abbie Cooper. She is a young woman whose concern is getting into a prestigious college. Then she receives a threat from an anonymous source known as The Avenger. He knows a secret that could destroy everything that she has worked for. Will Abbie find out who The Avenger is? Will she be forced to play by his rules? Read this book to find out. I found Abbie to be intelligent, independent and determined when she needs to be. She is a character that is likable and has flaws. I found myself rooting for her to succeed. There are many other characters that I enjoyed reading about. They interact with Abby and are supportive of her. Then there are those that are only out for themselves. Will their plans and agenda succeed? Don’t miss out on a suspenseful book that will keep you guessing. I highly recommend reading it.
January 9, 2020
If you're looking for an exciting storyline with engaging characters written by an author with amazing talent I've got the book for you. Game of Fear by Glede` Browne Kabongo is all that and so much more. This book is full of exciting, suspenseful and enjoyable characters.
In Game of Fear Abbie Cooper's entire life is about to be flipped upside down and she will question everything she thought she knew. Abbie is in her Senior year of High School and she has her whole future mapped out starting with going to Princeton. Yet everything changes when Abbie finds a note in her locker.
"I know what you did. Hypocrite! Justice will be served." -The Avenger
What Abbie doesn't know is that The Avenger's game is just starting and won't end until Abbie plays to the end. With the help of some awesome friends Abbie tries to figure out who is behind this and to stop them before it's too late.
Will Abbie find out who The Avenger is or will Abbie's entire world crumble around her?
This was my first time reading anything from this author Glede` Browne Kabongo and I can sat it will definitely not be the last! This author is extremely talented and I am thrilled that Game of Fear is only the beginning. Abbie's story continues in book two Autumn of Fear.
In Game of Fear Abbie Cooper's entire life is about to be flipped upside down and she will question everything she thought she knew. Abbie is in her Senior year of High School and she has her whole future mapped out starting with going to Princeton. Yet everything changes when Abbie finds a note in her locker.
"I know what you did. Hypocrite! Justice will be served." -The Avenger
What Abbie doesn't know is that The Avenger's game is just starting and won't end until Abbie plays to the end. With the help of some awesome friends Abbie tries to figure out who is behind this and to stop them before it's too late.
Will Abbie find out who The Avenger is or will Abbie's entire world crumble around her?
This was my first time reading anything from this author Glede` Browne Kabongo and I can sat it will definitely not be the last! This author is extremely talented and I am thrilled that Game of Fear is only the beginning. Abbie's story continues in book two Autumn of Fear.
Read
January 13, 2020I give Game of Fear - A gripping psychological thriller with a shocking twist (Fearless Series) by Glede Brown Kabongo, 4 stars.
This is a psychological thriller book for the young adult crowd. The main character is a senior at a very elite high school and it is centered around her and her friends. This book is well written and the story has you on edge the entire time. Someone is out to make her life hell and they seem to stop at nothing. What I liked most about this book was that you do not see many books in this genre for this age group. That in itself was refreshing. Not to pull away from the book, I was never a rich college kid who had to think of her family being disgraced if she did something wrong, so I couldn't completely relate to this fear and this side of the book. However, I can understand and have read about the hidden secret you never want exposed. The author makes this very clear.
The cast of characters is good too -- pretty much what you would expect from an elite high school for rich teens. There is a mixture of people too, not just all one type of person. I also like how the author integrated many different races, making the book have a different feel to it.
If you like YA Thriller that keep you guessing until the end, this book is for you.
This is a psychological thriller book for the young adult crowd. The main character is a senior at a very elite high school and it is centered around her and her friends. This book is well written and the story has you on edge the entire time. Someone is out to make her life hell and they seem to stop at nothing. What I liked most about this book was that you do not see many books in this genre for this age group. That in itself was refreshing. Not to pull away from the book, I was never a rich college kid who had to think of her family being disgraced if she did something wrong, so I couldn't completely relate to this fear and this side of the book. However, I can understand and have read about the hidden secret you never want exposed. The author makes this very clear.
The cast of characters is good too -- pretty much what you would expect from an elite high school for rich teens. There is a mixture of people too, not just all one type of person. I also like how the author integrated many different races, making the book have a different feel to it.
If you like YA Thriller that keep you guessing until the end, this book is for you.
January 14, 2020
Game of Fear (Fearless Series) by Glede Browne Kabongo
4 Stars
“Sometimes good girls do very bad things”, and good girl Abbie Cooper may have done something very bad indeed. Abbie has always been an overachiever especially academically and her goal is to get into the Ivy League, Princeton. However at her current school, St. Matthew’s Academy the pressure is immense and is also full of wicked games and dirty secrets.
One day Abbie receives a package from ‘The Avenger’, the package contains photos exposing Abbie’s worst and hidden secret, this not only puts her chances of attaining her goal of Princeton in jeopardy but also puts the life’s of her family at risk too. The Avenger, says her secret will be kept but for a price, and Abbie must play the game to find out who the Avenger is, if he exists at all. All Abbie knows is that someone knows her secret and is out to ruin her.
I was hooked from page one until the last page, however I did find the book a bit slow to start with but once I got into the story I found it flowed well. I enjoyed this suspenseful thriller and found it was full of twists and turns which kept me guessing until the end and it’s shocking conclusion. The novel is part of a series and I look forward to reading further books by Glede Browne Kabongo.
4 Stars
“Sometimes good girls do very bad things”, and good girl Abbie Cooper may have done something very bad indeed. Abbie has always been an overachiever especially academically and her goal is to get into the Ivy League, Princeton. However at her current school, St. Matthew’s Academy the pressure is immense and is also full of wicked games and dirty secrets.
One day Abbie receives a package from ‘The Avenger’, the package contains photos exposing Abbie’s worst and hidden secret, this not only puts her chances of attaining her goal of Princeton in jeopardy but also puts the life’s of her family at risk too. The Avenger, says her secret will be kept but for a price, and Abbie must play the game to find out who the Avenger is, if he exists at all. All Abbie knows is that someone knows her secret and is out to ruin her.
I was hooked from page one until the last page, however I did find the book a bit slow to start with but once I got into the story I found it flowed well. I enjoyed this suspenseful thriller and found it was full of twists and turns which kept me guessing until the end and it’s shocking conclusion. The novel is part of a series and I look forward to reading further books by Glede Browne Kabongo.
August 3, 2018
Game of fear by Glede Browne Kabonga.
Sometimes good girls do very bad things...
Academic overachiever and popular good girl Abbie Cooper will do anything to get into the Ivy League. But even good girls have dark secrets. One morning, Abbie discovers a cryptic note in her locker: I know what you did, hypocrite! Justice will be served, The Avenger. Then a photo arrives in the mail. It captures in great detail the explosive secret she’s kept hidden from everyone—the shocking blunder that could get her expelled from St. Matthew’s Academy, and keep her out of the Ivy League for good.
Determined to protect her future and the people she loves, Abbie is drawn into a diabolical game she will break every rule to win. For a price, The Avenger assures her that her secret will remain safe. There’s only one problem: The Avenger may not exist at all. So who’s been stalking Abbie with anonymous text messages that disappear after they’ve been read? Who’s out to ruin her and why? To uncover the horrifying truth, Abbie must play the game all the way to its stunning conclusion.
This was a good read with likeable characters. I just took my time. Didn't enjoy it. 4*.
Sometimes good girls do very bad things...
Academic overachiever and popular good girl Abbie Cooper will do anything to get into the Ivy League. But even good girls have dark secrets. One morning, Abbie discovers a cryptic note in her locker: I know what you did, hypocrite! Justice will be served, The Avenger. Then a photo arrives in the mail. It captures in great detail the explosive secret she’s kept hidden from everyone—the shocking blunder that could get her expelled from St. Matthew’s Academy, and keep her out of the Ivy League for good.
Determined to protect her future and the people she loves, Abbie is drawn into a diabolical game she will break every rule to win. For a price, The Avenger assures her that her secret will remain safe. There’s only one problem: The Avenger may not exist at all. So who’s been stalking Abbie with anonymous text messages that disappear after they’ve been read? Who’s out to ruin her and why? To uncover the horrifying truth, Abbie must play the game all the way to its stunning conclusion.
This was a good read with likeable characters. I just took my time. Didn't enjoy it. 4*.
January 10, 2020
Game of Fear was a good 4 star read and book one in the Fearless series.
Abbie has been working hard at school and has set her sights on going to an exclusive Ivy League school after she graduates. Abbie happens to come across a letter that was left in her locker, she’s confused as to why it was left for her.
Things take a twist when she gets a photo, now she knows this is more serious than she originally thought. She is at risk of losing all that she has worked so hard for. Can Abbie figure out who is black mailing her before it’s too late?
Overall I enjoyed this read. It has mystery, suspense, love and so much more. I enjoy a book where I have to try and figure out who is behind everything and this one didn't disappoint. Once I started, I couldn’t get it done fast enough, I had to see how things came together in the end. You get pulled in with the authors writing and you feel like your right there with Abbie. Can’t wait to start the next book in the series. 1-click an get started today.
Abbie has been working hard at school and has set her sights on going to an exclusive Ivy League school after she graduates. Abbie happens to come across a letter that was left in her locker, she’s confused as to why it was left for her.
Things take a twist when she gets a photo, now she knows this is more serious than she originally thought. She is at risk of losing all that she has worked so hard for. Can Abbie figure out who is black mailing her before it’s too late?
Overall I enjoyed this read. It has mystery, suspense, love and so much more. I enjoy a book where I have to try and figure out who is behind everything and this one didn't disappoint. Once I started, I couldn’t get it done fast enough, I had to see how things came together in the end. You get pulled in with the authors writing and you feel like your right there with Abbie. Can’t wait to start the next book in the series. 1-click an get started today.
January 15, 2020
Game of Fear: A gripping psychological
thriller with a shocking twist.
Fearless Series
Glede' Browne Kabongo
☆☆☆☆☆
This is a full length novel. A thriller written for YA, but don't let that stop you. It is a great intense story for all.
As I won't give away any spoilers, I can tell you that this is a must read! Abbi Cooper is at St. Matthew's Academy headed towards a major league college. Her nightmare is about to happen and she has no clue who could be behind it all. She must play the game and find out who knows what.
Glede' Browne Kabongo has a great imagination! Her story is gripping and will keep you turning the page, just to see what happens next. Her characters are typical teenagers. You know the ones you hang out with. This story gives you suspense as well as well as keeps you up all night to finish the book. Once you sit in this rollercoaster, hang on as its about to get real. I enjoyed this story and look forward to spreading the word. This is a new author for me! One I will continue to follow.
thriller with a shocking twist.
Fearless Series
Glede' Browne Kabongo
☆☆☆☆☆
This is a full length novel. A thriller written for YA, but don't let that stop you. It is a great intense story for all.
As I won't give away any spoilers, I can tell you that this is a must read! Abbi Cooper is at St. Matthew's Academy headed towards a major league college. Her nightmare is about to happen and she has no clue who could be behind it all. She must play the game and find out who knows what.
Glede' Browne Kabongo has a great imagination! Her story is gripping and will keep you turning the page, just to see what happens next. Her characters are typical teenagers. You know the ones you hang out with. This story gives you suspense as well as well as keeps you up all night to finish the book. Once you sit in this rollercoaster, hang on as its about to get real. I enjoyed this story and look forward to spreading the word. This is a new author for me! One I will continue to follow.
June 27, 2017
*I received a free copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
It's been quite a while since I've read a book that kept me guessing until the very end. I loved this book and I couldn't put it down until I finished it. I just HAD to know who was behind all of the notes and phone calls to our protagonist, Abbie Cooper. I had no idea that this book was a sequel until I had completely finished the book. I usually HATE reading the second book before the first, but I felt like this book works very well by itself. I really enjoyed the writing in this novel. I didn't think it was too advanced, but I occasionally found myself reaching for a dictionary to figure out what some of the fashion terminology meant. I also really enjoyed the characters in the book. I thought they were believable, enjoyable, and easy to relate to. Overall, I think this book was excellent and I can't wait to read more by this fantastic author.
It's been quite a while since I've read a book that kept me guessing until the very end. I loved this book and I couldn't put it down until I finished it. I just HAD to know who was behind all of the notes and phone calls to our protagonist, Abbie Cooper. I had no idea that this book was a sequel until I had completely finished the book. I usually HATE reading the second book before the first, but I felt like this book works very well by itself. I really enjoyed the writing in this novel. I didn't think it was too advanced, but I occasionally found myself reaching for a dictionary to figure out what some of the fashion terminology meant. I also really enjoyed the characters in the book. I thought they were believable, enjoyable, and easy to relate to. Overall, I think this book was excellent and I can't wait to read more by this fantastic author.
January 3, 2020
I must admit right off the bat, I had no idea what I was going to be getting myself into with Game of Fear. I have never read anything by this author before, but I knew that I wanted to find out what this book was all about the moment I read the title and saw the cover. I was immediately hooked on the idea of a twisty psychological thriller and plunged right into the book head first.
It was a quick read with a rather predictable and typical mystery of someone is out to make our main character, Abbie Cooper, crazy when she receives a note and threat of “I know what you did.” Since the idea isn’t necessarily original I look for the book to be fantabulous in other ways like am I sitting on the edge of my seat? I was happy that for the most part this book kept me on the edge and reading right up until the end to figure things out. It was fast paced and I wasn’t bored. I am excited to see there will be more books available soon. I will be back for more to see what could come of it.
It was a quick read with a rather predictable and typical mystery of someone is out to make our main character, Abbie Cooper, crazy when she receives a note and threat of “I know what you did.” Since the idea isn’t necessarily original I look for the book to be fantabulous in other ways like am I sitting on the edge of my seat? I was happy that for the most part this book kept me on the edge and reading right up until the end to figure things out. It was fast paced and I wasn’t bored. I am excited to see there will be more books available soon. I will be back for more to see what could come of it.
July 10, 2017
This book kept me engaged from chapter one. Abbie, a teen who attends a prestigious private school, has a few skeletons in her closet. Although, she has put her mistakes in the past, someone out there wants to make sure she pays for each and every one. Someone is stalking her and leaving creepy messages with the intentions of blackmail. Abbie faces the usual teen challenges: problems at home, jealousy among peers, and a few bad choices making this story and its characters relatable. The in-depth characters have distinct personalities making you feel as though you want to get to know them better.
Although “Game of Fear” is the second book in a series, it can easily be read as a standalone novel. The storyline keeps the reader hooked, not wanting to put it down until you know who “The Avenger” is. An exciting, edgy read full of suspense!
Although “Game of Fear” is the second book in a series, it can easily be read as a standalone novel. The storyline keeps the reader hooked, not wanting to put it down until you know who “The Avenger” is. An exciting, edgy read full of suspense!
January 11, 2020
Game of Fear: The fearless series by Glede Browne Kabongo is a 5 star read.
Abbie Cooper is a high school senior, she has big plans for her future until a note in her textbook from someone calling themselves “The Avenger” saying they know what she did brings back painful memories of 3 years previous when her mother was in jail waiting to be tried for murder and Abbie did something stupid that she fears is now coming back to haunt her. Abbie thinks she knows who the blackmailer is but finding the evidence is hard. I must admit I figured out pretty quickly who the blackmailer was but it in no way took any enjoyment I got from reading this book. This is the first in a series about Abbie at different points in her life, this author has created an amazing story with characters who keep you hooked. I would highly recommend this book.
Abbie Cooper is a high school senior, she has big plans for her future until a note in her textbook from someone calling themselves “The Avenger” saying they know what she did brings back painful memories of 3 years previous when her mother was in jail waiting to be tried for murder and Abbie did something stupid that she fears is now coming back to haunt her. Abbie thinks she knows who the blackmailer is but finding the evidence is hard. I must admit I figured out pretty quickly who the blackmailer was but it in no way took any enjoyment I got from reading this book. This is the first in a series about Abbie at different points in her life, this author has created an amazing story with characters who keep you hooked. I would highly recommend this book.
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