What do you think?
Rate this book
The Treatment
"You have to help me. We’re not being reformed. We’re being brainwashed."
Sixteen-year-old Drew Finch just wants to be left alone. She has no desire to spend time with her mum and stepdad. When her disruptive fifteen-year-old brother, Mason, is expelled from school for the third time and sent to a residential reform academy, Drew feels almost relieved.
But everything changes when Drew is followed home from school by the mysterious Dr. Cobey, who claims to have a message from Mason. There’s something sinister about the “treatment” Mason is undergoing at the academy. The school is changing people, and not in a good way.
Determined to save her brother, Drew realizes she must infiltrate the Academy and uncover its deepest, darkest secrets—before it’s too late.
Sixteen-year-old Drew Finch just wants to be left alone. She has no desire to spend time with her mum and stepdad. When her disruptive fifteen-year-old brother, Mason, is expelled from school for the third time and sent to a residential reform academy, Drew feels almost relieved.
But everything changes when Drew is followed home from school by the mysterious Dr. Cobey, who claims to have a message from Mason. There’s something sinister about the “treatment” Mason is undergoing at the academy. The school is changing people, and not in a good way.
Determined to save her brother, Drew realizes she must infiltrate the Academy and uncover its deepest, darkest secrets—before it’s too late.
299 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2017
115 people are currently reading
2831 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Taylor
26 books3,457 followersC.L. Taylor is an award winning Sunday Times bestselling author of ten gripping psychological thrillers including THE GUILTY COUPLE, a Richard and Judy Book Club pick for summer 2023 and SLEEP, a Richard and Judy Book Club pick for autumn 2019. Her books are not a series and can be read in any order:
2014 - THE ACCIDENT / Before I Wake (U.S.)
2015 - THE LIE
2016 - THE MISSING
2017 - THE ESCAPE
2018 - THE FEAR
2019 - SLEEP
2020 - STRANGERS
2021 - HER LAST HOLIDAY
2022 - THE GUILTY COUPLE
2024 - EVERY MOVE YOU MAKE
2025 - IT'S ALWAYS THE HUSBAND
She has also written two Young Adult thrillers, THE TREATMENT and THE ISLAND.
C.L. Taylor's books have sold in excess of two million copies, been number one on Amazon Kindle, Kobo, iBooks and Google Play and have been translated into over 25 languages and optioned for TV.
She lives in Bristol with her partner and son.
Sign up to join the CL Taylor Readers' Club to receive THE LODGER for free:
cltaylorauthor.com/newsletter
www.cltaylorauthor.com
www.twitter.com/callytaylor
www.Instagram.com/cltaylorauthor
www.facebook.com/callytaylorauthor
www.youtube.com/cltaylorauthor
2014 - THE ACCIDENT / Before I Wake (U.S.)
2015 - THE LIE
2016 - THE MISSING
2017 - THE ESCAPE
2018 - THE FEAR
2019 - SLEEP
2020 - STRANGERS
2021 - HER LAST HOLIDAY
2022 - THE GUILTY COUPLE
2024 - EVERY MOVE YOU MAKE
2025 - IT'S ALWAYS THE HUSBAND
She has also written two Young Adult thrillers, THE TREATMENT and THE ISLAND.
C.L. Taylor's books have sold in excess of two million copies, been number one on Amazon Kindle, Kobo, iBooks and Google Play and have been translated into over 25 languages and optioned for TV.
She lives in Bristol with her partner and son.
Sign up to join the CL Taylor Readers' Club to receive THE LODGER for free:
cltaylorauthor.com/newsletter
www.cltaylorauthor.com
www.twitter.com/callytaylor
www.Instagram.com/cltaylorauthor
www.facebook.com/callytaylorauthor
www.youtube.com/cltaylorauthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 351 reviews
August 12, 2017
I’ve been obsessed with Cally’s books for the past couple of years now; I believe it was through the group TBConFB that I first discovered her crime novels and I’ve been hooked ever since. Her ability to write relatable characters that are lifelike and gripping is almost overwhelming; no one person should be this talented in their writing endeavors! When she reached out regarding a review of her upcoming novel, I was beyond giddy and couldn’t contain my excitement when I found out this would feature a Young Adult storyline. As readers, we tend to become wracked with nerves when our favorite authors branch out of their sweet spot into unchartered waters; I’ll be the first to tell you that you need not be worried. This was an appealing read filled with tension and suspense that grasped my attention from the first sentence until I turned the final page just a few short hours later.
It’s rare these days, due to a schedule that is constantly growing busier by the minute, that I have the pleasure of finishing a book in a single day, or even a single sitting, but that’s exactly what I did here. Each time this happens I wonder whether or not there is some special formula for an author to be able to ensure this type of response from a reader, but honestly I think it comes down to the characters. I don’t want to discuss the plot here, but it moved rapidly and as an outsider looking in, it felt like I was constantly looking this way and that to follow all the surprising twists and turns. This novel is on the short side, which is perfect for holding the attention of teens that may not be as involved in reading as their parents would like.
Were there parts that were a bit cheesy to the adult who likes a realistic, mature plot? Sure; but I think what Cally has done here is taken the average conspiracy theory plot and formatted it in an enjoyable manner for both youth and adults alike. Along with it being entertaining, Taylor has brought up an important message in asking where the line is between raising children to become good people and influencing them in an immoral form to force them into robots who are obedient, yet inhumane. I hope that some adults take the time to read this one as well, not just the young adults, as the message really made me think about who I want my children to become and how I can assist them in getting there. Highly recommended to fans of the author’s previous books, but also to those looking for a different approach to the conspiracy theory thriller.
*Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing my copy; it was a pleasure to provide my honest thoughts here.
It’s rare these days, due to a schedule that is constantly growing busier by the minute, that I have the pleasure of finishing a book in a single day, or even a single sitting, but that’s exactly what I did here. Each time this happens I wonder whether or not there is some special formula for an author to be able to ensure this type of response from a reader, but honestly I think it comes down to the characters. I don’t want to discuss the plot here, but it moved rapidly and as an outsider looking in, it felt like I was constantly looking this way and that to follow all the surprising twists and turns. This novel is on the short side, which is perfect for holding the attention of teens that may not be as involved in reading as their parents would like.
Were there parts that were a bit cheesy to the adult who likes a realistic, mature plot? Sure; but I think what Cally has done here is taken the average conspiracy theory plot and formatted it in an enjoyable manner for both youth and adults alike. Along with it being entertaining, Taylor has brought up an important message in asking where the line is between raising children to become good people and influencing them in an immoral form to force them into robots who are obedient, yet inhumane. I hope that some adults take the time to read this one as well, not just the young adults, as the message really made me think about who I want my children to become and how I can assist them in getting there. Highly recommended to fans of the author’s previous books, but also to those looking for a different approach to the conspiracy theory thriller.
*Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing my copy; it was a pleasure to provide my honest thoughts here.
June 21, 2024
Meet Drew, the sister everyone dreams of having! When her brother is sent to a creepy behavioral school by their evil stepdad, Drew takes matters into her own hands. She voluntarily checks herself into the same school with a daring plan to break him out.
"The Treatment" is a wild ride from start to finish. The story zips along with twists and turns that keep you hooked. It's packed with action, suspense, and a whole lot of heart.
C.L. Taylor has done it again! This book is an absolute page-turner that you'll breeze through. I would have loved a dual perspective to see Mason's side of it but still an amazing effort and great execution!
"The Treatment" is a wild ride from start to finish. The story zips along with twists and turns that keep you hooked. It's packed with action, suspense, and a whole lot of heart.
C.L. Taylor has done it again! This book is an absolute page-turner that you'll breeze through. I would have loved a dual perspective to see Mason's side of it but still an amazing effort and great execution!
October 22, 2017
EXCERPT: I slip into the single stall toilet at the back of the cafe. I hold it together long enough to close the door and lock it and then I rest my arms on the wall and burst into tears. I'm still crying when I sit down on the closed toilet lid and reach into my pocket. Tears roll down my cheeks as I pull out the note that Dr Cobey thrust into my hands. They plop onto the paper as I carefully unfold it. I read the words Mason has scribbled in blue biro. I read them once, twice, three times and the tears dry in my eyes.
I'm not sad and confused any more. I'm terrified.
THE BLURB: “You have to help me. We’re not being reformed. We’re being brainwashed.”
All sixteen year old Drew Finch wants is to be left alone. She's not interested in spending time with her mum and stepdad and when her disruptive fifteen year old brother Mason is expelled from school for the third time and sent to a residential reform academy she's almost relieved.
Everything changes when she's followed home from school by the mysterious Dr Cobey, who claims to have a message from Mason. There is something sinister about the ‘treatment’ he is undergoing. The school is changing people.
Determined to help her brother, Drew must infiltrate the Academy and unearth its deepest, darkest secrets.
MY THOUGHTS: There were a lot of things I liked about The Treatment, C. L. Taylor's debut Young Adult novel, and a few things I disliked, which resulted in a 3.5 star rating.
This was, for most part, a fast paced read. The plot flowed well, mostly. I had trouble with the ease with which Drew was bundled off to the reform school. I know her step-father is involved in the process, but there is a reason he should, to my mind, be keeping Drew and Mason well away from there, not facilitating their admission. This is only one instance for which I had to suspend rationality and go with the storyline.
The ending, I felt, was over simplified. And rushed. Our young adults are a great deal more savy than I was at that age, and I was an advanced reader. I was tempted to get my ten year old grandson to read this to see what he thought because I am certain he would have picked up on most of the same things I did.
Having said that, I found most of the book to be riveting, an exciting adventure, one I didn't want to put down in favor of sleep last night.
I think this book is probably suited to the younger end of the young adult spectrum.
The Treatment by C. L. Taylor is due to be published October 23, 2017.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of The Treatment for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
I'm not sad and confused any more. I'm terrified.
THE BLURB: “You have to help me. We’re not being reformed. We’re being brainwashed.”
All sixteen year old Drew Finch wants is to be left alone. She's not interested in spending time with her mum and stepdad and when her disruptive fifteen year old brother Mason is expelled from school for the third time and sent to a residential reform academy she's almost relieved.
Everything changes when she's followed home from school by the mysterious Dr Cobey, who claims to have a message from Mason. There is something sinister about the ‘treatment’ he is undergoing. The school is changing people.
Determined to help her brother, Drew must infiltrate the Academy and unearth its deepest, darkest secrets.
MY THOUGHTS: There were a lot of things I liked about The Treatment, C. L. Taylor's debut Young Adult novel, and a few things I disliked, which resulted in a 3.5 star rating.
This was, for most part, a fast paced read. The plot flowed well, mostly. I had trouble with the ease with which Drew was bundled off to the reform school. I know her step-father is involved in the process, but there is a reason he should, to my mind, be keeping Drew and Mason well away from there, not facilitating their admission. This is only one instance for which I had to suspend rationality and go with the storyline.
The ending, I felt, was over simplified. And rushed. Our young adults are a great deal more savy than I was at that age, and I was an advanced reader. I was tempted to get my ten year old grandson to read this to see what he thought because I am certain he would have picked up on most of the same things I did.
Having said that, I found most of the book to be riveting, an exciting adventure, one I didn't want to put down in favor of sleep last night.
I think this book is probably suited to the younger end of the young adult spectrum.
The Treatment by C. L. Taylor is due to be published October 23, 2017.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of The Treatment for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
October 16, 2017
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.beckiebookworm.com
🌟🌟🌟Stars
The Treatment By C.L. Taylor was a decent enough read that I really quite enjoyed.
I also took into account when reading, that this was aimed at a much younger audience than myself, so I have been slightly lenient in my rating as I feel there were things I noticed that would probably go over the heads of this books intended demographic.
I would say this is a read my twelve and thirteen-year-old boys would really enjoy, Myself being a mum in my forties, well let's just say I enjoyed this, while not overtaxing my brain overmuch.
So The Treatment is about sixteen-year-old Drew Finch and her actions when her younger brother Mason gets expelled from yet another school and sent to Norton House, a residential reform academy.
so After being followed by the mysterious Dr Cobey and receiving a strange message about the treatment, her brother is receiving while residing at Norton House. Drew decides to investigate herself by getting herself admitted as a pupil.
So as I said this was an enjoyable read that does what it says on the tin.
There were no great surprises here, This was more, the underdog saves the day type of tale.
Drew herself, well I felt a bit sorry for her bullied by her ex-best friend (which there was no real explanation for)
Does one thing wrong and then gets shipped off to a reform academy, I know she needs to be for the story to work but jeez, her mum, hardly mother of the year actions are they.
Drew herself seems to be quite a resilient girl with a bit of a kick-ass attitude, more so maybe than I would expect from someone who's been bullied so relentlessly.
But anyway she seems a very likeable pragmatic type of girl.
She teams up inside Norton with her roommate Mouse and the two try to coordinate an escape while steering clear of there other roomy Jude.
Jude is every mean girl cliche you can think off, horrid just for the sake of it. Shes even worse when Lacey, Drew's arch nemesis turns up like a bad penny and the two join forces to torment Drew.
I did find both Jude and Lacey to be slightly one dimensional in their behaviour.
So anyway to cut a long story short Drew strives to save the day, while rescuing her friends and brother along the way.
This is done in true kick-butt style with only the one extra unsurprising twist along the way.
So the wrap up of "The Treatment" I felt was a little bit rushed, I would have liked to have seen things eked out and explored in a little more depth.
But besides that, this is a great addition to the Young Adult/teen genre-leaning more heavily towards the Teen age group.
So I would definitely recommend this to the younger generation, It is a fun action packed clean read, that is well written and is sure to catch imaginations.
thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an Arc of "The Treatment" By C.L. Taylor this is my own honest unbiased opinion.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
https://www.beckiebookworm.com
🌟🌟🌟Stars
The Treatment By C.L. Taylor was a decent enough read that I really quite enjoyed.
I also took into account when reading, that this was aimed at a much younger audience than myself, so I have been slightly lenient in my rating as I feel there were things I noticed that would probably go over the heads of this books intended demographic.
I would say this is a read my twelve and thirteen-year-old boys would really enjoy, Myself being a mum in my forties, well let's just say I enjoyed this, while not overtaxing my brain overmuch.
So The Treatment is about sixteen-year-old Drew Finch and her actions when her younger brother Mason gets expelled from yet another school and sent to Norton House, a residential reform academy.
so After being followed by the mysterious Dr Cobey and receiving a strange message about the treatment, her brother is receiving while residing at Norton House. Drew decides to investigate herself by getting herself admitted as a pupil.
So as I said this was an enjoyable read that does what it says on the tin.
There were no great surprises here, This was more, the underdog saves the day type of tale.
Drew herself, well I felt a bit sorry for her bullied by her ex-best friend (which there was no real explanation for)
Does one thing wrong and then gets shipped off to a reform academy, I know she needs to be for the story to work but jeez, her mum, hardly mother of the year actions are they.
Drew herself seems to be quite a resilient girl with a bit of a kick-ass attitude, more so maybe than I would expect from someone who's been bullied so relentlessly.
But anyway she seems a very likeable pragmatic type of girl.
She teams up inside Norton with her roommate Mouse and the two try to coordinate an escape while steering clear of there other roomy Jude.
Jude is every mean girl cliche you can think off, horrid just for the sake of it. Shes even worse when Lacey, Drew's arch nemesis turns up like a bad penny and the two join forces to torment Drew.
I did find both Jude and Lacey to be slightly one dimensional in their behaviour.
So anyway to cut a long story short Drew strives to save the day, while rescuing her friends and brother along the way.
This is done in true kick-butt style with only the one extra unsurprising twist along the way.
So the wrap up of "The Treatment" I felt was a little bit rushed, I would have liked to have seen things eked out and explored in a little more depth.
But besides that, this is a great addition to the Young Adult/teen genre-leaning more heavily towards the Teen age group.
So I would definitely recommend this to the younger generation, It is a fun action packed clean read, that is well written and is sure to catch imaginations.
thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an Arc of "The Treatment" By C.L. Taylor this is my own honest unbiased opinion.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
December 2, 2017
Having read two of the four psychological thriller novels written by C.L. Taylor to date I have found them to be entertaining novels but on the whole fairly uninspired and pretty predictable efforts. The Treatment is C.L. Taylor’s first foray into the world of YA thrillers and is an engaging read which is probably best suited to the younger end of the teen audience (11-12 years). Whilst the narrative is edgy and the dialogue sassy, the limited depth of this story undoubtedly reduces its scope and appeal for older teens. Not that The Treatment won’t keep an adult wryly amused because one thing that C.L. Taylor has pulled off is the inclusion of a nifty subtext with this conspiracy theory on school reform which pokes fun at the current government, the dreaded OFSTED inspectors and takes in everything from Pavlovian conditioning theory and behavioural psychology through to an awareness of the dangers of increasingly operating in a world of social media.
The story opens with Bristol based sixteen-year-old schoolgirl, Drew Finch, walking home from school and narrowly escaping from former best friend turned bully, Lacey Mitchell, and her group of acolytes intent on no good. Turning onto the crowded High Street she is cornered by a wide-eyed and clearly agitated woman by the name of Dr. Rebecca Cobey with a message from Mason, Drew’s fifteen-year-old brother. As far as Drew was aware her irritating brother is over two-hundred miles away and two weeks into his stay at the Residential Reform Academy (RRA) of Norton House, a school for disruptive pupils located on the Northumberland coast. Passing a note to Drew a frantic Dr. Cobey says she is Mason’s psychologist and makes a fleeting departure only to be deliberately targeted in a hit and run accident leaving Drew reading Mason’s gut-wrenching plea for help, claiming that the RRA is brainwashing its students and it is nearly his turn for treatment...! Whilst he might be a irritating pest Drew fears for her brothers safety but her mum is bamboozled by slimy stepdad, Tony Coleman, National Head of Academies who spouts on about ‘therapeutic treatments’ and Mason ‘dealing with his issues’ but gutsy Drew vows to investigate. If only her real dad educational psychologist, David Finch, hadn’t disappeared she might not have had to go it alone.. but at least he’d be proud of her avenging efforts. Can Drew come up with a plan before her brother morphs into a zombie beyond all recognition?
After tapping up her online contact through a variety of aliases Drew sets up a meeting with a brainwashed RRA graduate in the shape of former weed smoking skater boy turned chino wearing trainee accountant, Charlie and realises that Mason’s message was indeed deadly serious. One fight at school is enough to see Drew following her younger brother to the isolated Victorian mansion and infiltrating the Academy where despite the cinema, plush gadgets and ‘touchy feely’ ethos of housemistress, Mrs H, headmaster, Dr Rothwell and the support staff collectively known as “the friends”, the atmosphere is decidedly chilly. Drew’s fears escalate when she catches sight of the twenty-foot fence surrounding the building, discovers CCTV in the bedrooms and realises that the one hour of fresh air permitted daily shares far too much in common with prison for her liking. Sharing a room with gobby Jude and simpering Mouse (Megan), Drew has to work out who she can and cannot trust, no mean feat on the outside let alone within the oppressive Academy. With locked doors at every turn and the eagle-eyed staff, Drew starts to wonder if she will ever get any chance to spring her very own prison break before Mason loses all his free will and he is turned into a model citizen with complete emotional restraint. More importantly, how will Drew ensure she doesn’t succumb to the dastardly and dehumanising treatment? The stakes edge higher when Drew starts fo suspect that she could have rumbled a government sanctioned and Home Office backed experiment to better society...
The overriding focus of the novel is on securing an undetected safe exit strategy through the connecting tunnels in the basement and this has a tendency to become a little dull and somewhat repetitive. Disappointingly this focus comes at the expense of ample opportunity for incisive social commentary and obvious humour. From mad teachers to bizarre lessons, C.L. Taylor had the potential for no end of subversive comedy. For me, several aspects limit the wider appeal of this novel, from the limited depth of character development to the oversimplified ending which fails to consider the eventual implications of a society where unquestioning obedience is encouraged and independent thought frowned upon.
On the strength of the opening chapters I felt Drew has some excellent potential and I empathised with her issues at the hands of school bullies and her obvious admiration for her missing father. There was huge potential for exploring her character in depth but this was sacrificed with the drawn out escape attempts and meant all of the supporting cast of students and staff were a little grey and indistinct. I needed a reason to care and without any prior knowledge of Mason in the opening chapters and with Drew barely given a moment to reflect, the fate of the Finch siblings never really grabbed hold of my attention. That the ending was frustratingly neatly tied up and very over-simplified, with few repercussions even considered made for a mawkish denouncement. Whilst there is some mild swearing throughout the novel it is minimal and never offensive, more the accepted words that are a part of most teenage vocabularies! Comparable, but certainly less thrilling, than the Anthony Horowitz YA novels featuring Alex Rider.
Overall, not a bad read and a novel with genuine three star appeal for 11-12 year-old readers, however my overriding concern is that the timely political invective may well miss its mark and pass over the heads of many younger readers. A two star read for adults with the prolonged escape over character development focus and neglecting any consideration of the potential implications and repercussions of such a situation in real life. Within the acknowledgements the author does state that The Treatment is set in the near future and that in order to make the story more dramatic she had to take some liberties.
The story opens with Bristol based sixteen-year-old schoolgirl, Drew Finch, walking home from school and narrowly escaping from former best friend turned bully, Lacey Mitchell, and her group of acolytes intent on no good. Turning onto the crowded High Street she is cornered by a wide-eyed and clearly agitated woman by the name of Dr. Rebecca Cobey with a message from Mason, Drew’s fifteen-year-old brother. As far as Drew was aware her irritating brother is over two-hundred miles away and two weeks into his stay at the Residential Reform Academy (RRA) of Norton House, a school for disruptive pupils located on the Northumberland coast. Passing a note to Drew a frantic Dr. Cobey says she is Mason’s psychologist and makes a fleeting departure only to be deliberately targeted in a hit and run accident leaving Drew reading Mason’s gut-wrenching plea for help, claiming that the RRA is brainwashing its students and it is nearly his turn for treatment...! Whilst he might be a irritating pest Drew fears for her brothers safety but her mum is bamboozled by slimy stepdad, Tony Coleman, National Head of Academies who spouts on about ‘therapeutic treatments’ and Mason ‘dealing with his issues’ but gutsy Drew vows to investigate. If only her real dad educational psychologist, David Finch, hadn’t disappeared she might not have had to go it alone.. but at least he’d be proud of her avenging efforts. Can Drew come up with a plan before her brother morphs into a zombie beyond all recognition?
After tapping up her online contact through a variety of aliases Drew sets up a meeting with a brainwashed RRA graduate in the shape of former weed smoking skater boy turned chino wearing trainee accountant, Charlie and realises that Mason’s message was indeed deadly serious. One fight at school is enough to see Drew following her younger brother to the isolated Victorian mansion and infiltrating the Academy where despite the cinema, plush gadgets and ‘touchy feely’ ethos of housemistress, Mrs H, headmaster, Dr Rothwell and the support staff collectively known as “the friends”, the atmosphere is decidedly chilly. Drew’s fears escalate when she catches sight of the twenty-foot fence surrounding the building, discovers CCTV in the bedrooms and realises that the one hour of fresh air permitted daily shares far too much in common with prison for her liking. Sharing a room with gobby Jude and simpering Mouse (Megan), Drew has to work out who she can and cannot trust, no mean feat on the outside let alone within the oppressive Academy. With locked doors at every turn and the eagle-eyed staff, Drew starts to wonder if she will ever get any chance to spring her very own prison break before Mason loses all his free will and he is turned into a model citizen with complete emotional restraint. More importantly, how will Drew ensure she doesn’t succumb to the dastardly and dehumanising treatment? The stakes edge higher when Drew starts fo suspect that she could have rumbled a government sanctioned and Home Office backed experiment to better society...
The overriding focus of the novel is on securing an undetected safe exit strategy through the connecting tunnels in the basement and this has a tendency to become a little dull and somewhat repetitive. Disappointingly this focus comes at the expense of ample opportunity for incisive social commentary and obvious humour. From mad teachers to bizarre lessons, C.L. Taylor had the potential for no end of subversive comedy. For me, several aspects limit the wider appeal of this novel, from the limited depth of character development to the oversimplified ending which fails to consider the eventual implications of a society where unquestioning obedience is encouraged and independent thought frowned upon.
On the strength of the opening chapters I felt Drew has some excellent potential and I empathised with her issues at the hands of school bullies and her obvious admiration for her missing father. There was huge potential for exploring her character in depth but this was sacrificed with the drawn out escape attempts and meant all of the supporting cast of students and staff were a little grey and indistinct. I needed a reason to care and without any prior knowledge of Mason in the opening chapters and with Drew barely given a moment to reflect, the fate of the Finch siblings never really grabbed hold of my attention. That the ending was frustratingly neatly tied up and very over-simplified, with few repercussions even considered made for a mawkish denouncement. Whilst there is some mild swearing throughout the novel it is minimal and never offensive, more the accepted words that are a part of most teenage vocabularies! Comparable, but certainly less thrilling, than the Anthony Horowitz YA novels featuring Alex Rider.
Overall, not a bad read and a novel with genuine three star appeal for 11-12 year-old readers, however my overriding concern is that the timely political invective may well miss its mark and pass over the heads of many younger readers. A two star read for adults with the prolonged escape over character development focus and neglecting any consideration of the potential implications and repercussions of such a situation in real life. Within the acknowledgements the author does state that The Treatment is set in the near future and that in order to make the story more dramatic she had to take some liberties.
July 7, 2017
When I was recently browsing through the new books on Net Galley I spotted this one by C.L. Taylor, an author I had previously enjoyed and quickly clicked on the request button. What I didn't notice until after receiving it was that it is high-lighted as a YA a genre I normally don't read. Never-the-less having enjoyed the authors work previously decided to give it a go and how glad I am that I made that decision.
The story features sixteen year old Drew Finch who is not interested in spending time with her mum and stepdad and prefers her own company. Her disruptive fifteen year old brother Mason is expelled from school for the third time and is sent to a residential reform academy and everything changes. She is followed home from school by a Doctor Cobey, who claims to have a message from Mason telling her that there is something sinister about the ‘treatment’ he is undergoing. The school is changing people. She decides to try and help her brother but must first get into the academy and discover the truth before it’s too late.
I found this book a very entertaining read.
I would like to thank Net Galley and HQ for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The story features sixteen year old Drew Finch who is not interested in spending time with her mum and stepdad and prefers her own company. Her disruptive fifteen year old brother Mason is expelled from school for the third time and is sent to a residential reform academy and everything changes. She is followed home from school by a Doctor Cobey, who claims to have a message from Mason telling her that there is something sinister about the ‘treatment’ he is undergoing. The school is changing people. She decides to try and help her brother but must first get into the academy and discover the truth before it’s too late.
I found this book a very entertaining read.
I would like to thank Net Galley and HQ for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2018
3.5 stars
The Treatment is CL Taylor’s first novel in the Young Adult genre. I haven’t read any of her previous novels so I cannot draw a comparison with her adult fiction.
Drew Finch is a bit of a loner. Bullied relentlessly at school she hides behind different on line personalities. Her younger brother, Mason, has been sent to reform school because of unruly behaviour. She doesn’t mind too much that he is gone as the house is much quieter without him. One day she is approached by a woman who says she works at the Academy and hands her a note from Mason. The note pleads for Drew’s help to get him out as it’s not a reform school it’s a brainwashing treatment and he is next.
Drew is now determined to help Mason but who can she go to? Her mother won’t listen and her stepfather is the National Head of Academies. He is the one who sent Mason to the Residential Reform Academy. Drew must face her deepest fear to save her brother.
This was a good fast read. I enjoyed the whole concept of the story; unruly teens brainwashed to be fine upstanding citizens. Sounds pretty good from a parent point of view! They send away an anti-social, drug taking rebel and they return compliant, upstanding, eager to please and serve. No one complains so the process continues.
”If mason came back like Charlie, mum would be onto the police straight away.” “Would she?” She laughs dryly. “Andy and Julie love the new Charlie. His mum’s always going on about how polite and helpful he is now and how delighted she is she’s got her little boy back.”
“But he’s so weird. Sorry.” I pull a face. “I know he’s your boyfriend but he’s.....creepy. How can they not see that?”
”We’re turning antisocial teenagers into model citizens; young people who drained this country of its resources now actively want to contribute.”
I enjoyed Drew’s growth from quiet and unsure to a feisty leader who questioned authority. Helping her brother doesn’t come easy and she comes up against pitfall after pitfall but she never gives up, never loses hope.
There were a lot of things that happened in the story that I thought would be highly unlikely and think these may put off an older young adult audience who demand more depth in their characters and stories. However the story is perfect for the tween readers aged 10 – 14 years. It’s a clean read and the violence is minimal there is talk of drug use but no actual drug use. All the adults are either corrupt or too wishy washy to act and the teens are feisty and intelligent, which would appeal to this age group.
There is a lot to talk over in the story with themes of troubled teens, brainwashing, shock treatment, family bonds, the burden of losing a parent, bullying and being yourself.
The story ties up well however being told entirely in the first person by Drew it left me with a few unanswered questions.
This review is part of the Beauty & Lace Bookclub
To read the original review on Beauty & Lace please visit http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
The Treatment is CL Taylor’s first novel in the Young Adult genre. I haven’t read any of her previous novels so I cannot draw a comparison with her adult fiction.
Drew Finch is a bit of a loner. Bullied relentlessly at school she hides behind different on line personalities. Her younger brother, Mason, has been sent to reform school because of unruly behaviour. She doesn’t mind too much that he is gone as the house is much quieter without him. One day she is approached by a woman who says she works at the Academy and hands her a note from Mason. The note pleads for Drew’s help to get him out as it’s not a reform school it’s a brainwashing treatment and he is next.
Drew is now determined to help Mason but who can she go to? Her mother won’t listen and her stepfather is the National Head of Academies. He is the one who sent Mason to the Residential Reform Academy. Drew must face her deepest fear to save her brother.
This was a good fast read. I enjoyed the whole concept of the story; unruly teens brainwashed to be fine upstanding citizens. Sounds pretty good from a parent point of view! They send away an anti-social, drug taking rebel and they return compliant, upstanding, eager to please and serve. No one complains so the process continues.
”If mason came back like Charlie, mum would be onto the police straight away.” “Would she?” She laughs dryly. “Andy and Julie love the new Charlie. His mum’s always going on about how polite and helpful he is now and how delighted she is she’s got her little boy back.”
“But he’s so weird. Sorry.” I pull a face. “I know he’s your boyfriend but he’s.....creepy. How can they not see that?”
”We’re turning antisocial teenagers into model citizens; young people who drained this country of its resources now actively want to contribute.”
I enjoyed Drew’s growth from quiet and unsure to a feisty leader who questioned authority. Helping her brother doesn’t come easy and she comes up against pitfall after pitfall but she never gives up, never loses hope.
There were a lot of things that happened in the story that I thought would be highly unlikely and think these may put off an older young adult audience who demand more depth in their characters and stories. However the story is perfect for the tween readers aged 10 – 14 years. It’s a clean read and the violence is minimal there is talk of drug use but no actual drug use. All the adults are either corrupt or too wishy washy to act and the teens are feisty and intelligent, which would appeal to this age group.
There is a lot to talk over in the story with themes of troubled teens, brainwashing, shock treatment, family bonds, the burden of losing a parent, bullying and being yourself.
The story ties up well however being told entirely in the first person by Drew it left me with a few unanswered questions.
This review is part of the Beauty & Lace Bookclub
To read the original review on Beauty & Lace please visit http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
January 10, 2019
Finished reading: January 9th 2019
"He taught me about body language, micro expressions and verbal tics. He showed me how much people give away about themselves without realizing it."
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
October 23, 2017
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
*3.5 stars
Award winning British author C.L. Taylor applies her successful psychological thriller format from her adult fiction novels, such as The Accident and The Lie to her latest novel. It is Taylor’s very first foray into young adult book territory and is titled The Treatment.
At the centre of The Treatment is Drew Finch, C.L. Taylor’s heroine. Drew is an introverted sixteen year old girl. Bullying has led to Drew taking solace in the online web and gaming world. The disconnection and anonymity the online community exudes provides the perfect sense of comfort to this quiet young girl. Drew’s home life is also quite fractured, she is unable to connect with her mother and stepdad. Added to Drew’s family problems are that Mason, Drew’s fifteen year old brother, has recently been expelled from school and shipped off to a reform academy. Drew almost feels relief when her troubled younger brother leaves the family fold, until a mysterious Doctor follows her on the way home from school one day. Doctor Cobey has an important message to relay to Drew, from her brother Mason. In the message, Mason claims the reform school is a ruse for an unconventional form of treatment or brainwashing that is occurring on school grounds. Drew is disturbed by this outrageous claim but for her brother’s sake, she feels she must discover if these accusations are indeed true and if they are, rescue Mason from any further manipulation.
The Treatment is the first book I have read by bestselling author C.L. Taylor. I tend to shy away from YA novels, especially those with dystopian undertones but I did enjoy The Treatment. For a YA debut it certainly rolls along quickly, with plenty of shocks, surprises and dark themes to consider.
Teenager Drew Finch is the sole narrator of The Treatment. Drew is a character that undergoes quite the transform over the progression of the novel. Initially an introverted young girl, who has retreated to the online gaming world, rather than face a reality of bullying and strained relationships, Drew makes a big shift. As the novel moves along, Drew morphs into a brave, determined, and resourceful individual, who proves to be an unstoppable force in saving her brother from the sinister ‘treatment’. C.L. Taylor carefully outlines her heroine and as a result, we learn her personality traits, thoughts, emotions and actions as the book progresses along at its fairly frantic pace. There are not a huge amount of supporting characters in The Treatment. Mason, Drew’s brother, is not explored in huge amount of detail and isn’t given a strong back story like Drew’s but he does play a pivotal force in propelling the narrative forward. The adults in the novel, from Drew’s stepdad, to the staff and doctors at the reform school, are seen as the enemy. Drew must penetrate this collective to save her brother and the other students of the school from further mind manipulation – a true deprivation of liberty. I did like how some of the lesser known characters or strangers in the novel, seemed to band together at just the right moments to help defeat the evil ‘treatment’ enforced by the reform academy.
C.L. Taylor explores some terrifying and dark themes in her inaugural YA novel offering. I would suggest this novel would be best suited to the older end of the YA reading market and I would also deem this book suitable for adult readers. Taylor puts forward plenty of issues for consideration in The Treatment. These include bullying, fractured family relations, social disconnection, mind altering and personality shaping techniques. Readers will notice there is a distinct absence of a love story or romance elements in the story, rather, Taylor works to focus the bulk of the story on the bond between the siblings, Drew and Mason Finch. These parts of the novel were quite emotional. What is most spine tingling about this novel is the fact that the main subject that Taylor puts forward is completely plausible. I could easily see the practices in the reform academy playing out in real life and as this book is set in the near future, it is a possible reality that could easily creep up on us. Taylor leaves her novel with plenty of thought provoking fodder for the reader to consider, even after the final page of this novel has been turned.
C.L.Taylor’s first YA offering is one I would not pass up, especially if you are a fan of this author’s previous work in the thriller genre. The Treatment has plenty to pitch to both older YA readers and adult readers. It is a book that really pushes the boundaries of reality and modern day thinking. The fast paced style narrative, combined with the nerve inducing writing style and Taylor’s placement of a true YA heroine at the helm of the novel makes The Treatment worthy of your attention.
*3.5 stars
Award winning British author C.L. Taylor applies her successful psychological thriller format from her adult fiction novels, such as The Accident and The Lie to her latest novel. It is Taylor’s very first foray into young adult book territory and is titled The Treatment.
At the centre of The Treatment is Drew Finch, C.L. Taylor’s heroine. Drew is an introverted sixteen year old girl. Bullying has led to Drew taking solace in the online web and gaming world. The disconnection and anonymity the online community exudes provides the perfect sense of comfort to this quiet young girl. Drew’s home life is also quite fractured, she is unable to connect with her mother and stepdad. Added to Drew’s family problems are that Mason, Drew’s fifteen year old brother, has recently been expelled from school and shipped off to a reform academy. Drew almost feels relief when her troubled younger brother leaves the family fold, until a mysterious Doctor follows her on the way home from school one day. Doctor Cobey has an important message to relay to Drew, from her brother Mason. In the message, Mason claims the reform school is a ruse for an unconventional form of treatment or brainwashing that is occurring on school grounds. Drew is disturbed by this outrageous claim but for her brother’s sake, she feels she must discover if these accusations are indeed true and if they are, rescue Mason from any further manipulation.
The Treatment is the first book I have read by bestselling author C.L. Taylor. I tend to shy away from YA novels, especially those with dystopian undertones but I did enjoy The Treatment. For a YA debut it certainly rolls along quickly, with plenty of shocks, surprises and dark themes to consider.
Teenager Drew Finch is the sole narrator of The Treatment. Drew is a character that undergoes quite the transform over the progression of the novel. Initially an introverted young girl, who has retreated to the online gaming world, rather than face a reality of bullying and strained relationships, Drew makes a big shift. As the novel moves along, Drew morphs into a brave, determined, and resourceful individual, who proves to be an unstoppable force in saving her brother from the sinister ‘treatment’. C.L. Taylor carefully outlines her heroine and as a result, we learn her personality traits, thoughts, emotions and actions as the book progresses along at its fairly frantic pace. There are not a huge amount of supporting characters in The Treatment. Mason, Drew’s brother, is not explored in huge amount of detail and isn’t given a strong back story like Drew’s but he does play a pivotal force in propelling the narrative forward. The adults in the novel, from Drew’s stepdad, to the staff and doctors at the reform school, are seen as the enemy. Drew must penetrate this collective to save her brother and the other students of the school from further mind manipulation – a true deprivation of liberty. I did like how some of the lesser known characters or strangers in the novel, seemed to band together at just the right moments to help defeat the evil ‘treatment’ enforced by the reform academy.
C.L. Taylor explores some terrifying and dark themes in her inaugural YA novel offering. I would suggest this novel would be best suited to the older end of the YA reading market and I would also deem this book suitable for adult readers. Taylor puts forward plenty of issues for consideration in The Treatment. These include bullying, fractured family relations, social disconnection, mind altering and personality shaping techniques. Readers will notice there is a distinct absence of a love story or romance elements in the story, rather, Taylor works to focus the bulk of the story on the bond between the siblings, Drew and Mason Finch. These parts of the novel were quite emotional. What is most spine tingling about this novel is the fact that the main subject that Taylor puts forward is completely plausible. I could easily see the practices in the reform academy playing out in real life and as this book is set in the near future, it is a possible reality that could easily creep up on us. Taylor leaves her novel with plenty of thought provoking fodder for the reader to consider, even after the final page of this novel has been turned.
C.L.Taylor’s first YA offering is one I would not pass up, especially if you are a fan of this author’s previous work in the thriller genre. The Treatment has plenty to pitch to both older YA readers and adult readers. It is a book that really pushes the boundaries of reality and modern day thinking. The fast paced style narrative, combined with the nerve inducing writing style and Taylor’s placement of a true YA heroine at the helm of the novel makes The Treatment worthy of your attention.
December 14, 2020
Drew is cornered by a woman on her way home from school. The woman claims she is from the academy Drew's brother Mason has been sent to for bad behaviour. The woman is clearly frightened and passes Drew a note before running off. The woman gets ran over in front of Drew, and Drew is certain it wasn't an accident. The note from Mason asks Drew to help him, telling her the workers at the academy are brainwashing those sent there. Add into the mix that eight years previously Drew's father mysteriously goes missing, presumed dead.
A very twisty read! I read it really quickly, the chapters were mostly short and the story flowed really well. I liked how everything was explained at the end, even the mysterious disappearance of the father. The story did seem very far fetched though, I know stories are obviously meant to not be taken seriously but there wasn't a lot of realness to this story. However, it was worth the read and I did enjoy it.
A very twisty read! I read it really quickly, the chapters were mostly short and the story flowed really well. I liked how everything was explained at the end, even the mysterious disappearance of the father. The story did seem very far fetched though, I know stories are obviously meant to not be taken seriously but there wasn't a lot of realness to this story. However, it was worth the read and I did enjoy it.
September 30, 2017
Having loved The Lie and really enjoyed The Escape by this author, I wanted to give her first young adult fiction book a go.
I’m pleased to say I liked this book. I can be a bit hit and miss with young adult fiction, and this one didn’t quite grab me as I hoped it would. I’d say this was perhaps a little too young YA for me, and something I may have got into more when I was about 12 or 13 years old and reading books like the Point Horror series, before I got into proper scary horror by authors like Clive Barker.
The Treatment would have worked better for me if there was less action and more character development. Not that I’m saying the characters were under-developed, I just personally would have preferred less of the action and more of getting into their minds.
I loved the idea behind the book, which focused on society first, family second. The idea that there could be a treatment to make naughty, excluded children become useful members of society, rather than drug addicts and criminals was somewhat thought provoking. The question with this and many other similar ideas, is where do you draw the line? When does it become controlling rather than influencing, or brainwashing rather than teaching?
This book reminded me a little of Flawed, by Cecelia Ahern, which I did prefer. So, as I gave Flawed 4 stars, I’m giving this 3 stars. The Treatment is definitely one I recommend to those who enjoy young adult action thrillers.
I’m pleased to say I liked this book. I can be a bit hit and miss with young adult fiction, and this one didn’t quite grab me as I hoped it would. I’d say this was perhaps a little too young YA for me, and something I may have got into more when I was about 12 or 13 years old and reading books like the Point Horror series, before I got into proper scary horror by authors like Clive Barker.
The Treatment would have worked better for me if there was less action and more character development. Not that I’m saying the characters were under-developed, I just personally would have preferred less of the action and more of getting into their minds.
I loved the idea behind the book, which focused on society first, family second. The idea that there could be a treatment to make naughty, excluded children become useful members of society, rather than drug addicts and criminals was somewhat thought provoking. The question with this and many other similar ideas, is where do you draw the line? When does it become controlling rather than influencing, or brainwashing rather than teaching?
This book reminded me a little of Flawed, by Cecelia Ahern, which I did prefer. So, as I gave Flawed 4 stars, I’m giving this 3 stars. The Treatment is definitely one I recommend to those who enjoy young adult action thrillers.
August 1, 2017
Review from Mia Madden, aged 13.
This is the stunning YA debut from C.L. Taylor. It is about sixteen-year-old Drew Finch, who's brother, Mason, has been sent to a reforming school. One day, Drew meets Dr. Cobey, a person who has been working at the school. Cobey gives Drew a letter from Mason saying that the school has been brainwashing teenagers. She dismisses it at first, thinking that her younger brother is just pranking her, but then she starts to grow worried. What if her brother is being serious? What if Norton House actually was brainwashing teenagers?
She does a little bit of research and finds nothing, except for a single person claiming to know the truth about Norton House. Drew meets up with this person, who calls themself Zed Green. Zed brings her boyfriend, who was a victim of Norton House's 'treatment'. The boy, that was once a rebellious skater-kid, was now a mindless, polite, contributor to society. Drew decides to take action. She has to find a way to be sent off to Norton House to rescue Mason, without raising too much suspicion. Will she get to the school to save Mason? And will she be able to avoid the treatment, herself?
I would never be able to do this book justice. I absolutely adored it. It's probably the best book I've read this year and I would be surprised if it doesn't win some form of award. C.L. Taylor is now my favourite (non-Irish) YA author. I just couldn't see the end coming! I love Drew's character, probably because she reminded me of myself. At one stage, she claims she was Emo. I'm sort of an Emo now. I mean if she listens to Evanescence, Fall Out Boy, Paramore and other bands that I like, she's basically an older, British, fictional version of me! Anyway, I would definitely recommend this book for ages 11+.
This is the stunning YA debut from C.L. Taylor. It is about sixteen-year-old Drew Finch, who's brother, Mason, has been sent to a reforming school. One day, Drew meets Dr. Cobey, a person who has been working at the school. Cobey gives Drew a letter from Mason saying that the school has been brainwashing teenagers. She dismisses it at first, thinking that her younger brother is just pranking her, but then she starts to grow worried. What if her brother is being serious? What if Norton House actually was brainwashing teenagers?
She does a little bit of research and finds nothing, except for a single person claiming to know the truth about Norton House. Drew meets up with this person, who calls themself Zed Green. Zed brings her boyfriend, who was a victim of Norton House's 'treatment'. The boy, that was once a rebellious skater-kid, was now a mindless, polite, contributor to society. Drew decides to take action. She has to find a way to be sent off to Norton House to rescue Mason, without raising too much suspicion. Will she get to the school to save Mason? And will she be able to avoid the treatment, herself?
I would never be able to do this book justice. I absolutely adored it. It's probably the best book I've read this year and I would be surprised if it doesn't win some form of award. C.L. Taylor is now my favourite (non-Irish) YA author. I just couldn't see the end coming! I love Drew's character, probably because she reminded me of myself. At one stage, she claims she was Emo. I'm sort of an Emo now. I mean if she listens to Evanescence, Fall Out Boy, Paramore and other bands that I like, she's basically an older, British, fictional version of me! Anyway, I would definitely recommend this book for ages 11+.
October 24, 2017
I really enjoy C.L. Taylor’s adult thrillers so I was intrigued by her new book as it’s not her usual target audience but aimed at a Young Adult readership. As I spend many rainy lunchtimes with a class full of young adults and they are often reading, we tend to have lots of chats about the books they love and why. So I like to keep my finger on the pulse of what’s currently being enjoyed by this age group by reading young adult fiction occasionally. And I was curious as well to see how Cally Taylor’s writing style would adapt to this different genre but it was just…..her!!! Only writing for a younger audience!
Although the author describes this book as Prison Break meets One Flew over the Cuckoo’s nest for teens, it also reminded me of a programme my kids used to watch about twenty years ago called The Demon Headmaster which I’m sure some of you will remember well! This is definitely one of those books to keep you in a high state of anxiety, with a heart racing plot that doesn’t let up till the end. And as with the authors adult novels there are twists and turns galore here, one of which absolutely shocked me as I just hadn’t seen it coming! Drew Finch reminded me of Katniss at times with her courage and intelligence rising to the surface when needed, complimenting her “never give up” attitude. There were some very relevant themes covered here- bullying, internet safety and family relationships. As a adult I probably wasn’t as shocked as teens would be by the thought of a faculty where difficult teens are “brainwashed” and have to admit that I probably wouldn’t have had to think twice if I had been asked to send my own teens to such a place when they were younger! But the zombie-like creations who replaced those troubled teens after “the treatment” really had had every last drop of personality squeezed out of them so I started to think that it possibly wasn’t the best way to deal with those problematic youngsters!
I read The Treatment in one tension-filled session. It’s a gripping drama that shouldn’t be pigeon holed as young adults as I found it both challenging and entertaining as part of an adult audience so think it should do very well with it’s intended readership. Its creativity and well written storyline held my attention throughout and I thoroughly enjoyed it so will definitely be recommending to other readers
Although the author describes this book as Prison Break meets One Flew over the Cuckoo’s nest for teens, it also reminded me of a programme my kids used to watch about twenty years ago called The Demon Headmaster which I’m sure some of you will remember well! This is definitely one of those books to keep you in a high state of anxiety, with a heart racing plot that doesn’t let up till the end. And as with the authors adult novels there are twists and turns galore here, one of which absolutely shocked me as I just hadn’t seen it coming! Drew Finch reminded me of Katniss at times with her courage and intelligence rising to the surface when needed, complimenting her “never give up” attitude. There were some very relevant themes covered here- bullying, internet safety and family relationships. As a adult I probably wasn’t as shocked as teens would be by the thought of a faculty where difficult teens are “brainwashed” and have to admit that I probably wouldn’t have had to think twice if I had been asked to send my own teens to such a place when they were younger! But the zombie-like creations who replaced those troubled teens after “the treatment” really had had every last drop of personality squeezed out of them so I started to think that it possibly wasn’t the best way to deal with those problematic youngsters!
I read The Treatment in one tension-filled session. It’s a gripping drama that shouldn’t be pigeon holed as young adults as I found it both challenging and entertaining as part of an adult audience so think it should do very well with it’s intended readership. Its creativity and well written storyline held my attention throughout and I thoroughly enjoyed it so will definitely be recommending to other readers
September 6, 2021
Drew’s brother, Mason, has recently been sent to the Residential Reform Academy, a therapeutic boarding school, to overcome his ‘behavioural problems’. The hope that Mason will come back a changed person becomes fear that Mason will come back a zombified changed person when a woman who says she worked at the Academy accosts Drew and hands her a note, supposedly from her brother, before running off.
Now Drew is also at the Academy and if she doesn’t figure out a foolproof plan soon, her brother won’t be the only one getting treated.
Drew was an interesting main character. Initially a loner, she rallies when she learns her brother is in danger and even makes a friend along the way. I really liked Mouse, although I wanted to learn more about her backstory. I found Lacey and Jude so very irritating, but it probably would have been weird if I didn’t want to find a way to reach through the pages to slap them.
Some coincidences were a little over the top, like Zed just so happening to live close enough to Drew that they could meet face to face and Lacey just so happening to
Then there were the things that seemed too easy, like
The ending felt rushed and a bit too neat, and I have some unanswered questions. However, this was an enjoyable read and I am interested in reading more books by this author.
Content warnings include .
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the opportunity to read this book. I’m rounding up from 3.5 stars.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
Help me, Drew! We’re not being reformed, we’re being brainwashed.Because this is a young adult novel, pretty much all of the adults are useless, evil or disinterested so if someone is going to save the day it’s going to have to be Drew. And that’s just what she decides to do.
Now Drew is also at the Academy and if she doesn’t figure out a foolproof plan soon, her brother won’t be the only one getting treated.
‘Obedience, compliance and honesty. They’re the bedrocks of society.’This was a quick, compulsive read. There’s danger, action and a bunch of kids who have all been labelled as bad stuck in a system that’s supposed to be helping them but could actually be causing them irreparable harm.
Drew was an interesting main character. Initially a loner, she rallies when she learns her brother is in danger and even makes a friend along the way. I really liked Mouse, although I wanted to learn more about her backstory. I found Lacey and Jude so very irritating, but it probably would have been weird if I didn’t want to find a way to reach through the pages to slap them.
Some coincidences were a little over the top, like Zed just so happening to live close enough to Drew that they could meet face to face and Lacey just so happening to
Then there were the things that seemed too easy, like
The ending felt rushed and a bit too neat, and I have some unanswered questions. However, this was an enjoyable read and I am interested in reading more books by this author.
Content warnings include .
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the opportunity to read this book. I’m rounding up from 3.5 stars.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
October 29, 2017
I’m a big fan of this author’s novels so even though The Treatment is classed as a YA novel, I knew I had to read it.
I couldn’t help but think of a certain film whilst reading the novel or more so of the follow on from it but won’t mention it as it might give more away that I should do.
Drew is a great protagonist. As much as we love our siblings, they can usually be a pain in the back side but there’s always that underlying loyalty that if they were ever to be in any type of trouble, we would be straight there for them and Drew is no different.
The school where Mason is residing, Drew finds herself being sent there also. The majority of the staff are stuck up and horrible and alarm bells just started ringing straight away. It’s certainly somewhere that you would hoe you never find yourselves.
The Treatment is a fast paced read that I flew through in no time. Don’t let the fact that it is a YA novel put you off if you are slightly older than a young adult like myself. Without a doubt it is a read that can be enjoyed from young adults and upwards. As long as you love a thrilling read that will have you hooked from beginning to end, then you are going to love this.
I couldn’t help but think of a certain film whilst reading the novel or more so of the follow on from it but won’t mention it as it might give more away that I should do.
Drew is a great protagonist. As much as we love our siblings, they can usually be a pain in the back side but there’s always that underlying loyalty that if they were ever to be in any type of trouble, we would be straight there for them and Drew is no different.
The school where Mason is residing, Drew finds herself being sent there also. The majority of the staff are stuck up and horrible and alarm bells just started ringing straight away. It’s certainly somewhere that you would hoe you never find yourselves.
The Treatment is a fast paced read that I flew through in no time. Don’t let the fact that it is a YA novel put you off if you are slightly older than a young adult like myself. Without a doubt it is a read that can be enjoyed from young adults and upwards. As long as you love a thrilling read that will have you hooked from beginning to end, then you are going to love this.
October 1, 2017
I have enjoyed all of this authors books so when this one came up on Netgalley I was very excited to get approved. This book is a YA novel. I got hooked in early on and really enjoyed it. The story of wayward kids who are sent away for treatment. Thanks to Harlequin Australia for an advance copy of this book to read and review
October 15, 2017
I was going to rate this slightly lower as I thought the ending perhaps simplified a little too much but upon pondering my feelings about this book I realise that as its a YA about teenagers then my reaction was perhaps too harsh. I'm clearly not the target market for this book but I have to confess I found it a riveting read that had me eagerly turning the pages .
Essentially it's the story of Drew a young girl whose life has suffered huge upheaval. She's always been the 'good girl ' but losing her father and then seeing her younger brother Mason taken away sets her on a new path. Meeting someone with disturbing news about her brothers situation sets in motion a chain of events that sees Drew incarcerated in the same rehabilitation institute as Mason . Drew isn't there accidentally though no, she's there for the sole purpose of getting Mason out !
This story painted an unpleasant picture of what could , would or even will happen. Like many I've heard of the infamous Pavlov dog experiment but this author takes that idea and runs with it to give what is initially an ambiguous storyline that quickly escalated into a horrifying idea. We frequently hear of students suspended from school due to acting up or antisocial behaviour but what if they could be permanently altered making them model citizens ? On paper and in theory that sounds desirable but would we question the practices ? After all does not imagination and creativity stem from thinking or acting beyond the norm ? This story raises many questions leaving uncomfortable thoughts and fears behind .
I did like Drew but she seemed to attract the wrong type of attention with history unfortunately seeming to repeat itself. We do meet supporting characters who play a part but I never really felt any connection to them. After such harrowing events that truly turn Drews world upside down I did find the ending a little too pat . There is a resolution that seemed to happen awfully quickly and it just didn't satisfy me completely. Still it was an entertaining read and thought provoking to boot .
Recommended for teenagers and young adults
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from NetGalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Essentially it's the story of Drew a young girl whose life has suffered huge upheaval. She's always been the 'good girl ' but losing her father and then seeing her younger brother Mason taken away sets her on a new path. Meeting someone with disturbing news about her brothers situation sets in motion a chain of events that sees Drew incarcerated in the same rehabilitation institute as Mason . Drew isn't there accidentally though no, she's there for the sole purpose of getting Mason out !
This story painted an unpleasant picture of what could , would or even will happen. Like many I've heard of the infamous Pavlov dog experiment but this author takes that idea and runs with it to give what is initially an ambiguous storyline that quickly escalated into a horrifying idea. We frequently hear of students suspended from school due to acting up or antisocial behaviour but what if they could be permanently altered making them model citizens ? On paper and in theory that sounds desirable but would we question the practices ? After all does not imagination and creativity stem from thinking or acting beyond the norm ? This story raises many questions leaving uncomfortable thoughts and fears behind .
I did like Drew but she seemed to attract the wrong type of attention with history unfortunately seeming to repeat itself. We do meet supporting characters who play a part but I never really felt any connection to them. After such harrowing events that truly turn Drews world upside down I did find the ending a little too pat . There is a resolution that seemed to happen awfully quickly and it just didn't satisfy me completely. Still it was an entertaining read and thought provoking to boot .
Recommended for teenagers and young adults
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from NetGalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
October 5, 2017
Slightly reminiscent of Flawed by Cecelia Ahern (which I loved) and very entertaining. Maybe some so called adults wouldn’t like this as much bc it’s categorized as YA but I really enjoyed it!
June 8, 2019
This is one of the most ridiculous books I've ever read.
I like odd books but this was on a whole new level. I've never read a more far fetched book. Its just so stupid and a bit silly really.
You follow Drew, whose brother, Mason has been taken to this remote academy which transforms naughty teenagers into ideal citizens. After meeting someone online, and seeing the effects the academy has had on them, Drew gets herself admitted to the academy so she can get her brother out and see what is happening behind closed doors
I also had a problem with how young people were portrayed in this book. The main character Drew, is pretty stupid. For example, she goes out in the middle of to meet a stranger of the internet that shes had one conservation with.
I know teenagers make stupid decisions and often act on impulse, but seriously, give teenagers some credit. They're not all thick and stupid.
Even though I think is book is so stupid, C.L Taylor has the ability to write gripping novels that you just can't put down.
I did like how psychology was interwoven into the study, being a psychology student.
Despite, being an absolutely ridiculous book, with convenient plot points and predictable twists, it was a quick and easy read.
If you like weird thrillers, I think you will like this one but it wasn't my favourite C.L Taylor book I've read
I like odd books but this was on a whole new level. I've never read a more far fetched book. Its just so stupid and a bit silly really.
You follow Drew, whose brother, Mason has been taken to this remote academy which transforms naughty teenagers into ideal citizens. After meeting someone online, and seeing the effects the academy has had on them, Drew gets herself admitted to the academy so she can get her brother out and see what is happening behind closed doors
I also had a problem with how young people were portrayed in this book. The main character Drew, is pretty stupid. For example, she goes out in the middle of to meet a stranger of the internet that shes had one conservation with.
I know teenagers make stupid decisions and often act on impulse, but seriously, give teenagers some credit. They're not all thick and stupid.
Even though I think is book is so stupid, C.L Taylor has the ability to write gripping novels that you just can't put down.
I did like how psychology was interwoven into the study, being a psychology student.
Despite, being an absolutely ridiculous book, with convenient plot points and predictable twists, it was a quick and easy read.
If you like weird thrillers, I think you will like this one but it wasn't my favourite C.L Taylor book I've read
September 13, 2018
I really don’t know what to say.
Despite this being marketed as a “thrilling YA novel”, I honestly believe this book is better suited for young teens around 11-14.
The first few chapters were fast paced and promising but then everything just got a bit ridiculous.
Riddled with grammatical errors, dull one dimensional characters, gaping plot holes, a rushed ending and things that just were so dramatic and didn’t make sense (HELLO?! Lacey just turning up as her room mate and it never being explained) like what am I meant to say?
This book was rubbish. It sucks because I like the idea behind the story and I think there should be more YA thrillers but the whole thing was just executed poorly.
I’m guessing the ending is trying to set up for a sequel (binoculars in the bushes).
Will I run out on release day and buy it? No.
Will I pick it up for $2 second hand? Yes.
I love to see writing progress.
Despite this being marketed as a “thrilling YA novel”, I honestly believe this book is better suited for young teens around 11-14.
The first few chapters were fast paced and promising but then everything just got a bit ridiculous.
Riddled with grammatical errors, dull one dimensional characters, gaping plot holes, a rushed ending and things that just were so dramatic and didn’t make sense (HELLO?! Lacey just turning up as her room mate and it never being explained) like what am I meant to say?
This book was rubbish. It sucks because I like the idea behind the story and I think there should be more YA thrillers but the whole thing was just executed poorly.
I’m guessing the ending is trying to set up for a sequel (binoculars in the bushes).
Will I run out on release day and buy it? No.
Will I pick it up for $2 second hand? Yes.
I love to see writing progress.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2017
Review to follow
November 1, 2023
It's wasn't my favourite but still worth a read
May 18, 2021
Another great read from Cally, really enjoy her books, this one was a quick read and kept me captivated. This one is a YA Thriller, so some aspects of storyline was young teenage angsty but it still kept me engaged - enjoyed this one.
October 11, 2017
Actual rating 4.5*
I don’t read that much YA fiction; think the last I read was the Divergent series about 3 years ago. But when Cally Taylor said she was writing a YA book, my interest was nudged. I love Ms Taylor’s adult psychological thrillers so I was intrigued to see what she had to offer.
For no real or specific reason, reading this book reminded me of The Hunger Games, not the trilogy, the first instalment. I loved that book when I read it; it was so different to everything I normally read. The Treatment is the same. The fight against authority, the protection of a sibling, the tenacious female lead. I was transported to Norton Hall and was wowed by the grandiose stately house that became a tardis but not one that you’d run to knowing its secrets.
The whole concept of The Treatment is quite a frightening one, I won’t say too much on what the Treatment actually is but the more I read the more real and terrifying the whole idea became. That is why I do love Ms Taylor’s writing; she draws you into a situation that is out of the ordinary but is wholly believable and twists it into a dark tale which keeps you guessing up to the grand reveal. But you’re not done there, there is more to come on the rollercoaster that is a CL Taylor novel!
If you like Ms Taylor’s adult novels, you should give this a try. It may be classed as a Young Adult novel and published by a Young Adult publisher but its still a attention grabbing read from Ms Taylor – I even sacrificed shopping to finish this book! The Young Adult genre is such a wide ranging section of fiction – it can cover anything from romance, sci-fi to thrillers. As you’d expect with the author’s adult books, this is a thriller for young adults but its definitely been enjoyed by this thirty something adult!!
Many thanks to Anna Massardi at HQ YA for my advanced copy of The Treatment.
I don’t read that much YA fiction; think the last I read was the Divergent series about 3 years ago. But when Cally Taylor said she was writing a YA book, my interest was nudged. I love Ms Taylor’s adult psychological thrillers so I was intrigued to see what she had to offer.
For no real or specific reason, reading this book reminded me of The Hunger Games, not the trilogy, the first instalment. I loved that book when I read it; it was so different to everything I normally read. The Treatment is the same. The fight against authority, the protection of a sibling, the tenacious female lead. I was transported to Norton Hall and was wowed by the grandiose stately house that became a tardis but not one that you’d run to knowing its secrets.
The whole concept of The Treatment is quite a frightening one, I won’t say too much on what the Treatment actually is but the more I read the more real and terrifying the whole idea became. That is why I do love Ms Taylor’s writing; she draws you into a situation that is out of the ordinary but is wholly believable and twists it into a dark tale which keeps you guessing up to the grand reveal. But you’re not done there, there is more to come on the rollercoaster that is a CL Taylor novel!
If you like Ms Taylor’s adult novels, you should give this a try. It may be classed as a Young Adult novel and published by a Young Adult publisher but its still a attention grabbing read from Ms Taylor – I even sacrificed shopping to finish this book! The Young Adult genre is such a wide ranging section of fiction – it can cover anything from romance, sci-fi to thrillers. As you’d expect with the author’s adult books, this is a thriller for young adults but its definitely been enjoyed by this thirty something adult!!
Many thanks to Anna Massardi at HQ YA for my advanced copy of The Treatment.
February 6, 2022
this book was so thrilling! I love all the charaters especially mouse and i honestly gasped out loud at some points, i would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of dystopian books!
March 27, 2021
I like this book but wasn't quite as good as I was expecting. As I loved Sleep by the same author. Don't think YA is my go to genre tbh. I liked Drew and her determination. I rate this 3.5 stars x
January 12, 2020
"You have to help me Drew"
Drew is 16 always wanting to be alone. She was glad when her brother is sent off to a school for misbehaving people. When a note comes to her from suspicious doctor Cobey, she infiltrates the psychological school to save her brother Mason.
This is page turning novel with crazy ideas. I'm not surprised this was published. And fir a first novel idea this is impressive!!!
I had to give it 5 stars as i pushed my usual stuff to read it. I like the characters but not the part at the near end of the book it was quite worrying but she could have fought that better. You know what I mean if you read the book .
Thriller or YA readers, I swear you would enjoy this so much!
☆☆☆☆☆
Drew is 16 always wanting to be alone. She was glad when her brother is sent off to a school for misbehaving people. When a note comes to her from suspicious doctor Cobey, she infiltrates the psychological school to save her brother Mason.
This is page turning novel with crazy ideas. I'm not surprised this was published. And fir a first novel idea this is impressive!!!
I had to give it 5 stars as i pushed my usual stuff to read it. I like the characters but not the part at the near end of the book it was quite worrying but she could have fought that better. You know what I mean if you read the book .
Thriller or YA readers, I swear you would enjoy this so much!
☆☆☆☆☆
January 14, 2021
I must confess I've never read a YA book and I can only ask myself Why? This book had everything - edge of your seat suspense, couldn't put down story. Loved it.
June 21, 2024
Read this a couple years ago and forgot to mark it as read on GR! Such a fun and twisty boarding school mystery. I eat up these types of YA mystery books and I love this author.
September 30, 2017
The treatment by cl Taylor.
“You have to help me. We’re not being reformed. We’re being brainwashed.”
All sixteen year old Drew Finch wants is to be left alone. She's not interested in spending time with her mum and stepdad and when her disruptive fifteen year old brother Mason is expelled from school for the third time and sent to a residential reform academy she's almost relieved.
Everything changes when she's followed home from school by the mysterious Dr Cobey, who claims to have a message from Mason. There is something sinister about the ‘treatment’ he is undergoing. The school is changing people.
Determined to help her brother, Drew must infiltrate the Academy and unearth its deepest, darkest secrets.
Before it’s too late.
A absolutely fantastic read. I loved drew. She was my favorite character. How she tried to save her brother mason. Wow didn't expect that. Must read. 5*. Netgalley and hq.
“You have to help me. We’re not being reformed. We’re being brainwashed.”
All sixteen year old Drew Finch wants is to be left alone. She's not interested in spending time with her mum and stepdad and when her disruptive fifteen year old brother Mason is expelled from school for the third time and sent to a residential reform academy she's almost relieved.
Everything changes when she's followed home from school by the mysterious Dr Cobey, who claims to have a message from Mason. There is something sinister about the ‘treatment’ he is undergoing. The school is changing people.
Determined to help her brother, Drew must infiltrate the Academy and unearth its deepest, darkest secrets.
Before it’s too late.
A absolutely fantastic read. I loved drew. She was my favorite character. How she tried to save her brother mason. Wow didn't expect that. Must read. 5*. Netgalley and hq.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 351 reviews