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The Girl on Camera
Alternate cover edition for ASIN B07BH8HW6T
For previous cover edition see here
Reality TV is about to get real...
"Are you ready to win the heart of the nation? Compete with seven other contestants for the cash prize? Change your life forever?"
Twenty-six-year old Rory Stevens is thrilled to be selected as one of eight contestants for new reality show: The Retreat.
However, on the second day of filming - during a televised broadcast from the show's host - all power shuts off with no explanation: leaving the contestants, quite literally, in the dark.
Completely stranded, it is now up to Rory and her seven companions to figure out what is happening.
Then one of them disappears...
For fans of Naomi Alderman, Dave Eggers and John Marrs.
For previous cover edition see here
Reality TV is about to get real...
"Are you ready to win the heart of the nation? Compete with seven other contestants for the cash prize? Change your life forever?"
Twenty-six-year old Rory Stevens is thrilled to be selected as one of eight contestants for new reality show: The Retreat.
However, on the second day of filming - during a televised broadcast from the show's host - all power shuts off with no explanation: leaving the contestants, quite literally, in the dark.
Completely stranded, it is now up to Rory and her seven companions to figure out what is happening.
Then one of them disappears...
For fans of Naomi Alderman, Dave Eggers and John Marrs.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2018
476 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 23, 2018
3.5 rounded up!
Don’t let the reality tv premise turn you off of The Girl on Camera—it is filled with interesting commentary on how people act when they think no one is watching. With an almost dystopian-feel at times, this is a deep character study about people showing who they truly are, learning more about themselves, and how human nature makes some thrive, while others fall. Let me go a bit into the plot so that we can really dive into this book!
About the Book
Twenty-six-year old Rory Stevens has been living the life she thinks she is supposed to. She is engaged to a man who she likes well enough, she is working and considering school, but Rory isn’t putting herself out there. At times, she feels like she is barely living.
When an advertisement to apply for a reality television show comes across her email, Rory decides it’s time to put herself out there and do something completely different. After a mysterious application process, Rory is thriller to be selected for a completely new, ambiguous reality show: The Retreat.
Things are off to an interesting start when Rory finds herself locked into a remote camp grounds miles from any city with seven strangers. However, on the second day of filming - during a televised broadcast from the show's host - all power shuts off with no explanation, leaving the contestants, quite literally, in the dark.
Certain that the blackout is temporary, the contestants begin to unravel when it becomes clear that no one is coming to rescue them. Completely stranded, it is now up to Rory and her seven companions to figure out what is happening.
Until one of them disappears...
Reflection
The cover of the book and the description drew me right in! I really was excited to find out what this show was all about, and what happened after the blackout. Rory is an interesting character because she really isn’t that likeable, but she is also kind of relatable. I know that doesn’t sound possible, but it really is how I’d describe Rory. What Dun-Campbell does well with Rory is give her a level of introspection that makes her actions redeeming, even when they are cowardly or cruel.
“We use the people around us until they’re of no personal value to us anymore, all of us do, in some way or another.”
There’s always something interesting to me about writers who don’t shy away from showing the worst side of their characters. One reason it worked well here is because of the nature of the situation. Rory and the seven contestants (many of whom are even more unlikeable than she is) are on a reality show. They preen for the cameras, each vying for the most attention. So when the camera’s shut off and they are truly stranded, left to their own devices, we really see the worst parts of them come out, but also the truest elements of their character.
”That’s human nature: a hierarchy always forms, the weak separated from the pack.”
Suddenly they don’t have to pretend to be kind, helpful, or intellectual. As I mentioned previously, there is an almost dystopian feel here where we see what humanity might turn to if we were in a survival scenario and there was fear over social dynamics and resources. Some of the changes in the characters I found to be shocking and riveting. I don’t want to say too many specifics, because I do think that this is one you should experience for yourself.
I saw another reviewer comment that this book is at times more drama than thriller, despite what the plot would have you believe. It works though! While the contestants are stranded, they may be unable to do much at night. And it is those times that we really see Dun-Campbell delve into their psyches.
Don’t let the reality tv premise turn you off of The Girl on Camera—it is filled with interesting commentary on how people act when they think no one is watching. With an almost dystopian-feel at times, this is a deep character study about people showing who they truly are, learning more about themselves, and how human nature makes some thrive, while others fall. Let me go a bit into the plot so that we can really dive into this book!
About the Book
Twenty-six-year old Rory Stevens has been living the life she thinks she is supposed to. She is engaged to a man who she likes well enough, she is working and considering school, but Rory isn’t putting herself out there. At times, she feels like she is barely living.
When an advertisement to apply for a reality television show comes across her email, Rory decides it’s time to put herself out there and do something completely different. After a mysterious application process, Rory is thriller to be selected for a completely new, ambiguous reality show: The Retreat.
Things are off to an interesting start when Rory finds herself locked into a remote camp grounds miles from any city with seven strangers. However, on the second day of filming - during a televised broadcast from the show's host - all power shuts off with no explanation, leaving the contestants, quite literally, in the dark.
Certain that the blackout is temporary, the contestants begin to unravel when it becomes clear that no one is coming to rescue them. Completely stranded, it is now up to Rory and her seven companions to figure out what is happening.
Until one of them disappears...
Reflection
The cover of the book and the description drew me right in! I really was excited to find out what this show was all about, and what happened after the blackout. Rory is an interesting character because she really isn’t that likeable, but she is also kind of relatable. I know that doesn’t sound possible, but it really is how I’d describe Rory. What Dun-Campbell does well with Rory is give her a level of introspection that makes her actions redeeming, even when they are cowardly or cruel.
“We use the people around us until they’re of no personal value to us anymore, all of us do, in some way or another.”
There’s always something interesting to me about writers who don’t shy away from showing the worst side of their characters. One reason it worked well here is because of the nature of the situation. Rory and the seven contestants (many of whom are even more unlikeable than she is) are on a reality show. They preen for the cameras, each vying for the most attention. So when the camera’s shut off and they are truly stranded, left to their own devices, we really see the worst parts of them come out, but also the truest elements of their character.
”That’s human nature: a hierarchy always forms, the weak separated from the pack.”
Suddenly they don’t have to pretend to be kind, helpful, or intellectual. As I mentioned previously, there is an almost dystopian feel here where we see what humanity might turn to if we were in a survival scenario and there was fear over social dynamics and resources. Some of the changes in the characters I found to be shocking and riveting. I don’t want to say too many specifics, because I do think that this is one you should experience for yourself.
I saw another reviewer comment that this book is at times more drama than thriller, despite what the plot would have you believe. It works though! While the contestants are stranded, they may be unable to do much at night. And it is those times that we really see Dun-Campbell delve into their psyches.
August 6, 2018
I’m one of those people who cannot stand reality television. No matter how hard I try, I do not care. People will be ranting and raving about a reality television show, and I’ll tune them out and do something else entirely. Despite this, I have a weakness for books that are set around reality television. Usually, this results in romance novels based around reality television – those shows where they’re to find the one, and things go wrong – yet I always find myself intrigued when other genres use reality television. In fact, I’ve spent a decent amount of time plotting thrillers based around reality television, meaning I was more than happy to read The Girl on Camera as it promised the thing my mind regularly plots.
From the start, this one pulled me in and left me wanting more. I was intrigued by what would come next, curious about where things were leading, and desperate to see how everything came together. In many ways, it’s a simple story – yet it is done so well that it does not appear to be simple in any way at all. There is much that leaves you guessing, things you find yourself thinking about whenever you put the book down, and plenty of details that will stick with you by the time you’re finished.
If I’m completely honest, this one did not read like a thriller for part of the book. There were the constant questions about what was going on, yet at times the book was focused predominately on the drama. Over the last few months, I’ve found myself annoyed with how many drama books have been passed off as thriller reads, but in this case I loved it. This was a thriller, hidden under the drama. The drama being a necessary aspect of the storytelling due to the reality television element of the story. Due to this, I can see this book appealing to both fans of thrillers and good old fashion dramatic reads.
I could go on and say a lot more, but it’s much better to experience this one than to read about what you can expect. Just know it’s a story that will leave you addicted, one that will have you hooked until the very last page.
I’m certainly curious to see what Morgan Dun-Campbell delivers with her next book.
From the start, this one pulled me in and left me wanting more. I was intrigued by what would come next, curious about where things were leading, and desperate to see how everything came together. In many ways, it’s a simple story – yet it is done so well that it does not appear to be simple in any way at all. There is much that leaves you guessing, things you find yourself thinking about whenever you put the book down, and plenty of details that will stick with you by the time you’re finished.
If I’m completely honest, this one did not read like a thriller for part of the book. There were the constant questions about what was going on, yet at times the book was focused predominately on the drama. Over the last few months, I’ve found myself annoyed with how many drama books have been passed off as thriller reads, but in this case I loved it. This was a thriller, hidden under the drama. The drama being a necessary aspect of the storytelling due to the reality television element of the story. Due to this, I can see this book appealing to both fans of thrillers and good old fashion dramatic reads.
I could go on and say a lot more, but it’s much better to experience this one than to read about what you can expect. Just know it’s a story that will leave you addicted, one that will have you hooked until the very last page.
I’m certainly curious to see what Morgan Dun-Campbell delivers with her next book.
September 9, 2018
The cover and the blurb really intrigued me for this book. Admittedly I'm not a big fan of reality shows on television but having liked the sound of the blurb I had to give it a go. I was unsure whether it might really be more horror than thriller as in a way it does sound like a classic horror story but having read it, it is definitely more of the mystery/suspense genre.
Rory is pretty much just drifting through life whilst playing it safe. She never takes any risk until she gets an email for a new reality show. What I liked about Rory is that she is really normal. She isn't someone you would ever expect to be on a show like that. She doesn't crave fame and is doing it more to prove a point to herself.
The rest of the characters in the house are definitely more the type of people you would expect to be on a reality show. All there to boost their egos. The only ones I really liked other than Rory was Jess and Adam. Adam definitely has an air of mystery to him and like Rory, I wanted to discover more.
The Girl On The Camera was an easy read that intrigued me enough to keep on turning the pages. I wouldn't say there was any real surprises in store as for me there was only really ever one outcome of which turned out to be right. This is more a character driven story rather than a thriller but still overall an enjoyable reading experience.
Rory is pretty much just drifting through life whilst playing it safe. She never takes any risk until she gets an email for a new reality show. What I liked about Rory is that she is really normal. She isn't someone you would ever expect to be on a show like that. She doesn't crave fame and is doing it more to prove a point to herself.
The rest of the characters in the house are definitely more the type of people you would expect to be on a reality show. All there to boost their egos. The only ones I really liked other than Rory was Jess and Adam. Adam definitely has an air of mystery to him and like Rory, I wanted to discover more.
The Girl On The Camera was an easy read that intrigued me enough to keep on turning the pages. I wouldn't say there was any real surprises in store as for me there was only really ever one outcome of which turned out to be right. This is more a character driven story rather than a thriller but still overall an enjoyable reading experience.
April 19, 2019
Follow Rory Stevens who is 26 and wants to appear as a contestant on a television reality show. This first person narrative is set in contemporary Britain. What could possibly go wrong?
I found that The Girl on Camera worked well being told in the first person. As the lead character Rory had a decent back story and as she chatted to other people, their characters were subtly revealed. As the story unfolded, character development was very good. Good and bad parts of their personalities were shown as the tension in the filming location increased. I thought Morgan drafted in a good range of personalities unlike the usual wannabe contestants for this genre of television programme.
I liked how Morgan made this a full story, from Rory making her application to the aftermath after the programme finished. I liked how the psychology of strangers living together was explored together with the dynamics that occur within groups when they witness an incident. The ugly topic of bullying was explored but for all the youth and physical attraction of the characters, there was NO sex within this novel.
I loved the Afterword by Morgan at the end of this story when the motivations about writing this book were revealed.
I thought the plot of The Girl on Camera was reasonable. The problem is that television programmes within this genre can be very inane. They broadcast like a televised version of Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with a flood of short, sharp sound bites. If you are a fan of these reality television programmes then you could enjoy this book. But as an ordinary book reader, I found The Girl on Camera to be as dull as the television programmes in this genre. For me this book is a bread and butter read that is okay, so I vote it the middle score of 3 stars.
I found that The Girl on Camera worked well being told in the first person. As the lead character Rory had a decent back story and as she chatted to other people, their characters were subtly revealed. As the story unfolded, character development was very good. Good and bad parts of their personalities were shown as the tension in the filming location increased. I thought Morgan drafted in a good range of personalities unlike the usual wannabe contestants for this genre of television programme.
I liked how Morgan made this a full story, from Rory making her application to the aftermath after the programme finished. I liked how the psychology of strangers living together was explored together with the dynamics that occur within groups when they witness an incident. The ugly topic of bullying was explored but for all the youth and physical attraction of the characters, there was NO sex within this novel.
I loved the Afterword by Morgan at the end of this story when the motivations about writing this book were revealed.
I thought the plot of The Girl on Camera was reasonable. The problem is that television programmes within this genre can be very inane. They broadcast like a televised version of Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with a flood of short, sharp sound bites. If you are a fan of these reality television programmes then you could enjoy this book. But as an ordinary book reader, I found The Girl on Camera to be as dull as the television programmes in this genre. For me this book is a bread and butter read that is okay, so I vote it the middle score of 3 stars.
September 11, 2018
Wasn’t prepared for how good this book turned out to be. Mainly because it was a random Kindle freebie and expectations were adjusted accordingly. But no, quality wise this was very much a major publisher production that got offered for $0 as a promo. And for a debut too…very nicely done. Reality television for me has always been a tacky neon sign of times, signifying the demise of intelligent entertainment choices. And so, while I’d never watch a bunch of pathetic fame starved nobodies put themselves through absurd manmade trials for money and 15 minutes, it makes for a surprisingly compelling reading. Because while the shows are edited to fit idiotic clichés, the real drama is behind the scenes as the protagonist of this novel quickly finds out. Desperate to do something wild and adventurous as most millennials are, she signs up for a new tv show The Retreat. And then once she and a bunch of fellow aspirants get there, they find themselves locked in, powerless (in both meanings of the word) and terrified. And then the ugly real selves come out from behind the pancake make up camera ready tv faces. So really it’s like an awesome social psychology study on par with Stanford Prison Experiment and the like and you can learn all you want about such things as the bystander effect, ingroup mentality and more. Yes, you know the punchline pretty much the entire time, but it didn’t really take away from the morbid enjoyment of watching the proverbial sh*t hit the fan, over and over again until the inevitable tragic dénouement. So this isn’t a mystery, there isn’t much suspense, but as far as dark psychological thriller dramas go, this was very entertaining. And even British as an added bonus. Definitely a very nice find. Recommended.
September 19, 2018
After finishing "The Orphan Master's Son," I needed something much lighter. I had downloaded "The Girl on Camera" from Book Bub and this seemed like it would be just about as opposite as I could get as well as a quick read I could enjoy while lounging by the pool while on vacation. It definitely met those needs.
Rory Stevens is a month away from moving in with her boyfriend when she breaks up with him instead. Stunned by his parting words that she's afraid to take a risk, she responds to an email that may or may not be spam and ends up being selected as one of eight contestants on a new reality show called "The Retreat."
Despite having some trepidation (and what seemed to me some serious misgivings on just how far the $50k GBP prize money could go!), she finds herself in a remote location with the other contestants, in which your typical reality show antics then begin to ensue: alliances, outcasts, fights, etc. On Day 2, however, the power goes out and slowly, one by one, the other contestants start to go missing...even though there is no discernible way out of the compound.
The reason behind the mysterious disappearances seemed pretty obvious to me and I was surprised none of the characters clued-in on it, especially since they all seemed to disappear following some deep insight into themselves. The ending, while pretty predictable, did have a twist to it that I did not see coming and definitely added some reality to what can happen on this type of show. I also thought the aftermath was interesting in respect to the direction Rory's character took after it was all said and done versus what she envisioned for herself when she auditioned.
This was a definitely a quick, fluffy read. It won't win any prizes for great literature but I did keep wondering what was going to happen next and was curious as to whether or not I was right about why everyone was disappearing (I was - it really was that obvious). It's definitely a good vacation book and an interesting look at reality TV competitions. The interview with the author at the end was interesting too in which she talks about how she came up with this idea and what the main point she was trying to get across was (which I did not get but reading comprehension has never been my strong suit!). This is the author's only book to date, but if she came out with another, I would definitely give it a shot.
Rory Stevens is a month away from moving in with her boyfriend when she breaks up with him instead. Stunned by his parting words that she's afraid to take a risk, she responds to an email that may or may not be spam and ends up being selected as one of eight contestants on a new reality show called "The Retreat."
Despite having some trepidation (and what seemed to me some serious misgivings on just how far the $50k GBP prize money could go!), she finds herself in a remote location with the other contestants, in which your typical reality show antics then begin to ensue: alliances, outcasts, fights, etc. On Day 2, however, the power goes out and slowly, one by one, the other contestants start to go missing...even though there is no discernible way out of the compound.
The reason behind the mysterious disappearances seemed pretty obvious to me and I was surprised none of the characters clued-in on it, especially since they all seemed to disappear following some deep insight into themselves. The ending, while pretty predictable, did have a twist to it that I did not see coming and definitely added some reality to what can happen on this type of show. I also thought the aftermath was interesting in respect to the direction Rory's character took after it was all said and done versus what she envisioned for herself when she auditioned.
This was a definitely a quick, fluffy read. It won't win any prizes for great literature but I did keep wondering what was going to happen next and was curious as to whether or not I was right about why everyone was disappearing (I was - it really was that obvious). It's definitely a good vacation book and an interesting look at reality TV competitions. The interview with the author at the end was interesting too in which she talks about how she came up with this idea and what the main point she was trying to get across was (which I did not get but reading comprehension has never been my strong suit!). This is the author's only book to date, but if she came out with another, I would definitely give it a shot.
September 5, 2018
Intriguing concept...
Intriguing idea, one familiar to most of us by now, given all the so-called "reality" shows on TV these days. Eight strangers thrown together in a walled compound, far out in the countryside, left to fend for themselves when the power goes out, and their true colors start to grate on each other. This book could have been so much better...but none of the characters were ever fully developed. It was as if the author came up with a short profile for each contestant archtype, and a handful of scenarios, then tossed them all into a bowl and plucked them out two or three at a time, and developed a chapter around them. Then, when the bowl was empty, wrapped it all up quickly. There were so many mysteries never answered. Why did they receive the unsolicited email invitations to audition? How/why were these eight people chosen out of more than 800 applicants? Were they chosen based on background checks or psychological profiles to exert maximum conflict among the group? Were Carl, or Mariah, actually "plants" working for the show's producers to sow dissension and chaos? Was Pam really the intended eighth participant, but pushed out by Rory accidentally, thus changing the original game plan? All these sinister questions were whirling around in my head as I kept reading, but were never fully explored. I found it very difficult to feel sympathy for Rory, even at the end, because she was so wishy-washy and detached. The flashbacks to her mother's smothering bossiness, and father's deficient parental concern, did not invoke empathy, just ticked me off. Of all the characters, the only one I felt any connection to was Adam. Despite my lack of sympathy, I might have rated it a 4 for the really brilliant idea, had it been better executed. Unfortunately, it reads like a first draft! The manuscript is so riddled with grammatical errors and missing words, as if it has never been edited! My advice to the author is to reread "Lord of the Flies." Then read your story again, fix the grammatical errors, flesh out the characters, and "explore the possibilities" inherent in your really good story idea. And hire a good editor!
Intriguing idea, one familiar to most of us by now, given all the so-called "reality" shows on TV these days. Eight strangers thrown together in a walled compound, far out in the countryside, left to fend for themselves when the power goes out, and their true colors start to grate on each other. This book could have been so much better...but none of the characters were ever fully developed. It was as if the author came up with a short profile for each contestant archtype, and a handful of scenarios, then tossed them all into a bowl and plucked them out two or three at a time, and developed a chapter around them. Then, when the bowl was empty, wrapped it all up quickly. There were so many mysteries never answered. Why did they receive the unsolicited email invitations to audition? How/why were these eight people chosen out of more than 800 applicants? Were they chosen based on background checks or psychological profiles to exert maximum conflict among the group? Were Carl, or Mariah, actually "plants" working for the show's producers to sow dissension and chaos? Was Pam really the intended eighth participant, but pushed out by Rory accidentally, thus changing the original game plan? All these sinister questions were whirling around in my head as I kept reading, but were never fully explored. I found it very difficult to feel sympathy for Rory, even at the end, because she was so wishy-washy and detached. The flashbacks to her mother's smothering bossiness, and father's deficient parental concern, did not invoke empathy, just ticked me off. Of all the characters, the only one I felt any connection to was Adam. Despite my lack of sympathy, I might have rated it a 4 for the really brilliant idea, had it been better executed. Unfortunately, it reads like a first draft! The manuscript is so riddled with grammatical errors and missing words, as if it has never been edited! My advice to the author is to reread "Lord of the Flies." Then read your story again, fix the grammatical errors, flesh out the characters, and "explore the possibilities" inherent in your really good story idea. And hire a good editor!
April 7, 2018
Excellent thriller!
Rory is not living the life the wants for herself. Everyone at work has started to change their life for the better and she didn't even notice. Meanwhile she comes to realize the relationship she's in isn't the one she wants, much to her mother's disappointment. So upon hearing about auditions for a reality show, she tries out. It's something new and unexpected and not like anything she has tried before. And it's not anything she would have expected.
I really liked the main character Rory. She was familiar and there were moments I saw myself in her. She meets Adam on the show who she becomes drawn to, but at the same time he also becomes the annoying, nagging conscience and morality she can't ignore even when she wants to. There is also a tugging mystery when things start to go wrong and it keeps me hooked. Everyone in the reality show reveals their true colors. Even the show and the audience themselves.
While I don't like reality shows in real life, this book is a captivating mystery. The author reveals the coldness of society and people and our selfishness in a stark way. It will make you wonder if we really are like this and if we would act the same way. I highly recommend this book if you love or hate reality shows, or if you just love a good thriller.
To be picky I did notice a couple of typos towards the end but there were very few. Overall it was excellent writing and a well told story.
Rory is not living the life the wants for herself. Everyone at work has started to change their life for the better and she didn't even notice. Meanwhile she comes to realize the relationship she's in isn't the one she wants, much to her mother's disappointment. So upon hearing about auditions for a reality show, she tries out. It's something new and unexpected and not like anything she has tried before. And it's not anything she would have expected.
I really liked the main character Rory. She was familiar and there were moments I saw myself in her. She meets Adam on the show who she becomes drawn to, but at the same time he also becomes the annoying, nagging conscience and morality she can't ignore even when she wants to. There is also a tugging mystery when things start to go wrong and it keeps me hooked. Everyone in the reality show reveals their true colors. Even the show and the audience themselves.
While I don't like reality shows in real life, this book is a captivating mystery. The author reveals the coldness of society and people and our selfishness in a stark way. It will make you wonder if we really are like this and if we would act the same way. I highly recommend this book if you love or hate reality shows, or if you just love a good thriller.
To be picky I did notice a couple of typos towards the end but there were very few. Overall it was excellent writing and a well told story.
September 29, 2018
What???
I can't believe I wasted a week on this book. I really cannot figure out what the point of this story is
I can't believe I wasted a week on this book. I really cannot figure out what the point of this story is
August 21, 2018
I don't think I've really watched a reality show since the first few seasons of The Real World. So yeah, not a fan of that type of tv, yet this book really attracted my attention, because the nature of the entertainment, I could definitely see that happening.
I liked Rory, except I kept getting a visual of Amy Pond's husband in Doctor Who. I could understand her motives, and wanting to do something different with her life. She's trying to decide what she wants to do with her life. That's how she ends up replying to the email for The Retreat.
I really liked the other characters. They definitely felt like real players in show, even though I've never watched anything like that myself. Mariah was totally nasty, Freddie was more than he appeared to be. Carl was nice in an unexpected way. Everyone's personality fit into what you'd expect to find on a reality show.
When Jess, a less stable cast member turns up missing after a revelation and a loss of power things start to get really weird.
This wasn't a thriller in the sense that you were on the edge of your seat, but there was enough strangeness and stuff to make you question what in the heck is really going on to keep you interested.
The mystery was solid and it paints a picture of why these shows are popular and that speaks volumes of what society is becoming. Its kind of a sad picture too.
The ending was not what I was expecting either, and that was part of why the book is so good.
I liked Rory, except I kept getting a visual of Amy Pond's husband in Doctor Who. I could understand her motives, and wanting to do something different with her life. She's trying to decide what she wants to do with her life. That's how she ends up replying to the email for The Retreat.
I really liked the other characters. They definitely felt like real players in show, even though I've never watched anything like that myself. Mariah was totally nasty, Freddie was more than he appeared to be. Carl was nice in an unexpected way. Everyone's personality fit into what you'd expect to find on a reality show.
When Jess, a less stable cast member turns up missing after a revelation and a loss of power things start to get really weird.
This wasn't a thriller in the sense that you were on the edge of your seat, but there was enough strangeness and stuff to make you question what in the heck is really going on to keep you interested.
The mystery was solid and it paints a picture of why these shows are popular and that speaks volumes of what society is becoming. Its kind of a sad picture too.
The ending was not what I was expecting either, and that was part of why the book is so good.
September 5, 2018
Survivor meets Big Brother meets Lord of the Flies. That would be the caption I chose to describe this riveting first novel by Morgan Dun-Campbell. Rory is a young 20-something, whose life has always been.guided by her overbearing mother and domineering boyfriend. She decided to audition for a new reality TV show, The Retreat, to bring some adventure into her life. When the power goes out the first night there, the eight contestants believe that the show is over, and the true faces of these characters come forth.
.
Morgan's ability to show the inner demons many people hide is on full display with this wonderful tale. Rory is hiding her guilt at not standing up for others; Freddie is a failed actor who will stop at nothing for fame; Mariah is perfectly described by Rory, "...The bullied becomes the bully". Love 'em or hate 'em, these characters ensure you'll never forget 'em. The storyline is tautly written, with the suspense nicely ratcheted up with every cast member's disappearance.
.
Overall, this is one book that I immensely enjoyed, and Dun-Campbell is a young author I'm hoping to see much more of in the future.
.
Morgan's ability to show the inner demons many people hide is on full display with this wonderful tale. Rory is hiding her guilt at not standing up for others; Freddie is a failed actor who will stop at nothing for fame; Mariah is perfectly described by Rory, "...The bullied becomes the bully". Love 'em or hate 'em, these characters ensure you'll never forget 'em. The storyline is tautly written, with the suspense nicely ratcheted up with every cast member's disappearance.
.
Overall, this is one book that I immensely enjoyed, and Dun-Campbell is a young author I'm hoping to see much more of in the future.
August 12, 2018
The Girl on Camera has a concept I haven’t read about. I’m have a few guilty pleasure reality shows, so when I read the blurb that this is a thriller surrounding one, I signed right up!
This was immediately captivating. The author weaves the mystery into the story very well. It’s also a very telling commentary on our society as a whole, and why reality shows are popular.
Our main character is a great lead. Rory was very relatable, and it was interesting to watch her develop.
I highly recommend checking this out no matter how you feel about reality shows. The mystery is solid and it was a page turner.
*I received this book as part of a blog tour. All opinions are my own.*
This was immediately captivating. The author weaves the mystery into the story very well. It’s also a very telling commentary on our society as a whole, and why reality shows are popular.
Our main character is a great lead. Rory was very relatable, and it was interesting to watch her develop.
I highly recommend checking this out no matter how you feel about reality shows. The mystery is solid and it was a page turner.
*I received this book as part of a blog tour. All opinions are my own.*
August 25, 2018
Rory feels discontent with her life, just going through the motions but not actually living. When she receives an email to audition for a reality show, she decides to take the risk and go. Not expecting anything, she shows up to the audition, records a two minute interview and then goes on with her life. The phone call she receives a month or so later saying that she was selected to be on the reality show comes as a surprise, but Rory is ready for a new adventure. Once there on set for the show though, she realizes that she has no idea what the show is about or what is really going on.
I love fiction books were the characters are participating in some sort of reality show or competition- which I know might be a little strange considering I do not watch reality television pretty much at all. There is just something exhilarating in being inside the head of a person who is playing a game, on high alert, aware they are being watched but still uncertain of what will happen. When I found this book and read the synopsis I was 100% in for this read. I am a little all over the place on my feelings towards this book. On one hand it made me think and it took a very different direction from where I thought it would go.
I found that The Girl on Camera did not have very much action, it was more a slow building introspective story, focusing more on the mental aspects of all the characters, their backstory, and what is someone willing to do to survive- or win. The start was very slow, taking about half the book building up to Rory getting to the set of the show and her mindset, with a few flashback of her family thrown in. Once at the set, the rest of the story took place only over a few days and was so intense mentally. Morgan did a great job of causing the reader doubt as to the mental stability of the characters as well as who was really the villain- and what makes someone a villain.
If you are looking for a slow burn psychological almost-thriller, where you need to think and second guess everything, than this is the perfect book to pick up. Don't expect flowers and rainbows, or even a happy ending, but the most truthful one you will find.
I am reviewing a complementary copy of this title.
Visit me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
I love fiction books were the characters are participating in some sort of reality show or competition- which I know might be a little strange considering I do not watch reality television pretty much at all. There is just something exhilarating in being inside the head of a person who is playing a game, on high alert, aware they are being watched but still uncertain of what will happen. When I found this book and read the synopsis I was 100% in for this read. I am a little all over the place on my feelings towards this book. On one hand it made me think and it took a very different direction from where I thought it would go.
I found that The Girl on Camera did not have very much action, it was more a slow building introspective story, focusing more on the mental aspects of all the characters, their backstory, and what is someone willing to do to survive- or win. The start was very slow, taking about half the book building up to Rory getting to the set of the show and her mindset, with a few flashback of her family thrown in. Once at the set, the rest of the story took place only over a few days and was so intense mentally. Morgan did a great job of causing the reader doubt as to the mental stability of the characters as well as who was really the villain- and what makes someone a villain.
If you are looking for a slow burn psychological almost-thriller, where you need to think and second guess everything, than this is the perfect book to pick up. Don't expect flowers and rainbows, or even a happy ending, but the most truthful one you will find.
I am reviewing a complementary copy of this title.
Visit me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
August 2, 2018
Though the idea behind this novel is a fun one, I was ultimately let down by the predictability of the plot and the shallow character development. I had no reason to root for the main character, because she's not necessarily a nice or special person. The fellow cast mates that joined her were just as empty and most were cliches. The people just weren't fleshed out enough for me to care about them at all.
I could see the 'twist" at the end coming from a mile away, and as such, I was never really in a hurry to finish this book. I didn't feel any sense of urgency or danger, either for myself while I was reading, or from the characters as they went through the ordeal of this reality show.
The ending did not do much to explain why the events happened the way they did, or any of the fallout from such a negative experience which surely would have made media outlets for weeks in the real world. I skimmed through the last 25% of the book. I can't recommend it.
I could see the 'twist" at the end coming from a mile away, and as such, I was never really in a hurry to finish this book. I didn't feel any sense of urgency or danger, either for myself while I was reading, or from the characters as they went through the ordeal of this reality show.
The ending did not do much to explain why the events happened the way they did, or any of the fallout from such a negative experience which surely would have made media outlets for weeks in the real world. I skimmed through the last 25% of the book. I can't recommend it.
June 7, 2018
Great, original idea for a thriller, with an ending I didn't see coming! Morgan is one to watch!
May 28, 2018
Rory Stevens gets selected to participate in a new reality show with seven other people. They’re taken to an undisclosed area and shortly after arrival, the power goes out. They don’t know where they are, or even who each other are. Who can they trust? What happens now?
This was a well-written exploration of character devolution in unknown situations. I enjoyed this book immensely. It was clear the author reviewed the psychology behind the action.
If you like adventures and enjoy reality shows, especially those that pit characters against one another, you’ll love this book.
This was a well-written exploration of character devolution in unknown situations. I enjoyed this book immensely. It was clear the author reviewed the psychology behind the action.
If you like adventures and enjoy reality shows, especially those that pit characters against one another, you’ll love this book.
April 5, 2018
Rory Stevens is a 26 year old in a state of confusion. She rejects her own choices and has found herself looking beyond her own circumstances for a destiny yet to be fulfilled. She receives a mysterious email about a reality TV show and she dismisses it at first, only to come back and look it over in earnest. On a whim, she finds herself auditioning to be a contestant on 'The Retreat' and to everyone's surprise, is chosen to be on the cast. Second guessing herself all the way up to showtime, Rory and the rest of the contestants quickly end up closed inside the wooded walls of The Retreat. Everything is find and everyone wearing their best face. Until the power goes out and they get radio silence from the crew. The panic is real and each and every contestant reveals their inner demons in the ugliest ways possible. Rory stays on the fringe, alternating between doing the right thing and remaining silent to stay safely in the inner circle. Rory strives to do what she knows is right and the plot drives forward steadily until she must confront what drove her there and where she hopes to go next. In the end, Rory is a compelling character whose end is better than her beginning, but her future is still unclear. The Girl on Camera not only looks at Rory, but at all of the people on the show and thereby, reality TV and society's obsession with it. The real question posed is how we and the contestants are affected and whether anyone is really better off as a result.
January 10, 2019
Okay read
Interesting, but somewhat sparse in the cleaning out of the characters. Pretty predictable, but it kept my attention for the most part. Another novel where it was hard to feel any sympathy or connection to the female protagonist. Her relationship with her deceased father was vague and seemed somewhat abusive on both sides. Ditto the connection Rory has with fellow contestant, Adam. All the contestants' backstories were pretty flimsy. It just feels as though this could have been a much better story if it had been more fleshed out.
Interesting, but somewhat sparse in the cleaning out of the characters. Pretty predictable, but it kept my attention for the most part. Another novel where it was hard to feel any sympathy or connection to the female protagonist. Her relationship with her deceased father was vague and seemed somewhat abusive on both sides. Ditto the connection Rory has with fellow contestant, Adam. All the contestants' backstories were pretty flimsy. It just feels as though this could have been a much better story if it had been more fleshed out.
October 17, 2018
Entertaining but I would not call it a thriller.
Rory has a good life. That’s what she’s told, anyway. Soon to be married to a man who makes her mother extremely happy. She’s often reminded about how sensible she is; no risks, no worries. Until she gets an email promising to change it all. On a whim, which is very unlike her, Rory goes to an audition for a reality show. She’ll never get accepted though. She’s too average for tv. Until she does.
Rory has a good life. That’s what she’s told, anyway. Soon to be married to a man who makes her mother extremely happy. She’s often reminded about how sensible she is; no risks, no worries. Until she gets an email promising to change it all. On a whim, which is very unlike her, Rory goes to an audition for a reality show. She’ll never get accepted though. She’s too average for tv. Until she does.
April 18, 2018
This is a hard book to review. The language was disgusting, lots of writing errors, plus I, often, found the story confusing. However, the concept was a good one, and it was a, truly, unique plot. After debating throughout the book on how many stars I would give it, I ended up with a generous four.
September 6, 2018
Thought provoking
To say it was thought provoking is so bland. It slowly but surely pulled in to the story. Made me wonder how i would have acted had i been put in their situation. Never watch reality shows and this just backs up that decision. Very interesting look at how people act/respond in extreme situations. Worth reading again.
To say it was thought provoking is so bland. It slowly but surely pulled in to the story. Made me wonder how i would have acted had i been put in their situation. Never watch reality shows and this just backs up that decision. Very interesting look at how people act/respond in extreme situations. Worth reading again.
September 14, 2018
This book was ok. Not too bad, not too great. I feel the author didn’t have to go to an extreme with one character, Adam, although she does explain it in the end of the book. I think Adam could’ve had a better outcome, with an intense scare but not what happened. Somewhat depressing, but overall ok.
September 23, 2018
Different
This was a very different kind of story than what I normally read. Very large range of characters some of them are likable and some are not so likable. Interesting storyline but rather vague without a lot of details. I kept expecting there to be more to it then there was. I'm glad I read it but I think it feels like it needed more work to be a truly complete story.
This was a very different kind of story than what I normally read. Very large range of characters some of them are likable and some are not so likable. Interesting storyline but rather vague without a lot of details. I kept expecting there to be more to it then there was. I'm glad I read it but I think it feels like it needed more work to be a truly complete story.
December 8, 2018
I love anything reality television related and this book fits that bill perfectly. The story was a little hard to follow at times because the author would use a different font to flashback on memories but a couple times I felt that I had to go back and re-read as I got confused. Overall the book has a good message about compassion!
March 29, 2018
Kept your interest
This book kept your interest from beginning to end. The author did a good job making the characters relatable and the reader wanting more. With so much reality tv on the air now, this book is right with the time.
This book kept your interest from beginning to end. The author did a good job making the characters relatable and the reader wanting more. With so much reality tv on the air now, this book is right with the time.
July 10, 2019
Cracking read. Rory is a terrific character, and this book is well written by a brilliant new talent.
Do read - great for enjoying in the summer sun.
Do read - great for enjoying in the summer sun.
May 2, 2018
Gripping first novel from Morgan Dun Campbell, the story had me hooked. Well written and compelling.
September 15, 2018
Normally my two star rating criteria is as follows: Likely to have some good points, but it didn’t properly captivate me. (I stole that from someone that defined her rating system.) I’m changing mine to: Finished out of spite because I don’t think it’s fair to rate a book without reading it all so I’ll finish it so I can tell the world that it really sucks. Rory is the main character and narrator as a contestant in a reality show that she knows nothing about. She’s thrown into a forest prison with seven cartoonish characters: Nice Guy Freddie, Evil Mariah, Victim Jess, etc. Not a single character in the book is likable, including Rory. She’s trying to set herself up as a compassionate and empathetic person, but argues that point with all of her demonstrations of not acting when anyone else is being mistreated. The lack of editing drove me crazy, but I think the author might be English so I’ll allow for the fact that sometimes they talk weird. All of the instances of “we were sat on the beds” and “I was stood in the middle” jarred me, but again...an English thing? I positively know that “Isn’t that want you wanted” was definitely a proofread miss, though. Finally, all of the “literally”s confirmed my belief that the misuse of that word as well as “ironic” and “surreal” should be left to the professionals that are the contestants on The Bachelor.
January 29, 2020
I struggled with rating this because I truly hated every character in the book. However, that was the point. Reality TV is usually centered on the very worst of people and this is just an extreme example of this.
Rory decides to audition for a reality show, one that has no known details. She has no idea what she has signed up for, even when chosen. She is described more than once as Vanilla in the book, a middle of the road person who feels she is a good person even though she always takes the path of least resistance, and her choices usually amount to taking no action whatsoever. No action is still a choice and there are consequences to that, and it's a point that is hammered home in last 1/3 of the book over and over.
As stated before, there are no good characters here. Everybody is unlikable but they are still really complex and as the book progresses, we gain small insights into their behavior. It's a good read, but don't expect to like any of the characters here, which makes it hard to connect to any of them for me but I did still enjoy reading this.
I received a free copy of this book
Rory decides to audition for a reality show, one that has no known details. She has no idea what she has signed up for, even when chosen. She is described more than once as Vanilla in the book, a middle of the road person who feels she is a good person even though she always takes the path of least resistance, and her choices usually amount to taking no action whatsoever. No action is still a choice and there are consequences to that, and it's a point that is hammered home in last 1/3 of the book over and over.
As stated before, there are no good characters here. Everybody is unlikable but they are still really complex and as the book progresses, we gain small insights into their behavior. It's a good read, but don't expect to like any of the characters here, which makes it hard to connect to any of them for me but I did still enjoy reading this.
I received a free copy of this book
September 14, 2019
I enjoyed this book particularly the questions it raises about human nature and how we will behave and react in certain situations.
From the description it was easy to guess part of the stories big reveal, however the how we get there and what was going on with each person.
I can’t say I ever particularly warmed to Rory as a character but I’m not sure why. She just seemed quite whiny and overall just average.
I would have liked more of a look at the psychology behind the characters and why they acted the way they did. I also felt the ending was a bit rushed with trying to recap and finish every story.
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