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The New Girl
Lia Setiawan has never really fit in. When she wins a full ride to the prestigious Draycott Academy on a track scholarship, she's determined to make it work even though she's never felt more out of place. But on her first day there she witnesses a girl being forcefully carried away by campus security. Her new schoolmates and teachers seem unfazed, but it leaves her unsure of what she's gotten herself into. As she uncovers the secrets of Draycott, complete with a corrupt teacher, a golden boy who isn't what he seems, and a blackmailer determined to get her thrown out, she's not sure if she can trust anyone--especially when the threats against her take a deadly turn.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2022
647 people are currently reading
21330 people want to read
About the author
Jesse Q. Sutanto
30 books8,740 followersJesse Q Sutanto grew up shuttling back and forth between Jakarta and Singapore and sees both cities as her homes. She has a Masters degree from Oxford University, though she has yet to figure out a way of saying that without sounding obnoxious. She is currently living back in Jakarta on the same street as her parents and about seven hundred meddlesome aunties. When she's not tearing out her hair over her latest WIP, she spends her time baking and playing FPS games. Oh, and also being a mom to her two kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,587 reviews
September 11, 2024
Arriving at Draycott Academy, Lia Setiawan is thrust into a world she is completely unfamiliar with.
Draycott is a super prestigious private boarding school on the West Coast, one Lia can only attend due to the full-ride scholarship she has received to run track.
On the first day, Lia's nerves seem to be getting the best of her. She is like a deer in the headlights amongst all the wealthy, confident Draycott students.
Track practice doesn't get off to the best start either. The other girls seemed more threatened by Lia's incredible speed, than they are happy to have a new teammate.
It doesn't take long before heated words are exchanged and thinly-veiled threats bandied about.
Not all is a loss though. Lia does make a few friends, including a cute boy, Danny, who has a cultural background similar to her own. They share some sweet moments and for a bit, it seems like Draycott won't be all bad.
Lia is never given the chance to get too comfortable in her new place, however. Through a rumor-style app known as Draycott Dirt, DD, Lia begins to be incessantly bullied by anonymous classmates.
It's awful and unfortunately, doesn't stop with online torment. Their hurtful comments and behavior continue into the classroom, with teachers doing nothing to stop it.
The whole school is a complicated, toxic mess, as far as Lia can tell. Even her English Lit teacher is corrupt. Lia suspects he is giving preferential treatment to certain students, while she is close to failing no matter how hard she works.
She needs to pass every class in order to keep her scholarship, but this guy is making it impossible!
The New Girl follows Lia through her tumultuous first days as a Draycott student. I'll tell ya, there's one hell of a learning curve at this Academy.
Y'all, this book had me transfixed. It is an absolutely bats#it crazy story, but man, did it keep me engaged!!! I had so much fun trying to figure out what exactly was going on in Draycott.
Sutanto has a great sense of humor, dry and a bit sarcastic, and even when tackling difficult topics that humor managed to shine through. There's a lot going on in this narrative, but it never felt overly heavy or bogged down in details. It still felt fast-paced and intriguing.
There is a lot of intense depictions of bullying, so beware if that is something that could be triggering for you. It's not for me and even I found it hard to swallow at times. It also explores wealth, privilege, classism, racism and addiction.
Even in its craziest moments, I was rooting for Lia the entire time. While I wouldn't necessarily agree with all of her choices, I can appreciate she is just a teen trying to do her best under really difficult circumstances.
She was quite literally stuck between a rock and hard place. She never gave up and I loved that about her character. A lot of people would have thrown in the towel after being treated the way she was at Draycott, but not Lia. It just made her fight that much harder.
I would definitely recommend this book to people who go all in for over-the-top YA Mysteries. Sutanto's got a style all her own and I'm definitely buying what she's selling.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Sourcebooks Fire, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I appreciate the opportunity!
Draycott is a super prestigious private boarding school on the West Coast, one Lia can only attend due to the full-ride scholarship she has received to run track.
On the first day, Lia's nerves seem to be getting the best of her. She is like a deer in the headlights amongst all the wealthy, confident Draycott students.
Track practice doesn't get off to the best start either. The other girls seemed more threatened by Lia's incredible speed, than they are happy to have a new teammate.
It doesn't take long before heated words are exchanged and thinly-veiled threats bandied about.
Not all is a loss though. Lia does make a few friends, including a cute boy, Danny, who has a cultural background similar to her own. They share some sweet moments and for a bit, it seems like Draycott won't be all bad.
Lia is never given the chance to get too comfortable in her new place, however. Through a rumor-style app known as Draycott Dirt, DD, Lia begins to be incessantly bullied by anonymous classmates.
It's awful and unfortunately, doesn't stop with online torment. Their hurtful comments and behavior continue into the classroom, with teachers doing nothing to stop it.
The whole school is a complicated, toxic mess, as far as Lia can tell. Even her English Lit teacher is corrupt. Lia suspects he is giving preferential treatment to certain students, while she is close to failing no matter how hard she works.
She needs to pass every class in order to keep her scholarship, but this guy is making it impossible!
The New Girl follows Lia through her tumultuous first days as a Draycott student. I'll tell ya, there's one hell of a learning curve at this Academy.
Y'all, this book had me transfixed. It is an absolutely bats#it crazy story, but man, did it keep me engaged!!! I had so much fun trying to figure out what exactly was going on in Draycott.
Sutanto has a great sense of humor, dry and a bit sarcastic, and even when tackling difficult topics that humor managed to shine through. There's a lot going on in this narrative, but it never felt overly heavy or bogged down in details. It still felt fast-paced and intriguing.
There is a lot of intense depictions of bullying, so beware if that is something that could be triggering for you. It's not for me and even I found it hard to swallow at times. It also explores wealth, privilege, classism, racism and addiction.
Even in its craziest moments, I was rooting for Lia the entire time. While I wouldn't necessarily agree with all of her choices, I can appreciate she is just a teen trying to do her best under really difficult circumstances.
She was quite literally stuck between a rock and hard place. She never gave up and I loved that about her character. A lot of people would have thrown in the towel after being treated the way she was at Draycott, but not Lia. It just made her fight that much harder.
I would definitely recommend this book to people who go all in for over-the-top YA Mysteries. Sutanto's got a style all her own and I'm definitely buying what she's selling.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Sourcebooks Fire, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I appreciate the opportunity!
November 28, 2022
An important theme of bullying and the unrelenting pressure parents can put on their children to do well were the key themes for this story. Important? absolutely because it is a curse far too many children are having to live with.
So loved the premise and need to deal with these difficult issues facing our teenagers but not the book.
I don't want to rip this book to pieces because it was written for a different audience and not me. It is written in a language that suits children 12-16 and has the irresponsible and unprincipled teacher, the 'golden boy', and plenty of secrets the school authorities do not want disclosed.
Many YA books work for all age groups but this one is definitely for teenagers. So please don't be put off by my score if you are buying for your son or daughter. If you are buying for yourself, then think again.
Very good for the right age group.
So loved the premise and need to deal with these difficult issues facing our teenagers but not the book.
I don't want to rip this book to pieces because it was written for a different audience and not me. It is written in a language that suits children 12-16 and has the irresponsible and unprincipled teacher, the 'golden boy', and plenty of secrets the school authorities do not want disclosed.
Many YA books work for all age groups but this one is definitely for teenagers. So please don't be put off by my score if you are buying for your son or daughter. If you are buying for yourself, then think again.
Very good for the right age group.
April 17, 2022
This was an over-the-top YA private school thriller. Everything felt a bit dramatic and was essentially a series of farcically bad decisions. The first half was actually good and Jesse tapped into the social anxiety that comes with being the 'new person' incredibly well. However, all the characters felt exaggerated i.e. the super villainous mean girl, the innocent trusting (read incredibly dense) new girl, the doting golden boy. Then about the midway point something occurs and it all went downhill from there. Not down a gentle rolling hill but more off the edge of a cliff. It was a shame because prior to that I was actually absorbed in the paranoia and panicky feelings as the main character slowly realised how corrupt the school actually was. Also, the ending was ridiculous. Just okay for me.
November 6, 2025
Superbly spot-on YA horror/thriller. 'My' students are going to love it.
February 10, 2023
“If only I hadn’t come to Draycott in the first place. But we all made the choices we made, and every lie that slips out of our mouths brings us that much closer to this moment in time, with my boyfriend and I standing in front of the whole school, phone cameras out, every single one of them aimed toward us.”
One fact about me: I love dark academia! I don’t know why but a creepy school setting or some eerie mystery and/or murder on a school campus calls to the little twisted part of my soul. 😈 But I don’t like just any dark academia. It has to be truly ominous and done well. Unfortunately New Girl did not check those boxes for me.
Lia is a new student at Draycott Academy, and only able to attend thanks to a full track scholarship. The faculty is hoping she will be the next Usain Bolt and thanks to Draycott’s prestige Lia will get the attention from recruiters who can possibly help get her into one of the more prominent universities.
On the very first day of school it’s obvious Lia is going to have trouble fitting in. She see’s a screaming girl being ruthlessly dragged out by campus security and shouting it’s all Mr. Werner’s fault. Everyone around starts recording, but it’s not for evidence as Lia first thought, instead the video is being posted to ridicule the mystery girl (Sophie Tanaka) on the DD (Draycott Dirt) website, a student site for all the schools salacious and most of the time vicious gossip. Lia is shaken up enough that she’s already second guessing if she truly belongs at her new school.
Things go from bad to worse as she becomes Draycott Dirt’s newest victim with personal attacks posted daily on her race (Chinese Indonesian) character and financial status. Lia will do whatever it takes to make it through this challenging school and into a good college. But her posturing makes matters worse, she’s immediately alienated and in conflict with her fellow her team members, classmates, Mr. Werner (the teacher she’s already wary of), and worst off all the school faculty. Not only does Lia have to worry about losing her scholarship but possibly her life as things spiral out of control.
The New Girl reminds me of a Gossip Girl meets Mean Girls combo. It has its Draycott Dirt where all the students get their messy gossip. But in this case ALL students can participate on the site. And of course there are the requisite spiteful girls with the Queen Bee in the story being Mandy Kim. She instantly sees Lia as competition in Track and will do whatever it takes to get rid of her. The story itself is appealing if a little unoriginal, but hey any story can be redone if written well. And that is where my problem lies. Unfortunately I felt like it was lacking in a lot of ways.
There are a lot of unanswered questions that left the story incomplete.
Like why did Lia decide to leave her old school, I understand she got a scholarship to a prestigious Private School but there were brief allusions that something happened at her old school but then never touched on again.
Also I don’t think enough was filled in on Sophie Tanka. She plays a big part of the story (can’t go into more detail because of spoilers) but I didn’t get to know much about her at all.
The characters were a bit unbelievable.
Lia was over the top. She wanted to be liked but then she had a “screw them all” mentality that went from 0-60 mph in 1 second. She wanted to keep her scholarship but her actions did everything to make sure that wouldn’t happen. And her showing off at practice was alienating her from her teammates. She was a lot to take in.
Mr Werner’s character was messy and all over the place. He went from arrogant and undetached to vulnerable and then evil. And that was all on one page! Will the real Mr. Werner please stand up?
The one good thing I will say is The New Girl was never slow, it was in fact pretty fast paced. This is not a boring book by any means and when I needed to put it down it was not difficult to pick back up. But the pacing was also a bit off because it was a little too fast, jumping from scenario to scenario. Not allowing me to soak in Lia’s dilemma because the next thing was right around the corner and it just kept snowballing on.
This is not the first book I’ve read by Ms. Sutanto in fact I had previously read Dial A for Aunties and it was pretty meh to me. But I was hoping maybe a YA book might be a bit better, but I just don’t think she’s the writer for me.
But if a Gossip Girl/Mean Girl combo sounds interesting to anyone, think about giving it a try because the story itself is an interesting concept, I think with a little tweaking this could be a really good book. And not everyone interprets a story in the same way. So what didn’t work for me may be a terrific read for someone else.
One fact about me: I love dark academia! I don’t know why but a creepy school setting or some eerie mystery and/or murder on a school campus calls to the little twisted part of my soul. 😈 But I don’t like just any dark academia. It has to be truly ominous and done well. Unfortunately New Girl did not check those boxes for me.
Lia is a new student at Draycott Academy, and only able to attend thanks to a full track scholarship. The faculty is hoping she will be the next Usain Bolt and thanks to Draycott’s prestige Lia will get the attention from recruiters who can possibly help get her into one of the more prominent universities.
On the very first day of school it’s obvious Lia is going to have trouble fitting in. She see’s a screaming girl being ruthlessly dragged out by campus security and shouting it’s all Mr. Werner’s fault. Everyone around starts recording, but it’s not for evidence as Lia first thought, instead the video is being posted to ridicule the mystery girl (Sophie Tanaka) on the DD (Draycott Dirt) website, a student site for all the schools salacious and most of the time vicious gossip. Lia is shaken up enough that she’s already second guessing if she truly belongs at her new school.
Things go from bad to worse as she becomes Draycott Dirt’s newest victim with personal attacks posted daily on her race (Chinese Indonesian) character and financial status. Lia will do whatever it takes to make it through this challenging school and into a good college. But her posturing makes matters worse, she’s immediately alienated and in conflict with her fellow her team members, classmates, Mr. Werner (the teacher she’s already wary of), and worst off all the school faculty. Not only does Lia have to worry about losing her scholarship but possibly her life as things spiral out of control.
The New Girl reminds me of a Gossip Girl meets Mean Girls combo. It has its Draycott Dirt where all the students get their messy gossip. But in this case ALL students can participate on the site. And of course there are the requisite spiteful girls with the Queen Bee in the story being Mandy Kim. She instantly sees Lia as competition in Track and will do whatever it takes to get rid of her. The story itself is appealing if a little unoriginal, but hey any story can be redone if written well. And that is where my problem lies. Unfortunately I felt like it was lacking in a lot of ways.
There are a lot of unanswered questions that left the story incomplete.
Like why did Lia decide to leave her old school, I understand she got a scholarship to a prestigious Private School but there were brief allusions that something happened at her old school but then never touched on again.
Also I don’t think enough was filled in on Sophie Tanka. She plays a big part of the story (can’t go into more detail because of spoilers) but I didn’t get to know much about her at all.
The characters were a bit unbelievable.
Lia was over the top. She wanted to be liked but then she had a “screw them all” mentality that went from 0-60 mph in 1 second. She wanted to keep her scholarship but her actions did everything to make sure that wouldn’t happen. And her showing off at practice was alienating her from her teammates. She was a lot to take in.
Mr Werner’s character was messy and all over the place. He went from arrogant and undetached to vulnerable and then evil. And that was all on one page! Will the real Mr. Werner please stand up?
The one good thing I will say is The New Girl was never slow, it was in fact pretty fast paced. This is not a boring book by any means and when I needed to put it down it was not difficult to pick back up. But the pacing was also a bit off because it was a little too fast, jumping from scenario to scenario. Not allowing me to soak in Lia’s dilemma because the next thing was right around the corner and it just kept snowballing on.
This is not the first book I’ve read by Ms. Sutanto in fact I had previously read Dial A for Aunties and it was pretty meh to me. But I was hoping maybe a YA book might be a bit better, but I just don’t think she’s the writer for me.
But if a Gossip Girl/Mean Girl combo sounds interesting to anyone, think about giving it a try because the story itself is an interesting concept, I think with a little tweaking this could be a really good book. And not everyone interprets a story in the same way. So what didn’t work for me may be a terrific read for someone else.
February 2, 2022
From the best-selling author of "Dial A for Aunties" comes a YA dark academia thriller set in a boarding school.
The book is way too dramatic for my liking. On top of that, the narration of the audiobook is also melo-dramatic. I am sorry to say this but Eunice Wong hasn't done a good job in narrating this book. They was exaggerating every emotion and poured too much force while delivering the dialogues. They was constantly squeaking and screeching. It gave me cringe. I was so annoyed that I developed a migraine.
I hated the romantic subplot. It is a love at first sight. The love interest is good without any doubt. But everything felt extremely rushed and forced to me. There is literally no development. It could've been handled better.
Didn't like the main Character either. She is stupid and obnoxious. I found her irritating. She makes all kinds of decisions in a rush, thinks herself as a hero and when it comes to face the consequences, she starts crying and screaming. Also Lia doesn't respect her own cultural values. So there's no way I can respect her.
Now, let's talk about the good parts. The plot is nice and intriguing. The twists are predictable yet satisfying. As always I really enjoyed Sutanto's dry humour. It was moderately funny.
Just like Sutanto's other books, The New Girl is rich in Chinese-Indonesian cultural representation. Our main character is an Indo-Chinese American girl. So, there were several mentions of the heritage of these culture. The descprictions of delicious Indonesian foods made me hungry. I have never tried those dishes but now I want to....
So, overall it isn't a bad book. It was mostly because of the audiobook that I personally didn't liked it. I would suggest you to try the book version if you're interested in it. Wouldn't recommend the audiobook at all.
｡☆✼★━━━━━━━━━━━━★✼☆｡
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for providing the audiobook arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The book is way too dramatic for my liking. On top of that, the narration of the audiobook is also melo-dramatic. I am sorry to say this but Eunice Wong hasn't done a good job in narrating this book. They was exaggerating every emotion and poured too much force while delivering the dialogues. They was constantly squeaking and screeching. It gave me cringe. I was so annoyed that I developed a migraine.
I hated the romantic subplot. It is a love at first sight. The love interest is good without any doubt. But everything felt extremely rushed and forced to me. There is literally no development. It could've been handled better.
Didn't like the main Character either. She is stupid and obnoxious. I found her irritating. She makes all kinds of decisions in a rush, thinks herself as a hero and when it comes to face the consequences, she starts crying and screaming. Also Lia doesn't respect her own cultural values. So there's no way I can respect her.
Now, let's talk about the good parts. The plot is nice and intriguing. The twists are predictable yet satisfying. As always I really enjoyed Sutanto's dry humour. It was moderately funny.
Just like Sutanto's other books, The New Girl is rich in Chinese-Indonesian cultural representation. Our main character is an Indo-Chinese American girl. So, there were several mentions of the heritage of these culture. The descprictions of delicious Indonesian foods made me hungry. I have never tried those dishes but now I want to....
So, overall it isn't a bad book. It was mostly because of the audiobook that I personally didn't liked it. I would suggest you to try the book version if you're interested in it. Wouldn't recommend the audiobook at all.
｡☆✼★━━━━━━━━━━━━★✼☆｡
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for providing the audiobook arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 28, 2022
"This isn't your world, child. Give any of these kids here a chance and they'll throw you under the bus, just to make sure this place keeps going."
This is my first book by Jesse Q. Sutanto. Though I wasn't the hugest fan, I definitely plan to check out her pretty much entire backlist, so you know - I liked it enough.
The New Girl is a YA dark academia and murder mystery set at a prestigious boarding school. It was a fun and quick read with lots of somewhat ridiculous but entertaining bursts of action.
I liked the narration and the pacing. Also, school setting is one of my favorites. And the general direction of the story seemed promising.
However, I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters, and especially with MC Lia Setiawan. Too many stupid decisions followed by pointless screaming and crying for my taste.
However, the story also had enough blood-thirsty moments that kept me engaged till the end. I'm sure with a different protagonist I will enjoy Sutanto's writing even more.
If you want to see my much more in depth review, you can check it out on my book blog NovelOnMyMind.
Thank you to RB Media and NetGalley for providing me with an audiobook ARC of The New Girl by Jesse Q. Sutanto in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first book by Jesse Q. Sutanto. Though I wasn't the hugest fan, I definitely plan to check out her pretty much entire backlist, so you know - I liked it enough.
The New Girl is a YA dark academia and murder mystery set at a prestigious boarding school. It was a fun and quick read with lots of somewhat ridiculous but entertaining bursts of action.
I liked the narration and the pacing. Also, school setting is one of my favorites. And the general direction of the story seemed promising.
However, I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters, and especially with MC Lia Setiawan. Too many stupid decisions followed by pointless screaming and crying for my taste.
However, the story also had enough blood-thirsty moments that kept me engaged till the end. I'm sure with a different protagonist I will enjoy Sutanto's writing even more.
If you want to see my much more in depth review, you can check it out on my book blog NovelOnMyMind.
Thank you to RB Media and NetGalley for providing me with an audiobook ARC of The New Girl by Jesse Q. Sutanto in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2022
pre-read: i simply like the cover!
-
read: …. at least the cover is pretty!
3.0000 flat stars and not a drop more. and i’m pretty sure i’m being generous. 5 stars for the cover, though!
-
read: …. at least the cover is pretty!
3.0000 flat stars and not a drop more. and i’m pretty sure i’m being generous. 5 stars for the cover, though!
January 25, 2022
Just received an ARC via Netgalley!!!🥳🥳🥳
The Obsession was one of the best books I read in 2021, so what better way to start off 2022 than reading this?
-------------------------------------
MY THOUGHTS AFTER FINISHING THE BOOK:
3.8 stars
Jesse Q Sutanto should focus on writing sick and twisted YA thrillers and stay away from quirky rom-com murder mysteries (Dial A for Aunties, I'm looking at you!).
Truth is, "The New Girl" wasn’t nearly as good as author's debut "Obsession", but it had the same breathtaking elements. There's something about previously innocent, good girls put in a position where they have nothing to loose and everything to gain, that sends goosebumps down my spine.
Also, it takes a great writer to make readers love their morally grey characters and cheer for them to get away with all the horrible things they've done. Which Ms. Sutanto is.
And I can't wait to read her future work.
The Obsession was one of the best books I read in 2021, so what better way to start off 2022 than reading this?
-------------------------------------
MY THOUGHTS AFTER FINISHING THE BOOK:
3.8 stars
Jesse Q Sutanto should focus on writing sick and twisted YA thrillers and stay away from quirky rom-com murder mysteries (Dial A for Aunties, I'm looking at you!).
Truth is, "The New Girl" wasn’t nearly as good as author's debut "Obsession", but it had the same breathtaking elements. There's something about previously innocent, good girls put in a position where they have nothing to loose and everything to gain, that sends goosebumps down my spine.
Also, it takes a great writer to make readers love their morally grey characters and cheer for them to get away with all the horrible things they've done. Which Ms. Sutanto is.
And I can't wait to read her future work.
January 24, 2022
I listened to the audio of this YA-thriller. The depiction was of bullying was so intense, I really felt for the main character. The narrator did a great job telling the story. In this school it’s survival of the fittest.
Lia Setiawan wins track scholarship to the prestigious Draycott Academy. Her first day there is crazy. She is warned not to upstage the popular girl on the track team. Desperate to keeping her scholarship, Lia brushes it off and blows her out of the water. This is when the bullying begins. She is being blackmailed by someone determined to get her thrown out of school. But why?
Harassed by her classmates and working endlessly to pass her impassable classes, Lia begins to uncover the many secrets at Draycott Academy. Not everyone is thrilled about Lia’s inquiries. In this school it is survival of the fittest,
Thank you to Netgalley and Tantor Audio for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Lia Setiawan wins track scholarship to the prestigious Draycott Academy. Her first day there is crazy. She is warned not to upstage the popular girl on the track team. Desperate to keeping her scholarship, Lia brushes it off and blows her out of the water. This is when the bullying begins. She is being blackmailed by someone determined to get her thrown out of school. But why?
Harassed by her classmates and working endlessly to pass her impassable classes, Lia begins to uncover the many secrets at Draycott Academy. Not everyone is thrilled about Lia’s inquiries. In this school it is survival of the fittest,
Thank you to Netgalley and Tantor Audio for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
February 26, 2022
If there is one thing Lia was consistent with in this book it was making the worst choice possible EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Despite my lower rating I did pretty much devour this two sittings because there were twists at every corner but I just never really felt much of anything for the characters. In the future I would definitely like the read this authors adult novels because I think they would work much better for me.
February 8, 2022
I’m sad. I loooved the aunties and I enjoyed The Obsession, but this one was a miss :(
I’m still looking forward to more Sutanto books because she’s one of my favorite authors!
I don’t have much to say about this one tbh, was a bit too dramatic for my liking, the only mvp was Stacey lol
I’m still looking forward to more Sutanto books because she’s one of my favorite authors!
I don’t have much to say about this one tbh, was a bit too dramatic for my liking, the only mvp was Stacey lol
September 23, 2022
Where do I start with this one?
Apparently people say her other books were good, so maybe I'll forgive this nonsense. And let me start by saying i understand that teenagers are ridiculously stupid. I was one, and my friends and I regularly joke that we're surprised we came out so unscathed considering the amount of questionable decisions we made. But this? This is next fucking level stupid.
If there was a bad choice to be made, Lia made it. Without question. And it was shockingly bad. Unbelievably bad. Not soap opera bad, but holy shit, bad. The cops were absurd, the administration of the school was painfully bad, and these kids were beyond. I know kids are awful, but this shit? I would've gone to the news and just shown them this stupid app and been like "Hi, there's drugs and bullying and cheating rings and the admin does nothing so let's blow this shit up." Because this is unlike anything I've ever considered to be even remotely logical.
Also, Danny continued to be a dick, the entire time, and she was shocked? LIA, GIRL, ENOUGH.
Oh, and if your main character literally has to say "do I do anything BUT cry in the shower anymore?" that means your MC is a whiny bitch that all of us hate. At one point I said out loud: "Please turn yourself in," because I'd rather the book ended with her going to prison, which she wouldn't have if she just went to the cops and told them what happened. He tripped and fell on a branch whilst attempting to murder her in the woods. Good god.
She should've shut the fuck up and gone back to her public school, where you are still allowed to get a college scholarship when you dominate the track world.
GOD I HATED THIS.
Apparently people say her other books were good, so maybe I'll forgive this nonsense. And let me start by saying i understand that teenagers are ridiculously stupid. I was one, and my friends and I regularly joke that we're surprised we came out so unscathed considering the amount of questionable decisions we made. But this? This is next fucking level stupid.
If there was a bad choice to be made, Lia made it. Without question. And it was shockingly bad. Unbelievably bad. Not soap opera bad, but holy shit, bad. The cops were absurd, the administration of the school was painfully bad, and these kids were beyond. I know kids are awful, but this shit? I would've gone to the news and just shown them this stupid app and been like "Hi, there's drugs and bullying and cheating rings and the admin does nothing so let's blow this shit up." Because this is unlike anything I've ever considered to be even remotely logical.
Also, Danny continued to be a dick, the entire time, and she was shocked? LIA, GIRL, ENOUGH.
Oh, and if your main character literally has to say "do I do anything BUT cry in the shower anymore?" that means your MC is a whiny bitch that all of us hate. At one point I said out loud: "Please turn yourself in," because I'd rather the book ended with her going to prison, which she wouldn't have if she just went to the cops and told them what happened. He tripped and fell on a branch whilst attempting to murder her in the woods. Good god.
She should've shut the fuck up and gone back to her public school, where you are still allowed to get a college scholarship when you dominate the track world.
GOD I HATED THIS.
February 19, 2022
Review published in: https://diagnosisbookaholic.blogspot....
3,5 ⭐️
After reading and LOVING “Dial A for aunties” last year, of course I had to read some of Jesse Q. Sutanto YA and, although in general I liked it, it didn’t came near her aunties series excellence. It probably wasn’t the book’s fault but my usual issues every time I read YA (it’s your typical “it’s not you, it’s me” conversation).
Lia has been granted a track scholarship to Draycott Academy, a prestigious boarding school. She feels she’s never fit in, and in her new environment she’s like a fish out of water. Soon she starts to uncover the school secrets and some of them will take a deadly turn, endangering her whole future.
With The New Girl I had the same problems I usually encounter with all these YA novels. I can never connect with the characters, and this time wasn’t the exception. On paper Lia had everything on her side for me to feel some kind of sympathy for her, but her stupid decisions over and over again made this a bit difficult. It was so frustrating!
The rest of the characters were even harder to connect with. They were your typical spoiled, entitled, rich kids with more money than brains. Talk about some toxic environment!
On the other hand it was good to see some representation in the cast of characters and the book addresses some interesting topics as privilege and racism. It also offered some insights into Indonesian culture and heritage and the conflict with Chinese-Indos, which I had no idea about.
The mystery had some unexpected moments I did not see coming and that held my interest for the most part. The audio performance was also good.
The whole story was a bit over the top, but fun and intriguing enough to keep you listening/reading. Besides, everything came together at the end, so that’s always a plus.
If you enjoy dark academia mysteries and YA, I’m sure you will like this one.
3,5 ⭐️
After reading and LOVING “Dial A for aunties” last year, of course I had to read some of Jesse Q. Sutanto YA and, although in general I liked it, it didn’t came near her aunties series excellence. It probably wasn’t the book’s fault but my usual issues every time I read YA (it’s your typical “it’s not you, it’s me” conversation).
Lia has been granted a track scholarship to Draycott Academy, a prestigious boarding school. She feels she’s never fit in, and in her new environment she’s like a fish out of water. Soon she starts to uncover the school secrets and some of them will take a deadly turn, endangering her whole future.
With The New Girl I had the same problems I usually encounter with all these YA novels. I can never connect with the characters, and this time wasn’t the exception. On paper Lia had everything on her side for me to feel some kind of sympathy for her, but her stupid decisions over and over again made this a bit difficult. It was so frustrating!
The rest of the characters were even harder to connect with. They were your typical spoiled, entitled, rich kids with more money than brains. Talk about some toxic environment!
On the other hand it was good to see some representation in the cast of characters and the book addresses some interesting topics as privilege and racism. It also offered some insights into Indonesian culture and heritage and the conflict with Chinese-Indos, which I had no idea about.
The mystery had some unexpected moments I did not see coming and that held my interest for the most part. The audio performance was also good.
The whole story was a bit over the top, but fun and intriguing enough to keep you listening/reading. Besides, everything came together at the end, so that’s always a plus.
If you enjoy dark academia mysteries and YA, I’m sure you will like this one.
January 27, 2022
Lia is a new girl to Draycott Academy on a scholarship. She is a new topic to gossip about in this crazy rich Asian school.
No matter how much she try to fit in, but still made enemies in a week, including a corrupt teacher. Well, this is a problem, if she cants pass his class, bye-bye university!
A corrupt teacher and bullies classmates are not all. Actually, the teacher is an easy problem, just change class, don't mess with this teacher. But, no, she should pull herself more in shit, forsake who start a fight with a teacher?!
Well, start with a bad teacher, unstable boyfriend, and continue with a shit murder, overdose, and drug dealing.
This was in the week I decided on contemporary and young adults books, not anymore, everything but right now life. After reading this book, listening actually, I break my oath and want to start another contemporary, other Jesse Sutanto book probably!
This is an amazing book, entertaining, funny, mess up, twisted, mysterious, and suspenseful. I liked the characters and nonstop listening to it which was enjoyable with the great narrator for different characters, and awesome performance in suspense moments.
Many Thanks to Tantor Audio via NetGalley for giving me a chance to listen to The New Girl by Jesse Q. Sutanto, Narrated by Eunice Wong, I have given my honest review.
No matter how much she try to fit in, but still made enemies in a week, including a corrupt teacher. Well, this is a problem, if she cants pass his class, bye-bye university!
A corrupt teacher and bullies classmates are not all. Actually, the teacher is an easy problem, just change class, don't mess with this teacher. But, no, she should pull herself more in shit, forsake who start a fight with a teacher?!
Well, start with a bad teacher, unstable boyfriend, and continue with a shit murder, overdose, and drug dealing.
This was in the week I decided on contemporary and young adults books, not anymore, everything but right now life. After reading this book, listening actually, I break my oath and want to start another contemporary, other Jesse Sutanto book probably!
This is an amazing book, entertaining, funny, mess up, twisted, mysterious, and suspenseful. I liked the characters and nonstop listening to it which was enjoyable with the great narrator for different characters, and awesome performance in suspense moments.
Many Thanks to Tantor Audio via NetGalley for giving me a chance to listen to The New Girl by Jesse Q. Sutanto, Narrated by Eunice Wong, I have given my honest review.
October 27, 2022
So much was wrong with this book.. I didn’t come in with high expectations and they Still weren’t met!
First off, the writing style???? I haven’t read something so cringy in my life. It was like a millennial trying to relive her youth😭😭😭My annotations for this alone were hilarious. Like who actually talks like that!!!!!!! It was horrible to read I wanted to actually tear my skin off
So much of the plot just didn’t add up I literally couldn’t keep up these plot lines were literally falling from the sky. It was like the author was throwing alphabet soup at a wall and seeing which letters would stick.
It was such an odd read I don’t recommend
First off, the writing style???? I haven’t read something so cringy in my life. It was like a millennial trying to relive her youth😭😭😭My annotations for this alone were hilarious. Like who actually talks like that!!!!!!! It was horrible to read I wanted to actually tear my skin off
So much of the plot just didn’t add up I literally couldn’t keep up these plot lines were literally falling from the sky. It was like the author was throwing alphabet soup at a wall and seeing which letters would stick.
It was such an odd read I don’t recommend
February 8, 2022
Lia Setiawan has never fit in. After winning a track scholarship to the prestigious Draycott Academy, she's determined to make a fresh start and try her best to fit in. But this world of wealth, privilege and power is more than she bargained for. From her very first day at Draycott Academy, she realizes how little she fits in (or wants to fit in) after witnessing a fellow student forcefully removed from campus after accusing a teacher of wrongdoing and upsetting the popular girls after upstaging one of them during a track meet.
Her chance at a fresh start crumbles around her as she becomes the target of a bullying campaign. Worst still, the teachers are turning a blind eye to the bullying and even engaging in corrupt behavior themselves.
Lia has found herself in a world fueled by drugs, violence and privilege and she has no idea how to escape.
This book is overly dramatic with explicit depictions of bullying and drug use. The world created in this book is so OTT as to be humorous. (I'm not sure that was the point, but I found it quite funny and found myself laughing out loud at times). The mystery was intriguing and satisfying. I also enjoyed the inclusion of Chinese-Indonesian culture. I learned a lot about Lia's heritage along the way and that was the highlight of the book for me.
For the not so great: I hated the romantic subplot. I'm not one for romance anyway, but it felt very rom-com and took away from the story. (Sorry...I just have such a low tolerance for lovey-dovey stuff lol).
I also listened to the audiobook and didn't care for the narration. If I had read the book instead, I feel like I would have enjoyed it more.
Overall, this was a fun little read that I recommend to anyone who enjoyed dark academia and/or YA mysteries.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Her chance at a fresh start crumbles around her as she becomes the target of a bullying campaign. Worst still, the teachers are turning a blind eye to the bullying and even engaging in corrupt behavior themselves.
Lia has found herself in a world fueled by drugs, violence and privilege and she has no idea how to escape.
This book is overly dramatic with explicit depictions of bullying and drug use. The world created in this book is so OTT as to be humorous. (I'm not sure that was the point, but I found it quite funny and found myself laughing out loud at times). The mystery was intriguing and satisfying. I also enjoyed the inclusion of Chinese-Indonesian culture. I learned a lot about Lia's heritage along the way and that was the highlight of the book for me.
For the not so great: I hated the romantic subplot. I'm not one for romance anyway, but it felt very rom-com and took away from the story. (Sorry...I just have such a low tolerance for lovey-dovey stuff lol).
I also listened to the audiobook and didn't care for the narration. If I had read the book instead, I feel like I would have enjoyed it more.
Overall, this was a fun little read that I recommend to anyone who enjoyed dark academia and/or YA mysteries.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2023
This book reminded me of Crazy Rich Asians but with Drugs, Murder and Teenage angst. The main character has transfer to a prestigious school full of stuck up rich kids. Everything is an obstacle for her, except finding a boyfriend. She finds out one of her teachers is allowing students in her class to buy grades. Then she uncovers a drug dealer on campus. Like any good thriller, it’s all related and by the end of the book the reader will know everything! Another quick, easy and twisty weekend read!
January 3, 2025
yay first book of the year!! 🪩🎆
this book is completely unrealistic and almost laughable to read🫠 I mean cmon, how does a random high schooler get away with MURDER and nobody catchers her?!? She didn’t even “dispose” of the body, just left it there! And how does said girl also get away with having 3 shoeboxes full of drugs just in her closet for weeks, and then planting those drugs on her “enemy” with nobody asking questions?? And also literally blackmailing her headmaster? I liked the premise and honestly liked the characters, but this author just tried putting way too much into the plot and didn’t pull it off well lol. Also let’s talk about Danny! First of all, they never even had the boyfriend/girlfriend talk, Lia just suddenly started calling him her BF. And secondly, bro just fully changed like a quarter into the book!? Like he went from sweet and caring to almost a full rage at moments notice to a dang crazy person!!! I will say that the book was exciting to read lol, I literally never knew what was coming next…i think that the plot is good but poorly executed. I love the rich, entitled boarding school setting tho! it’s the best murder mystery setting imo! So yeah, I would say this is a good, quick, okayish thriller for ppl who like elite boarding school/mean girl drama vibes!
tw’s; racism, classism, alcohol consumption, drug use, overdose, blood/gore
this book is completely unrealistic and almost laughable to read🫠 I mean cmon, how does a random high schooler get away with MURDER and nobody catchers her?!? She didn’t even “dispose” of the body, just left it there! And how does said girl also get away with having 3 shoeboxes full of drugs just in her closet for weeks, and then planting those drugs on her “enemy” with nobody asking questions?? And also literally blackmailing her headmaster? I liked the premise and honestly liked the characters, but this author just tried putting way too much into the plot and didn’t pull it off well lol. Also let’s talk about Danny! First of all, they never even had the boyfriend/girlfriend talk, Lia just suddenly started calling him her BF. And secondly, bro just fully changed like a quarter into the book!? Like he went from sweet and caring to almost a full rage at moments notice to a dang crazy person!!! I will say that the book was exciting to read lol, I literally never knew what was coming next…i think that the plot is good but poorly executed. I love the rich, entitled boarding school setting tho! it’s the best murder mystery setting imo! So yeah, I would say this is a good, quick, okayish thriller for ppl who like elite boarding school/mean girl drama vibes!
tw’s; racism, classism, alcohol consumption, drug use, overdose, blood/gore
April 26, 2025
This was actually pretty good fun. That damned school sounded like hell on earth and amongst the whole host of characters there are perhaps 3 that are likeable. The rest are rich and spoiled and totally irritating. The adults are corrupt and the kids are learning from them. I really enjoyed the nod to post secret, even if it was malicious. I have to be honest and say that I don’t think I was invested enough to continue the series.
Great narration!
Currently included with audible 🎧
Great narration!
Currently included with audible 🎧
March 3, 2022
I cant do it sorry just was not for me.
December 28, 2021
Lia Setiawan has never really fit in at her old school and this proves to be even more the case at her new one, after she receives a full scholarship to the prestigious and wealthy Draycott Academy. She is singled out by the school's online gossip app but her secrets aren't the only ones revealed there and Lia quickly learns that new rumours fly during every new school day. Staying under the radar is her main objective, but this proves difficult when the popular girl is her track rival and impossible when she can't seem to manage to juggle her academic and athletic responsibilities. As Lia begins to spiral she starts to discover that life at the Academy isn't all she anticipated and that something sinister might be lurking behind the picture-perfect façade.
Was this story a little overly-dramatic? Yes. But did it prove a fun and bloody read? Also, yes. Parts of this were eye-roll worthy ridiculous but, for the most part, it tackled difficult real-world topics with an intensity I enjoyed reading. I did guess one of the final reveals but that did not halt any prior immersion in the story-line or my desire to see Lia prevail in her seemingly never-ending fight for justice and equality.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Jesse Q. Sutanto , and the publisher, Sourcebooks Fire, for this opportunity.
Was this story a little overly-dramatic? Yes. But did it prove a fun and bloody read? Also, yes. Parts of this were eye-roll worthy ridiculous but, for the most part, it tackled difficult real-world topics with an intensity I enjoyed reading. I did guess one of the final reveals but that did not halt any prior immersion in the story-line or my desire to see Lia prevail in her seemingly never-ending fight for justice and equality.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Jesse Q. Sutanto , and the publisher, Sourcebooks Fire, for this opportunity.
dnf
February 11, 2022DNF at 30%
After absolutely loving Dial A for Aunties, I wanted to give The New Girl a try...but this book is a huge swing and miss for me.
I guess this is a YA thriller/mystery, but from what I've been able to read up to this point, there's just a lot of rich teenager drama that the MC (Lia) finds herself knee deep in at her new prestigious high school that she transferred to. I just don't find myself caring about the plot or any of the characters.
Also, in 2022, we really don't need to compare school settings to Hogwarts and make HP references especially with JKR being a TERF. That reference is first thing in chapter one, and it definitely left a sour taste in my mouth.
Thanks but no thanks.
After absolutely loving Dial A for Aunties, I wanted to give The New Girl a try...but this book is a huge swing and miss for me.
I guess this is a YA thriller/mystery, but from what I've been able to read up to this point, there's just a lot of rich teenager drama that the MC (Lia) finds herself knee deep in at her new prestigious high school that she transferred to. I just don't find myself caring about the plot or any of the characters.
Also, in 2022, we really don't need to compare school settings to Hogwarts and make HP references especially with JKR being a TERF. That reference is first thing in chapter one, and it definitely left a sour taste in my mouth.
Thanks but no thanks.
October 25, 2025
this night is pure magic ❞
꒰ 3.75 ·˚ ༘₊·꒱
This book was something alright. Right now, I’m having mixed emotions about it.
꒰ 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 🔪꒱ :
the fmc was good, she wasn’t my favorite and she made choices that were definitely questionable but tbf, i wouldn’t blame her either. especially being in that school where you could all tell they were screwed up. as soon as danny pulled that stunt ik sigh. the rest of the characters were like meh and ive forgotten most of them like two minutes after.. EXCEPT stacey. omg stacey was just an AMAZING character who omgg. i wish her and the mc were endgame.
minor spoilers ۶٩˙➡︎
꒰ 𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙩 💊꒱ : honestly, the action scenes with mr werner was nerve wracking. and with danny, i really liked that i had imagined the end scene like out perfectly . i love that feeling when books do that. the plot twists were pretty crazy too but don’t take my word for that, i need to read more thrillers and mysteries 😓.
꒰ overall 💉꒱ : it was a good thriller and i would definitely recommend and read it again ! did i mention i loved stacey? oh and the writing sometimes bothered me but other than that, it was great .
꒰ 3.75 ·˚ ༘₊·꒱
This book was something alright. Right now, I’m having mixed emotions about it.
꒰ 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 🔪꒱ :
the fmc was good, she wasn’t my favorite and she made choices that were definitely questionable but tbf, i wouldn’t blame her either. especially being in that school where you could all tell they were screwed up. as soon as danny pulled that stunt ik sigh. the rest of the characters were like meh and ive forgotten most of them like two minutes after.. EXCEPT stacey. omg stacey was just an AMAZING character who omgg. i wish her and the mc were endgame.
minor spoilers ۶٩˙➡︎
꒰ 𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙩 💊꒱ : honestly, the action scenes with mr werner was nerve wracking. and with danny, i really liked that i had imagined the end scene like out perfectly . i love that feeling when books do that. the plot twists were pretty crazy too but don’t take my word for that, i need to read more thrillers and mysteries 😓.
꒰ overall 💉꒱ : it was a good thriller and i would definitely recommend and read it again ! did i mention i loved stacey? oh and the writing sometimes bothered me but other than that, it was great .
January 31, 2022
I was pretty excited to read this book as I enjoyed two previous books, but unfortunately, this book did not work well for me. I thought I would see Delilah and her continuous story, but it turned out this book is a prequel. Nevertheless, I still suggest reading this series in order. Only bear in mind that The New Girl is a prequel that happens maybe two or three years before The Obsession.
The title speaks the story, The New Girl named Lia Setiawan gets a chance to enter a private school, Draycott Academy, on a track scholarship. She determines to do her best at this school, but nothing seems easier. She being bullied after taking the popular girl spot on the track team. Since then, her school life has been messy.
If you love YA thrillers based on school, you might like this one as this is a quick and twisty read, but it was not enough for me.
The book starts slow, around 100 first pages; it centered around Lia and her track field team issue, bullying, and her love relationship with Danny Wijaya (Chinese-Indonesian). At this time, I felt sorry for Lia because everything was going wrong for her, and many people were mistreating her.
The thriller parts didn't start until about 40%, which felt a little long after the scene about a girl being dragged out from the school by the security in chapter one. Nothing was happening initially, and suddenly everything was packed together, and it was being rushed by the end.
The thing I disliked about this book is the main character, Lia. I felt sorry for her at first, but I became irritated with her poor decisions. She tried to solve the issue, but it was thoughtless. Stop thinking that people will side with you with no evidence, and stop putting yourself in a situation you can't handle. It would be best to be patient and think carefully about what action you want to take.
It was so hard for me to like this book when I felt that the characters were annoying. The only character I liked was Stacey. This book is full of crazy twists and turns, even though it feels rushed and strange, but it all comes together in the end. The ending wasn't that surprising for me.
My rating: 2.5/5
Thank you, Times Reads for the review copy ✨
instagram.com/siriusiqa
The title speaks the story, The New Girl named Lia Setiawan gets a chance to enter a private school, Draycott Academy, on a track scholarship. She determines to do her best at this school, but nothing seems easier. She being bullied after taking the popular girl spot on the track team. Since then, her school life has been messy.
If you love YA thrillers based on school, you might like this one as this is a quick and twisty read, but it was not enough for me.
The book starts slow, around 100 first pages; it centered around Lia and her track field team issue, bullying, and her love relationship with Danny Wijaya (Chinese-Indonesian). At this time, I felt sorry for Lia because everything was going wrong for her, and many people were mistreating her.
The thriller parts didn't start until about 40%, which felt a little long after the scene about a girl being dragged out from the school by the security in chapter one. Nothing was happening initially, and suddenly everything was packed together, and it was being rushed by the end.
The thing I disliked about this book is the main character, Lia. I felt sorry for her at first, but I became irritated with her poor decisions. She tried to solve the issue, but it was thoughtless. Stop thinking that people will side with you with no evidence, and stop putting yourself in a situation you can't handle. It would be best to be patient and think carefully about what action you want to take.
It was so hard for me to like this book when I felt that the characters were annoying. The only character I liked was Stacey. This book is full of crazy twists and turns, even though it feels rushed and strange, but it all comes together in the end. The ending wasn't that surprising for me.
My rating: 2.5/5
Thank you, Times Reads for the review copy ✨
instagram.com/siriusiqa
May 30, 2022
Actual rating 2.5
“Who are you trying to protect? This isn’t your world, child. Give any of these kids here a chance and they’ll throw you under the bus, just to make sure this place keeps going, you know what I’m saying?”
This is my second book by Jesse Q. Sutanto. From comedy to the mystery is a big jump. So, I really wanted to try how she'll be able to switch from one genre to another.
Lia Setiawan, a girl from a humble background, got admission to Draycott Academy on a track scholarship. This prestigious academy is so rotten from the inside and Lia has to survive here to save her scholarship and future. She is a new target for bullying from students as well as teachers. Her only option is endless hard work but it is not also enough when so many complicated elements are part of one's life.
The starting of the book was really engaging but with the time, it started to get stretched and dull. The story was more focused on different character development and their bonding rather than the mystery part. There were a few interactions that I enjoyed but there wasn't any mind-blowing mysterious element. I really struggled to connect with any of the characters. By the end, I just wanted this book to finish.
“Quick, must say something mind-blowing. Something so hilarious and brilliant that he’ll immediately fall in love with me. I open my mouth. “Bwuh?”
“Who are you trying to protect? This isn’t your world, child. Give any of these kids here a chance and they’ll throw you under the bus, just to make sure this place keeps going, you know what I’m saying?”
This is my second book by Jesse Q. Sutanto. From comedy to the mystery is a big jump. So, I really wanted to try how she'll be able to switch from one genre to another.
Lia Setiawan, a girl from a humble background, got admission to Draycott Academy on a track scholarship. This prestigious academy is so rotten from the inside and Lia has to survive here to save her scholarship and future. She is a new target for bullying from students as well as teachers. Her only option is endless hard work but it is not also enough when so many complicated elements are part of one's life.
The starting of the book was really engaging but with the time, it started to get stretched and dull. The story was more focused on different character development and their bonding rather than the mystery part. There were a few interactions that I enjoyed but there wasn't any mind-blowing mysterious element. I really struggled to connect with any of the characters. By the end, I just wanted this book to finish.
“Quick, must say something mind-blowing. Something so hilarious and brilliant that he’ll immediately fall in love with me. I open my mouth. “Bwuh?”
November 2, 2022
3.5 rounded up
November 11, 2025
should have broke up where is the chemistry also authors need to stop with the instalove nobody likes it i am so embarrassed I know it's ya but they need to turn the horniness down also i don't know why everyone is so obsessed with Danny he have a personality of a swamp and the romance was so cringe he and lia really trying to fool me making me believe they are in love it did not work they kissed on page 78 and I have rolled my eyes at their every interaction I only liked the thriller aspect lia done nothing but whine at one point I started to imagine her as a child rather than a teenager and the bullying arc was dumb and uneassery it added nothing to the story bored me to death review to come
February 9, 2022
Jesse's books are a slog to get through. I didn't really like the Obsession so I'm not sure why I picked this one up. It bugs me when they add something like running and completely screw it up. There is no way Lia would be a star athlete with the drinking, the consistent lack of meals/eating and the overtraining.
Putting aside the running, Lia was annoying and stupid. I get that she's a teenager, but she made so many dumb choices. And I love when the teachers are just there to fill in the gaps of the story. If I walk up to a teacher and ask how someone else died, of course, they will give me specifics.
No more books from Jesse for me.
Putting aside the running, Lia was annoying and stupid. I get that she's a teenager, but she made so many dumb choices. And I love when the teachers are just there to fill in the gaps of the story. If I walk up to a teacher and ask how someone else died, of course, they will give me specifics.
No more books from Jesse for me.
March 14, 2022
I dnf’ed at pg 44🕺
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