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The Falling Girls
"A riveting, intimate portrayal of just how intense and all-consuming female friendships can be. Urgent and piercing, The Falling Girls is a gut-punch of a book." —Jessica Goodman, New York Times bestselling author of They Wish They Were Us and They'll Never Catch Us
From the author of the unforgettable Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf comes an intoxicating thriller about the dark paths female friendships can take, set against the backdrop of a high school cheerleading squad. Perfect for fans of Megan Abbott and Kathleen Glasgow.
Shade and Jadis are everything to each other. They share clothes, toothbrushes, and even matching stick-and-poke tattoos. So when Shade unexpectedly joins the cheerleading team, Jadis can hardly recognize who her best friend is becoming.
Shade loves the idea of falling into a group of girls; she loves the discipline it takes to push her body to the limits alongside these athletes . Most of all, Shade finds herself drawn to The Three Chloes—the insufferable trio that rules the squad—including the enigmatic cheer captain whose dark side is as compelling as it is alarming.
Jadis won't give Shade up so easily, though, and the pull between her old best friend and her new teammates takes a toll on Shade as she tries to forge her own path. So when one of the cheerleaders dies under mysterious circumstances, Shade is determined to get to the bottom of her death. Because she knows Jadis—and if her friend is responsible, doesn't that mean she is, too?
In this compelling, nuanced exploration of the layered, intoxicating relationships between teen girls, and all the darkness and light that exists between them, novelist Hayley Krischer weaves a story of loss and betrayal, and the deep reverberations felt at a friendship’s breaking point.
From the author of the unforgettable Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf comes an intoxicating thriller about the dark paths female friendships can take, set against the backdrop of a high school cheerleading squad. Perfect for fans of Megan Abbott and Kathleen Glasgow.
Shade and Jadis are everything to each other. They share clothes, toothbrushes, and even matching stick-and-poke tattoos. So when Shade unexpectedly joins the cheerleading team, Jadis can hardly recognize who her best friend is becoming.
Shade loves the idea of falling into a group of girls; she loves the discipline it takes to push her body to the limits alongside these athletes . Most of all, Shade finds herself drawn to The Three Chloes—the insufferable trio that rules the squad—including the enigmatic cheer captain whose dark side is as compelling as it is alarming.
Jadis won't give Shade up so easily, though, and the pull between her old best friend and her new teammates takes a toll on Shade as she tries to forge her own path. So when one of the cheerleaders dies under mysterious circumstances, Shade is determined to get to the bottom of her death. Because she knows Jadis—and if her friend is responsible, doesn't that mean she is, too?
In this compelling, nuanced exploration of the layered, intoxicating relationships between teen girls, and all the darkness and light that exists between them, novelist Hayley Krischer weaves a story of loss and betrayal, and the deep reverberations felt at a friendship’s breaking point.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 5, 2021
47 people are currently reading
7258 people want to read
About the author
Hayley Krischer
5 books207 followersHayley Krischer is the author of two young adult novels, SOMETHING HAPPENED TO ALI GREENLEAF and THE FALLING GIRLS. Her adult debut, WHERE ARE YOU, ECHO BLUE? comes out from Dutton July 16, 2024.
She has also written for many publications including The New York Times, Elle, Marie Claire, The New York Times Magazine and The Atlantic.
Hayley lives in New Jersey with her family.
She has also written for many publications including The New York Times, Elle, Marie Claire, The New York Times Magazine and The Atlantic.
Hayley lives in New Jersey with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
October 1, 2022
Actual rating: 3,5
I went into The Falling Girls without having real expectations. I knew it was a contemporary book with a dark tone, and that part was 100% right.
I know this is also generated as a mystery and although it has a mystery inside, I would rather call it a teen drama.
In fact, the whole story reminded me of a lifetime movie.
Did I love it? Absolutely!
I am an adult who read this novel that is aimed towards teenagers.
I am aware that some things I take differently then the appropriate age rang, and maybe my reasons for liking the story are completely different then they would be 15 years ago.
My favourite thing about this book is the exploration of female friendships that can be very unhealthy and how those friendships in teen years define future.
I appreciate how the author pictured possessive one on one relationship between friends and how even if it is usually comfortable to bond on such a strong level, it can also be destructive.
The other thing I appreciate is how Hayley Krischer showed us/told us that neglected kids often look for a substitute for absent parents in their friends and how they can become possessive.
The book was written in a simple, entertaining way that was easy to read.
The story was little predictable and the motive behind the crime was a bit stupid, but the author acknowledged it through character conversations, which pleasantly surprised me.
I want to say that I come from a country where cheerleading isn’t a part of the culture and all I know about it is what I learned from the movies.
This book made me think how hard and competitive that sport can be and how it’ it’s not appreciated enough.
I enjoyed my time with The Falleng Girls and would recommend it.
I went into The Falling Girls without having real expectations. I knew it was a contemporary book with a dark tone, and that part was 100% right.
I know this is also generated as a mystery and although it has a mystery inside, I would rather call it a teen drama.
In fact, the whole story reminded me of a lifetime movie.
Did I love it? Absolutely!
I am an adult who read this novel that is aimed towards teenagers.
I am aware that some things I take differently then the appropriate age rang, and maybe my reasons for liking the story are completely different then they would be 15 years ago.
My favourite thing about this book is the exploration of female friendships that can be very unhealthy and how those friendships in teen years define future.
I appreciate how the author pictured possessive one on one relationship between friends and how even if it is usually comfortable to bond on such a strong level, it can also be destructive.
The other thing I appreciate is how Hayley Krischer showed us/told us that neglected kids often look for a substitute for absent parents in their friends and how they can become possessive.
The book was written in a simple, entertaining way that was easy to read.
The story was little predictable and the motive behind the crime was a bit stupid, but the author acknowledged it through character conversations, which pleasantly surprised me.
I want to say that I come from a country where cheerleading isn’t a part of the culture and all I know about it is what I learned from the movies.
This book made me think how hard and competitive that sport can be and how it’ it’s not appreciated enough.
I enjoyed my time with The Falleng Girls and would recommend it.
January 19, 2022
A while back, there used to be a lot of stories about obsessive female friendships. Stories like Heavenly Creatures or Single White Female. Now that I think about it, even Carmilla, back in the 1800s, fits in this! But part of the appeal of these stories, at the time, was the spectre of lesbianism. As that fear became less culturally relevant or acceptable, those kinds of stories seemed to die out. Believe me, I’m glad that the monstrous lesbian is no longer a popular movie trope, but I do think there’s something really interesting about these stories. Especially in adolescence, friendships between girls can be all-consuming, The most important relationships in your life, The kind of people who shape your entire personality. The Falling Girls explores these relationships, the dangers and the appeal of them, without falling into old homophobic tropes.
Full review on the October 5th episode of All the Books.
Full review on the October 5th episode of All the Books.
September 2, 2021
The Falling Girls scrutinizes the powerful, all-consuming, ever-evolving relationship between teenage girls, aka best friends - how far they'll go for each other and how dark they'll go when they feel betrayed. While these relationships can be healthy, there's a fine line between close friendship and obsession. This is the story of what can happen when that line is crossed.
Shade and Jadis have been best friends forever - a pair of outsiders against the world. Their relationship is intricate as they feed off each other's energy - mimicking clothes, tats, moods, opinions, actions. When Shade admits to secretly trying out and becoming a member of the elite cheerleader team at school, a cult-like group led by three pompous girls all named Chloe, Jadis is stunned. Shade is forsaking her to be a silly cheerleader? Jadis perceives the betrayal as infidelity and vows that no one, not even the queen cheerleader, will come between them. Meantime, Shade is reveling with her new friends while attempting to maintain her friendship with a sullen Jadis. Intoxicated from becoming one of the cheer leader flyers and new intimate friend to captain cheerleader Chloe - much to the chagrin of Chloe's troubled best friend Chloe #2 - Shade hopes to have it all. Like Jadis, Chloe #2 is livid at Shade's position on the team and has no intention of relinquishing her spot as best friend to Chloe #1 without a fight. As the saying goes, "Don't get mad, get even". And so the treacherous games begin . . . and a cheerleader mysteriously dies. Was it a tragic accident . . . or murder?
The Falling Girls is the story of the dark, obsessive, often toxic, love/hate relationship that occurs between teenage girls when a line is crossed. A breakup between best friends is equivalent to a married couple divorcing with all the hurt, spitefulness and ugliness that follows. Krischer has brilliantly captured the raw, emotional turmoil suffered in these relationships while rendering a gutsy, disturbing tale of what happens when the balance of power between girls shifts and one is left grieving on the outside looking in while plotting her revenge. She explores the depth of teenage girls' possessiveness and beliefs that a person belongs with them with emphasis on how far they'll go to reclaim what they believe is rightfully theirs. Some may call it pettiness, but when it crosses the line from childish acts to obsessive, malicious endangerment, it's a disturbing, psychotic state of mind where anything is possible.
From the first few pages to The End, I devoured The Falling Girls. The dark undertone of malevolent intent emits creepy vibes and after the death of one of the girls, the mystery of who, why and how drives the story forward at a brisk pace as accusations are hurled and denied. The author nails the dark side of human nature along with the vicious attacks that occur between teenage girls when they feel betrayed and the resulting devastation occurring when they dole out retaliation. The Falling Girls is the dark, raw story of what happens when a friendship falls apart and love turns to hate. Of what happens when obsession is fueled by jealousy burning out of control until rage takes over body and mind. It's the story of one girl's journey from being a codependent in a toxic relationship to finding the strength and determination to stand on her own two feet and claim her own future. Highly recommended to fans of Young Adult Thrillers. 4.5 Stars
Thanks to Razorbill/Penquin Group for an arc of this book.
Review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine
Reviewed at: Cross My Heart Reviews
Shade and Jadis have been best friends forever - a pair of outsiders against the world. Their relationship is intricate as they feed off each other's energy - mimicking clothes, tats, moods, opinions, actions. When Shade admits to secretly trying out and becoming a member of the elite cheerleader team at school, a cult-like group led by three pompous girls all named Chloe, Jadis is stunned. Shade is forsaking her to be a silly cheerleader? Jadis perceives the betrayal as infidelity and vows that no one, not even the queen cheerleader, will come between them. Meantime, Shade is reveling with her new friends while attempting to maintain her friendship with a sullen Jadis. Intoxicated from becoming one of the cheer leader flyers and new intimate friend to captain cheerleader Chloe - much to the chagrin of Chloe's troubled best friend Chloe #2 - Shade hopes to have it all. Like Jadis, Chloe #2 is livid at Shade's position on the team and has no intention of relinquishing her spot as best friend to Chloe #1 without a fight. As the saying goes, "Don't get mad, get even". And so the treacherous games begin . . . and a cheerleader mysteriously dies. Was it a tragic accident . . . or murder?
The Falling Girls is the story of the dark, obsessive, often toxic, love/hate relationship that occurs between teenage girls when a line is crossed. A breakup between best friends is equivalent to a married couple divorcing with all the hurt, spitefulness and ugliness that follows. Krischer has brilliantly captured the raw, emotional turmoil suffered in these relationships while rendering a gutsy, disturbing tale of what happens when the balance of power between girls shifts and one is left grieving on the outside looking in while plotting her revenge. She explores the depth of teenage girls' possessiveness and beliefs that a person belongs with them with emphasis on how far they'll go to reclaim what they believe is rightfully theirs. Some may call it pettiness, but when it crosses the line from childish acts to obsessive, malicious endangerment, it's a disturbing, psychotic state of mind where anything is possible.
From the first few pages to The End, I devoured The Falling Girls. The dark undertone of malevolent intent emits creepy vibes and after the death of one of the girls, the mystery of who, why and how drives the story forward at a brisk pace as accusations are hurled and denied. The author nails the dark side of human nature along with the vicious attacks that occur between teenage girls when they feel betrayed and the resulting devastation occurring when they dole out retaliation. The Falling Girls is the dark, raw story of what happens when a friendship falls apart and love turns to hate. Of what happens when obsession is fueled by jealousy burning out of control until rage takes over body and mind. It's the story of one girl's journey from being a codependent in a toxic relationship to finding the strength and determination to stand on her own two feet and claim her own future. Highly recommended to fans of Young Adult Thrillers. 4.5 Stars
Thanks to Razorbill/Penquin Group for an arc of this book.
Review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine
Reviewed at: Cross My Heart Reviews
Want to read
August 13, 2021if you didn't have an obsessive, homoerotic, deeply confidential friendship with a girl that you would kill for in high school then i can't relate to you.
this book is for bitches who love Megan Abbott's The Dare and have been waiting for more.
also, this cover SLAPS!
this book is for bitches who love Megan Abbott's The Dare and have been waiting for more.
also, this cover SLAPS!
May 28, 2023
Let's be honest, I want to read this because it sounds like Heathers.
February 28, 2022
If you're a fan of the movie Heathers, then you'll love the Chloes.
There's just something super satisfying about seeing 'Mean Girls' get their comeuppance. While the Chloes were a big highlight of this book, there are so many interesting themes explored.
The exploration of toxic female relationship was so riveting while simultaneously making the reading uncomfortable. Shade and Jadis have a friendship built on codependency and obsession. It's captivating. It's unnerving. And it's dark!
There are also some sapphic elements to this story that I really enjoyed. I wish this had been explored more in depth, but at the same time appreciate the ambiguity of the relationship.
The murder mystery was secondary to the relationships. I found them much more interesting and that's what kept me reading. If you're a fan of YA, the exploration of YA relationships, a fan of the movie Heathers or just want a nostalgic trip down memory lane to your High School days, give this one a read.
There's just something super satisfying about seeing 'Mean Girls' get their comeuppance. While the Chloes were a big highlight of this book, there are so many interesting themes explored.
The exploration of toxic female relationship was so riveting while simultaneously making the reading uncomfortable. Shade and Jadis have a friendship built on codependency and obsession. It's captivating. It's unnerving. And it's dark!
There are also some sapphic elements to this story that I really enjoyed. I wish this had been explored more in depth, but at the same time appreciate the ambiguity of the relationship.
The murder mystery was secondary to the relationships. I found them much more interesting and that's what kept me reading. If you're a fan of YA, the exploration of YA relationships, a fan of the movie Heathers or just want a nostalgic trip down memory lane to your High School days, give this one a read.
August 26, 2021
A riveting, intimate portrayal of just how intense and all-consuming female friendships can be. Urgent and piercing, The Falling Girls is a gut-punch of a book. Hayley Krischer’s latest novel is not to be missed.
September 17, 2022
This book wasn’t what I expected at all! But not in a bad way. It’s about friendship and how toxic it can be. It was interesting how this story turned. There’s a sapphic side relationship 🏳️🌈
December 31, 2021
I’m such a sucker for any story about toxic or overly dependent friendships between young women. If it has the vibes of Heathers or Thirteen I’m most likely gonna love it. And then add in showing the dark underbelly of some activity that’s thought of as traditionally feminine like cheerleading, gymnastics, or ballet and you’ve basically got my perfect book.
I can understand why this won’t work for everyone. The characters aren’t always likeable and they do fucked up things. But that’s something that I really love in books. I enjoyed seeing the tension between Shade and Jadis as Shade joins the cheerleading team and doesn’t have as much time for their friendship. I loved how dark the story got at times and the mystery of what actually happened to cause the death of one of the cheerleaders.
I can understand why this won’t work for everyone. The characters aren’t always likeable and they do fucked up things. But that’s something that I really love in books. I enjoyed seeing the tension between Shade and Jadis as Shade joins the cheerleading team and doesn’t have as much time for their friendship. I loved how dark the story got at times and the mystery of what actually happened to cause the death of one of the cheerleaders.
Want to read
April 17, 2022Not sure how I feel about them sharing toothbrushes, but oh well, the cover's pretty
October 31, 2021
4/5 stars, not what I was expecting!
Thank you Penguin Teen for the arc through Netgalley and the physical copy in exchange for an honest review!
The story of this book was a lot different than what I was expecting, but I think that's actually a good thing. I only went into this knowing it was about a group of girls on the cheerleading team, and detailing their time on it. It's a story about murder, jealousy, hate, complicated friendships, and the threats of young adulthood.
The story follows Shade and Jadis, two best friends who are literally everything to each other. So when Shade makes the decision to join the school cheerleading team, a dream since she was little, Jadis can hardly recognize her best friend. Shade loves the feeling of falling into the group, and is finding herself drawn to the three Chloes--the three insufferable girls who run the squad. Their leader's dark side is just as compelling as it is her public side. But Jadis doesn't want her friend to go as easily, and when one of the cheerleaders dies under mysterious circumstances Shade is determined to get to the bottom of her death.
My shock from the story going a separate way from what I was thinking might have to with me not reading the full synopsis. I have gone out on a limb in the past year with a few ARCs, (advanced reader copies), as I wanted to expand my reading tastes. This was one that I just wanted to try out but I am generally glad I did. As I said before, it was a lot more than what I was expecting.
There were just a few things I had problems with, one being the pacing at some parts of the book. For the majority, it felt very compelling and I wanted to keep reading. But there were a few moments in the story I just, did not feel invested. Plot points seemed to jump out and then the pacing of the mysterious aspects leveled out. I think that this is something that comes with practice though, and for a debut novel it really wasn't that bad.
Most of the characters were very interesting to read about, Shade was pretty much your average teenage girl but she had a drive to her I admired. Even the three Chloes, the obvious heathers of the story, were compelling and had layers to them. Jadis was a bit cliche, and I really didn't like her as a person but acknowledged her traumas & what she went through. I think everyone in this book had a little bit of a splinter in them, of trauma or discomfort in the general lives. Which is usually how real life goes, so I appreciated the representation of that being so real.
A few of my favorite things about this book include the descriptions of her cheerleading practice, and the author's show of toxic friendships. I am a dancer myself so I can always relate to other athletes, and I really enjoy seeing how others do things. I read a book earlier this year about cross country runners, and now this, and one thing we all seem to have in common is the feeling of adrenaline. When the authors describe it through the characters, I know exactly what they mean, which is really nice to relate to, even if it seems boring to some. There is also an abundance of toxic friendships in this book, and the author addresses that towards the end. You can love someone and they can be bad for you, so sometimes you must love them at a distance. That's something that happens all to often in real life and I did appreciate the author sending that message.
Overall, an okay story one that I had a fun time reading. I probably won't think about it that often in the future, so I might have to bring the rating down. And yet I did enjoy my time reading it when I really got into it.
[TW: alcohol use, drug use, death of a friend, death of a parent, being drunk, head injuries, overdosing]
Thank you Penguin Teen for the arc through Netgalley and the physical copy in exchange for an honest review!
The story of this book was a lot different than what I was expecting, but I think that's actually a good thing. I only went into this knowing it was about a group of girls on the cheerleading team, and detailing their time on it. It's a story about murder, jealousy, hate, complicated friendships, and the threats of young adulthood.
The story follows Shade and Jadis, two best friends who are literally everything to each other. So when Shade makes the decision to join the school cheerleading team, a dream since she was little, Jadis can hardly recognize her best friend. Shade loves the feeling of falling into the group, and is finding herself drawn to the three Chloes--the three insufferable girls who run the squad. Their leader's dark side is just as compelling as it is her public side. But Jadis doesn't want her friend to go as easily, and when one of the cheerleaders dies under mysterious circumstances Shade is determined to get to the bottom of her death.
My shock from the story going a separate way from what I was thinking might have to with me not reading the full synopsis. I have gone out on a limb in the past year with a few ARCs, (advanced reader copies), as I wanted to expand my reading tastes. This was one that I just wanted to try out but I am generally glad I did. As I said before, it was a lot more than what I was expecting.
There were just a few things I had problems with, one being the pacing at some parts of the book. For the majority, it felt very compelling and I wanted to keep reading. But there were a few moments in the story I just, did not feel invested. Plot points seemed to jump out and then the pacing of the mysterious aspects leveled out. I think that this is something that comes with practice though, and for a debut novel it really wasn't that bad.
Most of the characters were very interesting to read about, Shade was pretty much your average teenage girl but she had a drive to her I admired. Even the three Chloes, the obvious heathers of the story, were compelling and had layers to them. Jadis was a bit cliche, and I really didn't like her as a person but acknowledged her traumas & what she went through. I think everyone in this book had a little bit of a splinter in them, of trauma or discomfort in the general lives. Which is usually how real life goes, so I appreciated the representation of that being so real.
A few of my favorite things about this book include the descriptions of her cheerleading practice, and the author's show of toxic friendships. I am a dancer myself so I can always relate to other athletes, and I really enjoy seeing how others do things. I read a book earlier this year about cross country runners, and now this, and one thing we all seem to have in common is the feeling of adrenaline. When the authors describe it through the characters, I know exactly what they mean, which is really nice to relate to, even if it seems boring to some. There is also an abundance of toxic friendships in this book, and the author addresses that towards the end. You can love someone and they can be bad for you, so sometimes you must love them at a distance. That's something that happens all to often in real life and I did appreciate the author sending that message.
Overall, an okay story one that I had a fun time reading. I probably won't think about it that often in the future, so I might have to bring the rating down. And yet I did enjoy my time reading it when I really got into it.
[TW: alcohol use, drug use, death of a friend, death of a parent, being drunk, head injuries, overdosing]
September 24, 2021
Rating: 3/5 stars
TW: Drug use, toxic relationships, murder
I received a copy of this book as an e-ARC from NetGalley and Penguin Teen. Any and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Shade and Jadis have been as close as sisters for as long as they can remember. They've never really separated from each other, that is until Shade chooses to join the school's cheerleading team and befriending the hierarchy that is the Chloes. Will Shade and Jadis's friendship survive in this near feminist retelling of Heathers?
I should have expected this book to have as much drama as it did. You couldn't go a page without there being some kind of argument or internal debate from Shade about said arguments. And some of it felt really petty, like the ones that girls from high school hold on to for years afterwards. Which leads me to one of the disappointments about this book, that being the dialogue. There are so many moments that build up to be this big, memorable argument or discussion that could really help turn the tides of the novel, but they get cut off halfway through the dialogue like that was the end of it. There could have been so much more development if that were extended longer.
Speaking of longer, this book needed at least 50 or more pages. This story was only 320 pages, and as a result felt like it missed out on a lot of good opportunities to either make commentary about the modern cheerleading world or to develop the characters. In the author's note, Krischer discusses the blatant racism in the sport and how there is also a lot of sexual harassment towards cheerleaders because of what they do. But is any of this featured in the novel? Nope. It's cast aside to make room for, you guessed it, more drama. If the author had more pages, it would have helped make this a more well-rounded novel.
In terms of characters, I was REALLY hoping for two characters to get together and it never happened. There was a LOT of queer-coded language in the first half of this novel that I really wished it would have played through but got severely disappointed when it didn't. Yeah, Jadis is gay herself, but you can't read this and tell me that some of the other characters aren't gay. Otherwise, it was hard to connect myself to them, mostly because of the amount of drama as well as the fact that I have never been a cheerleader.
However, I will add that I think the toxic relationship aspect of this story was done in a decent manner. Wanting to stay with the "friend" even though they hurt you in the most ways possible, still wanting to cling on to what you have, even though it's a thread at this point. I've been in a few of these and it was nice to see it play out this way.
The mystery aspect of this story did need more development and nuance to it, in my personal opinion. The main mystery doesn't occur until 50% through the book, and it nagged at me how simply solving the mystery just ended. It could have had more build-up, and I for sure guessed who the killer was. It was very obvious.
If you like Heathers or just love drama, The Falling Girls is for you. However for me, The Falling Girls ended up falling short.
TW: Drug use, toxic relationships, murder
I received a copy of this book as an e-ARC from NetGalley and Penguin Teen. Any and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Shade and Jadis have been as close as sisters for as long as they can remember. They've never really separated from each other, that is until Shade chooses to join the school's cheerleading team and befriending the hierarchy that is the Chloes. Will Shade and Jadis's friendship survive in this near feminist retelling of Heathers?
I should have expected this book to have as much drama as it did. You couldn't go a page without there being some kind of argument or internal debate from Shade about said arguments. And some of it felt really petty, like the ones that girls from high school hold on to for years afterwards. Which leads me to one of the disappointments about this book, that being the dialogue. There are so many moments that build up to be this big, memorable argument or discussion that could really help turn the tides of the novel, but they get cut off halfway through the dialogue like that was the end of it. There could have been so much more development if that were extended longer.
Speaking of longer, this book needed at least 50 or more pages. This story was only 320 pages, and as a result felt like it missed out on a lot of good opportunities to either make commentary about the modern cheerleading world or to develop the characters. In the author's note, Krischer discusses the blatant racism in the sport and how there is also a lot of sexual harassment towards cheerleaders because of what they do. But is any of this featured in the novel? Nope. It's cast aside to make room for, you guessed it, more drama. If the author had more pages, it would have helped make this a more well-rounded novel.
In terms of characters, I was REALLY hoping for two characters to get together and it never happened. There was a LOT of queer-coded language in the first half of this novel that I really wished it would have played through but got severely disappointed when it didn't. Yeah, Jadis is gay herself, but you can't read this and tell me that some of the other characters aren't gay. Otherwise, it was hard to connect myself to them, mostly because of the amount of drama as well as the fact that I have never been a cheerleader.
However, I will add that I think the toxic relationship aspect of this story was done in a decent manner. Wanting to stay with the "friend" even though they hurt you in the most ways possible, still wanting to cling on to what you have, even though it's a thread at this point. I've been in a few of these and it was nice to see it play out this way.
The mystery aspect of this story did need more development and nuance to it, in my personal opinion. The main mystery doesn't occur until 50% through the book, and it nagged at me how simply solving the mystery just ended. It could have had more build-up, and I for sure guessed who the killer was. It was very obvious.
If you like Heathers or just love drama, The Falling Girls is for you. However for me, The Falling Girls ended up falling short.
October 1, 2021
Thank you to Penguin teen and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
In a similar vein to The Heather, The Falling Girls explores female friendships, how these relationships can become codependent/unhealthy and how the end of such formative relationships affects them.
I really thought this was going to be a cutesy little romance/contemporary story. What a got was a lot darker than that. This even borders on a thriller at times. What I know for certain is that this book blew my expectations out of the water and took me on a ride I wasn't expecting.
I loved the focus on female friendship, how important friendships are and how ugly it can get when those relationships turn bad or end. This book centers several friend relationships and I loved seeing how all of them were explored. Shade was such a great narrator. I loved how we saw her grow into herself and become more confident after she joined the cheer team. Cheerleading is absolutely a sport and I will fight anyone who says differently.
This book also has very little romance. The only romance is between side characters in relationships. I liked that friendship got the spotlight here compared to romance. It's such a nice switch for a YA contemporary.
Rep: female MC, lesbian female side character, sapphic female side character, Indian-American female side character, Black female side character.
CWs: Alcohol consumption (underage), blood, body shaming, bullying, death, drug use, drug overdose, emotional abuse, fatphobia, gaslighting, grief, injury/injury detail, murder, toxic friendship/codependency.
In a similar vein to The Heather, The Falling Girls explores female friendships, how these relationships can become codependent/unhealthy and how the end of such formative relationships affects them.
I really thought this was going to be a cutesy little romance/contemporary story. What a got was a lot darker than that. This even borders on a thriller at times. What I know for certain is that this book blew my expectations out of the water and took me on a ride I wasn't expecting.
I loved the focus on female friendship, how important friendships are and how ugly it can get when those relationships turn bad or end. This book centers several friend relationships and I loved seeing how all of them were explored. Shade was such a great narrator. I loved how we saw her grow into herself and become more confident after she joined the cheer team. Cheerleading is absolutely a sport and I will fight anyone who says differently.
This book also has very little romance. The only romance is between side characters in relationships. I liked that friendship got the spotlight here compared to romance. It's such a nice switch for a YA contemporary.
Rep: female MC, lesbian female side character, sapphic female side character, Indian-American female side character, Black female side character.
CWs: Alcohol consumption (underage), blood, body shaming, bullying, death, drug use, drug overdose, emotional abuse, fatphobia, gaslighting, grief, injury/injury detail, murder, toxic friendship/codependency.
June 21, 2022
I rounded this up slightly, I think it falls somewhere around the 3.75 camp, for me.
There was a lot to like about this book, for me. The obsessive nature of teen girl friendship is one of my fav tropes, and I found all the different dynamics between Shade, Jadis, and the three Chloe’s really interesting (also, Shade and Zoe). There is so much going on there. I also really liked the complex relationship with Shade and her mother. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but I’ll def look out for others. I’ve always really liked this narrator, she’s got a great voice for younger sounding women.
There was a lot to like about this book, for me. The obsessive nature of teen girl friendship is one of my fav tropes, and I found all the different dynamics between Shade, Jadis, and the three Chloe’s really interesting (also, Shade and Zoe). There is so much going on there. I also really liked the complex relationship with Shade and her mother. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but I’ll def look out for others. I’ve always really liked this narrator, she’s got a great voice for younger sounding women.
October 14, 2021
I went into this book completely blind, and it’s safe to say that I was very pleasantly surprised!
The relationship between Jadis and Shade is not one to be desired. It’s a very addictive, obsessive kind of friendship that thrives on loneliness and exclusion, yet I loved seeing it, witnessing their very intense yet profound love and admiration for one another.
I loved that we got an insight into not just Jadis and Shade’s family, their backgrounds, but the other characters too, and it was done so in a very natural way, especially given that this story is told in first person (from Shade’s perspective).
The only issue that I took from this book was that the build-up felt quite slow. It felt as though I was waiting for the events that happened in the prologue for a really long time, but at the halfway mark of the book it still hadn’t happened.
I understand that there was a lot of character building and that there needed to be a strong emphasis on the toxicity of Jadis and Shade’s relationship, as well as the newfound friendships Shade formed with the cheerleaders, but it felt a little bit overkill to me.
For that reason only, I had to drop it down from a 5/5.
That being said, The Falling Girls is a terrific book with wonderful storytelling and a gripping premise. There was, perhaps, a couple of flaws in its execution, but nevertheless a very intriguing read.
A hearty 4/5 stars! ⭐️
The relationship between Jadis and Shade is not one to be desired. It’s a very addictive, obsessive kind of friendship that thrives on loneliness and exclusion, yet I loved seeing it, witnessing their very intense yet profound love and admiration for one another.
I loved that we got an insight into not just Jadis and Shade’s family, their backgrounds, but the other characters too, and it was done so in a very natural way, especially given that this story is told in first person (from Shade’s perspective).
The only issue that I took from this book was that the build-up felt quite slow. It felt as though I was waiting for the events that happened in the prologue for a really long time, but at the halfway mark of the book it still hadn’t happened.
I understand that there was a lot of character building and that there needed to be a strong emphasis on the toxicity of Jadis and Shade’s relationship, as well as the newfound friendships Shade formed with the cheerleaders, but it felt a little bit overkill to me.
For that reason only, I had to drop it down from a 5/5.
That being said, The Falling Girls is a terrific book with wonderful storytelling and a gripping premise. There was, perhaps, a couple of flaws in its execution, but nevertheless a very intriguing read.
A hearty 4/5 stars! ⭐️
December 8, 2021
Oh to have an obsessive homoerotic relationship with your best friend that ends in murder.
The Falling Girls is about a girl named Shade and her best friend Jadis. They are each other's entire world but when Shade joins the cheerleading squad, Jadis feels left out. Shade loves cheerleading and is drawn to three compelling girls named Chloe. Jadis won't let Shade go easily though and the pull between her new teammates and her best friend takes a toll on her. When one of the cheerleaders dies under mysterious circumstances, Shade is determined to get to the bottom of it.
This was so camp. It was so interesting to listen to- all the cheerleading things, best friend dynamics, and then murder. It didn't really go the way I thought it would though, it felt like maybe the author didn't want to take it all the way? But nonetheless I was interested the whole time.
Obsessive female friendships and friendship break ups are so fascinating, as someone who has been there done that. Obviously not anywhere near this level but... felt. Very happy to be an adult and not have volatile friendships like this now though! Love my friends!! Wouldn't do any of this!!
A very entertaining read. Good audiobook.
The Falling Girls is about a girl named Shade and her best friend Jadis. They are each other's entire world but when Shade joins the cheerleading squad, Jadis feels left out. Shade loves cheerleading and is drawn to three compelling girls named Chloe. Jadis won't let Shade go easily though and the pull between her new teammates and her best friend takes a toll on her. When one of the cheerleaders dies under mysterious circumstances, Shade is determined to get to the bottom of it.
This was so camp. It was so interesting to listen to- all the cheerleading things, best friend dynamics, and then murder. It didn't really go the way I thought it would though, it felt like maybe the author didn't want to take it all the way? But nonetheless I was interested the whole time.
Obsessive female friendships and friendship break ups are so fascinating, as someone who has been there done that. Obviously not anywhere near this level but... felt. Very happy to be an adult and not have volatile friendships like this now though! Love my friends!! Wouldn't do any of this!!
A very entertaining read. Good audiobook.
July 22, 2021
Oh my GOD!!! I won an ARC in an Instagram giveaway, and I’m obsessed!! This book was so much fun, it was such a fast paced and engaging read that I literally did not put it down. Krischer puts her own twist on the classic high school mean girls, and she pulls it off well. Put this on your list for October, you won’t regret it!!
December 31, 2021
This book is absolutely everything. It filled the Megan Abbott shaped hole in my heart perfectly. Complicated and morally ambiguous teenage girl friendships and murder and cheerleading as the sport it is. I loved it.
Want to read
January 6, 2024reading this for the obsessive female friendships and the heathers vibe
January 21, 2026
This book would’ve worked If It was a movie instead
October 10, 2021
This book had potential. Cheerleader murder mysteries always sound fun. But this was so boring. So predictable. So contrived. There was nothing that made this stand out to me. It’s heathers meets mean girls meets 2010 Wattpad novel—but I’ve enjoyed things I’ve read on Wattpad much more than this. I didn’t like Shade. I didn’t like any of the Chloes. I didn’t like Jadis. I couldn’t get myself to care about any of the characters, none of them had real motives, and the killer was extremely predictable and also really didn’t make sense as the killer except for the fact that the “foreshadowing” was really just making it so obvious that it was that person. None of the characters had personalities, motives, goals, or lives outside of the cliche roles they played.
I also had an issue with the writing. It was painful for me to read. I think that’s more about it not being my style than a fault of the author. At least 80% of the story was told through internal monologue and narrative summary from Shades POV with very little dialogue or like, active action. Which not only do I find boring in general when books are narrated this way, but because I didn’t like Shade’s character, it became borderline intolerable at points.
Also, Shade had so much chemistry with every girl she became close to. She kept saying she was straight, but I kept expecting her to hook up with Jadis and/or Chloe Orbach the whole first half of the book. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, it was just a weird strand of the story that was never elaborated on at all—I’m not sure the author even did it on purpose.
So, would I recommend this book? No. I didn’t enjoy it, but if you think it’s something you’d really enjoy and the things I pointed out don’t bother you, it could be worth a shot.
—
The premise was interesting, but it was a bit of a cliche and nothing was done to make it stand out. The mystery was predictable. So. Meh. But the part that really bothered me was the writing style. I don’t know if it was objectively bad, or just really not my vibe, but I found it almost painful to get through at times. I’ll elaborate tomorrow.
I also had an issue with the writing. It was painful for me to read. I think that’s more about it not being my style than a fault of the author. At least 80% of the story was told through internal monologue and narrative summary from Shades POV with very little dialogue or like, active action. Which not only do I find boring in general when books are narrated this way, but because I didn’t like Shade’s character, it became borderline intolerable at points.
Also, Shade had so much chemistry with every girl she became close to. She kept saying she was straight, but I kept expecting her to hook up with Jadis and/or Chloe Orbach the whole first half of the book. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, it was just a weird strand of the story that was never elaborated on at all—I’m not sure the author even did it on purpose.
So, would I recommend this book? No. I didn’t enjoy it, but if you think it’s something you’d really enjoy and the things I pointed out don’t bother you, it could be worth a shot.
—
The premise was interesting, but it was a bit of a cliche and nothing was done to make it stand out. The mystery was predictable. So. Meh. But the part that really bothered me was the writing style. I don’t know if it was objectively bad, or just really not my vibe, but I found it almost painful to get through at times. I’ll elaborate tomorrow.
December 20, 2021
okay so i really enjoyed this book (the 1 star docked is bc i despise first person story telling but i think it fit here but i still didn’t like it). it’s an interesting dissection of close knit female friendships and how they’re often very unhealthy for those involved but by the time it gets to the unhealthy part you’re too invested and feel like you can’t leave. honestly it reminded me of a friendship i had in middle school. like it’s jarring to see a character display traits that i witnessed first hand and overlooked. seeing it in book form was disconcerting and made me wonder how i didn’t realize the toxicity of the situation sooner. overall, the novel does a wonderful job at examining women and their best friendships that often feel like romantic relationships after they’ve ended in a compelling high pressure environment (a high school cheer team).
September 10, 2021
Trigger warnings:
I had such a good time reading this book. It's dark and captivating and I loved how it explored female friendships. Full review coming soon :)
Thank you so much to Penguin Random House International for sending me an e-arc of this book through NetGalley. This did not, in any way, influence my thoughts and rating.
My Blog - Drizzle & Hurricane Books - Twitter - Bookstagram - Bloglovin'
I had such a good time reading this book. It's dark and captivating and I loved how it explored female friendships. Full review coming soon :)
Thank you so much to Penguin Random House International for sending me an e-arc of this book through NetGalley. This did not, in any way, influence my thoughts and rating.
My Blog - Drizzle & Hurricane Books - Twitter - Bookstagram - Bloglovin'
November 26, 2021
A look into the toxic, obsessive, and sometimes hateful relationships teenage girls share with their friends. This book was so fucking riveting I could hardly put it down. It kept me on my toes and shocked me over and over again. I loved it! Straight onto the favourites shelf.
October 27, 2023
3.5 ⭐
it was a good book it just felt like it was missing something.
the mystery was a bit bland. I enjoyed the characters though! I did also enjoy the writing.
it was a good book it just felt like it was missing something.
the mystery was a bit bland. I enjoyed the characters though! I did also enjoy the writing.
November 29, 2021
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*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
Shade and Jadis are inseparable best friends for as long as they both can remember. When Shade joins the cheerleading squad, Jadis feels left behind. Then one of the cheerleaders dies under mysterious circumstances and Shade isn't convinced that Jadis wasn't behind it.
This story about a complicated, toxic relationship was super fun and highly addictive. The story was fast-paced, drama-filled, and had me turning the pages non-stop. The exploration of the obsessive female friendship was interesting, and I enjoyed learning more about Shade and Jadis as the story progressed. I think that the plot was entertaining and definitely kept me hooked throughout the entire thing. I also really loved the cheerleading stunts in this, I enjoyed the descriptions and the athleticism described by the author when it comes to cheerleading. I listened to this on audio, and I think that the narrator did a really great job with these characters' voices.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
Shade and Jadis are inseparable best friends for as long as they both can remember. When Shade joins the cheerleading squad, Jadis feels left behind. Then one of the cheerleaders dies under mysterious circumstances and Shade isn't convinced that Jadis wasn't behind it.
This story about a complicated, toxic relationship was super fun and highly addictive. The story was fast-paced, drama-filled, and had me turning the pages non-stop. The exploration of the obsessive female friendship was interesting, and I enjoyed learning more about Shade and Jadis as the story progressed. I think that the plot was entertaining and definitely kept me hooked throughout the entire thing. I also really loved the cheerleading stunts in this, I enjoyed the descriptions and the athleticism described by the author when it comes to cheerleading. I listened to this on audio, and I think that the narrator did a really great job with these characters' voices.
June 30, 2024
2.5 stars
Well written and accurately portrays the darker side of female friendships and codependency, but I had a difficult time getting into the plot. It dragged for the majority of the book and was not as fleshed out as the characters. The plot also turned to be a bit predicable and unrealistic regarding law enforcement involvement. Unfortunately forgettable for me.
Favorite scene in the book: when Shade asks her mom if Jadis is a good friend & her mom replies that Jadis a person that has endured so much & has so much of her own issues, therefore her main focus is on survival. Excellent way of putting it.
Well written and accurately portrays the darker side of female friendships and codependency, but I had a difficult time getting into the plot. It dragged for the majority of the book and was not as fleshed out as the characters. The plot also turned to be a bit predicable and unrealistic regarding law enforcement involvement. Unfortunately forgettable for me.
Favorite scene in the book: when Shade asks her mom if Jadis is a good friend & her mom replies that Jadis a person that has endured so much & has so much of her own issues, therefore her main focus is on survival. Excellent way of putting it.
September 30, 2021
If you're a fan of HEATHERS like me, then this is the book for you. Instead of the three Heathers, it's the three Chloes. This is an insightful look at female friendships and the borderline obsessive relationship we can have with our BFFs as teens. I thought the toxic friendship was done really well and was believable. I wasn't a cheerleader in high school so knew nothing about the terminology or the grueling practices but it totally sucked me in. The protagonist, Shade, was sympathetic and I appreciated how the writer handled the relationship with her mother too. The ending was satisfying and the fraught relationship between Shade and Jadis was resolved realistically.
February 27, 2023
(3.5 ⭐️) look how long it took me to finish this book LMAOOOO
honestly i thought i was picking up a little sapphic book and i was so dead wrong 😭😭 THEY REALLY MEAN FALLING GIRLS ODKSDJFHSHFHF for what it’s worth i think some of it was satirical but this is SO funny like there’s no way cheerleading is this dramatic. this is like mean girls, bring it on, and pretty little liars in one little book. in all the bad ways. but it was so entertaining and for that it gets all 3.5 stars.
honestly i thought i was picking up a little sapphic book and i was so dead wrong 😭😭 THEY REALLY MEAN FALLING GIRLS ODKSDJFHSHFHF for what it’s worth i think some of it was satirical but this is SO funny like there’s no way cheerleading is this dramatic. this is like mean girls, bring it on, and pretty little liars in one little book. in all the bad ways. but it was so entertaining and for that it gets all 3.5 stars.
December 21, 2021
this was SO GOOD. it was so fast-passed and captivating. i had a really hard time putting it down. i loved the main character. she was really likable, and i was always on her side. (you know how in some books you just can’t stand the main character because they make such bad choices? this was the opposite) i loved the writing. the author did a great job really making it sound like teenagers today. there were no outdated or cringey references.overall, i really, really enjoyed this one!!!
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