Before we get into the book review, I just wanted to let you know I’ll be doing a virtual book signing tonight from 5:45 pm to 6pm CST on the Penned Con Fan Page on Facebook HERE Authors are scheduled every fifteen minutes throughout the day, so if you’re looking for new books or enjoy games and giveaways, drop by. Hope to see you there!
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp comes a 
shocking new thriller about a group of friends tied together by a game and the deadly weekend that tears them apart.
FIVE friends go to a cabin.
FOUR of them are hiding secrets.
THREE years of history bind them.
TWO are doomed from the start.
ONE person wants to end this.
NO ONE IS SAFE.
Are you ready to play?
The description for this book immediately grabbed me. Another book I read by this author was extremely compelling, so requesting this one was a no-brainer.
LGBTQ representation in this novel is magnificent, along with autism and disability representation. These characters are brought together by a RPG (role playing game) and spend three years together playing the game. Throughout that time, their relationships with each other have their ups and downs, and with college on the horizon for some, this will be the last time they’re able to play together. Soon after reaching the cabin, the craziness begins.
One of my favorite things about this novel is the strong friendships between some of the characters and the unconditional support they offer each other – especially since some don’t have the best home life or have experienced traumatic events. When they find themselves in the middle of some seriously creepy happenings, none of them abandon each other to save themselves. Five alternating POVs also allows the reader to learn more about each character.
This will be difficult to say without spoilers, but what I struggled with was the reveal of the person behind everything. It came as a suprise, but just didn’t ring true for me – it seemed unrealistic, and I felt let down after such a suspenseful buildup. During tense scenes where I couldn’t wait to see what happened next, occasionally heavy internal monologue took over and went on for several paragraphs, which took me out of the story.
Even If We Break is a thriller, but it’s also very much a coming of age story with some beautiful passages containing thought-provoking concepts. It’s not my favorite novel by this author, but I wouldn’t hesitate to read her future books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
Hmm…the blurb definitely had me intrigued but it sounds like the book itself is a mixed bad of good and not-so good. I love internal monologue but it has to be used sparingly and in appropriate spots for it to work. Sounds like there are still a lot of strong points for this one.
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Definitely a mix of strong and weak points – for me, anyway. Balancing the internal monologue can be a challenge.
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This book looks so good. It’s a shame that the big reveal didn’t quite stack up but I will definitely keep this author in mind. Wonderful review!
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Thanks, Tessa! Shocking big reveals can be awesome – but this one didn’t work for me. It just didn’t make sense.
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I think I may skip this one, but great review!
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Thanks! This Is Where It Ends by this author is my favorite by her so far. Maybe check out that one.
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Ok, cool! I’ll check it out. Thanks for the recommendation!
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The short blurb sounds fantastic even if it isn’t a perfect book in all respects.
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It’s a great blurb. I have a son who plays D&D, so that was another reason I requested it.
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I haven’t heard about this one. Great review!
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Thanks, Yesha!
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Thank you for that honest and excellent review Teri. But yes I guess if the reveal does not seem believable it just kaes something off the reading experience.
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The majority of the reviewers seemed to like it, Sophie, because it was such a surprise. If it had been a logical surprise and I could have gone back and seen hints of it, I would have bought into it easier.
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That blurb is compelling. Shame about the ending.
I LOVE masks. That cover really grabbed my eye.
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It’s an awesome cover – really stands out. Like I told Sophie above, I seem to be in the minority on the ending – lots of other reviewers gave it a thumbs up.
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A virtual book signing sounds interesting. Have a good time.
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This is my first! Have another one at the end of October.
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I love that blurb, it’s too bad the end of the book fell flat for you. Hope you have fun at the book signing. Are you doing a live FB event, then?
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Yep – all in the FB group, but not live. Prepared posts and hopefully some interaction with readers.
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It sounds like this book had some wonderful stuff happening as well as some not so great stuff. The relationships appealed to me, Teri. But the unbelievable reveal of the person behind the trouble would be a disappointment. Good luck with your FB signing!
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Exactly – some parts were wonderful, but the end fell flat for me. Even when it’s a surprise, it still needs to be believable.
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Intriguing review, Teri.
I’ve never heard of a virtual book signing. How cool! Good luck. Hugs on the wing.
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It’s a new one for me, also, Teagan. More adaptions to Covid!
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I just emailed you my Bad Moon Rising HTML. Oh, and Amazon will be emailing you too. Have a marvelous Monday.
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Hmmm! Pity about the reveal, it sounded so good up until then.
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I’d been pretty wrapped up in it until then, Robbie.
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