Black Mirror meets My So-Called Life in this fast-paced, timely YA thriller about separating fact from fiction–and how far we’ll go to create our own version of reality.
Like any other teenager, Jess Flynn is just trying to get through her junior year without drama … but drama seems to keep finding her. Between a new crush on her childhood best friend, overprotective parents cramping her social life, and her younger sister’s worsening health, the only constant is change–and her hometown of Swickley, which feels smaller by the day.
Swickley is getting weirder by the day, too. Half the population has been struck down by a mysterious flu. Conversations end awkwardly when Jess enters the room. And then one day, a tiny, sleek black device–with an apple logo on it–falls out of her best friend’s backpack and lands at Jess’s feet.
It was the unusual blend of comp titles and the mystery of exactly what’s going on in the small town of Swickley that made me request this novel from NetGalley. And what a surprise it turned out to be.
This is a difficult review to write without revealing spoilers. The first several chapters are Jess’s average teen life – high school, friends, crushes on guys – you get the picture. I especially enjoyed the 90s setting that was full of nostalgia – music, fashions, magazines, and food. But strange things pop up that will leave you as puzzled as Jess. Her friends are acting weird, a mysterious flu has overtaken the town, and her dog undergoes a serious personality change. Then the story takes a sudden turn that may have you asking “What the $*@# just happened?” And then it all makes sense.
Fun, clever, and imaginative, this novel is also full of action sequences and a bit of romance. It took me by surprise, and I finished the book in less than a day. I was excited to learn a sequel will be released later this year, and I’m anxious to see what happens next with Jess.
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 
You have completely intrigued me. I’ll have to take a closer look at this one. Excellent review!
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The sequel is also up for request on NG. Hoping I get an ARC.
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Good review, Teri! I like Jess already, and I’m cheering her on.
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Jess is a feisty one, and I liked her immediately. I’m anxious to continue with her story.
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Between the blurb and your review, I’m definitely intrigued. I don’t read much YA but this one might be one of my exceptions.
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It’s fun and full of surprises, Mae. Loved the 90s nostalgia, and think you would also.
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Ok you convinced me Teri!
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I had a good time with this one, Sophie – think you would also.
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This sounds interesting. I’m already curious to see what weird things are happening and why. Great review!
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Thanks, Yesha! Looking back, there were a couple clues, but nothing really out of the ordinary that would tip you off. Love surprises like that.
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Nice review, Terri. This sure sounds interesting, and I’m glad you enjoyed it so much you’re already looking forward to the sequel .
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Thanks, Wendy! Keeping my fingers crossed that I get an ARC of the sequel.
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It’s wonderful to think there are still different ways to surprise readers.
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Right? It doesn’t happen that often, but I sure love it when it does.
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It must be great that the book surprised you, Teri! It got to be an interesting read that you finished in one day.
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It also helped that it was a pretty quick read, Miriam. But after that surprise, I had to know how it ended.
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Fun, clever and imaginative…what’s not to love? Thanks for sharing, Teri!
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Exactly! And the MC was easy to like – always a bonus. Thanks for visiting, Jan!
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Sounds intriguing! Maybe a little Truman Show-esque? I guess I’ll have to read to see 🙂
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You will – no spoilers here!
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