In the dark and stunning sequel to The Initial Insult, award-winning author Mindy McGinnis concludes this suspenseful YA duology as long-held family secrets finally come to light . . . changing Amontillado forevermore.
Tress Montor murdered Felicity Turnado—but she might not have to live with the guilt for long. With an infected arm held together by duct tape, the panther who clawed her open on the loose, and the whole town on the hunt for the lost homecoming queen, the odds are stacked against Tress. As her mind slides deeper into delirium, Tress is haunted by the growing sound of Felicity’s heartbeat pulsing from the “best friend” charm around her fevered neck.
Ribbit Usher has been a punchline his whole life—from his nickname to his latest turn as the unwitting star of a humiliating viral video. In the past he’s willingly played the fool, but now it’s time to fulfill his destiny. That means saving the girl, so that Felicity can take her place at his side and Ribbit can exact revenge on all who have done him wrong—which includes his cousin, Tress. Ribbit is held by a pact he made with his mother long ago, a pact that must be delivered upon in four days.
With time ticking down and an enemy she considers a friend lurking in the shadows, Tress’s grip on reality is failing. Can she keep both mind and body together long enough to finally find out what happened to her parents?
I don’t usually post reviews on Fridays, but the second book in this duology released this week, and I didn’t want to wait a month to post it (the blog schedule is pretty full).
It’s not the first time I’ve mentioned this – McGinnis is an auto-buy author for me. Each of her books is vastly different, but all that I’ve read are bizarre, unpredictable, and will take you to places you never imagined.
This sequel picks up immediately after the events of The Initial Insult. Felicity Turnado never came home from the party the night before, and everyone is looking for her. Tess Montor, who murdered Felicity, is dealing with a severely infected arm after being clawed by her escaped panther and is still unsure of what happened to her parents after their disappearance seven years ago. Ribbit Usher is the star of a viral video after humiliating himself at the party the night before while intoxicated. Time is running out for him to follow through on the morbid promise he made to his mother many years ago.
It’s difficult to write this review without spoilers, but I’ll say what I can. McGinnis mentioned this series was inspired by Poe, and The Tell-Tale Heart strongly influenced this sequel. The story moves along quickly with surprises waiting to ambush you. Starting around the 80% mark, trust me when I say you won’t want to be interrupted until you’ve finished reading. Weird and perilous events occur at a rapid fire pace – not everyone survives. Flood gates are opened and long held secrets come surging out. You may utter expletives in shock. I certainly did.
An incredibly dysfunctional family (seriously, I can’t emphasize this enough), an escaped black panther, an orangatan who signs, maggots (you’ll need a strong stomach), revenge – all are present in this phenomenal sequel. If you haven’t ready any of this author’s books, you’re seriously depriving yourself. Correct that as soon as possible.
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 
I need to look into this author! I’m going to add these now. Excellent review, Teri. Have a good weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jenn! This author never fails to surprise me. I’ve recommended her so many times to book club friends who are now fans. Hope you enjoy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! This sounds like a great book. I’m wondering if it would be wise to start with the first one before reading the second? Thank you for sharing your thoughts on it, Teri! You’ve sold me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely read them in order, Jan – The Initial Insult first. All of her books are so unique and incredibly enjoyable – sometimes jaw-dropping. Hope you enjoy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was with you to the maggots. I love your enthusiasm for this author. Maybe I’ll try some of her other work. You know, the maggot-free books.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Strangely enough, I’m fine with the maggots – unless they’re on me, of course, lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds tense and intriguing. I have to check out this author. Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
She has several books out, Yesha, and not a bad one among them. Thanks and have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Tell Tale Heart is probably my favorite Poe work.
This book sounds like an intoxicating mix of bizarre and more bizarre. Excellent review, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you’re a Poe fan, I’d strongly recommend checking out this series, Mae. Other reviewers had mentioned a few Poe works related to this duology.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have not read anything by this author. Nice review Teri! I’ll have to check this out.
LikeLike
Thanks, Wendy! I really hope you get a chance to read some of her books – I can’t recommend them enough.
LikeLike
This series sounds kind of cool.
LikeLike
It’s seriously cool, Craig. Bizarre, original, unexpected, twisted – just nothing bad about it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well you make it very tempting to read her books but I am usually not doing well with bizarre books so I might resist a little longer 😉
LikeLike
Maybe start with one of her others, Sophie, lol. Try This Darkness Mine or The Female of the Species.
LikeLike
I added the first book to my wishlist, Teri. Never would I deprive myself of a great read. Lol. Any book that makes you swear in shock is a good one. Thanks for the review.
LikeLike
It’s certainly high praise from me, Diana, lol. I really think you’d enjoy this author. She has several stand alones and a few duologies.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I noticed that when I was over at Amazon. I’m going to have to start slipping mainstream books into my reading stack… that TBR pile is getting tall too. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This duology has definitely caught my attention. Excellent review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tessa! Not sure if you’ve read this author, but I think you’d really like her books. Hope you get a chance to check them out.
LikeLiked by 1 person