Review: Run by Gregg Olsen

Release Date: May 1 
Publisher: Hot Key Books
{ Book Depository} 
Plot: [from Goodreads] What if you discovered that everything you thought you knew about yourself was a lie? 

Rylee is fifteen. She comes home from school one afternoon to find the most shocking thing possible - her father dead, with a knife through his heart, and a key clutched in his hand. Her mother's purse is on the counter, but she appears to be long gone. A message in blood is written on the floor... RUN.

With her brother in tow, Rylee begins a dark journey, one that will uncover horrific and chilling crimes and lead her to an unexpected and gruesome discovery about her real father and what - or who - is behind his insatiable desire to kill. By the journey's end Rylee's childhood is a long way behind her...

RUN is the first title in the new Vengeance series, following Rylee as she begins to piece together the story of her life and to avenge unpunished crimes - starting with her own. This is DEXTER with a feisty female protagonist unlike any other in contemporary young adult fiction.

Review: 

Thanks again to Hot Key Books for sending me this review copy in exchange for an honest review. 

This book was an action packed, page turner that kept me gripped during action scenes. Although I have to say, there is some graphic and unpleasant content not suitable for younger readers. This novel packs a punch and I am eagerly awaiting the sequel. 

The characters in the novel are very well written. Our protagonist, Rylee, comes from a mysterious family that has moved around from place to place numerous times and had many names. They are the type of family that must be ready at all times to up sticks and leave their home in the face of danger. I have to say, I was so intrigued by this family that I made up so many possible theories as to why they're mysterious in my head while reading. Rylee is one of those characters you read in a book and instantly connect with. She is under so much pressure and stress in the novel that you really feel for her. She definitely induced some feels when she thought about what her life would be like if she was a normal teenage girl. 

I loved the caring and protective relationship she had with her younger brother Hayden. I sometimes get bored of the trend in YA of the protagonist having a bad relationship with their siblings, so it was refreshing to read about how much she cared for him. She was very protective of him and I loved their dynamic. 

Gregg Olsen blew me away with his characterisation of the villain in this novel. I'm obviously not going to reveal who it is, as that would take away from the excitement, but I will say that they are very evil and very well written. 

The plot of the book really drew me in. I was captivated by the plot, hanging on every word and eager to read on. Each plot twist, and believe me there were many plot twists, shocked me and made me read on. This book is the embodiment of "on your seat" thriller. I did not see any of the plot twists coming and the ending was amazing. 

The writing style of the novel was very good but not great. I felt the novel lost pace around the middle for a while and my concentration on it began to sag somewhat. Yet I continued on and made it to the end and found myself really enjoying this book. I have to say this book can be somewhat triggering for victims of abuse so please be aware before reading it. Gregg Olsen handles the topic of abuse in such a crisp, clear, vivid way. He does not beat around the bush but gives it straight to the reader, which I admire the honest look at it.

 I can not wait to pick up the sequel and find out what is next in store for Rylee. Leave a comment below if you've read this novel or tell me your favourite YA thriller. 

RATING

4  /  5 Stars 

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