Publication Date: September 22nd 2016
Source: Received review copy from publisher
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Blurb:
Growing up in the sleepy English seaside town of Brynston, the fearless five – Ella, Max, Corey, Fallon and Zane – were always inseparable. Living up to their nickname, they were the adventurous, rowdy kids who lived for ghost stories and exploring the nearby islands off the coast. But when Max’s beloved older sister Jessica is killed, the friendship seems to die with her.
Now years later, only Max and Ella are in touch; still best friends and a couple since they were thirteen. But Ella is hiding things- like why she’s afraid to take their relationship to the next level.
When underdog Corey is bullied, the fearless five are brought back together again, teaming up to wreak havoc and revenge on those who have wronged them. But when the secrets they are keeping can no longer be kept quiet, will their fearlessness be enough to save them from themselves?
Huge thank you to Mira Ink publishing for sending me an copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. I knew I wanted to read this book after reading Skuse's novel Monster (Review Here) and thoroughly enjoyed it.
This book was so addictive- I mean crazy addictive. I found it hard to put down and after I had gotten a good way into the book I decided to not put it down at all and just read through the night to finish it! The way the book is written each chapter leads into another- pulling the reader's attentions straight into the next scene. The revenge scenes were so funny and skillfully written.
Skuse's brilliant writing style is as evident in The Deviants as it was in Monster. CJ writes with perfect knowledge of her characters which seem so three dimensional and real. Her plot perfectly flows from beginning to end, keeping the reader hanging on her every word.
The characters in this novel were not your typical happily ever after characters. Skuse has created a novel with such realism and grit that it is reflected in the characters. All the characters are so strongly written and each have their own very distinct mannerisms and voices.
My favourite character in the novel was probably Corey. I loved his relationship with his friends, how caring and gentle he was and his love for his cat Mort! His relationship with Fallon was also great to read about.
The protaginist of the novel Ella was also fantastic. Ella was intelligent, strong, a passionate athlete, caring and kind. Ella also had a dark secret and a rocky relationship with her long time boyfriend and friend Max. Their relationship was interesting at times and I felt Skuse allowed the reader a great insight into it.
Although I really enjoyed the novel, there just wasn't that kick to make it a five star favourite for me, The book started off a little slow but got going once I hit the 60 page mark. A few things irritated me a little about the novel, I felt there could have been more in the novel about Ella's family situation, Zane's story and I also was not the biggest fan of the ending.
Overall I would still highly recommend this novel. Fast paced, gritty and utterly addictive.
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