Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Review: Get Even

Get Even (Don't Get Mad, #1)

Get Even by Gretchen McNeil is the story of four girls- Bree, Kitty, Olivia and Margot- who take it upon themselves to mete out a little justice at their elite prep school. Bullies, mean girls, even teachers who cross the line are all potential targets. Each of the girls runs in a different social circle, but together they are a secret group called DGM- Don't Get Mad. They're sworn to secrecy and the punishments they come up with are often quite elaborate- to the point that the school administration wants to shut them down any way it can. When someone they are targeting turns up dead, with a bloody DGM calling card at the crime scene, things take a more dangerous turn. Someone is framing them for murder- someone who may know who they are.

To make matters worse, the girls start getting envelopes from an anonymous sender- each envelope contains a photo or other information about the members of DGM. Information not widely known. The envelopes threaten to expose secrets that each girl carries, secrets she has not shared with the other members of DGM- and as the stakes get higher, the girls will have to confront past indiscretions- and decide who they can trust.

Get Even was a fun read, with a fast moving plot and great characterization. Each of the girls has a distinct personality, and each brings a unique quality to the group. At the same time they only trust each other so far, and as secrets are revealed they find the bonds of trust fraying even further. Can they overcome their suspicions and find the killer before he or she strikes again? Or will they end up as targets themselves?

This was a page turner for me. There's quite a bit of suspense throughout, and a lot of characters to keep track of. I likes how the characters' pasts would often intersect and secrets would be revealed to add another layer of complexity to the story. The girls each have a compelling backstory, although I particularly liked Bree, with her caustic wit and fierce independence. She has an interesting relationship with john, her best (and pretty much only)friend who has feelings for her that go beyond friendship. He tends to quote Star Wars every chance he gets and that was a nice touch of humor throughout the story. John becomes a suspect, as do several others (including the members of DGM) and by the end of the story we still don't know the killers identity. The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger- but what an ending. I thought it was great- and fans of Star Wars will appreciate it as well.

McNeil sprinkles a few pop culture references throughout the story, and a little Shakespeare as well. The drama club is putting on a production of Twelfth Night, but with a twist- they are incorporating elements of the cult movie The Warriors into the story. Interesting combination! The performance happens at the end of the story and everything comes to a head. McNeil certainly seems to be having fun with this- and at the same time she explores issues of bullying, shaming and high school relationships in a way that rings true and that many younger readers may relate to. It's a fun, suspenseful story that takes an unflinching look at bullying and the challenges facing young people in that world we all remember- high school. I can't wait to see what happens next.

24 comments:

  1. This sounds interesting and I'm intrigued by the Star Wars mention about the ending! I've been more interested in reading suspense lately and this sounds like a good one to try. Great review!

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    1. It's hard to say much about the ending without giving anything away- but I do think that Star Wars fans will get a kick out of it. I thought it was great! This is one of the more fun YA's I've read, and I'm anxious for the next one. I hope you get a chance to read it.

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  2. Good review! Interesting premise for a YA book with references from Shakespeare to Star Wars. Glad you enjoyed it!

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    1. It did have a lot of references in it, I was surprised by how many there were- the author really seemed t obe having fun here.

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  3. I love a good page turner. Oh, no, on the cliffhanger. :) Although I do enjoy me some Star Wars. Maybe I'll wait until book two is already out.

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    1. I think you would see that ending and be like, seriously? She actually did that? It totally fits the guy since he's always quoting Star Wars. A good ending- except for that cliffhanger part. I think you would like this one.

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  4. Since it ended with a cliffhanger, I am assuming this is a series. Always like to hear about page turners.

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    1. I think there's going to be two, but not sure. This one definetly kept me turning the pages... :)

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  5. I've only read one of her books but liked it a lot. She definitely does creepy really well. I like books with bullying themes because I get totally invested! I hadn't heard much about this one yet, I might have to read it!

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    1. You should read it, it's pretty good. It might be one of my favorite YA's this year...

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  6. I also really enjoyed this one. And the cliffhanger at the end made me very eager to know what happens next! Great review!

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    1. Me too! I was like, that's it? Need more please... :) Seriously I really want to know what happens next...

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  7. I've seen this one on the shelves, but I haven't picked it up yet! I'm all about suspense, and it seems like this book lives up to that hype, so I'll need to grab it (plus, if it holds my attention I'm pumped!). Thanks for the review and for stopping by my Teaser :)

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    1. Hi Lizzy, yes this one has suspense but it's low key suspense, it's not a thriller per se but there is a certai tenseness all the way through as you tey to guess what's happening. I liked it a lot!

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  8. I have this book on my kindle and I don't know why i keep moving it down my list. I am loving your review and I think I need to move it up my list now :) I am not a fan of Cliffhangers unless they are done right and I feel like this one is.

    Great review, Greg!!!

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    1. Yes, move it up your list! I think you will aprreciate it even though the endig leaves us hanging a bit. And I want to hear what you think of it...

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  9. I have read and enjoyed this author before. I love that she weaves in issues, Shakespeare and pop references.

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    1. I read a previous book by her and liked it, but this one was even better. I liked it a lot and highly recommend it. She adds a lot, seems like she was having a lot of fun with this one!

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  10. Whoa, what a review! Makes me want to run out and get the book. Will note the title and put on my TBR list.

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  11. So... super weird... the book TEN I am reading this week is by this same author! I did not realize that - I may have to push this one up to like... next :)

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    1. I read TEN, and like it although I liked Get even more. Get even is a longer book but I really flew through it, it kept me turning the pages!

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  12. Sounds really interesting! It kind of makes me think of pretty little liars, though I don't know that show well, just caught a few episodes here and there. I like that it deals with issues like bullying, but man I wish it ended with an answer. Seems like that would drive me crazy. But you seem satisfied with the ending, so I guess it's not too bad of a cliffhanger? Great review Greg!

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  13. I think this is going to be the next book I read. The book I'm reading now is boring me and I'm about ready to move on. I need a page-turner and something fun. Cool review :)

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    1. I think you'll like this one, it's a lot of fun- and fast moving too. I liked the characters too...

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