Review: We Won’t All Survive by Amanda Marshall
When I first heard the premise of We Won’t All Survive, I couldn’t help but be intrigued. A survivalist reality show where the stakes aren’t just a cash prize, but, well, actual survival? Amanda Marshall, the author behind this gripping read, had my full attention. I mean, who wouldn’t find the idea of “Squid Games for Teenagers” irresistibly thrilling? With a hefty sprinkle of relatable emotion, this novel dives deep into themes of trauma, resilience, and the dark allure of competition.
From the get-go, we meet Mercy Gray—a relatable yet complex heroine burdened by survivor’s guilt after a traumatic mall shooting. It’s easy to root for someone with such a compelling backstory, especially when her motivations for joining Damien Dare’s twisted reality show are so relatable. Who wouldn’t go for the chance to pay off that ever-growing student debt? I felt her desperation and strength from the first chapter, and I appreciated how her character reflected both vulnerability and determination.
Marshall has a talent for crafting multi-dimensional characters. The other contestants, too, are intriguing. Each one carries their own trauma, making it easy for readers to empathize with them. Alethea, the fierce snake-catching queen of the group, quickly became my favorite. I found myself wanting to channel her energy and maybe learn a thing or two about reptile handling in the process! The dynamic among the contestants adds layers of tension and intrigue, keeping you guessing who’s hero, who’s villain, and who just might be trying to survive at any cost.
Now, let’s turn the spotlight on Damien Dare. This guy is the epitome of a toxic tech-bro, and Marshall perfectly captures the absurdity of his world. His charisma might be lacking, but his delusions of grandeur make for compelling commentary on the playground of the wealthy. I chuckled through his antics while also feeling a pang of discomfort—Marshall doesn’t shy away from critiquing this archetype with skillful nuance.
The pacing in We Won’t All Survive is addictive; I caught myself uttering, “just one more chapter,” long into the night. The tension builds flawlessly, with cliffhangers that make it nearly impossible to put down. A few plot twists had me gasping, while others seemed as predictable as a rainy day in Seattle—but hey, that’s all part of the fun, right?
If I had a couple of tiny quibbles, it would be about the emotional depth. While I wanted to feel Mercy’s pain and struggles more intensely, especially when matched against the backdrop of the high-stakes game, I felt it didn’t quite measure up to the raw intensity of some of Marshall’s adult works. The subplot on misogyny seemed a bit forced at times, almost like it was a nod to a bigger conversation rather than a fully fleshed-out idea.
In summary, We Won’t All Survive strikes an engaging balance between thrilling survival antics and the deeper emotional currents that run beneath. If you’re into YA thrillers with a heart—and enjoy a wild ride filled with unexpected twists—definitely add this to your reading list. Perfect for fans of survival tales and character-driven narratives, this book reminded me that even amid chaos, human resilience shines brightly. It’s a story that lingers long after the last page is turned, leaving you pondering the costs of survival—and who gets to decide who makes it out alive. Happy reading!
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