Close Your Eyes and Count to 10: A Thrilling Dive into the Game
As soon as I stumbled upon Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 by Alyson Unger, I was immediately captivated by the premise—an extreme version of Hide-n-Seek that combines social media spectacle with survival drama. In a world where influencers dominate the landscape, the idea of streaming a high-stakes game from a remote island is both tantalizing and cautionary. It speaks to our obsession with reality TV and the lengths people will go for fame and fortune. With a plot that promises adventure and tension, I simply had to dive in!
At the heart of this story is Maverick Dillan, a popular influencer in the Adventure space who’s determined to host yet another round of his infamous game, despite the dark shadows of the past. Meanwhile, we meet Adele, a resilient single mother who signs up for the game, motivated by both her children’s excitement and the promise of a $1,000,000 prize. This dynamic duo sets the stage for a tale riddled with suspense, moral dilemmas, and the struggle for survival.
One of the standout elements of the book is the authenticity of Adele’s character. I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. She’s not just a contestant; she’s a badass wearing multiple hats, juggling the harsh realities of life while trying to capture the thrill of adventure for her kids. It was refreshing to see a character who embodies strength and vulnerability simultaneously.
The pacing is quick, which kept me turning the pages, and the use of mixed media elements—news snippets, social media posts—while a bit exaggerated at times, added an engaging layer to the storytelling. Here, however, I felt there was a slight attempt to pander to the BookTok crowd, which might not resonate with every reader. Still, the concept of the game itself is exhilarating and well-executed, drawing me in from the very first chapter.
While the narrative shifts between the game’s contestants and the behind-the-scenes drama of Maverick and his partners, I wished for a deeper exploration of the contestants’ experiences. The tension of the game was occasionally overshadowed by the complexities of the hosts’ interactions. However, the survival elements mixed with inclement island weather kept the stakes high and added a thrilling layer of unpredictability.
Listening to the audiobook was a fantastic experience—Kudos to the narrator for bringing Adele to life in a genuinely relatable way. Her perspective resonated with me, making the emotional stakes feel even more intense.
In conclusion, Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 is an engaging read, particularly for those who enjoy thrillers laced with a gaming element. It’s a fun exploration of how far people will go for fame, but also a poignant reminder of the importance of family and resilience. If you’re a fan of gripping plots and dynamic characters, this book is worth your time. Despite its minor flaws, the vivid writing and captivating premise left me eager to read more from Unger. I look forward to diving into her future works!
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