Book Review: Final Girls by Riley Sager
When I first picked up Final Girls, I was instantly drawn in by its tantalizing premise. A book about survival, trauma, and the haunting echoes of the past? Count me in! Riley Sager, known for his masterful storytelling, really knows how to lure readers into a web of suspense and intrigue. I found myself captivated from the first page, and let me tell you, this book kicked some serious ass!
The story revolves around Quincy Carpenter, the sole survivor of a horrific massacre at Pine Cottage ten years ago, where she lost five friends to a brutal killer she can only refer to as "Him." Quincy’s journey is not just about survival but also the heavy weight of guilt and the struggle to remember a past she wishes to forget. The fact that she becomes part of a group dubbed the "Final Girls" — along with Lisa and Samantha, each carrying their own trauma — adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. As Quincy grapples with the recent suicide of Lisa and the arrival of Samantha, who prompts her to revisit that fateful night, the real suspense begins to unfold.
Sager’s writing brilliantly illustrates the dichotomy of Quincy’s life — from the calm world she meticulously built, complete with a successful baking blog and a steadfast boyfriend, to the underlying terror that threatens to shatter it all. His character development is particularly strong with Quincy and Samantha, and I found their interactions both relatable and electrifying. On the flip side, I wished for a bit more depth in the supporting characters, as they sometimes felt like they lingered in the background rather than fully coming to life.
One of the most memorable quotes is when Quincy reflects, “We were, for whatever reason, the lucky ones who survived when no one else had.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the Final Girls — a haunting reminder of how survival can be both a gift and a burden. It made me ponder the complexities of guilt and the fragile nature of life itself. Sager masterfully crafts a plot full of twists that keep you guessing, and just when you think you have it all figured out, he throws a curveball that leaves your jaw on the floor.
However, the book occasionally shifts back and forth between the past and present, and I found those transitions a bit jarring at times. That said, the pacing overall kept me hooked, and the suspense had my heart racing.
If you’re a fan of thrillers filled with psychological depth and strong, flawed characters, Final Girls is a must-read. It’s a gripping tale that not only entertains but also prompts you to reflect on the nature of survival and the scars we carry. This would undoubtedly make a fantastic film, and I can’t wait to see how Sager’s vivid storytelling translates to the screen.
In conclusion, I’d rate Final Girls between 4 and 4.5 stars. If you’re intrigued by tales of survival, trauma, and the complex ties of friendship, grab this book and prepare for a wild ride. It’s a reading experience that will stick with you long after you turn the last page.
A big thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for providing an advance copy in exchange for my honest review. Interested in more book discussions? Check out my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blo. Happy reading!