How We Fall Apart by Katie Zhao- BOOK REVIEW

Synopsis

Nancy Luo is shocked when her former best friend, Jamie Ruan, top ranked junior at Sinclair Prep, goes missing, and then is found dead. Nancy is even more shocked when word starts to spread that she and her friends-- Krystal, Akil, and Alexander-- are the prime suspects, thanks to "The Proctor," someone anonymously incriminating them via the school's social media app. They all used to be Jamie's closest friends, and she knew each of their deepest, darkest secrets. Now, somehow The Proctor knows them too. The four must uncover the true killer before The Proctor exposes more than they can bear and costs them more than they can afford, like Nancy's full scholarship. Soon, Nancy suspects that her friends may be keeping secrets from her, too. Students at an elite prep school are forced to confront their secrets when their ex - best friend turns up dead.

⭐️ 4.25 ⭐️

Oh wow! This book was definitely something.
I’m still very unsure of my rating because I don’t read from this genre usually but I’ve got to say that I thoroughly enjoyed myself reading this one!

The story was pretty good and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, wanting to just keep turning the pages, reading more to learn the truth.

I really enjoyed the way the story was told. The author had woven all the secrets to be revealed, plot twists and flashbacks so seamlessly into the story that nothing felt out of place.
The pacing was also pretty great! There was never a dull or boring moment.

Sinclair Prep and the students, especially our main characters did seem a bit too pretentious but I think that’s how it is with Dark Academia. I did love reading about them despite their questionable actions and the morally grey streak.

I also really appreciated that this book discussed what excessive pressure on children regarding their studies and future could do to them and why taking care of mental health is so important. The academic pressure is a real thing that so many students loose their lives to and it needed to be discussed.

Without spoiling the plot, I also have to say that the big reveal was a tad bit too much for me. I mean I can’t really imagine that ever happening, it wasn’t a possibility in my mind. But the plot twist at the very end was good, though it broke my heart!

Overall, I enjoyed How we fall apart quite a lot, enough to finish it in a day because I was so hooked! Would definitely recommend it to all my fellow Dark Academia mystery/thriller fans! The asian representation is an added bonus!

How We Fall Apart comes out on 17th August’2021

Add it to your Goodreads here

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Follow Katie Zhao on Instagram here

Thanks much to Netgalley and Bloomsbury USA Children's Books for the e-arc!