Author: Natasha Preston
Publication Date: 1 March 2022
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Page Count: 368
Dates Read: 5 March
Reading Method: Physical (thank you to the publisher!)
Review
I’ve seen Preston’s books floating around for a while now and everyone only has nice things to say about them, so I was incredibly excited to read The Fear! I was trapped in a vehicle on a long drive and absolutely DEVOURED this book.
A meme on social media goes viral, asking individuals to repost with what they think would be the worst way to die. It’s all fun and games until students start dropping like flies – in the exact ways they posted. Izzy, who didn’t re-share the post, somehow keeps finding herself in the middle of all the action, and desperate to figure out who the killer is before they wipe out the whole town.
The pacing is excellent. Each chapter ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, making it nearly impossible to put down. The story is mainly told from Izzy’s perspective, but we do get little snippets of the killer’s perspective sprinkled throughout. There are moments when it reads a little immature, but for a young adult thriller, Preston held no punches. When you think the story coulnd’t possibly go where it appears to be, you might find yourself horrifically surprised.
I did knock off a star because of the predictability and the ending. There were a couple characters I suspected off and on throughout the story and I was not surprised in the slightest by the reveal. And that ending?? I liked it, but I hated it at the same time. Honestly, what the actual heck?! If you’ve read this one, let me know so we can scream about the ending together.
Though it wasn’t an instant favorite, it was fast-paced, intriguing, and I am curious to check out more from this author in the future.
About the Book
It’s just a stupid meme that’s going around their small fishing town in the dead of winter—people reposting and sharing their biggest fear. But when her classmates start turning up dead—dying in the way that they said scared them the most—Izzy knows it’s no joke.
With each death hitting closer to home, Izzy sets out to try to stop the killer. Could her older sister’s friend Tristan have something to do with the deaths? He’s given her some strange vibes. Or what about his brooding cousin, Axel? But he’s in her classes at school. He’s not a murderer . . . is he? Izzie’s soon on a path that will lead her right to the killer . . . and her own worst nightmare.
About the Author
My name is Natasha, but most people call me Tash or Tasha. I don’t mind either. I was born in England and have lived in small towns and villages out in the countryside ever since.
My husband, Joseph, is the most supportive person in my life. Without his love, help and patience I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m a proud mummy to two amazing little boys who are my whole world.
At school I drifted through, achieving average grades. I fell into administration and receptionist jobs, thinking that I couldn’t really do anything else.
In 2010 I stumbled into writing completely by accident. I was searching the ‘app store’ and came across Wattpad – an amateur writing site. For the first few months I just read, but then I decided to type out some of the ideas swirling around in my head. I’m so glad I did because I love creating new stories.
