Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA Childrens for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: Available Now
352 Pages
Synopsis: Charlotte has always been content in the shadow of her two best friends at the prestigious Underhill Preparatory Institute. Ariel is daring and mysterious. Devon is beautiful and brilliant. Without Charlotte never lived up to the standards of the school–or her demanding mother–her two best friends became the family she never had. When Ariel and Devon suddenly commit suicide within a month of each other, Charlotte refuses to accept it as coincidence. But as the clues point to a dangerous secret at Underhill Prep, Charlotte is suddenly in over her head. There’s a reason the students of Underhill are so exceptional, and the people responsible are willing to kill to protect the truth…
Breaking is the “companion book” to Burning, which means that technically you could read this as a standalone, but I personally think you’ll get more out of it if you read the books in order.
Breaking has more mystery to it than the previous book, as it opens with the main character, Charlotte, dealing with her two best friend’s suicides only a month apart. She discovers that one of them has left a clue behind, and she determinedly sets out to find out what really happened. None of the characters are very likable. There are flashbacks to when Ari and Devon were still alive, and they both gave off that stereotypical “mean girl” vibe, with Charlotte being the follower. But, there’s a twist near the end of the book which gives a creative twist to this trope which is why I changed my mind about the 2 star rating I was considering giving this. I had mixed feelings about Charlotte. She came across as self-pitying and insecure throughout much of the book, but the more you find out about the relationship she has with her mother, the more understandable this is. And, as the story progressed, she did get stronger. There’s a big build-up to the romance that develops between Charlotte and Jack, but for me, there wasn’t enough chemistry between them.
The plot itself is interesting and kept me guessing for the majority of the story. It’s the last 100 or so pages though, where things get truly exciting and the events from Burning are tied into what’s been happening here.
Overall, I though Breaking was an okay sequel that could have used more character development. The ending leaves no doubt that there’ll be a third book, and I’m interested in how things will turn out. Because of the darker themes and some brutally graphic scenes, I’d recommend this for older teens who are looking for contemporary fiction with a hint of the supernatural.
beetleypete said:
‘Brutally graphic’ sounds a little strong for youngsters. But what do I know? They are probably all watching ’18’ horror films anyway. I did! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It is Pete. That’s why I said that I’d recommend this for older teens, which to me means 16+.
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beetleypete said:
OK, I get it now. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I always find it difficult recommending an age level for books like this. Reading level-wise, young teens and even tweets could handle it with no problem. But when you start dealing with social issues like depression and suicide, and then add in some goriness, it makes me a tad squirmy, which is why I veer toward older teens.
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Carrie said:
Another I don’t remember seeing on Netgalley you must have pulled from that secret shelf…. But this time that’s ok seeing how I think I did request Burning and was denied and with this only a 3 I don’t think I would’ve been jumping up and down over it either.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’ve had pretty good luck with Bloomsbury USA, but honestly Carrie, I don’t think you’re missing all that much with either book.
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Carrie said:
That’s what I’m thinking, as much as I’d love to read them all and try them for myself it’s just not possible so I won’t worry about missing these.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
👍🏻
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Jazz said:
Awesome review! I agree, even when books can be read as standalones, it’s sometimes better to read them in order.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you so much Jazz!
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Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
Interesting stuff. Unfortunate that it lacked in character development. Definitely something that could ruin a book.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I always have trouble if I can’t relate to at least one character Lashaan.
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
ah shame about this not having character development It sounds okay- but wow that cover is amazing!!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This was the second book in a row where I didn’t like the characters.😔But now I’m reading a couple where I’m enjoying them, so it looks like my bad luck has turned around. That cover is gorgeous, isn’t it? And it fits perfectly with the story.😊
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
Ohh that sucks Well that’s good!! Yes!!!
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Lelia T said:
Hmm…I hadn’t heard of these books before and your review makes me curious. I’ll take your advice and try Burning first 😉
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’d love to know what you think once you’ve read it Lelia!💁🏻
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vinnieh said:
Sounds like a twist thriller, with graphic parts. Perfect reading for me.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You’ll have to let me know if you ever read it Vinnie. But Read the previous book, Burning, first.💁🏻
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the tip. How are you Kim?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
My pleasure Vinnie. This is one of my not so great days, but I’m hanging in. Thanks for asking hon.😙
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vinnieh said:
Hang in there Kim. I find thinking of something sexy helps.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Vinnie. And you just brought a big smile to my face! Hugs!
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vinnieh said:
Well I’m happy to provide that service. I didn’t say you had to think of me as sexy, haha. Just kidding.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😁
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vinnieh said:
Glad to see someone likes my humour.
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KrystiYAandWine said:
Great review, Kim! I was thinking about reading this one, but I will probably give it a pass. 100 pages is a bit too long for a story to hit its stride for me. I do love that cover though!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Krysti! I honestly don’t think you’ll miss these.
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KrystiYAandWine said:
Totally taking your word for it. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
YOU.MUST.READ..NOW!😁
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KrystiYAandWine said:
I wish I could. My TBR is at least 20 deep each month for the next three months. Yikes!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😒
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KrystiYAandWine said:
I know. 😦
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Jen said:
I’m so glad that the plot kept you at least guessing, but I’m sorry that the rest of it was a let down in ways. Here’s hoping your next book is a billion times better!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Jen!😁
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