Five Survive: a young adult thriller that has received praise for its suspense, intricate plotting, and dynamic character development.
Holly Jackson’s ‘Five Survive’ is a young adult thriller that has received praise for its suspense, intricate plotting, and dynamic character development. The plot revolves around Red Kenny and her pals on a spring break road trip that takes a dangerous turn when they become sniper targets. They are trapped in an RV, forcing them to confront not just the exterior threat, but also the secrets they each carry.
The cramped and tension-filled atmosphere of the RV is a noteworthy feature of “Five Survive.” The characters’ inability to escape each other or their secret facts is heightened by the cramped surroundings. The narrative’s countdown element, with the plot unfolding across eight hours, creates a feeling of urgency and heightens the overall tension. The story is known for keeping the reader on edge, with a persistent sense of paranoia and rising tension as every character, including the protagonist Red, becomes a target of suspicion. Jackson’s portrayal of Red’s mourning is acclaimed for its complexity and realism, demonstrating the long-term impact of trauma and the varying nature of emotions linked with it.
The book’s speed and organization are frequently criticized. Some critics believed the novel began slowly and might have been more succinct. Regardless, the tale is reported to gain up steam midway through, leading to a satisfying finish. The novel’s capacity to create tension among its characters is also emphasized, with relationships and dynamics within the group playing an important role in the unfolding drama. The plot’s ending has a combination of predictability and surprise, with certain components predicted by the reader while others remain surprising.
There will undoubtedly be comparisons to Jackson’s earlier work, the ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ series. ‘Five Survive’ is a solo novel with a different style that is viewed as a departure from the series. It lacks the lengthy character development and detailed planning that a trilogy may offer, but it is commended for its dramatic, fast-paced storyline and single point-of-view storytelling. This concentration on one character, Red, allows for a deeper investigation of her psychology at the sacrifice of properly fleshing out the other characters. While some readers prefer the complexity of a series, ‘Five Survive’ is praised for its own merits as a riveting, stand-alone mystery.
In conclusion, ‘Five Survive’ is a gripping addition to the YA thriller genre, demonstrating Holly Jackson’s talent for writing intriguing storylines with nuanced characters. While it does not outperform her prior series in terms of depth and character development, it is notable for its strong atmosphere, tight plotting, and clever use of a limited environment to heighten tension. The novel appears to appeal to those who appreciate fast-paced thrillers and want a short yet intriguing read.
Sources: Kirkus Reviews, Jen Reyland’s review, Heidi Dischler’s review, The Nerd Daily’s review
