by Gretchen McNeil
Reading level: Ages 13 and up
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (September 18, 2012)
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Shhhh!
Don't spread the word! Three-day weekend. House party.
White Rock House on Henry Island.
You do not want to miss it.
It was supposed to be the weekend of their lives—three days on Henry Island at an exclusive house party. Best friends Meg and Minnie each have their own reasons for wanting to be there, which involve their school's most eligible bachelor, T. J. Fletcher, and look forward to three glorious days of boys, bonding, and fun-filled luxury.
But what they expect is definitely not what they get, and what starts out as fun turns dark and twisted after the discovery of a DVD with a sinister message: Vengeance is mine.
Suddenly, people are dying, and with a storm raging outside, the teens are cut off from the rest of the world. No electricity, no phones, no internet, and a ferry that isn't scheduled to return for three days. As the deaths become more violent and the teens turn on each other, can Meg find the killer before more people die? Or is the killer closer to her than she could ever imagine?
At a Glance:
If you're a fan of the typical teen horror movies (Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer) then you will appreciate Ten by Gretchen McNeil. This book hits all the exciting, suspenseful moments you're hoping for, without being too complex or in depth.
Reads like a Movie:
It isn't very often that a book actually reads like a movie. I mean, I know you can often see the things you read in your imagination, but with this one, I could almost hear the creepy music and see the hand or cat or bird jump out and scare me. When they walk into a room and see one more red slash on the wall, I hear the loud noise they play in those horror movies to make you jump. Do you know what I mean? I actually feel like I watched this, instead of reading it.
Angsty!
Yeah, fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on what you like, Ten was full of teen angst. I can't say I'm a huge fan of the drama, but it definitely made me want a lot of those teens to be offed....which may have been the point. I guess it makes you feel a little better about a houseful of teens being killed if they're a bunch of whiny jerks, and they were a bunch of whiny jerks!
And Then There Were None:
I have not read Agatha Christie's original take on this story, which I'm glad about. I wasn't influenced by that book, and didn't know what to expect. I think this helped me to enjoy this story more. I pretty much suspected everyone at one time or another. *spoiler* [I have to say I was a little disappointed in the "big reveal," though. I don't like when there's really no way to guess who the killer is. I want to be able to at least have the chance to figure it out, and this was completely unguessable.]
Love in the time of Slaughtera:
It never ceases to amaze me that two people falling in love can kiss in any circumstance. Oh, someone just got stabbed in the back? Well....let's make out! Hey, it might be the end of our lives! It's now or never, right? What's worse is that I was actually begging for it. I was like, "If something happens to these two, and they never get a chance for a good kissing session, I'm going to be pissed!" Luckily, I was not let down. I love how part of you wants them to get together, and part of you is wondering if one of them is actually the killer. That'll add some tension to a relationship!
To Wrap it Up:
Ten was nothing groundbreaking or earth-shattering, but it was a fun, quick, and creepy read. I did prefer Gretchen's previous book, Possess, to this one, but I did still enjoy this book too.
Content:
- Sexual Content: Moderate dialog
- Profanity: Heavy
- Violence: Heavy
- Other Notables: Drinking/Partying
Love this review. You said everything I was thinking, but wittier!
ReplyDeleteHaha, thanks for saying that because I was afraid I made NO sense!! :D
Delete"Love in the time of slaughtera"? You crack me up.
ReplyDeleteBahahaha! I couldn't help myself!
DeleteI want to read this book so very bad. Awesome review. I love that it reads like a movie, old horror movie, it's great. And we all need a bit of kissing among the gore.
ReplyDeleteLoved this book! It freaked me out and kept me reading!
ReplyDelete+JMJ+
ReplyDeleteThe first time I read the synopsis of Ten, I thought it would read like a movie--and now I see I'm not the only one who thinks so. =) For some reason, though, whenever I see the cover, I always think of Shutter Island. LOL!
I do like Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, but I've never read a book that is also a "Slasher". It will be interesting to see how it turns out. Thanks for the review and for the giveaway!
PS -- If this novel is a Slasher, then you're right that wanting the annoying characters to be killed is part of the point. ;-)
It reminds me of Shutter Island too! (the cover, not the story) If you liked Scream & IKWYDLS I think you'll like this one too!
DeleteI'd love to try and read this book! thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI've got this one on my TBR list & can't wait to get to it! I love the teen slasher movies, Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, so hopefully Ten will be a great read.
ReplyDeleteI think I will pick up this book when I find myself in need of something like a horror film. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI haven't had a really scary read in a long time. I hope this one does the trick!
ReplyDeleteI definitely want to read this book!
ReplyDeleteWhen I first saw the cover I already wanted this book, but when I read the synopses and reviews saying how good it is, I started really to want it even more :-)
ReplyDeleteI've read read Agatha Christie's original take on this story, unlike you, but it was ages ago, lo, and Ten has captivated me since I started to read reviews about it =]
ReplyDeleteDying to read a good creepy story like that ^^
I've been wanting to read this book for awhile!
ReplyDeleteI even joined "The Army of Ten" which is a site dedicated to spreading the word about this book (it's pretty cool)
Anyway...
I loved your review! XD
I keep seeing this book on blogs and every time I am like I want this! I am glad you liked it.I can't wait to find out for myself!
ReplyDeleteI've been tempted by this book because I red and loved the Agatha Christie book as a kid. I like your take on the story. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome review! I love the way you divided your thoughts up.
ReplyDeleteI definitely plan to get my hands on this book at some point. I can't wait to be creeped out!
Great review! Love in the time of Slaughtera hahaha!
ReplyDeleteActually, I've always thought the exact same thing! Even if there are crazed killers or zillions of zombies pounding at the proverbial gate, I'm supposed to believe that somebody can *relax* enough to start with the bow-chicka-bow-bow ?!? No WAY! If I've got to so much as go to the stupid DENTIST, I'm barely calm enough to wave to a neighbor. ;P
Love that cover, too! I so's must read this! <3
Mary DeBorde (M.A.D.)
I've been wanting to read Ten for some time now. Great review by the way!
ReplyDeleteSamaine@ BOokworms Avenue
I'd like a fun, quick, and creepy read! I've not read many mystery or thriller books.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny the way you described the lovers as finding time to make out with killings in the background! I can't wait to read that.
I sooo adore mystery-thrillers! I want to get this book so badly! =)))
ReplyDeleteNice review.:)
ReplyDeleteLOVE it when the story is so visual it plays out like you said:)
ReplyDeleteThe whole set up seems so very very scary:)
Awesome review:)
What a review. People kissing and dying at the same time, a lot of drama, movie like book. Sounds like a semi- good tv show. Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, good, I haven't read the Christie story either.
ReplyDeleteI've gotta get this for my classroom. I think my students will love it!!
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your review I can't wait to read this!
ReplyDeleteWho doesn't love a creepy read? lol This sounds like fun. Thank you for the review. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I think it would be a fun read and if it reads like a movie, likely it will become one.
ReplyDeletethanks for review, I really want to read this :)
ReplyDeleteHaven't read many horror books, but this sounds like it would make a great read and movie :)
ReplyDeleteI want to read this book SO bad! I actually did read Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None and loved it so I'm really interested to read this take on it!
ReplyDeleteI heard from my friend this is a reaply creepy book a perfect time for halloween.
ReplyDeleteI want to read this book, but honestly, I'm scared to! I'm not a huge fan of horror movies like this, so I'm wondering if I will like a book like this any better.....
ReplyDeleteVengeance is probably my favourite thing ever; excited to read this!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with us, it helps to know what to expect with the read. I have wanted to read Ten for a while, but some of the points you mentioned might have been an issue had I not read your take. I think every once in a while we need that bit of "fun, quick, creepy read" LOL
ReplyDeleteMy students are always looking for scary books/ Cannot wait to tell them about this one!
ReplyDeleteI really want to read this book!!!!! I hope my library gets it soon! :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read this book and share with my students!
ReplyDeleteThis was a great review. I have not read this book yet and I am not sure why. This book sounds awesome. I am even in the Army of Ten with Gretchen McNeil. This review makes me want to read it even more.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the great giveaway!
I think this book would be awesome! I love me some cheesy horror flicks, so it's gotta be great in book form! Great review.
ReplyDeleteLoved your review, especially the "Love in the time of Slaughtera" part, LOL.
ReplyDeleteAwesome review, I've been wanting to read this so I'm glad to hear your thoughts!!
ReplyDeleteHmmm . . . I've been wanting to read this for a while. I mean like, kids all dying off on a secluded island? Duh! But perhaps while it is very enjoyable, it wouldn't be the sort of over the top "OMG I LOVE THIS" good . . . I guess I'll just have to wait and see how it is!
ReplyDeleteGrace
Lust For Stories
Thank you for your review. I can see myself comparing this to Agatha Christie's masterpiece AND THEN THERE WERE NONE.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a while since I read anything creepy/scary...so this sounds like just thing to fill in that gap.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
After reading your review this book sounds like something I don't want to read when my husbans not home. Thanks for offering it for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read this, sounds so creepy! That'd be a new read for me :) Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI really loved reading your review! It sounds like a great read! Definetly adding it to my TBR list!
ReplyDeleteOhh, this sounds so interesting! Though teen angst? Eh, its a good thing I wont get that attached to them! :P I really wanna read this!
ReplyDelete