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Book Review: People to Follow by Olivia Worley

 Title: "People to Follow" 

Author: Olivia Worley

Genre: Thriller

Publication Date: October 31, 2023

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)


In her debut novel, "People to Follow," Olivia Worley dives into the treacherous world of social media influencers. With a high-stakes plot and a cast of interesting characters, Worley takes readers on a well-written journey filled with suspense, danger, and unexpected twists.

The story revolves around ten young adult influencers who, enticed by the promise of continued or renewed fame and fortune, find themselves isolated on a private island for a reality show. What initially seems like an escape quickly transforms into a nightmare when they discover the true purpose of their trip: to pay for their past transgressions. As the body count rises, those who survive must navigate a treacherous game of trust and betrayal, desperately trying to unmask the person, or people, behind their impending cancellation.

Worley's portrayal of the social media landscape is on the nose. With a sharp eye for detail, she captures the alluring façade of influencers' lives, contrasting it with the darker underbelly of social media. Through her exploration of the modern-day practice of sharing our lives online for the world to see, she raises important questions about the consequences of our actions and the power dynamics that shape our virtual world.

The strength of "People to Follow" lies in its well-developed characters. Each influencer whose voice is used throughout the book possesses a distinct personality and backstory, making them feel authentic and relatable, sometimes annoyingly so. As their secrets unravel, Worley adeptly portrays the psychological toll of constantly living in the spotlight, and how much those living in the spotlight can sometimes get away with.

The pacing of the novel is quick, with tension building steadily from the moment the group arrives on the island. The alternating perspectives offer a multifaceted view of events that, while hard to keep up with in the early chapters, levels out and enhances the suspense of not knowing what will happen next. 

There are moments when the narrative becomes slightly predictable, relying on familiar tropes of the genre. Additionally, some plot developments require a suspension of disbelief, stretching the boundaries of plausibility. EIther way, Worley's talent shines through, and these minor issues do not detract significantly from the overall story. "People to Follow" firmly establishes Worley as a promising new voice in the genre. Prepare to be riveted, shocked, and left questioning the influence of social media long after you turn the final page.


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