#BookReview: Cut Off by Adrianne Finlay

Synopsis: Teens compete to survive in the wilderness for one million dollars on a new virtual reality show. When something goes horribly wrong and the contestants realize no one is coming to save them, they must question their very reality—and how much of the game is really for show.

Each contestant has their own reasons—and their own secrets—for joining the new virtual reality show CUT/OFF that places a group of teenagers alone in the wilderness. It’s a simple premise: whoever lasts the longest without “tapping out” wins a cash prize. Not only that, new software creates a totally unprecedented television experience, allowing viewers to touch, see, and live everything along with the contestants. But what happens when “tapping out” doesn’t work and no one comes to save you? What happens when the whole world seemingly disappears while you’re stranded in the wild? Four teenagers must confront their greatest fears, their deepest secrets, and one another when they discover they are truly cut off from reality. 



Goodreads | Amazon

Rating: 3 Stars
My Review: This slow burn story is one that I enjoyed but do not think that I would read again.  I think that if you don't mind slower stories this one might be for you.  It felt like reading about a reality tv show.  The characters were kind of one sided as well.  I think that on the surface they were ok but deep down I just didn't connect with them at all. Overall, I wish this one would have gone deeper with the plot and the characters. 

Review

"Readers will appreciate the narrative range in this book as it echoes survivalist themes while mixing in tropes common to horror and romance. The plot delivers a number of satisfying twists while slowly revealing the motivations of the main characters....A genre-bending story that engages with themes of anxiety and trauma in imaginative ways. Recommended for readers who enjoy thrillers with elements of horror and romance." —School Library Journal

"The novel’s characters—particularly Cam and River—are sturdy and distinctive enough to keep readers persuaded as the story line builds from sly commentary on reality television to trippy exploration of reality’s very nature."—Publishers Weekly 

"An intriguing, slow-burn mystery that takes its time developing the plot." —Booklist

 

About the Author

Adrianne Finlay received her PhD in literature and creative writing from Binghamton University. Originally from Ithaca, New York, she now lives in Cedar Falls, Iowa with her husband, the poet J. D. Schraffenberger, and their two young daughters. She is an associate professor of English and the Program Director of Creative Writing at Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa. When she’s not writing, reading, or grading, she’s making soap to sell locally, raising money for type 1 diabetes research.Visit adriannefinlayauthor.com.

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Posted in: 3 Stars, HMH Books, Netgalley, Review, Young Adult