Book Review: NEED by Joelle Charbonneau

Summary: 

"No one gets something for nothing. We all should know better."

Teenagers at Wisconsin's Nottawa High School are drawn deeper into a social networking site that promises to grant their every need . . . regardless of the consequences. Soon the site turns sinister, with simple pranks escalating to malicious crimes. The body count rises. In this chilling YA thriller, the author of the best-selling Testing trilogy examines not only the dark side of social media, but the dark side of human nature.

Release Date: November 3, 2015

Age Group: YA

Source: NetGalley

Reviewed By: Kelli

Review:

What an intense read!  I loved NEED's unique premise and non-stop action.  I sped through this book and was left wanting more.  The book ends with what sounded to me like the start of a sequel.  I really hope Charbonneau turns NEED into a series because this premise is unique and exciting enough to support multiple books.

At first, NEED seemed like a typical YA story: characters making their way through the murky waters of high school drama.  But then, the story quickly turned sinister and scary as all get-out.  I was hooked!  I found myself reading NEED in two sittings (I've would've read it in one sitting but that pesky little thing called sleep kept me from it).  

Charbonneau's narrative was perfectly suited to the story.  Kaylee is the first person narrator, but there are chapters with third person narratives from other characters.  Those chapters are shorter, and had the feel of little vignettes, little glimpses into the secondary characters' thoughts and emotions.  Additionally, they gave the reader some insight into why people were doing the crazy things they were doing, all because of NEED.  

NEED ends with a huge twist.  I was shocked at the way Charbonneau resolved the conflict, but upon further reflection, feel it was just what the plot needed.  

As far as YA thrillers go, NEED is one of my favorites.  The story is fast-paced, intense, unique, and unforgettable.  In fact, I think I'll go back and read some of Charbonneau's earlier works.  I highly recommend NEED!