by Jacqueline Greene
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Hardback: 416 Pages
Publication: May 14, 2013 by Little Brown BFYR
It all started on a whim: the game was a way for Tenley Reed to reclaim her popularity, a chance for perfect Caitlin “Angel” Thomas to prove she’s more than her Harvard application. Loner Sydney Morgan wasn’t even there; she was hiding behind her camera like usual. But when all three start receiving mysterious dares long after the party has ended, they’re forced to play along—or risk exposing their darkest secrets.
How far will Tenley, Caitlin and Sydney go to keep the truth from surfacing? And who’s behind this twisted game?
When I first started Truth or Dare, I enjoyed the mystery and the premise of this book and its question: what would you do if someone threatened to expose your darkest secrets?
The cast:
The story is told in third person from the alternating perspectives of three girls: Tenley, Caitlin, and Sydney. There are lots of tensions in the families of these three girls, and they all have their own dark past and secrets.
Tenley has just moved back to Echo Bay from Nevada following her mother’s marriage to one of the richest men in the area. Tenley wants to be the most popular girl like old times; however, her mom keeps insisting that she continue to win teen beauty contests, and she has had breat augmentation to help. Caitlin is aiming to win the class president and is involved in lots of activities. At same time, she’s dealing with flashbacks from her kidnapping. Sydney is not a party girl like the others; she is into photography, which is her way of escaping the pressures of high school society, and she has previously been institutionalized because of her cravings to set fires.
I never really became invested in the lives of the three main characters. Caitlin, Tenley, and Sydney only care about their social status and how they’re perceived by others, and I find it hard to relate to anyone of them who seem to only care about themselves. On top of that, the author defines the three girls more by their dark secrets than by their character.
The plot:
After Tenley starts a game of truth or dare at a party that she and Caitlin attend, all three girls start receiving menacing dares from an unknown source through typed notes in their belongings telling them to do some activities or their secrets will be revealed. The dares either pit the girls against each other or target the ones they loved. They all fear that the darer will reveal their secrets. I wondered how far they will go to keep their secrets from coming out and who is behind this game.
The book kept me guessing who is stalking these girls and what horrible things the darer will make the girls to do next. However, I was expecting more thrills and a greater sense of danger than I got. The author spends too much time on all three girls’ back story and dark secrets and less time on the actual plot, making the story slow-paced and lacking the excitement I expect from a thriller.
Overall, Truth or Dare is an enjoyable light read. If you are looking for great character development or fast-paced thriller, however, you will be disappointed.
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Author: alice
Alice is a stay-at-home mom of two children. Her favorite books are those send icy tingles down her spine, such as a good mystery or thriller, but she also enjoys a good hear-throbbing romance. She enjoys listening to music and drinking a cup of tea while reading and working.
Anonymous says
This looks an awesome book. Sadly, I can't say I've ever played Truth or Dare. And I'm 30 years old. That seems so sad to me. Guess I will have to read this and live vicariously through the characters. Thank you so much for the giveaway!
Amal Rose says
I loved your review! I have a very hard time enjoying any story if I don't connect with the characters, however developed they may be. Though I will give this a try, it seems to have a solid plot 🙂
Rachel Edmundson says
I enjoyed your review! I usually enjoy alternating viewpoints and I also like mysteries, plus I haven't read too many YA mysteries, so I feel like I would enjoy this book based on what you have said about it. And even if I can't get really invested in the characters, everyone can use a light read now and then 🙂 Thanks for offering the giveaway!
alice says
Rachel, thanks. I agree that everyone can use a light read now and then. Truth and Dare is a good light read.
Lilian says
Thanks for your review, Kris!
I am intrigued by the blurb, and it reminds me of Nerve by Jeanne Ryan. Except the protagonist willing does "dares" so she can earn prizes. It was corny, but I guess it would suffice for a light-read–just like I think Truth or Dare would. I will not be searching out a copy of Truth or Dare, but if it shows up at the library, I just might pick it up!
Lilian @ A Novel Toybox
Jess LiteraryEtc says
Ever since I read the synopsis, I was interested. I've seen some mixed reviews, but it still looks like a fun read. Sometimes you just need a light mystery.
alice says
Agree. We all need some enjoyable light read books sometime. It's a good light mystery book.
alice says
Sierra, you are welcome.
Sierra says
This sounds good, I must say I'd have expected a darker, more intense read from the synopsis. Still, this sounds good enough to pick up at some point 🙂 Thanks for the review!
alice says
Yes. Overall, Truth or Dare is an enjoyable light read.
Chey says
I really want to read this even though you had trouble investing in the characters…Aside from that, it still sounds pretty intriguing! 🙂
Taylor McBroom says
Sometimes I get in the mood for a book that has a mystery-type element and doesn't take much thought. I think Truth or Dare would fit that bill pretty well! I like alternating POV, but I'm not sure how I feel about it being in third person. Glad you liked it, great review!
-Taylor @ Reading is the Thing
alice says
Agree, it's an enjoyable light read book. You will enjoy the book.