Don't Turn Around by Michelle Gagnon Review

Fri, September 14, 2012

Don’t Turn Around by Michelle Gagnon Review

Don’t Turn Around
By Michelle Gagnon
Publication date: Aug. 28, 2012
HarperCollins, 310 pages
Source: Publisher

Sixteen-year-old Noa has been a victim of the system ever since her parents died. Now living off the grid and trusting no one, she uses her computer-hacking skills to stay safely anonymous and alone. But when she wakes up on a table in an empty warehouse with an IV in her arm and no memory of how she got there, Noa starts to wish she had someone on her side.

Enter Peter Gregory. A rich kid and the leader of a hacker alliance, Peter needs people with Noa’s talents on his team. Especially after a shady corporation threatens his life. But what Noa and Peter don’t realize is that Noa holds the key to a terrible secret, and there are those who’d stop at nothing to silence her for good.

Filled with action, suspense, and romance, this first book in a new trilogy offers readers nonstop thrills.

— Goodreads.com description

Ooh, a YA thriller. Hi, publishers…more, please!

This is one of my favorite movie genres, and I just loved seeing that frantic, mystery, run-for-your-life vibe translated into a YA novel.

Michelle Gagnon clearly knows what she’s doing in Don’t Turn Around – she’s already published several successful adult thrillers. And the move to YA was a good one for her. The novel’s focus on Internet culture and hacking made it seem a bit more realistic that teens would be caught up in the drama. Nice pacing and constant threats of danger kept me engaged and turning the page.

So I loved the concept and the execution, but despite all that I’ve said, my overall feelings aren’t a complete “wow.” Why? The ending was a bit of a problem, and for spoiler reasons I won’t get into why. But just know that I finished with a slightly bad taste in my mouth, but Gagnon definitely set this up to be a trilogy, so I’m staying hopeful that all will be explained in time.

We shall see!

Anna Reads young adult book blog

Share this:

Posted by: Anna • In: action, michelle gagnon, technology, thriller

7 Comments

Juhina said:

I totlly understand what you mean about the wow factor not being there. Throughout the novel I was expecting SOMETHING that would shock me, but it never happened. I think the novel IS great but for a thriller, I felt something was missing. Though I hope there will be more books with this genre!

great review Anna!
Juhina recently posted..Jolene Perry talks about the New Adult genre and review of 10 Weeks

[Reply]

Posted on: Fri, September 14, 2012
Jen said:

Okay, so now that the Ace of Base song is stuck in my head on repeat, I want to read this. I LOVE THRILLERS, YOU KNOW ME. Um, hello? Frost? I Hunt Killers? THIS IS MY GENRE. If not for you, I wouldn’t have known about this one. Is it a Jen book?
Jen recently posted..New Look on the Way!

[Reply]

Posted on: Fri, September 14, 2012
Jenny said:

I keep avoiding this book bc the cover keeps me out lol. But I’m getting closer and closer to buying.it.
Every time the Hubs and I pass by it in the bookstore I start singing the Ace of Base song to him. People tend to look at us funny, but whatevs.
Jenny recently posted..Feature and Follow (10)

[Reply]

Posted on: Fri, September 14, 2012
Liz @ Elizziebooks said:

AHHH I totally need this in my life. I recently read I Hunt Killers and need more YA Thriller :]
Liz @ Elizziebooks recently posted..Review: Origin by Jessica Khoury

[Reply]

Posted on: Fri, September 14, 2012
Alexa @ Alexa Loves Books said:

This cover looks absolutely AMAZING, first of all. I’m pretty curious about this book, and I’ll definitely check it out based on your review!
Alexa @ Alexa Loves Books recently posted..BBAW: Everything Must Come to an End

[Reply]

Posted on: Fri, September 14, 2012
Lori said:

Boo! I hate when you’re really enjoying a book and the ending kind of kills it for you. It sounds very good though!
Lori recently posted..Saturday Situation! Link up your reviews & giveaways

[Reply]

Posted on: Fri, September 14, 2012
Book Angel Emma said:

Ohhh I really like the sound of this one – hackers YAY – but the ending hmmmm I will think about adding this to my lists ;D
Book Angel Emma recently posted..Review: Shift by Kim Curran

[Reply]

Posted on: Fri, September 14, 2012