Whether she wanted to be or not, Jodi is a Thrasher – a member of the high school elite – because she has been best friends with Zack Thrasher her whole life, and although she feels different as to the other four Thrashers – all talented, privileged and beautiful – she can’t help appreciating the social status, especially compared to the violence and poverty of her home life. Only Zack knows but he doesn't know her biggest secret – she's been in love with him for ever.
But so has almost every other girl in school. Most come and go until Emily whose obsession with Zack led her to take her own life on prom night. Emily’s diary, found by a detective, is revealing and rumours abound that she had been "Thrashed" – bullied to death by Zack and his gang. They are ostracised, their once bright futures extinguished. Then begin the texts from unfamiliar numbers, inexplicable light flares, the run of bad luck that becomes a string of near-fatal accidents… and the constant dreams of Emily. But something doesn’t add up. The diary is too convenient. In fact, it’s filled with Jodi’s own secrets, repurposed by Emily. The detective seems to have her own agenda as Jodi tries to work out what is happening to them and why?
The narrative style is engaging and written from Jodi's viewpoint. None of the characters is particularly likeable. Privilege and money have corrupted their compassion and their sense of self-importance makes them fear for their own futures but not Emily's lack of one. The book explores social hierarchy, friendships, casual sex, and the dangers of untruthfulness. For Jodi this journey of discovery is heart-breaking.
I certainly enjoyed reading The Thrashers, my only caveat being that I felt the pacing of the plot waned a little in parts. I hope the length of the book doesn't put off members of a generation who tend to have shorter attentions spans than previous ones. However the wonderful ending is certainly worth the effort wonderful.
PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
Published by Harper Fire, the HarperCollins Children's Books imprint for YA books, The Thrashers is available from Amazon and bookshops.
Julie Soto is a USA Today bestselling author, playwright, and actress originally from Sacramento, CA. Her musical Generation Me won the 2017 New York Musical Festival’s Best Musical award, as well as Best Book for her script. She is a musical theatre geek, fandom nerd, and the author of many spicy fan fictions. Julie now lives in Fort Bragg, CA, with her dog, Charlie.
