A razor-sharp, edge-of-your-seat thriller…
Truth is a weapon, and in Towles’s latest novel, it cuts deep. Seventeen-year-old Thea Riggs is caught between the turbulence of adolescence and the deadly intrigue of the Dead Sevens game, a shadowy ordeal that blurs the line between reality and danger. Armed with knowledge to expose the truth, she faces a grim choice: risk everything for justice or save her mother. Towles deftly intertwines Thea’s personal battles with a broader mystery, crafting a narrative rich in themes of identity, trust, and the relentless pursuit of truth. San Francisco, portrayed with striking vibrancy, becomes more than just a backdrop—it’s a living, breathing entity that amplifies the story’s tension. Thea is a fully realized protagonist—relatable yet complex—whose relationships with friends Fergus and Kit add depth and authenticity to the story. The pacing is razor-sharp, and the plot twists relentless. The resolution is satisfying yet leaves a lingering unease. The novel adeptly explores the dark side of technology and its impact on civil liberties, positioning itself alongside acclaimed YA techno-thrillers like “Warcross” by Marie Lu and “The 5th Wave” by Rick Yancey. Suspenseful and emotionally resonant from start to finish.
Specimen
Lisa Towles
Publisher: Indies United Publishing
Publication Date: 12/3/24
Formats: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover
Genre: Young Adult thriller
