Review Detail

One day, Rachel is listening to the latest Taylor Swift song and worrying about school. The next day, she wakes up and finds herself in a ditch. She's forgotten the past year but only knows one thing: she's changed dramatically. She's not the only girl who went missing. Rachel wants to remember and put her life back on track. Memories do resurface of a life that was darker and more dangerous. She can't resist the pull but continuing down that path might lead to something worse.

What worked: This is a fast-paced, suspense filled mystery on what happened to Rachel. I was hooked right at the start! She wakes up to find she's forgotten a whole year of her life. There are hints of this new life stashed away in her bedroom. Also her new 'friends' hint at a life filled with raves, drugs, sex, and more. These flashbacks move the story along. I love how the author doesn't come right out and say what Rachel did during that year but leaves little hints and clues throughout. When the reveal does come up, it totally took me off guard. The brutality and exploitation of those by others comes with a horrific price.

Rachel's need to find out the truth and the realization that she craves the darkness she left behind, builds until the final memory comes back to her. Rachel isn't a victim by any means. She goes out to find the truth and also try to help the other 'lost girls' out there.

My only concern had to be why didn't the police search her room? There were many items that gave major clues on what she'd done during that missing year. Other than that, the rest of the story was action packed and moved right along. I did want to know more on that lost year and why she suddenly had the ability to fight and not be afraid of threats-like the dragon girls in her one class.

Gripping tale of a teen who struggles to find her lost year while coming face to face with a horrific price of being popular. The twist on those who manipulate victims with their own agendas is shown in such a way that isn't preachy but rather more a cautionary tale.