I don’t often review psychological thrillers because they definitely give you the creepy vibes that make you want to look behind your shoulder when you’re home alone. This book certainly gave me those vibes and I was not a fan. In all fairness to the book, that’s a me problem, because I’m a weenie. Ultimately, this psychological thriller/mystery will really give you something to think about, and make you wonder if all those technological advances are really good for society. The premise was fascinating, and all those different points of view give you different perspectives and little insights as to how these teens are reacting to the situation around them. If you’re looking for a book to give you those summer chills and thrills, this one might be for you!
So let’s get into the bones of this story. We have four teens: Eden, Eli, Marwan, and Ilanka who don’t really know each other outside of maybe a class or two they’ve taken together. When they all get called to the empty music room after school one day, they find a small cube on a desk. It’s pretty harmless…until it lights up and tells them some rules. They can’t talk about the device, don’t leave it unattended, and they must take it with them..or else. The teens will soon find themselves in a web of mind games where disobeying can have dangerous and even life-threatening consequences.
My initial thoughts are that this story has a very interesting plot. I definitely want to know more about how this cube wound up in the classroom, and why these particular teens were chosen to participate. Tara Altebrando’s writing is very atmospheric, which lends itself well to giving this book that creepy undertone that you want when you’re reading a thriller. However, I was a little disappointed in her characters. I wanted to know more about Eden, Eli, Marwan, and Ilanka, but I felt like I only got to skim the surface of their true nature. The other issue was that we don’t really get all of the characters points of view all at wants, it keeps switching between two before finally adding in the rest. It got a little confusing in the middle, but for the most part can still be followed along without too many issues.
The box was such an enigmatic little thing, and it definitely freaked me out. It’s learning as it goes along, and changes the rules on the teens every so often. You’ll want to know where it came from and what the ultimate objective is, because truly, it is menacing. Which for once in my life was frustrating for me. I think it’s mostly because books that play a lot of mind games and mess with characters psychologically are not my cup of tea. I tend to lean more toward fantasy personally, which is nothing against this book. Like I said, I’m a weenie, and I don’t like feeling creeped out while reading. (But if you love it, then this is perfect for you!)
Honestly, this book moves very quickly and I loved that, but I felt that the big reveal at the end was a little disappointing. I can’t give any spoilers, but I’d love to know your thoughts on it if you decide to pick this up. Something else that I wasn’t quite so sure about was about the cast. I definitely loved the culturally diverse cast, but a couple of times it felt like it bordered being a little stereotypical. Again, another thing I’d love to discuss with someone else who’s read this book!
Overall, this story was good. It’s not the kind that makes you fear the things that go bump in the night…but it makes you think about other dangers that we’re inadvertently creating as we advance technologically. I can’t say it’s a fun ride necessarily, but I was certainly on the edge of my seat for a couple of days afterward. Definitely add it to your TBR and maybe read it somewhere sunny while practicing some excellent social distancing.
Take Me With You is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
Eden, Eli, Marwan, and Ilanka barely know each other beyond having a class or two together. But when they are all summoned via messaging app to an empty classroom after school, they find a small cube sitting on a desk. Its sides light up with rules for them:
Do not tell anyone about the device. Never leave the device unattended.
And then, Take me with you . . . or else.
At first they think it’s some kind of prank or a social experiment orchestrated by the school administration. Still, they follow its instructions until the newly-formed group starts to splinter. Nobody has time for these games–their lives are complicated enough. But the device seems increasingly invested in the private details of their lives. And disobeying its rules has scary–even life-threatening–consequences . . .
