Blood Donor is another book I've read this year that just feels too short. There's nothing wrong with short books but with this genre, I don't feel like it quite works. That's mostly because I feel like there isn't much growth with the characters or the plot. I get not wanting to overdo it and not wanting the story to drag but these types of stories need more depth. They don't need to be oh the main character goes through something horrible and the next thing you know is that they are out of that situation. That is unless you want the plot to focus on how they deal with the aftermath. The aftermath really isn't the case for Blood Donor which is why the story fell flat for me.

A very short, fast, simple read that is oh so terrifying. I enjoyed my time reading this and I can't wait to read more from this author.

This book is quite literally my nightmare and for that reason, it was PERFECT. I love that it is being published before Halloween because this is definitely one of the most terrifying books ever.

Short read and it was just ok. Home less teens are kidnapped and used as illegal blood donors in a secret location what is described to be an old mansion house. Jo is one of those kids that is snatched up. Right from the start the story had my attention and wanted to know what happened next. Fast paced with very little character development.

Jo is the only one out of the girls being held that questions what is happening. some of the other seems rather content to eat, sleep and have their blood taken. From the start Jo tries to get out. Escape, be free. What seems like a too easily predictable escape plan is executed with some bumps along the way.

I did not think this was scary or creepy but more of a very fast paced thriller. The ending was very rushed and was not really ending.

2/5
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The concept of this book was horrifying and it had so much potential but this book was far too short for such a disturbing plot. Due to how short this book was it felt very rushed and it was super disappointing because I was so excited to get to read this book. There wasn't much character development and I was never able to bring myself to care much about any of the characters. The was decent but like I said the whole book was just way too fast-paced and I really wish the author would've taken for time to structure and build up the characters. Overall this book had so much potential but it fell flat for me and I personally wouldn't recommend it unless you want a simple and fast book for your reading goal. Once again I do want to thank NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this book!

Without knowing this was an Orca Soundings book, I was not prepared for the fast pace and short format of this book. In that context, this would be an engaging story for teens who are reluctant to read or not interested in diving into a thicker novel. Interesting characters (I wanted to learn more about them) and a fascinating premise. I would be interested in reading this as a fleshed-out novel.

Alright, this book is a quick read with a chilling story. I have to say I was bothered by some of the plot holes and the way it was written. It has a great premise- a teenage girl is kidnapped by a group that is stealing the blood of kids for rich people who believe it will bring them longer lives. She needs to try to escape an inescapable mansion where she's being held before the kidnappers either take all of her blood or decide to kill her. BUT- I was honestly not a fan of this.

It might catch the attention of struggling readers, but more advanced readers should stay away. I usually try to stay positive with my blogs, but this one just doesn't cut it.

The author definitely made my skin crawl with the concept of this book because it was something that is so possible. This was a super short quick read and because of that I felt like everything in the plot moved too quickly. There wasn’t much character development and I felt like the writing structure was very choppy. If some more time was put into developing this cool story concept, I believe it would be more impactful.

A quick read that is fast-paced and perfect for reluctant readers in the middle grades! A definite must for classroom libraries.

Thank you netgalley and orca books for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

All I can say is, what a wild ride! This book had me HOOKED from peg one and I couldn’t put it down! If I wasn’t working I’d read this all in one sitting I totally would have. The author has such a creative way of telling this story that I kept imagining it as an action movie. When this comes out 8/17/21 I will be buying a copy!

i requested this ebook on netgalley. its a very short fast simple read. the description of it had me intrigued so i picked it up. i like survival stories. i like the main character jo, she was smart and good at making decisions and knowing what to do, she comes from a troubled house. i also liked thorn. we dont know much about the other girls but thats normal bc this is a short book i think meant for high interest low difficulty so its very easy to read and keep interest which i dont mind bc it means the story develops faster and its more direct and theres less filler. the reason for the kidnapping was also interesting. i think it also flowed well even tho its a fast read short book, things happened fast for a reason. overall an ok read but i liked it and would recommend for someone who enjoys fast simple easy reads like this and or is looking for a survival/ kidnapped story. SPOILERS AFTER THIS SECTION



i think it also flowed well even tho its a fast read short book, things happened fast for a reason. (that the kidnappers were gonna kill jo so of course its normal she would have to find a way out and escape very soon and fast). im glad she was able to get help. at the end i kept thinking they were gonna get her or the police was gonna be on it and take her back and it would be a sad ending i was hoping that wasnt the case and im glad it wasnt. also glad she told the officer that she has problems at home too and its not safe there and she and her mom need help. im glad she asked for help and that she also will keep in contact with dylan and thorn.

This book was fun. It was fast paced and enjoyable. However, I didn't find that it would be something I would want to reread. When I think about rating a book, it comes down to so much more than enjoyment. Do I think the book was fun? Yes. Do I think it had enough depth that it would be worth a reread in the future? No.

There was some creepy Twilight Zone type of show some years back, that Blood Donor reminds me of. Blood Donor is an extremely short thriller where kids are kidnapped from the street and forced to donate blood constantly. It's not a scary story. But it's creepy, in a spine tingling, cringey, way. I liked that it was a short fast-paced story but because it was so short, the action was constant and it made the plot lack depth. It was basically an episode of a show about creepy stories. I can't wait to check out more of these.

***Thank you to Netgalley and Orca Books for providing me with a review copy.***

This was a short read. The story was enjoyable and I would recommend it. I wish there was a little more backstory to make the book feel complete. It’s good as a short story but could have been even better as a longer story. The storyline was great, just wish the pacing wasn’t so fast.

Tense, taut and oh so tightly written! Loved this book! Karen Bass deftly plunges the reader into Jo's head as she's kidnapped and drained for blood and the narrative never strays from the immediacy of the action and tension. Utterly un-putdownable. The dyslexia-friendly print and tight writing will draw in reluctant readers, but everyone will enjoy this thriller. #orca #netgalley #karenbass #greatread

This book had a good concept. I thought the idea of the book was a lot better then the actual book. For me it just seemed to happen wayyyy to fast for my own personal liking. I am willing to try this book again later on but I just didn’t really vibe with it. In the first chapter she was already kidnapped and I thought we would get more backstory into her home life first. Not awful but not great.

OH ! MY ! GOD ! The Blood Donor, is absolutely terrifying.

My hands are shaking.

How did I get through this?

Jo comes home literally a minute late for curfew. Jo's father is beyond controlling and now she is locked out. Wandering the streets, no where to sleep and not a dollar to her name she meets someone who offers her shelter. Extremely grateful, Jo cant help but to accept this generous offer.......

Jo has just walked into a trap.

Jo is now prisoner and she is not the only one. Held against their will, they are being drained of their blood. Why do these people want their blood? When one of the others do not return, Jo realizes she does not have time and needs to escape, but how ?

This novel was literally terrifying. I truly feared for my life on my evening walks, constantly looking over my shoulder. If you enjoy having the life sucked out of you and a true nail biter, this novel is for you.

Karen Bass, you have created a follower out of me! I can not wait to see what you come up with next!!!

This story is creepy, but definitely a good read for sure! It’s crazy to think how easily it is to just be kidnapped like that. I loved the main characters.

I loved this book!
The book picked up right from the beginning and held my attention. There were twists but not too much so that it became too much. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a quick, interesting read.

Jo was a fierce, but unlikely hero. I enjoyed the twists of the dumbwaiter and Dylan.
I enjoyed having short, coherent chapters to get the story.

My one complaint is not getting to characters more.

This is such an awesome book! I seriously devoured it! This is a young adult, suspense novel!

Jo McNair a 17 year old girl gets locked out of her house when she is late breaking her curfew.
Her controlling dad locks her out of the house. Wandering the cold streets at night she comes across a group of people who say they work with "at-risk" kids. To help them get back on their feet.
Jo being lonely and no where else to go accepts their offer to stay in a shelter for one night.
Little.does she knows she has walked right into the hands of a kidnapper!!!!
Her and a couple of other teenagers are trapped and being held. They get drugged daily and are forced to give their blood!.
Why do they have to give their blood? Will they be able to survive? And how long to they have?

This book kept me on my toes the entire read! I enjoyed every second in was reading the book!
The author did an outstanding job writing and holding my attention throughout.
And these characters I loved Jo she is strong and brave and has guts!
This is one book I will recommend and would love to get my hands on a physical copy!

Thank you so much NetGalley, Orca Book Publishers and author for this amazing book!