Reading this as someone in my 30s, there were a few times where I was thinking, this is not realistic -- and then I remembered being a teen girl. As an adult reader this is a heavy book, with a lot of characters to follow and some intense plot points. For the YA demographic, I think it will still be a heavy and intense book, but also, that the chaos will seem exactly right from what I remember of high school.

I had a hard time with some of the motivations and characterization of the antagonists. Redemption felt like it came on quickly, and more fleshed out detail would have been good to read. Also, some of the adult characters seemed a bit too checked out, moreso than what is realistic (but again -- having heard some things from friends with older kids, maybe checked out adults are very real... these ones seemed somewhat like caricatures).

For teen readers, especially those who have been bullied or are facing trauma, I think this will be a book they see themselves in.

This book definitely made me feel things. For some aspects it definitely hits too close to home (check content and trigger warnings before reading) but getting the ARC and the opportunity to read it was probably the highlight of my week.

This book has such a beautiful and real depiction of high school girls, both bullied and bullies, that it’s impossible to hate any of the main characters. Because they’re human, they’re flawed and broken, but they feel oh so real. As real as my middle school bullies, who, exactly like the POPS, I was never able to hate. I hate and condemn the actions of real-life bullies as well as fictional ones, but at the end of the day I’m reminded that they’re human beings too, and that they make mistakes just like everyone else.

This is to say, very well-crafted characters. Diverse and informed representation of ethnicities, sexual orientations and mental illnesses. Real talk about topics such as rape and self-harm that, once again, hit close to home but in a comforting, healing way. This book made me feel seen, heard, hugged. Also a bit sad and scared, at parts, but I firmly believe that books are made to bring out our darkest emotions as well.

The fast-forwards sometimes make the story feel puzzle-ish, as if there were some parts missing, and this is the only reason I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5. I liked the way it was written, I just wish some of those time-gaps were filled in. That might just be my curiosity, though, it doesn’t mean the book is flawed.

In some cases, things are said or mentioned and then never talked of again throughout the book. This isn’t confusing or annoying, and doesn’t compromise the reading, it just kind of brings you to question some things, some characters, some plot points. But alas, in real-life conversation you don’t always manage to get back on a topic, so I suppose this adds “life” to the story.

A special mentions to Abby’s poems thrown into her chapters like wonderfully-worded, hauntingly-beautiful, emotional punches to the face. They really add something special to her character arc.

I hope “Death by Society” isn’t the last book in which we’ll meet Carter, Abby and Slater. Those girls have grown on me like actual friends, and I’m low-key intrigued by Kelsey and Mei’s future as well.

Shoutout to Sierra Elmore: this book really is something.

My review has already been posted to tiktok and Goodreads!

Death by Society is a heavy read, that is possibly one of the most raw and real books I have ever read. Sierra Elmore's characters feel as though they are real people that have been turned into words on a page. They are relatable, flawed, and show very realistic and unique kinds of character development that is rare to find in YA books.

I enjoyed that we have the perspective of both the victim and the bully. And also appreciate that although Abby's trauma is the reason for her actions, both she and Carter acknowledge that it doesn't excuse her actions. It was refreshing to see that all conflicts and problems weren't resolved by the end. So many times in Mean Girls-esque books the story ends in a perfect utopian way, it was nice too see that everything doesn't have to be perfect for healing to happen.

I would recommend Death By Society to anyone who feels alone in their mental illness and is is working to understand that their mental illness doesn't define them.

I'm honored that I got to read 'Death by Society' before it's officially released.

I appreciated that the trigger warnings were listed at the start of the book! I haven't seen this in very many books so far, and it was nice to know what to expect.

Before I start the actual review, i want to say this to anyone who is considering reading this book: Do it. This book is raw and emotional, but most of all, its powerful. This book will stick with me for the rest of my life.

The amount of representation in this book is wonderful! The characters are diverse when it comes to race as well as sexuality. I'm a sucker for books with multiple sapphic characters

I love that the story is told through two perspectives. I like getting to really know the minds of multiple characters, in a way that's only possible through dual (or more) POV.

~~

☆ MAJOR STORY SPOILERS START HERE!! ☆

please stop reading if you don't want spoilers!!

We got to see the Abby's perspective, giving insight into why she acted the way she did. It didn't make what she did to Carter, or anyone else she might've hurt, acceptable in any way, but it showed that she is human, not just the monster she acts like. She's been dealing with demons of her own. Her mom left when her parents got divorced, leaving her with only her dad. She's plagued with her never ending memories and nightmares of her abuser. She acts the way she does for her own survival - it's the only way she knows how to protect herself, however it doesnt excuse her actions.

The mental illnesses in this book are very well-written. Carter isn't only affected by her depression and anxiety when it's convenient for the story - it's a constant, powerful force that never leaves her. I've been dealing with mental illnesses my entire life, anxiety being the worst of them (personally), and I've never seen a book portray it so accurately.

I loved watching the characters grow and learn from their mistakes and genuinely try to better themselves, for their own sake as well as everyone around them. Carter grew to understand that she deserved to be loved and that she had reasons to live for. Abby realized how horrible she had been and found that that's not who she wanted to be anymore. They both learned that its okay to need help, and it doesnt make them weak.

Carter's story is beautiful and terrifying. it hit home in a way I didn't expect.

There is always more to a person than what meets the eye. This book is a wonderful example of that.

I could say so much more about this book, but I'm dangerously close to talking about every single little detail, so I'll stop there.

Many, many thanks to the author and netgalley for giving me a chance to read this book early. I greatly appreciate it.

I'm gonna buy a copy of this book the second it's released. Also? I want the BRAIN/ZAPP app

Sierra Elmore’s debut novel is better than expected. Think Mean girls mixed with Heathers, but focused on mental illness and recovery. Carter and Abby are our bully/victim duo. Carter is an overachieving student who just created an award-winning app. Abby is the popular girl, who makes it her mission to beat Carter physically, emotionally, and academically by any means necessary. When it becomes too much, Carter tries to take her life, and is saved by her bully Abby. Read on and discover how the school tries to deny the issues, Carter tries to recover from her suicide attempt, and Abby realizes she has past trauma she needs to face.

**Thank you NetGalley, Sierra Elmore, & Elm Street Publishing for allowing me early access to Death by Society!

Thank you, Elm Street Publishing, for allowing me to read Death by Society early!

I wish I liked it more than I did, but I found the story to be quite bland.

This book is an extremely hard book to read and deal with. The topics in it are heavy and aren’t for everybody, so I suggest reading the full synopsis first.

This is a book that doesn’t shy away from anything, nothing is off limits. Bullying/Emotional abuse/Physical assault and worse.

The author has managed to balance it well, and create characters you can love and hate. The writing at times felt a little rushed in places. Things could have been explored in a little more depth.
Similarly to the characters, this was also a book that I can love and hate equally.
Saying that, it is one that I can say that people need to read at least once.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for my arc.

4.5

THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND THE PUBLISHER FOR THE ARC!

It’s not simple talking about this book and valuing it. It’s a great book, with a heartbroken story. I suggest to read the TW before reading it. There are several serious topics who aren’t for everyone, like bullying, depression, attempted suicide and others. Please, take care!
Personally I think I love this book and at the same time I hate it. Because it’s too simple for me to relate with Carter and her mood, her depression, her choises. I’m no longer the person I was at high school, fortunately, but this book drag me there and I don’t like it.
But the story is amazingly written and the characters are really realistic! I loved the relationship between Carter and Abby, the escalation, the evolution. I also like that this is a queer story, but not a love story. I’m really into romance and queer romance, but it’s good to have stories with queer mc that aren’t romance.
The topics are also written with delicacy but also with a realistic point of view. That’s good.
I think I’ll read other books written by this author!

I started off extremely excited about this book, as it's rare to find stories that address mental health, race, sexuality, and sexual assault all at once. However, the more I read of this book, the more disappointed in it I became. I appreciate the way the author addresses these important issues, but the writing, characterizations, and pacing weren't great. Parts of the story felt rushed, parts felt unnecessarily drawn out, and others felt like they were missing important chunks of information. The characters felt really exaggerated in their perfectionism or depiction of being "perfect" victims. I wanted to like this book so much, but it fell flat and the message got lost along the way.

First of all thank you, Victory Publishing and Sierra Elmore for gifting me this eARC via Netgalley!

I liked this book so much because it touched on subject matters that are so important, that we all should be educated on, so to help other people who may be facing them.

I loved the fact that there was a warning right from the beginning that this book features trigging subjects for some. I also liked the fact that she touched on the fact that the bully can sometimes be facing their own struggles and to be empathetic of all no matter what.

These are real life issues that the world needs to be acting on and Sierra Elmore, you are a true inspiration for all that you do for this cause!

I like the way the author wrote this book from both girls pov.
Both Carter and Abby have suffered in different ways, Carter has suffered due to Abby and the POPS, Abby due to a trauma in her life.
Although this is an easy book to read in the page turning way, it is not an easy read in the sense of the topics that are covered in the novel.
A wonderful debut novel which represents just what it can be like in a high school setting, how it can effect individuals.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a free E-Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Death by Society is not a book you want to read ... it is a book you NEED to read. It revolves around a lot of heavy topics like mental health issues, bullying, suicide, mention of rape and more.

The story starts slow introducing us to the main characters. It is split into two point of views - Carter and Abby. Both sides from the bullying get reflected, which I think is such an amazing idea. You can get a feeling for both and might understand why the bully started this whole thing. This book and its story digs deep into the depths of human beings and their problems. It is absolutely dark, but there is still hope for change. How the story evolves is incredible and the characters are really growing.

And yes, you will love all the characters at the end. I didn`t think I could, but damn I was wrong. The other big plus. No one of them is straight at all. This is such a shappic diamond I found in the depth of Netgalley - what a find. The view of mental health issues is also very good represented. Something I can relate to myself.

In the end it is still a dark book, that might be hard to read for a lot of people, but I still hope it will blow up. The story deserves to be read and heard. I really hope Carter gets a second book, where she finds her way through college. Just can recommend this book over and over again.

If you enjoy Heathers (particularly the musical!), Mean Girls and/or GBF, I can almost guarantee you will ADORE this book just like I did.

From the dedication (reading 'To myself, for making it through') I knew this book would tug at my heartstrings and really remind me of how tough high school - and growing up in general - can be. And I was certainly right. One of the protagonists, Carter, suffers with depression and faces daily bullying at the hands of the other protagonist: Abby. Though Carter may ostensibly seem like the typical Veronica Sawyer/ Cady Heron character, she has layers to her that charm and excite, as well as occasionally upset the reader, all whilst making sure you root for her and her mental recovery. Her relationship with her mother and her academic talents are particular highlights and it is truly lovely to see how she changes and grows more confident as the story nears its resolution.

Similarly, Abby is a well-developed character whose own story is fun to follow despite her truly horrific actions. Something I was particularly happy about was the fact that these actions weren't simply swept under the rug when she decided to start acting more nicely. (Based on the blurb and descriptions I had read, I incorrectly assumed this book would follow the enemies to lovers trope in regards to Abby and Carter. And though I have no doubts that Sierra Elmore has the ability to write that - honestly she is a writing GENIUS so I wouldn't put anything past her - that was not the case. And honestly? I think that was great. Carter doesn't fully forgive Abby and rightfully so. ) It is refreshing to see the mean girl have to accept that some things she did were unforgiveable.

However, one small note (not quite criticism, because I know this is something that happens in a lot of stories and I don't think it is necessarily a bad thing) I had was that Abby's SA backstory felt like it was only included as a means to make her more sympathetic. Personally, I would have preferred her to be likeable based on her personality as opposed to her trauma. That's not to say that her past is the only aspect of Abby that isn't bitchiness; she is a genuinely entertaining, funny character who does see the error of her ways eventually, but to me the SA didn't feel like it fit with the overall story. Perhaps, rather than be removed, this element could have been further explored - especially when Carter discovers it happened. Sierra Elmore is very talented at writing raw, emotional scenes and dialogue and so I believe she could have provided much-appreciated depth to this plot.

Back to the overwhelming number of positives that this story contains though, I cannot write a review for it without mentioning the amazing queer representation. There are a number of wlw characters, all unique and expertly written without stereotypes ever making an appearance. I would love for this to become more normalised in YA fiction. Some of my favourite pages were the ones in which Abby and Carter described their own experiences as queer teens, and several passages made me feel quite ' seen', which is something I never felt when I was their age.

I am beyond honoured to have read an advanced copy of this novel and would like to thank the author and publishers for making that possible. I have already told my friends to look out for Death by Society when it hits the shelves and I urge anyone reading this who enjoys teen angst and mental health explorations to do the same.

I recieved an arc from netgalley and I was expecting quite less than what was offered on my God, this was a wild ride. Carter my beloved I'm so sorry you deserve the entire world<3 Abby , holyshit???? I am also so sorry. Each and every character in this book felt so well described? I can't explain it but I felt like I personally knew them. Overall , i really loved this and would definitely recommend but with trigger warnings of course.

as someone who was bullied all throughout their life i related so much with carter; i am floored with how much of myself i saw in her.

i thought the duel pov was good because we got to see everything through the bullies perspective but at the same time it made me astronomically mad. i don’t care how crappy your life is, there’s no excuse to treat others like garbage. since you know what it’s like to feel awful why would you make someone else feel like that? anyway, i could go on and on about that because i am clearly very passionate about the topic.

death by society was very well written and i love all the forth wall breaks that happened, i felt like i was in someone’s diary, i liked it. i truly loved reading this and look forward to more from sierra!! truly a wonderful writer who poured their soul into this project and you can tell.

I've had my eye on Death By Society ever since I saw Sierra was publishing this book on Twitter. I believe what drew me in was the female friendship dynamics and promised representation of mental health.

And this book sure delivered! What stuck with me the most was that this book represents a journey from rock bottom to reluctant treatment to growth. It shows us that the journey is hard and painful and that things can lead to bad places and thoughts. It also acknowledges that the people around us may not help, that therapists sometimes aren't the right fit, and that parents can have trouble helping their depressed children.

I really enjoyed how main character Carter's journey was portrayed. She was hesitant, sceptical, unwilling. She wanted things to be over with and I relate so much to "I was so close". Because it hurts the most when we're so close to something over and over again and never quite get it.

The reasons I rate this 4/5 is because I agree with some other reviewers that the characters sometimes turn their opinions around too quickly or without enough time or explanation. Sometimes the opinions of some characters towards others are confusing.

I did enjoy reading this book very much though!

Dark, humorous and emotive. I read this book in one sitting and couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed it.

It's quite hard to write a review about something so hard to talk about. Especially since I relate to it in some ways.

Death By Society is a dual-POV story about Carter, a seventeen-year-old bullied girl, and her mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. The second POV we are introduced to is of Abby, a mean girl who bullies Carter, with her own personal traumas. Abby is part of a group called POPS, that includes Kelsey (her best-friend with benefits), Slater and Mei, together they make it their main goal in school (and life) to torment Carter.
After things get worse for Carter, she attempts suicide but is stopped by Abby. From here, things change from both characters, as friendships get ruined and new (and old ones) start to bloom.

Now, as someone who as self-harmed before and has considered "disappearing" multiple times, this book was an eye-opener. I ended up related to Carter in this sense, that we both felt alone and helpless, even with all the help we were receiving.

All right, this is about the book not me. Sierra Elmore wrote something that should be read by every teenager, whether they are/were bullied, have done the bullying, or never even experienced it. In a way, EVERYONE should read this, because it shows the reality of so many teenagers all around the world, not just like Carter but like Abby and maybe like the other characters as well. Everyone can find a character they can relate to in this book.

What I hope people take from this book is that, whether you believe it or not, help is always available. You just have to look around the corner. And most importantly, it will get better. Even when the light is fading, it is still there, and it will remain as long as you believe it is there.

Sierra Elmore, I hope you have all the success you deserve from this book because, you and its story deserve it. Carter and Abby deserve to have their stories shared with the world, and I really hope one day I can say that I was honoured to read their story before the world knew about it. I hope one day to have a physical copy of it, and to remember the words I read, and the tears I shed.

Thank you for the experience, Sierra Elmore.

Signing off,
B.

Elmore's debut novel is a strong entry into the world of dark, mean-girl YA! Perfect for fans of Courtney Summers or Tiffany Jackson, Death By Society is a quick-moving story of bully and bullied. Carter is a depressed overachiever whose life is routinely made so miserable by Abby (who has trauma of her own, which explains but does not excuse her actions) that she considers suicide as a viable means of escape. The novel is brutal in its depiction of teenage cruelty and insecurity, but Elmore handles the tough topics with care and thoughtfulness. You won't want to put this one down!

3.5 stars

This book is a mix of serious discussion about depression and social anxiety, Gen Z humor, and real-life teenage relationships. I loved Carter as a character, and was rooting for her the whole time—each downfall felt like mine, too. The plot flows seamlessly; the stakes are high the entire time, which kept me unable to pull myself away.

However, I’m concerned about Abby’s “redemption” in the end. I don’t know that her saving Carter’s life is enough to make me forgive her, let alone enough to believe Carter and her eventually become best friends. Her backstory is obviously traumatizing, but not enough to justify her treatment of Carter. I wonder if seeing her reflect on her feelings of how she hurt Carter more would have made me feel differently. While I think Carter’s story of perseverance and self love is important and has the potential to really help struggling readers, I think her friendship with Abby has the potential to harm.

Aside from that, there were small aspects of the book that felt poorly planned and confusing. The POPS’s consistent changing of alliances and in-groups felt incredibly realistic, but was really hard to track as a reader. A lot of the smaller arcs (Abby and Slater’s relationship, Abby’s relationship with her mother, Carter’s BRAIN/ZAPP progress) were thrown into the narrative inconsistently and felt underdeveloped.

In the end, I feel confused and sort of unsatisfied. I really wanted to love this book, but by the third act I didn’t know who was friends with who anymore, and who I should be rooting for. This book has a wonderful story, and I hope it finds its readers, but it just wasn’t for me!