This was my first book by this author and it really delivered. Even though I think this book is written for a younger audience, I enjoyed it. It was very well written and entertaining. A bunch of senior doing pranks made me nostalgic. But all dares have consequences. I really enjoyed this and would rate it a five stars.

First off, I need to say that I wish I had paid attention to the fact that this is a YA novel because maybe I would have adjusted my expectations. For some reason, I assumed this was a "we did something bad as teens, now as a adults things are bad". When I realized this book would fully take place with the teens, I was already annoyed by the MCs and I don't think there was any saving things.

While this novel is fast paced, which is something you want in a thriller, it was also very mediocre in terms of the writing and the story. I used to love YA, and maybe this one just wasn't for me, but I could not stand any of the MCs. They were stupid and mean and catty and this just did not do it for me at all.

This book DID keep me reading until the end. And overall the story was fine. But was this a great book? No. I'm willing to give the author another shot because so many people love her. But maybe this one just wasn't for me.

Interesting premise. I was expecting Panic times 5. Sadly I found myself struggling to root for anyone and just kind of annoyed with the whole school. Not her most page-turning book.

I went into this not expecting to like it because honestly I haven't had the best of luck with Natasha Preston's books. But the more you read this the more you twists you come upon. I fell in love with main character and I didn't didn't see the ending coming.

This was a fun and eerie thriller. It keeps you guessing and you won’t let up until the very end.I highly recommend moving this to the top of your list!

another classic natasha preston. i was on the edge of my seat the ENTIRE time. i knew I would love this because I love anything natasha preston writes. also, the ending????? the endings ALWAYS get me.

This is a book about a group of senior students who take part in senior dares. Each dare gets more and more dangerous, and when a tragic accident occurs, this group of friends need to decide what they should do next. Natasha is one of my favorite authors, but it took me a while to really feel interested in this book. Although it wasn’t one of my favorites by her, I would still recommend it to others.

** I received this book as an arc through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

In Marley's town, seniors participate in a rite of passage involving pranks. These dares begin with minor mischief, like egging houses or setting loose chickens in school. However, the risks are high: completing a dare can lead to expulsion, arrest, or other severe consequences. Refusing a dare isn't an option, but accepting one comes with serious repercussions.

Overall rating: 4.1/5

Ratings:
1. **Plot and Storytelling:** 4/5. I found the book engaging and well-told, despite a few frustrating slow moments. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.

2. **Characterization:** 4/5. I enjoyed the characters, especially watching some of them become completely unhinged as events unfolded. It was both believable and entertaining.

3. **Writing Style:** 4/5. I appreciated Natasha Preston’s writing style. The pacing was generally well done, though there were a few filler moments I didn't enjoy. I often find her endings abrupt, but this novel concluded well, and I enjoyed her writing overall.

4. **Originality:** 3.5/5. The premise of high school seniors pulling pranks that go wrong didn't feel particularly original. However, some of the twists and turns were unique.

5. **Emotional Impact and Resolution:** 5/5. This book had me hooked. I was on the edge of my seat, and the twist at the end was excellent. Everything wrapped up well, and I got the answers I wanted.

This gripping read keeps you hooked from the halfway point onwards. Imagine being forced into a dangerous dare by the popular kid, knowing refusal could ruin your life. But when the dare goes horribly wrong, risking jail time for you and your friends, tensions rise. How do these events impact your friendships, especially when secrets start circulating? It's a story that delves into paranoia and high-stakes decisions. Get ready for a compelling read that keeps you on edge.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Loved the idea but not the execution. After reading Preston's The Island, I had high hopes for The Dare.

I just wasn't a fan. All of the characters are horrible people, the pacing left me bored, etc. It was an interesting idea but any suspense fizzles due to the pacing.

Worth a read, because maybe it's just me. And I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to read this so I feel bad that I just feel lukewarm about it.

Senior pranks are supposed to be fun, but now someone’s dead…

Normal teenager shenanigans are expected right before graduation each year, but in this town they up the ante in the form of dares: & when Jesse accepts & takes Luce, Atlas, & Marley along for a ride that ends in tragedy, they might all have to kiss their college acceptance letters goodbye…

I enjoyed this Natasha Preston YA thriller giving me Riverdale TV show vibes (& even referencing the show once!) & need to work more of this author’s books into my reading list when I’m in the mood for unexpected endings. This story wasn’t too long & I had a good time following along with the diabolical plotting in the aftermath of the accident, never knowing who to trust.

Thank you to NetGalley & Delacorte Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Natasha Preston Book and i must say it was great i can't wait to read more of her books. I completely devoured it. It was so fast paced and so high anxiety I had to know what was going to happen next.

This was my first Natasha Preston book and it won't be my last! There were multiple twists that literally had me gasping at my book. The last 15% I couldn't put the book down. Sometimes with YA thrillers I struggle to relate/like the characters. But I loved the characters in this book and was rooting for them the whole time. I've definitely recommended this to my friends that are looking for a good thriller! I can't wait to read more from Natasha Preston!

Having read other books by Natasha Preston I knew I was in for a wild ride with her newest book and I was not disappointed! I love a book that keeps me guessing from start to finish and this book accomplishes that from the jump. The final twist I DID NOT SEE COMING AND AUDIBLY GASPED! In the end Rhett ended up being my favorite character, even though he is morally grey however something about him just stuck with me and I feel like his feelings for Marley were always real. Definitely recommend this one for anyone who loves a good thriller!


Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to review this advanced readers copy. These are my own thoughts and personal opinions.

Natasha's best work (that i've read) thus far! This follows the story of 4 friends who, in the midst of completing a dare, they accidently hit a guy with their car.....and decide to dispose of his body. But the secret begins to eat away at them and, soon. It becomes hard to trust anyone.

This was a thrilling ride and the ending had me shook! All i'm gonna say is....don't fuck with my girl, Marley! From beginning to end, this story had me accusing and un-accusing characters. By the end, I didn't even trust myself. 😅

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC. I was NOT disappointed at all! (Time to go pre-order a physical copy!)

Solid characters and secrets that keep coming and do not totally get uncovered until the last couple of pages. This is everything that I want in a thriller and The Dare certainly delivers.

I dnf this book and stopped around the 25% or 30% mark. I didn't particularly care for any of the characters and it just dragged too much in the beginning. I don't typically read YA but I have in the past. Regardless I didn't realize that this was even YA, so that could have something to do with it as well.

This is Preston's best thriller yet! I never saw the final twist coming! Add this to YA collections where Karen McManus and Preston's previous works are popular. Teens will not be disappointed!

I continue to love Natasha Prestons work! I would not have wanted to be a senior and accept a dare. I was such a scaredy cat in high school that i envied these students rush of thrills. This entire book was a wild ride that I could not put down.

4/5 ⭐
ARC REVIEW!!! i will always love natasha preston's book. i definitely have a soft spot for her because she's one of the authors that got me into reading and then back into reading a couple years later - so when i saw that she was coming out with a new book, i immediately jumped on it!

i really really liked this one. it was a bit slower than some of her other books, but still a good plot line and well thought out! i was a little confused as to what the big "twist" was going to be because i thought there wasn't going to be one with how the story was going, but obviously it's a thriller and there's always a twist somewhere, and when i came...i was SHOCKED!

i never really know how to review thrillers because i feel like i can't say anything without something being spoiled hahaha but just know that this was really good, and i will always recommend a natasha preston book! definitely pick this up if you're looking for a super fast and easy read with a fun twist and story!

thank you natasha preston, netgalley, and random house for this arc in exchange for my honest review!