Very fast paced. Really enjoyed the characters. Shows the results of the young and how they can be manipulated.

4.5 stars

This is a fantastic book. Cesare is a powerhouse in the YA horror world right now, and this book fits perfectly. I was lucky enough to be able to listen to the audiobook months ago, however, I do prefer the written word, so this is doubly awesome!

Parents and teens beware…

Thank you Netgalley and Union Square & Co for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"Influencer" by Adam Cesare is a psychological thriller/horror novel that shows the dark side of social media influence, even from someone who doesn’t have a million followers. I am not really a fan of audiobooks, so when I looked that Cesare wrote a full-length book, I was ecstatic. I highly recommend looking at content warnings for this book as there is a lot of death and gore. Also, the opening chapter may be difficult to process, though it does set a chilling tone. If you enjoyed Cesare’s “Clown in the Cornfield” books, especially #2 with the followers willingly to do unspeakable things, you will definitely enjoy this book, though there is not a lot of death/gore. Also, before going into the review, there is a scene that involves animal abuse/death (involving a cat) that I was not expecting.

The plot revolves around Aaron, a cunning and manipulative new student at a high school in America. Aaron is not just any student; he is secretly "The Speaker," a masked influencer who uses his online presence to spread propaganda and control his followers. His arrival shakes up the dynamics of a group of friends where the main focus is on Crystal, the perceptive yet awkward member of the group. She quickly unmasks Aaron's true identity, setting off a chain of events that tests the limits of influence.

Cesare alternates between the perspectives of Aaron and Crystal, providing a deep dive into their psyches, which was really interesting, especially when getting a peek into Aaron’s perspective. He definitely seems like a narcissist, even maybe a sociopath, which is clearly demonstrated right from the start. Aaron's character makes him a compelling yet repulsive figure as I actually liked seeing how he thinks. His ability to manipulate and coerce his peers into following his dangerous lead is both fascinating and horrifying, though potentially unrealistic. It’s hard to imagine that teenagers could be so influenced by an online figure that they would be completely willingly to do unspeakable things, but it can happen. Crystal, on the other hand, is a relatable protagonist who struggles with her own insecurities. I liked her perspective as well as she was able to catch all the hints that Aaron isn’t who he appears to be, though the main problem was getting others to believe her.

One of the strong points of the book is its exploration of cult-like influence and the ease with which young people can be swayed by charismatic leaders. The story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of social media and the extreme lengths to which people will go for a sense of belonging. Aaron's tactics are chillingly realistic, highlighting how easily radical actions can be justified in the eyes of vulnerable individuals. While the book is primarily a psychological thriller, it does not shy away from horror elements. The brutality and gore are not for the faint of heart (especially in the opening chapter), but they serve to underscore the novel's themes of manipulation and control. Cesare's writing is sharp and compelling, keeping you on the edge of your seat. The middle was a bit slower paced, though it was interesting to see how all of the pieces came together with Aaron’s plan. The quick transformation of characters' personalities to follow Aaron's lead may stretch believability a bit, though that's what makes the book so much fun to enjoy. There wasn’t as much death as I was expecting (based on Cesare’s previous books), but the ending was quite satisfying.

Overall, “Influencer" is a thought-provoking and disturbing exploration of the power of social media influence and the susceptibility of young minds to manipulation. I definitely recommend this book to fans of YA thrillers/horror as well as fans of Cesare.