Genius by Leopoldo Gout and Please Don't Tell by Laura Tims

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.

This is essentially the middle grade version of Ready Player One. No, it's not as well-written, but it is a good read. And it carries the message of doing the right thing, fighting against those who abuse their power, and how you can be true best friends with someone you've never met face-to-face.

The three main characters of the story, Rex, Tunde, and Painted Wolf, are in fact best friends who physically meet for the first time in The Game, a competition meant to bring together the best and brightest youth of the world. Up to this point, these three have known each other through their communications online. The internet has made it possible for these teenagers, separated physically by thousands of miles, to come together as The Lodge, essentially the Three Musketeers of cyberspace.

The Game itself is interesting, though again not as interesting as the central game of Ready Player One (and the story line of Genius practically begs for comparison to its predecessor). This is one of those young adult reads that I think I would have enjoyed more as an actual young adult. While adults can certainly find it a fun read (I did), it doesn't have the same adult appeal as many other young adult books do.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.

Please Don't Tell is everything its haunting front cover suggests.

It tells the story of twin sisters, Joy and Grace, who have always depended on each other but are now falling apart. Their deep emotional descent all ties into the night Adam Goldman was found dead in the local quarry after his birthday party.

The characters follow the mantra of the title. They don't tell all to the readers, not even until the very end, and even then you are left wondering how well you can truly know these complex beings.

This is not a light read. Go into this knowing that everything won't be tied up in a nice neat bow, and that the book is better for it. This is a book that makes you question, and that makes you feel. Please Don't Tell is a smart, dark, expertly written, complicated young adult psychological thriller with a mystery that will keep you guessing and a story that will keep you thinking long after you turn the last page.