Book Review Wednesday: The Fury by Alex Michaelides

 I am so deeply behind on my reading goal this year which is why I've been slacking in my reviews. I think it will all change as we get into the summer season because there are so many incredible books being released. I cannot wait to sink my teeth into them, and I'll have a blog post all about them next week. 

For now, I want to talk about a book that I read a few months ago, which was released in January. The Fury is the latest novel by Alex Michaelides, the author of The Silent Patient and The Maidens, both of which I loved. They were two incredible books that had similarities between them but The Fury is a deep departure from them. It was twisted, bizarre, a little confusing and excellently written. 

Publisher's Summary

This is a tale of murder.

Or maybe that’s not quite true. At its heart, it’s a love story, isn’t it?

Lana Farrar is a reclusive ex–movie star and one of the most famous women in the world. Every year, she invites her closest friends to escape the English weather and spend Easter on her idyllic private Greek island.

I tell you this because you may think you know this story. You probably read about it at the time ― it caused a real stir in the tabloids, if you remember. It had all the necessary ingredients for a press sensation: a celebrity; a private island cut off by the wind…and a murder.

We found ourselves trapped there overnight. Our old friendships concealed hatred and a desire for revenge. What followed was a game of cat and mouse ― a battle of wits, full of twists and turns, building to an unforgettable climax. The night ended in violence and death, as one of us was found murdered.

But who am I?

My name is Elliot Chase, and I’m going to tell you a story unlike any you’ve ever heard.

My Thoughts

This book wasn't what I thought it would be. It was set up in an interesting way, as if you were reading a play. The narrator was truly that...a narrator -- not in the usual way but as if he was doing a voiceover which added a theatrical air to the story. 

While I loved this book, I feel like it was weirdly about nothing...it felt like a rollercoaster ride that kept going up and down without much payoff. It was a slow burn but I enjoyed it which is not typical.

You get a lot of details, a lot of set up in the beginning which definitely adds to the story; you have a real understanding of who these people are, and none of them are likable. I didn't hate Lana though, and felt kind of bad for her throughout.

The main plot point, the murder, was such a twist even though you knew it was coming. It was shocking, sad and twisted on all counts. It is a true 'locked house' mystery novel with glitz, glamour, love and death which kept you entertained until the last moments where everything blows up.

I can't give too much detail on what the book entails without giving away major spoilers, so just trust me when I say it was good. It starts slow but I think it's a unique suspense thriller with plot points you won't see coming.

Also, as always, there are nods to The Silent Patient and The Maidens in the book, especially the epilogue so make sure you read those two books before reading The Fury. 

xoxo
B