Unhinged

When Avery is charged with murder, she ends up at the Lilydale Foundation Center instead of in prison. It’s a facility for young people who’ve gotten into trouble with the law. Or as Avery would put it: “A shitty mental institution where they stick all the psychos and that just pretends to help and wants to look good to the outside world. But behind those walls, of course, it’s a completely different story. There are certain rules, and as long as you follow them, there are no problems.” So, if I had to describe Avery, I’d say: borderline, murderer, sassy, tough, but at the same time fearful. And her life? Absolutely shitty. She’s had to go through so much and really never had it easy. She’s accepted that she has to play the hand she’s been dealt in life. Avery is really a tough person, but in certain situations she wishes she could just vanish into thin air. Of course, Avery’s love interests are also in this institution. Theo, Grey, and Demon. I’ll be completely honest with you: we love Theo. Even though he’s probably the most dangerous one, psychologically speaking. You can’t help but love Grey, too. He’s just always in a good mood and falls head over heels for Avery right away, calling her “Little Killer.” And Damon? He thinks he’s the biggest badass in there. Just because he has “privileges” and runs a secret club. He’s not that great, by the way. Neither the club nor Damon. But the real story—if there is one—is still a long time coming. In the first part, we lay the groundwork and get to know the characters. There’s a bit of spice, too, but not so much that it’s overwhelming. Some interesting scenes are teased as well. Maybe for the next installments. (I don’t want to give too much away, but there’s also a scene with a knife.) But overall, the story and characters aren’t explored in much depth yet. I mean, we’ve got an institution full of psychos—there’s got to be more to come. We do find out who likes to murder and even enjoys it, but the whole thing—it’s not that deep, yet. And of course, the book ends with a cliffhanger that packs a punch and leaves you wanting more.