Book Review: Don't Look Back

Don't Look Back

By: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Published by: Disney-Hyperion

Release date: April 15, 2014

Genre: YA thriller

384 pages

Buy it at Amazon, IndieBound, Book Depository, or Barnes & Noble

Source: purchased by reviewer

I have absolutely no idea why I am just now reading this book. I am a big fan of Jennifer L. Armentrout, and have been since early on in her publishing career. This title must have just slipped through the cracks of my tbr pile. I can say for certain, however, that I was delighted that there was an Armentrout title available for me to read when I was read to start a new book.

This is a departure from the sci fi and romance that Armentrout is known for. Don't Look Back is primarily a thriller, with a main character who can't remember what happened to her or the best friend who still hasn't been found. Her memory loss persists for most of the novel, and she discovers the world around her right alongside the reader. The mystery is so well done that I had no idea who the perpetrator was until the secret was finally revealed, yet the explanation of motive made absolute sense. I would be excited to see more thrillers by Armentrout hit the shelves.

Character development is everything to me as a reader, and this title doesn't disappoint. On the surface Samantha, the main character, is a typically snotty rich popular girl. Under the layers of complicated relationships, though, she is an intriguing and engaging leading lady. Sam is surrounded by a diverse cast of players, both teens and adults, who all become more three dimensional as she becomes acquainted with them all over again.


Armentrout's long-time readers will adore this book, recognizing her trademark fabulous characterization. Readers new to the author will enjoy it just as much, reveling in the suspense and the teen drama turned realistic drama. I strongly recommend this book for anyone.

Summary:

Samantha is a stranger in her own life. Until the night she disappeared with her best friend, Cassie, everyone said Sam had it all-popularity, wealth, and a dream boyfriend. 

Sam has resurfaced, but she has no recollection of who she was or what happened to her that night. As she tries to piece together her life from before, she realizes it's one she no longer wants any part of. The old Sam took "mean girl" to a whole new level, and it's clear she and Cassie were more like best enemies. Sam is pretty sure that losing her memories is like winning the lottery. She's getting a second chance at being a better daughter, sister, and friend, and she's falling hard for Carson Ortiz, a boy who has always looked out for her-even if the old Sam treated him like trash. 

But Cassie is still missing, and the facts about what happened to her that night isn't just buried deep inside of Sam's memory-someone else knows, someone who wants to make sure Sam stays quiet. All Sam wants is the truth, and if she can unlock her clouded memories of that fateful night, she can finally move on. But what if not remembering is the only thing keeping Sam alive?