In Michelle Gagnon's debut YA thriller, Don't Turn Around, computer hacker Noa Torson is as smart, tough, and complex as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo's Lisbeth Salander. The first in a trilogy, Don't Turn Around's intricate plot and heart-pounding action will leave readers desperate for book two. Sixteen-year-old Noa has been a victim of the system ever since her parents died. Now living off the grid and trusting no one, she uses her hacking skills to stay anonymous and alone. But when she wakes up on a table in a warehouse with an IV in her arm and no memory of how she got there, Noa starts to wish she had someone on her side. Enter Peter Gregory. A rich kid and the leader of a hacker alliance, Peter needs people with Noa's talents on his team. Especially after a shady corporation threatens his life in no uncertain terms. But what Noa and Peter don't realize is that Noa holds the key to a terrible secret, and there are those who'd stop at nothing to silence her for good.
First, I was thrilled to see that Gagnon wrote her first YA book. Being a fan of her previous writings I was intrigued to read what she can come up with for a younger audience. I wasn't disappointed. The story was fast paced and the characters were well developed. I truly couldn't put it down and it kept my attention throughout. (Always a plus for a YA book) The short advertisement behind this book states for ages 13 and older, however I feel that it is better suited for an older teen. The book references an attempted rape (no details), adultery (no details), running away, dismemberment, and drug use (no details). The mentioning of these subjects are extremely vague, but they do exist. The ending has a few cliff-hangers, maybe this is a lead on for a 2nd book? Overall, I found this to be a suspenseful read, gripping and exciting. Gagnon's talents go even further and will now entertain a different type of audience with this YA read.
Disclaimer *I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book in a First Reads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book or the content disclosed in my review. *
