The Deviants - Book Review

The fearless five – Ella, Max, Corey, Fallon and Zane – were always inseparable as children growing up as children in a sleepy English seaside town. But when Max’s beloved older sister Jessica is killed, the friendship seems to die with her.
Now years later, only Max and Ella are in touch; still best friends and a couple since they were thirteen. But Ella is hiding things - like why she’s afraid to take their relationship to the next level.
And when underdog Corey is bullied, the fearless five are brought back together again, teaming up to wreak havoc and revenge on those who have wronged them. But when the secrets they are keeping can no longer be kept quiet, will their fearlessness be enough to save them from themselves?

The Deviants by CJ Skuse is a thriller that was published by Harper Collins just last month.  The book was very odd at first and made me very confused.  It didn't make a lot of sense due to being very ambiguous and vague. It jumped straight into the action with no explanation of anything. However, by the time the story concluded it made much more sense.  I personally didn't like how this was done but I do appreciate the effect it had on the overall suspense of the book.

The characters were very well developed. As readers, we're given a small backstory for each of the main characters which allows us to understand them and their behaviour a lot more. I enjoyed the friendship of the 4 (later 5) friends and how they all worked together to take revenge and have fun. I particularly loved the scene where they took revenge on Fallon's bullies. It was hilarious.

I enjoyed the dark story lines- it was refreshing to read something dark in a 'normal', non-fantasy setting. Despite this, it was still shocking to find out some of the truths. The ending though was awful. It tore my heart to pieces and left me a sobbing mess. So, not actually awful, just emotionally damaging. I actually loved the ending (minus the tears). 

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a dark read. This thriller is certainly shocking and sad but it will make you want to read more from CJ Skuse.

Disclaimer: I was lucky enough to be given a proof copy of this book at YALC however this has not effected my view in any way.