Flight Risk Review: Worth Reading?

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Post on Jan 25, 2025

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Flight Risk Review: Worth Reading? My Totally Honest Take

Okay, so you're thinking about picking up Flight Risk by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, huh? I get it. The cover's kinda cool, and the whole mystery/thriller thing is totally my jam. But before you drop your hard-earned cash, let me spill the tea based on my own very personal experience.

My First Impression (and a Total Book Fail)

My first impression? Intriguing! I mean, the premise—a group of teens investigating a kidnapping—immediately grabbed me. I thought, "This is gonna be awesome!" I was picturing something like Gone Girl, but, you know, YA. And for the first...oh, I don't know...50 pages? I was hooked. The characters were interesting, the mystery was twisting, and I was genuinely invested in what happened next.

Then...it went downhill. I'm not gonna lie; I almost DNF'd (did not finish) it. I felt like the author kinda lost her way. The pacing got wonky—sometimes it felt like things were happening too fast, then other times, super slow. It felt like there were too many characters introduced and not enough depth to any of them. It was frustrating. I had invested so much time, and then poof—my interest just...evaporated.

What Went Wrong? A Case Study in Plot Holes

Seriously, the plot holes were bigger than a Boeing 747. I'm talking glaring inconsistencies, characters acting completely out of character, and a resolution that felt...rushed and unsatisfying. The ending felt like a slap in the face after all that build up. It left me feeling totally cheated. Ugh. I spent way too long reading something that didn't pay off! I was so annoyed. I even considered writing a strongly-worded email to the author. (Okay, maybe I didn't, but I thought about it.)

Who Should Read Flight Risk?

So, is Flight Risk worth reading? That's a tough one. Here's the deal: if you're looking for a fast-paced, mind-blowing mystery that will keep you up all night, you might be disappointed. But, if you're okay with a somewhat uneven read, with a quirky cast of characters and a slightly predictable plot, you might still enjoy it. I think it would be better for someone looking for a light read, not something super intense.

It's totally a matter of personal preference. I know many people who loved this book, so I'm not saying it's terrible, just...not for me.

Tips for Avoiding My Mistake

• Check out reviews: Don't just rely on the blurb! Seriously, browse through some reviews on Goodreads or Amazon before committing. Pay attention to what other readers say about the pacing and plot. Avoid the first few glowing reviews; scroll down.
• Manage your expectations: Remember, it's YA fiction. While this may have some intense elements, don't expect Gone Girl levels of complexity or suspense.
• Give it a chance...but don't force it: If you're finding yourself bored or frustrated after the first few chapters, it might be okay to move on. There are tons of other amazing books out there! Your time is precious. Don't waste it on something you're not enjoying.

The Bottom Line

Flight Risk is a mixed bag. It had potential, but ultimately, it fell short for me. Would I recommend it? Maybe...with caveats. If you're looking for a light, somewhat suspenseful read, and you're not too worried about plot holes and a slightly underwhelming ending, then go for it. Just don't expect perfection. And definitely read some reviews first! You've been warned.