#bookreview: The Deviants by C.J. Skuse

Deviant: ‘one that differs from a norm, especially a person whose behavior and attitudes differ from accepted social standards’

About the book…

Format: Paperback
Publisher: Mira Ink (Now HQStories)
Published: 22nd September 2016
Pages: 320 Pages

The Blurb
Growing up in the sleepy English seaside town of Brynston, the fearless five – Ella, Max, Corey, Fallon and Zane – were always inseparable. Living up to their nickname, they were the adventurous, rowdy kids who lived for ghost stories and exploring the nearby islands off the coast. 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. Their lives are so intertwined Max’s dad even sponsors Ella’s training for the Commonwealth Games. But Ella is hiding things. Like why she hates going to Max’s house for Sunday dinner, and flinches whenever his family are near. Or the real reason she’s afraid to take their relationship to the next level.

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?

Purchase the book: Amazon UK | Book Depository

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The Review

Thank you to Mira Ink for sending me a copy of The Deviants to read and review.

Now, let me first start by saying C.J Skuse is one of my favourites, and I would highly recommend her work to anyone! The first novel I read of CJ’s was Monster (read my book review) and it’s packed full of toe-curling situations that left me wanting more. When the opportunity came up to read The Deviants I snapped Mira Ink’s hand off – yes, yes; yes!

Just before I get started, I would like to say that my review is an honest account and is no way based on my feelings towards the author. I loved the book and that’s my honest opinion.

So, onto the review…

Ella and Max are a young couple, enjoying life. However, they’re two very different people. Ella is what you call ‘working class’, where as Max comes from wealth. Immediately from the start you know something is a miss, but you just can’t put your finger on it! Why are they together and is Ella really happy?

Ella is your main character, detailing her troubled life with the added secret that she is keeping to herself. The secret is something that can cause harm and stress for a lot of people, especially Max, so she feels best to keep it inside.

When she was younger, Ella was close to Corey, Fallon and Zane, but as they attended High School things became different, they drifted apart. One expected event brings them together again, but as with most YA thrillers, things don’t stay as rosy for long. Each has their own troubles to contend with especially Fallon, she has something that will change her life forever! They did however have a strong friendship and they definitely supported one another.

The Deviants is a dark twist on a modern YA theme. A deviant is defined as: ‘one that differs from a norm, especially a person whose behavior and attitudes differ from accepted social standards’ and I would suggest that all of the group of friends are a deviant in their own way because they’re different and not following the norm. However, I also think that one character that pops in during the novel definitely is the deviant and is a horrible, horrible thing – I’ll leave you to find that out yourself when you read! 😉

I would say there is a trigger-warning, so just look out for that. I can’t tell you what it is, but it is of a sensitive nature that some may find distressing (I sound like the TV).

If you just read one book that I recommend this year, please read The Deviants – go on!

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