I haven't read a ton of YA psychological thrillers, mostly because they freak me out. Michelle Hodkin's Mara Dyer books left me reeling. Vicarious by Paula Stokes is another great psychological thriller, and I think you can consider A World Without You by Beth Revis one too. Violet Grenade was an intriguing, nail-biting, shocking novel that I couldn't put down.

As soon as I saw the title and cover of Violet Grenade, before I even knew what it was about, I wanted to read it. We're taught not to judge a book by its cover, but the cover of this book is a thing of beauty, I couldn't wait. The only thing I'd say is that the premise gives away far too much of the story. I was quite shocked when I started to read, and realised that I already knew quite a bit of the direction the story would go in, so my advice would be to avoid reading too much about this book before you read it! Except for my review, you should read this, obviously.

Domino - she is such a strong main character, her voice is clear from the first page. There is some mystery to her, with information drip fed in a way that gives you just enough, and keeps it interesting. I still could never have imagined the darkness this story gets into, which is some of its brilliance. Although Violet Grenade seems to be contemporary, it has a timeless air about it, it could be set at any time in some ways. In a similar aspect, there is a hint of magic, although technically there aren't any supernatural elements, it feels like there's something under the surface.

The characters are overall very well written, and strong. In terms of interesting villains, there are few better than Madam Karina and Mr. Hodge. Until the very end I couldn't decide whether Madam Karina was genuinely a vulnerable, sympathetic person who was a little unhinged, or whether she was a manipulative, terrible person. We follow Domino through this journey of not knowing either, seeing everything through her eyes.

As I mentioned earlier, Domino has a mysterious backstory that we find out along the way. The dark, brooding, love interest carries some dark secrets too, with a story that complements Domino's well, without being too similar. Sometimes Cain does seem a little too...romance hero-y, especially in Domine's descriptions of him, though it does sort of fit here.

When it comes down to it though, what I loved most about this book, and what really kept me hooked, is Wilson. I don't want to give anything away about Wilson, I'll just say that I spent a lot of time trying to figure out who/what I thought he exactly is. I love his voice, and I think now that possibly we all have a little bit of Wilson inside of us.

So if you want an easy, simple romance try something else, however, if you want something more intense, with moments of serious darkness, that make you wonder what you would do in some extreme situations, read Violet Grenade.

This book was WEIRD. I liked it, in a way, But I also spent a lot of time trying to figure out what the heck I was reading... I’m not sure that I would have picked it up if I knew what it would be like, but I’m not upset that I read it and finished it. This was a close one.

Well. This could have been better. I’ve been a huge fan of Scott for a long time but I feel like Violet Grenade missed the spot completely. It wasn’t very interesting and was way too slow at times. I expected a little bit more.

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I found the premise of this story to be very interesting but felt the reality did not live up to the book jacket hype.

Domino is a runaway street youth with questionable taste in friends. One day she provides a stunning real world example of the adages "stranger danger" and "don't get in an old lady's limo, but if you do, definitely don't accept any candy".

when she wakes up Domino is in Texas living in an ostensible whore house (not all the girls provide sexual favors, but still). She immediately makes some more questionable friends. For a character who keeps stressing that she doesn't like to be touched or to let anyone in, the girl gives out a lot of hugs and secrets.

without giving away a lot of spoilers it's hard to explain why I find the jacket copy disappointing. let me just say that Wilson is a major let down. he doesn't fulfill his promise.

this book could have been so much better if it had gone allllll the way dark. Ditch the love interest, ramp up the sociopath split, and tear the world asunder. as it was, I found it to be a pretty typical YA romance with troubled teens and unrealized violence. some of the characters and dialogue were good. the setting was good. This is pretty marketable to teenage girls. 3 stars.

I am a huge Victoria Scott fan, so of course when I got this book I started it the first day. After the first three chapters I put it down and walked away. I forced myself to pick it up three more times before I finally finished it. It is unlike anything she has written before and that may be where my disconnect was. I could not connect with any of the characters, Domino, Cain, Poppet, Angie, Madam Karina all of them were just people in passing.

Domino is a girl who is use to surviving. Be it on the streets or in Madam Karina’s House for Burgeoning Entertainers. She realizes quickly that she would need to rise up in the ranks at the house in order to make money. She also realizes that the girls on each level come with their own brand of evilness. With her trusted sidekick Poppet, she takes them all on.

Cain has a past full of sorrow. He recognizes in Domino a kindred spirit. He does not realize just how messed up the situation is until they make a break for it. That is when the crazy hits the fan. The fact that he does not pull Domino away from the crazy but instead embraces it is also a bit on the demented side.

Madam Karina’s House for Burgeoning Entertainers is an place where evil resides. How will these teens ever escape? Will Domino have to let Wilson out? What happens when she does? If you enjoy dark thrillers this may be the book for you.

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote My problem is I can’t handle being crushed when people aren’t what they pretend to be.

Other People

Poppet- Domino’s bestie
Angie- ally of a sorts

To be honest, the cover originally drew me in. Then, the story had me intrigued. I wasn't let down. It was a thrilling tale that dove into some serious topics and created a thriller I didn't see coming.

'Violet Grenade' is a bombshell of a YA contemporary thriller that will leave readers begging for more. I've been a huge fan of the author since the Collector trilogy, so I was overly excited to read this book. I have to admit that I had pretty high hopes and expectations going in - and this novel far surpassed them all. I absolutely loved every single thing about the story and wouldn't change a thing. Every aspect was well thought out and perfectly executed - from the characters to the setting to the plot.

Domino is a really unique main character and loved her right from the start. She's very complicated, as we learn throughout the story. She's fierce, brave, strong, smart, and determined - but she's also deeply flawed with lots of demons and secrets. I liked getting to know her during the book - learning about her past, uncovering her secrets, and watching her change and grow. She undergoes a huge transformation, and it was both inspiring and heartbreaking to watch. The secondary and even the lesser characters were all equally interesting with distinct personalities and secrets of their own. I loved learning everything about each of them - including their dirty secrets - as well as watching how their relationships with one another grew and changed. There had to be a bit of romance thrown into the mix, and I liked seeing Domino and Cain get to know (and fall for) each other. And then there's Wilson. I don't think I can really describe him properly. He was a fascinating addition to the story and definitely added a whole new level to the story.

The plot was awesome. It was original, unconventional, dark, and deliciously twisty - all the things that make an amazing story. It's definitely unlike anything I've read before, and easily sets itself apart from any other novel out there. I don't want to spoil anything, and you get a pretty good idea from the description itself. I'll just say that there are tons of juicy secrets that come to light - and most of them aren't pretty. They're actually messed up and jaw dropping. There's a definite mystery inside the plot - figuring out what's actually happening at Madam Karina's as well finding the truth behind all the secrets and lies. If you're in the mood for something fresh and dark - you need to read this one. I can't recommend this book highly enough!

I lOVED Victoria Scott's FIRE AND FLOOD series but unfortunately for me, VIOLET GRENADE didn't hit the spot.

BLOWN AWAY. Hands down, this is the best YA book I have read in some time. Such a unique premise. Victoria Scott has crafted a completely screwed-up world with completely screwed-up characters, but both work the readers in an unexpected, almost obsessive way. The flaws on these characters aren't warts -- they are festering boils; yet, Scott manipulates readers to feel not only horribly disgusted, but drawn to look more closely and ultimately, even look past the flaws. Just as main character Domino has an alter-ego, it was almost as if the reader takes one, too. I find myself rationalizing horrific behaviors. The lines between good and evil, right and wrong, justice and injustice have all been blurred.

"The slums grew arms and legs and crawled toward their shiny homes and manicured lawns, and then swallowed them whole without remorse."

Scott's talent is not only in her fabulous writing style (and immaculate editing. BRAVO.), but in the imaginative way she conveys mood, tone, setting, and character. The dialogue is authentic and well balanced with the narrative, and the sprinkling of figurative language is powerful, resulting in images that stick. In keeping with the title of the book and with the volatile nature of the main character, Domino Ray, there are repeated allusions to bombs and their impending detonation -- all which build up to a truly explosive finish to the book. And in alter-ego Wilson, the allusion is taken further as he is a ticking time bomb within Domino, ready to unleash his devastation. And then there is Cain. . .

"Cain. I let that name sit on my tongue like a peppermint. It burns with flavor."

This guy. He and his story bring out all the feels. Readers (well, this reader anyhow) will appreciate that despite the slow burning sexiness in this messed-up guy, Violet Grenade is not a romance, there's no insta-love, and the focus of the story is not all about boy meets girl. There is so much substance to the relationships between characters (ALL the characters).

I don't think it was possible for me to read the last quarter of the book any faster, and I loved that I was dead wrong, time after time, about what was going to happen. Scott planted all kinds of red herrings and set-up mystery after mystery for readers to figure out (incorrectly, for the most part). There are a few unanswered questions at the end, but it's okay; it's almost like each reader might need a different answer so each of us can decide what we want for the characters.

Sensitive readers be warned -- this book gets pretty dark. There is substantial violence, sexual references, and harrowing scenes that could be upsetting (see "screwed-up," above). I must give snaps to Victoria Scott here, too, as she doesn't get overly or unnecessarily graphic; she trusts her readers to get it.

Thank you, thank you to Chapter by Chapter Book Blog Tours, Entangled Teen, and the author for sharing this book with me in exchange for my honest opinion -- the only kind I give. Violet Grenade is going to stay with me a long, long time.

I received a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was an impressive book, not only in the tale it told but in the beautiful maturity of the writing.

Going into this book blind, at first it felt like a dystopian but turned into a treatise on the various ways people process and cope with physical and emotional abuse.

The story was powerful and moved rapidly. It appears at this point at least, to be a standalone, which is a rare and beautiful thing these days. Not all tales should try to ride the gravy train into the sunset.

Actual rating: 4.5 stars

I must really be into thrillers recently. If you're interested in a book that mixes multiple genres, then this is the book for you. Violet Grenade follows four characters, each bringing an element of their own to the story. I can't see the story going any other way if they weren't apart of it.

This book has so much depth. A page turner; somewhat creepy, but in a great way. I don't know how else to say that this book was amazing. My heart was pumping like crazy all the way through. I like how Victoria Scott incorporates Contemporary with Fantasy. That is not an easy task, considering different elements needed to write Fantasy, and the more common details of contemporary.

I've heard of Victoria Scott, but this would be the first of her work that I've read. I hear good things about her novel, Titans, so I am eager to give that one a read now.

I have only read one other of Victoria Scott's books, and that was FIRE & FLOOD. I think it's pretty safe to say that VIOLET GRENADE was about as far removed from F&F as two books by the same author could be, at least in terms of subject matter! VG is a gritty contemporary that deals with some harsh realities of life. I was entranced the entire time I was reading this book. I thought it would be a fast read for me, but it wasn't. I ended up really taking my time and digging in to the realism and the intensity of this book. The fact that it took me a while to read, though, does NOT mean it's boring, because I'm not sure how anyone could call VG boring! It was just such an unflinching look at the reality of a life lived on the streets, a life without loving parents, a life without the comfort and stability of HOME that so many of us enjoy. This is definitely a book that will make you think about how comfortable and loved you are, while there are far too many who go without. It will also spark discussion of what it means to be "home" and what constitutes a family. I highly recommend this for older teens who are looking for something out of the norm, as well as those interested in social issues and the realities of life for some homeless and/or "unwanted" teens. I definitely felt like this was the book of Ms. Scott's heart, and if so, she definitely did it justice.

Thanks to Entangled Teen for the early copy. This review is voluntary on my part.

Somewhere is this world, there is a woman who gives 2nd chances to homeless and broken girls. She grants them a ceiling to live under, and food to fills their empty stomaches. All that they have to join return is to entertain her guests every night.

Little did she know what her latest addition is capable of doing. Little did she know that Domino was a grenade that is ticking away her days, until it was the perfect time for her to explode!

***************************************

Violet Grenade is an enticing, dark read that will leave you hungry for more.

It is all about how everyone has a dark secret, a forbidden identity that is shunned in modern society. An incantation that is written all over our souls because of a past traumatic experience. A spell that requires lots of battles to be lost; in order to win the war, and lift the curse.

I have never related to a character, as much as I did with Domino. It wasn't that I related with the events, but with the emotions and thoughts that she kept having and expressing.

I believe that at least one character in this book struggles with Mental Illness. It might be DID, but it was never mentioned. At first I wasn't sure about how I felt about this, but with time, it made sense. The character couldn't afford food, so how can she afford a Dr. appointment. But from my humble amount of reading about DID, I think that the representation was okayish. I am recommending this book to a friend who knows much more about this.

I absolutely enjoyed my very 1st Victoria Scott book! I already own Fire & Flood, and after reading Violet Grenade, I am going to push it to the top of my tbr.

The first book that I read by Victoria Scott was Hear the Wolves, and I thought it was a really engaging and interesting book - I haven't read her other novels yet, although I have heard nothing but amazing things about them so far. When I saw that she was writing Violet Grenade, it instantly became one of the books I was most excited for for summer. Between that pretty cover and the story that sounds like it would definitely be one to grab you and pull you in, I was definitely not disappointed with this amazing read!

Violet Grenade is home to several unique and enjoyable characters, including Domino, Cain, and Madam Karina. The story begins with Madam Karina taking Domino in, offering her a place to stay in her home full of entertainers in Texas. Since Domino really has no where she can go or anyone else who would let her stay with them, she takes Madam Karina up on the offer, and moves into the entertainer home. Even though she is bullied by the others who are living there, she still fights to do what she can in order to gain approval of Madam Karina, and she even figures out some Madam Karina's most deep, dark secrets while staying there. Eventually, Domino has decided that she has had enough and tries to leave, but Madam Karina doesn't want her to - after all, it's costing her if Domino leaves. But what happens if Domino stays and the demon inside her mind comes out, threatening to wreak havoc on everyone around her?

The whole premise for Violet Grenade is a great one that I honestly couldn't have imagined not reading now. I loved every character and the dark story line that came with it. It was a fun thrill ride of a book, wicked and enjoyable from the very first page. The more I read the book, the more I got swept up in the mysteries and the incredible story that is offered, and I more or less read the whole book in a single day because I couldn't put it down.

Violet Grenade is way more than I expected it to be. I've seen it labeled as an urban fantasy, and it really does have a lot of those elements, but it is so much more than that. So much is going on in this book at any given time, and there's never a dull moment to be found.

If you're looking for a great read to kick off your summer, do not miss out on Violet Grenade. It's fun, it's original, and it's everything you want in an amazing read!

Note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest reivew - Thank you!

First of all, I never thought that I would ever come across a book this chaotic and unpredictable. Those are the first words that immediately come to mind when I think about Violet Grenade. Going in, I was so surprised by the twists and turns that took up the majority of the book that, I could not wait for more! Victoria Scott is an author I've read in the past and I sincerely think that, this is one of her best works, if not the very best.

The beginning can't even begin to prepare you for what's coming next! It's madness I tell you! This is a weird kind of book so, don't expect ordinary characters and a normal plot that develops like you'd expect. With that being said, expect the unexpected and don't be afraid to embrace it. We usually tend to not enjoy plots and concepts that are out of our comfort zones, even though we try to deny it most of the time. Not because they weren't enjoyable but because we couldn't let ourselves give them an honest and unprejudiced try. This is one of those books. It's super unique and different from anything that I've personally read before so, I would recommend going into it with an open mind and without having any expectations where the plot and its characters are concerned!

Moving on to the characters...They're definitely as unique as the book itself! And of course, quite unusual. Domino is a tortured soul who's looking for a glimpse of light in a life that is filled with darkness. She's a very flawed character but that just makes you love her and her flaws even more! As a reader, you'll definitely be drawn to her and the mystery surrounding her. And the secrets that she hides will make your eyes pop out and your brain explode from trying to figure everything out!

The rest of the characters were as impressive as the main character! Karina was a very manipulative and well written character! She runs her house with an iron fist and does not allow disobedience. Cain was also an amazing character that I couldn't wait to get to know more after each chapter! He was a wonderful surprise and the perfect addition to the story and how it progressed!

More importantly, Victoria Scott did an amazing job at creating these complex characters and giving them depth and dimension. The story itself was beautifully written and the world building was more than impressive! It was dark, thrilling and full of twists and turns that had me completely hooked. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough and I'm pretty sure you'll say the same as soon as you get your hands on this book! Also, the development of the plot and the characters was more than I was expecting, more than I could've ever dreamed of!

Overall, Violet Grenade was one of the best roller coaster rides I've ever been on! It took me on an exciting journey that never stopped being unpredictable! It's so intense and addicting that you won't be able to put it down until you've reached the ending. And then, you'll be wishing for more. Desperately!

Violet Grenade was dark, twisty, and wonderful. The author does an absolutely fantastic job of slowly building the world around you and then revealing it be to even darker than you could have ever expected. Definitely not for the weak of heart, this psychological YA thriller was one of the best I've read recently.

Domino was such an intriguing character, She was fiercely loyal and determined. While I never quite understood the connection between her and Dizzy, the friendship between her and Poppet was natural and entirely believable. Their friendship was truly the emotional heart of the novel. Domino's interactions with both Poppet and Cain allowed the reader to see the damaged and healing girl beneath the rock-hard armor. The author did a fantastic job with Wilson, he was one of my favorite characters in the novel. The more I found out about him, the more I appreciated what he was and what he did for Domino.

When the story opens, Domino is a runaway attempting to survive on the streets. After her friend is taken to jail, Domino accepts Madame Karina's invitation to join her Home for Burgeoning Entertainers out of desperation to earn enough money to post his bail. As she rises higher through the ranks, she starts to learn that not everything is as it seems and that the secrets she uncovers may come with a price. I can't say much more about the plot without spoiling it but I was absolutely engrossed in the story. The beginning portion was the weakest part for me but once the action truly started, the story became amazing.

I would recommend this one if you enjoy a dark psychological thriller. While this one is technically young adult, I think that most thriller readers would like Violet Grenade. It was a very unique book that stayed with me long after I turned the final page. I'm definitely going to be looking up the author's other works given how much I enjoyed this one.

Interesting YA thriller

I always say that I’m not into YA books – I tend to get pretty annoyed with the teenaged characters (I know, I’m an old fart) – but I do try to keep an open mind, especially when a book intrigues me. And Violet Grenade definitely intrigued me when I first read the blurb. Right off the bat I could see that there was something dark and sinister about the story. I didn’t love everything about this book, but it did not really disappoint. It was an interesting and entertaining read.

The main character Domino is something else. She’s intriguing, quite damaged, strong in her own way, vulnerable in many ways and determined all at the same time. The other characters are also interesting enough and I would have loved more backstories about them. The book didn’t really explicitly say much about Wilson, but I guess you can assume just what or who he is. For me, the story took a while to develop and though the last few scenes were crazy, I thought the ending was a bit lacking. It wasn’t bad really, but I don’t know, I just wanted more.

I have to say though that I like the author’s writing style. This is my first Victoria Scott book and I love her way with words. I love how she describes things and emotions. I mean, check this out:

“The sound rushes inside me like I’m a stray cat who’s happened upon a birdbath. I lap up the noise thirstily and long for more.”

“There I go again with my attachments. Someone so much as looks at me and I want to snare them with my octopus arms, suck on their salty skin, and pull them underwater.”

Anyway, overall, I still thought this was a good read. If you’re into YA that’s a bit on the dark, gritty side, you might enjoy this one!

Violet Grenade by Victoria Scott is dark, edgy, and the kind of twisty that keeps you glued to the pages.

Violet Grenade is unique and quite unlike any of Scott's previous work that I've read before, and I've read nearly all her books. With its unforgettable characterization and writing, Violet Grenade is a great choice for those looking for a new young adult psychological thriller.

The story follows Domina who is living on the streets when she receives and an offer by Madam Karina to join her house of "flowers" in a home to many such runaway girls who are then used as private entertainers.

Set in secluded West Texas, Domina finds herself fighting to the top of the ranks to gain the madam's approval. Along the way, she encounters the madam's dark secrets, deceit, and bullying in a dangerous world, one where once you enter it, you can never leave.

What they don't know about is the person living inside Domino’s mind. Madam Karina doesn’t know about Wilson.

Violet Grenade, like all Scott's novels, has such compelling characters in it with unique voices that just grab your attention.

Domino’s story slowly unfolds and as readers begin to understand her history and who Wilson is, the story becomes incredibly heartfelt and intense. Madame Karina makes a fabulous villain and there are plenty of mean girls to make you want to protect Domino. But Domino is smart and resourceful and she has the unexpected Wilson on her side.

I loved how the story was written, full of rough edges and grit, but also of unlikely friendships and even a touch of sweet romance.

At times, the story takes on an almost surreal quality, like a hazy, smoke-filled room, where we can see what is happening but it's strange and filtered. Then smack, the reader is back at Madame Karina's and we see Domino and Wilson in a whole new, kick-ass, light.

Violet Grenade is a gritty, fast-paced, twisty psychological thriller with unique characters I won't soon forget. So far it's a standalone book but these are the kind of characters you read about and can't help but hope for more.

Oh this book. I don’t even know what to say.

Initially, I was fairly excited about this book. It sounded so intriguing when it was first introduced by the author months ago. Then I was lucky enough to get an early copy to review.

When I started reading this book, I was sucked into it pretty quickly. I didn’t want to put it down, and I wanted to know all that would happen. I read most, if not all of it, in one sitting. There were times when it felt repetitive, mostly involving things in the house, but otherwise, I still enjoyed it. I didn’t really fully understand Domino’s character at times, but I figured it would all make sense the further into the story I got.

Then I got to the end of the book and…hell, I don’t know what happened, but almost as soon as I finished the book, all the details of the books faded from my memory. I couldn’t remember most of it and honestly couldn’t tell you why I liked the book so much while I was reading it. I can’t explain it. I still don’t understand it myself, even a month later. I guess it’s just one of those books that doesn’t stick with the reader.

That’s it. Can’t really talk more about it since I honestly don’t remember the details of the book. If you haven’t read it and are curious about the story, go ahead and read it. You might like it, you might now, but you’ll never know until you read it.