I love any thriller involving prep schools and elite society and Waverly's voice got me hooked! As the events of the party unfolded, I was surprised how much of a dystopian turn the story was taking, especially with how normal the reality had been set up so far, but once things were explained, it was easier to believe and I couldn't stop turning pages until I found out Waverly and the main cast were okay.

Thank you Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the early review copy!

Well, this book hooked me at the beginning. The character development was great. Waverly; queer, quirky, autistic scholarship girl, coming from low income family, living in Queens, trying so hard to adapt in high school where her parents work is so much adorable character. Waverly keeps wearing headphones, trying to stay out of trouble, enduring school bullies’ cruel treatment, still healing from heartbreak that Dean’s privileged daughter Ash created.

I also loved her best friend Pari; visibly disabled, bisexual , South Asian, smart, badass, straightforward, smart, thinking there’s something wrong with Webber Academy and its generous, extra helpful dean Owen Webber as Waverly thinks otherwise because Mr. Webber gave her amazing chance to get accepted in academy circle, funding her mother’s treatment fees. She actually feels like her family owes him.

And my favorite character is absolutely Max. We will have a chance to get to know her in the second half but I can honestly say she’s another version of Zendaya’s MJ on Spider Man installments.

The things I enjoyed:
- Cinderella theme meets Shining and Escape room and Die Hard themes
- Intriguing, quick, fast pacing start
- Queer love story between Ash and Waverly

But at the second half the book turns into WTH is going on direction! I don’t want to give spoilers and I have no intention to ruin your reading experience. But things got too far and all hell breaks loose. I’m not sure I enjoy the second half. Especially the secret part about Caroline and her importance for the entire execution plan! It’s way too much far fetched!

I may sense the book will take some kind of apocalyptic turn after reading its name but I didn’t find it realistic enough to get into the story. The villains were cartoonish stereotypes jumped out from B list thrillers!

So unfortunately the promising start of the book turned into something unreliable and incredibly weird concept! So I’m giving my solid three stars for my love to Waverly, Pari and Max!

The idea to create a claustrophobic and apocalyptic thriller located in a mazy building was still promising and I’d love to read the author’s future works.

Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.