"Tetherless" by C.K. O'Donnell is a compelling science fiction novel that delves into themes of freedom and identity with a fresh, imaginative approach. Its thought-provoking narrative and intriguing characters make it a standout in the genre.

An all around good book
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2024
Very good book. Kept your mind wondering who was doing what to whom. It keeps you guessing at some of the events. There's murder, mystery, and a little romance. An all around good book.

This is a hard book to describe. It's dystopian and yet it's not. It does suck you and keep you reading to find out what is going to happen next. There is mystery, suspense, horror, romance, and a touch of science-fiction.
Abbie is in an abusive relationship and part of a dysfunctional family. Thinking that she would have a better life if she can find a job in Port Allegiance, a city that has restrictions on who can enter to work there, to her surprise she is accepted for a live-in position at Redwood Manor. To her surprise she meets someone from her past there. Not all is as it seems in Redwood Manor. The woman whose place she is taking, had disappeared and is thought to have been a victim of a serial killer. But there are secrets upon secrets. There are deaths that Abbie is touched by, but she won't stop until she finds out the truth and makes sure everyone else knows it too.
This is a very twisty, slightly horrifying tale that feels like it could happen now.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. My review is voluntary.

Tetherless
C.K. O’Donnell
Tetherless is set in Eureka, California, in 2040.
There is a line in the world Abbie Spencer lives in. On one side are the haves and the other is the have nots. Abbie’s family is the average working class, living in poverty. The other side is the rich ruling class. Life has always been hard for Abbie, and she wants better. She1212 applies for a position with a wealthy family in Port Allegliance. When they offer her the position she sees how the other half lives. But not everything is as it seems. Gia Quinn had the position before Abbie. Gia did not voluntarily quit; she was abducted by a family member. Abbie is determined to discover what happened to Gia. She teams up with someone from her past in an effort to link Gia and the other deaths.
This book also does a great job demonstrating prejudice and malice and mercy and the distinctions of all those. Abbie comes to realize that while the people of Port Allegliance may have more but they still have struggles.
In Tetherless the underprivileged are oppressed by the rich and influential in every way possible. Some may see similarities to our world.
Thank you NetGalley for the review copy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A unique YA dystopia novel that kept me interested from page one.

It does have a few trigger warning such as, drugs and assets., but it's refreshingly unique.

The grass isn't always greener on the other side. Abbie finds this out almost as soon as she crosses over to the Port Allegiance. This book had many twists and turns that kept me captivated until the end. I worried about so many threads being pulled at once, and was pleasantly surprised that C.K. O'Donnell had wrapped them all up quite nicely by the last page. A great dystopian novel that keeps you guessing and engaged. Now, awaiting the next book.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

Tetherless by C.K. O'Donnell is an electrifying journey through a world teetering on the edge of darkness! From the very outset, readers are thrust into the pulse-pounding reality of Abbie Spencer's life, living in the shadow of a relentless serial killer in the decaying town of Eureka, California. When she secures a live-in servant job in the affluent city of Port Allegiance, little does she know that this move will unravel a web of murder, lies, and betrayal.

O'Donnell fearlessly dives into the narrative, sparing no detail in portraying a world where trust is a rare commodity and appearances are deceiving. The intensity of the story ramps up quickly, hurtling readers through a rollercoaster of shocking revelations and unrelenting suspense. The author's unapologetic style adds a gritty layer of realism, creating an immersive experience that's not for the faint of heart.

Be prepared for an adrenaline-fueled journey as you navigate through the twisted conspiracy that ties together missing persons, dead bodies, and those in power. Tetherless is a gripping tale for readers with a strong stomach, craving a narrative that doesn't hold back in its exploration of the darker facets of human nature. Buckle up for an unforgettably intense adventure that will keep you guessing until the very end!

I DNF'd this book. The story was too depressing, the writing was depressing, and the words were depressing. It's not worth my time to figure out the story.

Tetherless takes readers on a journey through a dystopian world where danger lurks around every corner.The novel plunges readers into a suspenseful world filled with murder, deception, and betrayal. As Abbie and her friends uncover a sinister connection between the missing girl and the growing number of bodies in Eureka, the stakes become higher than ever.

Despite my initial reservations about picking up a dystopian novel, I found myself pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. The writing is fast-paced, keeping the reader engaged and eager to uncover the next twist in the plot. Abbie, as the main character, is developed well, and her journey is both relatable and intriguing. Her determination and resourcefulness make her a compelling protagonist.

In conclusion, Tetherless will keep readers on the edge of their seats. If you enjoy dystopian novels filled with mystery and suspense, Tetherless is a worthwhile addition to your reading list.

After oversaturating myself with dystopian/apocalyptic stories several years ago, I was a bit hesitant to jump back in. But the description of this one was intriguing enough that I decided to give it a try.
In a world not so far into the future, a wall separates two entirely different worlds. On one side live average working class people thrust into a life of poverty. On the other side is the source of their troubles…the rich ruling class. Abbie has on,never known life in Eureka, but it’s enough for her to know she wants something better. So she applies for a job in Port Allegiance. When she’s granted a job, she finally gets a glimpse at what life is like on the other side. She quickly discovers, however, that’s everything isn’t as shiny as it seems on the surface.
This was a good story with strong characters. My hope is that the second part of the story isn’t too far out.

"Tetherless" by C.K. O'Donnell immerses readers in a dystopian future, instantly captivating from the opening pages. O'Donnell's skillful world-building sets the stage in the deteriorating town of Eureka, California, where the looming presence of the East Bay Serial Killer casts an ever-present shadow.

C.K. O'Donnell's writing not only delivers suspense but also keep you immersed in the story.. The characters are meticulously developed, rendering it effortless to connect with their struggles. Abbie, with her unwavering courage and determination in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, emerges as an exceptionally compelling protagonist. Readers can't help but root for her throughout the story.

“Tetherless" stands as a brilliantly executed thriller that artfully melds a riveting storyline, well-drawn characters, and a contemplative examination of societal issues. It's a must-read for those who relish heart-pounding, edge-of-the-seat escapades with a dystopian twist. C.K. O'Donnell's storytelling prowess shines brightly in this compelling narrative of suspense and survival. I can’t wait to read the other books in this series.