While the setting for this book is high school & the main characters you’re following are teenagers, this doesn’t read like a YA novel at all. Jodi at times felt to me like Veronica in the movie Heathers, part of the in crowd but always nervous of being ousted. Thankfully her friends are not the Heathers. We get to follow Jodi & you feel for her, anyone who’s ever felt like the outcast in their group, can easily relate to her. With inserts of Emily’s “diary” I found myself reading faster & faster. What exactly happened to her, she wasn’t all she appeared to be. There also a teeny hint at something supernatural without being over the top. This felt like a more grown up version of an R.L. Stine book, with richer characters & plot. I went in with no real expectations & I enjoyed it so much more that I thought I would. It’s a perfect summer read!

📓

Read if you like:
* What Have You Done? by Shari Lapena
* Remember Me by Christopher Pike
* Fear Street books

I love Julie Soto’s contemporary romance so I was excited to read her first YA thriller. I was not expecting to get sucked in from the first chapter!
The Thrashers is about a popular group of high school students. Zach Thrasher is the leader of the group and he is the All American boy that all the girls want to be with. He gets bored of people quickly and his group of friends, known as the Thrashers, have to clean up his mess. Jodi is part of the group but she still feels like an outsider. She has always had feelings for Zach but also doesn’t want to the “thrashed” as well.
The Thrashers are under investigation their senior year after a fellow student commits suicide after being excluded from their group. The group has to navigate their own friendships and the secrets they keep from each other.
I couldn’t put this one down! There were plot twists that had me second guessing everyone! The characters were so relatable as we all just wanted to felt like we belonged when we were in high school. This book kept me sucked in the whole time and the epilogue had my jaw on the floor! I really hope Julie writes a sequel because I need more!

Read if you love:
✨thriller
✨rich clique drama
✨paranormal twists
*Check TW since this deals with some heavy topics such as suicide and bullying

Thank you NetGalley, St Martin’s Press, and Wednesday books for the arc!

I ate this up and yet???

I was in the mood for a fast paced YA thriller and this was just what I was looking for! The book hooked me right from the prologue and I didn’t see the twists coming but *yet* there was something about the ending (that I won’t share bc spoilers) that left me feeling so unsatisfied??? in fact I’m in the processing of rewriting the ending just so I can pretend it didn’t happen 😛

This was my first Julie Soto and it was really well written and super fun so I’d definitely recommend it. The issue at the end is probably not going to be a common annoyance!

i must compile my thoughts because i’m conflicted. not in a bad way necessarily but im sitting here almost disappointed and not completely satisfied!?

first of all, i really enjoyed this, i was flying through it and didn’t want to put it down. the drama, the secrets, the chills, the lies, EVERYTHING. I did get a little creeped out a few times. I truly felt like I was in a high school slasher film (but nobody is getting slashed, instead they are getting thrashed).

this book gives a little bit of “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” and “One of Us is Lying” and then take those together and add some paranormal activity. which by the way i really thought the paranormal activity was a fun addition and contributed to the story.

somewhere along the way i started rooting for this romance subplot that was hinted at and sprinkled in in places. i think that’s also part of the reason i was hooked. I was really able to relate to Jodie in certain ways. I’ve done friend groups, i’ve realized they aren’t for me in more ways than one and being able to relate to Jodie and feel some of her insecurities and doubts (while having to relive a little bit of past trauma😅) made me feel seen and for that, i liked this book a little more.

i felt a lot while reading this one, i was rooting for characters, against some of the characters, i felt some tension and angst, i got the chills on numerous occasions when reading, and i even got a little creeped out here and there.

However, while reading this my goal was to enjoy the book and avoid getting caught up in playing detective, so i was not trying to predict the ending, but i did have my suspicions about certain things. with that said i do think in a sense it is a bit predictable, but it didn’t take anything away from me or the story. I still very much enjoyed this, so much so that i’m actually disappointed it’s over. i do feel a little unsatisfied, the story was wrapped up, but i also feel like it wasn’t wrapped up perfectly in a bow. and then the epilogue? makes me suspect there will be more? and if there’s not I will be so disappointed because i just feel like something is missing and the ending wasn’t entirely satisfying as it really has left me wanting more, as if something is missing still.

soooo, while i was thinking a 4.5…i think it’s going to be a solid 4 star for me because i simply just don’t feel like this story is done.

Thank you to Netgalley & St. Martins Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own :)

(this review will be posted to instagram in the future to @raysreadss)

One of the best YA thrillers I’ve read as of late - suspenseful & fast paced, this releases May 6th and I highly recommend it whether you are a YA reader or not - this has mass appeal to thriller readers across the spectrum.

4.5 stars

this is one of the best young adult books i’ve read in a long, long time. i think (and this is a bold claim) that it’s renewed my love for the genre. the thrashers is fast paced and gripping, features realistic, three dimensional characters, and explores (with much needed grace) important, pervasive themes like bullying, suicide, and social hierarchy.

we follow a tight knit friend group of five, known by most as the thrashers, after the death of their fellow classmate, emily mills. they are considered suspects in the case, their behavior and treatment of emily both as a group and individually believed to have been the instigating factor of her suicide. they deny any involvement, but is anyone really innocent?

i do want to say that if you’re expecting some mind blowing plot twist at the end, you’re likely not going to get it. it’s not predictable (at least in my opinion), but it isn’t entirely unpredictable either. and i think that’s what i enjoyed so much about it. this story feels so real. it’s about teenagers making questionable decisions and having to deal with the fallout—legal, social, and personal. it’s about the prevalence of elitism even in a supposedly tame setting like high school and how damaging it can be (for both the worshippers and the worshipped) to place people on a pedestal. it’s about the changing nature of friendship and learning to find each other, and yourself, all over again.

i loved jodi as our protagonist. i thought her perspective as part of this clique, but as someone who feels her position in it is precarious, was so interesting. she’s in, but for how long? her chemistry with julian was everything, and her relationship with lucy and paige was just so precious 🥹 julian is probably my favorite character, though. he’s so layered and complex, and his actions throughout the book reveal that his motivations aren’t entirely what they seem. the last chapter and the epilogue in particular show just how much emily’s death affected him, and how much he cares for his friends.

i hope desperately that julie soto will let us revisit these characters and their stories, but even if she decides this is it, i am so so grateful to have read this. i will absolutely be rereading it <3

For starters, if you love any teen thriller shows like Pretty Little Liars, let's be serious we all loved PLL, you will absolutely love The Thrashers!

I started this book and finished it in 6 hours. I could not put it down! It was a fast paced build up to an epic and surprising climax. I had a feeling of "That's it?!?! I need more!" It answered every question I had, but I genuinely want more of Jodi's story. I need to know what happens with her and Julian!!!! Jodi 100% gives me Ali vibes from PLL, which again I LOVE. Go buy it, pre-order it, whatever, now!!!! Out May 6th!

4/5 Stars Recommend to everyone!
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books and Julie Soto for this ARC!

As far as young adult thrillers go, this was a great one. I was hooked from the start and flew through this one. It had the darkness of an episode of Pretty Little Liars, and also felt like a Karen McManus story (which is a great thing). I really liked this one and am glad I read it!

Oh my gosh, this was a wild book. If I Know What You Did Last Summer and Mean Girls had a baby, this would be it.

Jodi is a bit of an outsider in her friend group and that gives her a unique perspective on how the clique operates. Their MO seems to be to befriend someone by drawing them into the group, only to discard them when they get bored. When Emily, one of the discards, dies, the question of the group’s culpability is raised.

But with all that going on, there’s also a supernatural element, which made the plot more engaging in my opinion because I never knew what was going to happen next. What was real? What was happening? It was so much more than the seemingly straightforward question of whether or not the clique was morally and legally responsible for Emily’s death. I don’t want to give too much away, but there’s clearly something that’s not adding up. And even Julie doesn’t know what’s going on or who she can believe or even who she should trust.

I would absolutely recommend The Thrashers. It appears as though this will be immediately available on Kindle Unlimited upon its release, so KU members should definitely consider grabbing it. I really enjoyed the blending of genres and the ambiguity. I don’t read a ton of YA, but this was a great book that kept me engaged throughout the entire reading experience.

I received a digital ARC of this book from St. Martin’s/NetGalley

3.75⭑ - I love Julie’s books so I was excited to see that she debuted her first YA thriller novel. This book is told from Jodi’s point of view, who is one of the members of the elite friend group at New Helvetia High, named “The Thrashers” by outsiders. When Emily Mills, who desperately wanted to be part of the Thrashers, dies, all eyes are on the group of 5 as her journal resurfaces with entries that point signs to them potentially being the cause of her death. I went into reading this pretty blind but I’m glad I did. The story was captivating and it was fast-paced. There were so many twists and turns it kept me on my toes the entire time. The ending was a bit open-ended and it left me wanting more. I believe this is a standalone novel but still hoping for an another book in this world!

I would recommend The Thrashers if you love books like The Naturals series and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder or shows like Pretty Little Liars and Riverdale.

This book comes out on May 6th so make sure to get your copy when this is released! Be sure to read trigger warnings prior to reading.

I received a copy from the St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I could not put this book down. It was so crazy but so good. I better get a second book because Julian and Jodi are endgame. That epilogue oh my God. This is must read one of my favorite thrillers Ive read in a long time. The paranormal aspect was a pleasant surprise.

. I'll be honest, I hadn’t even heard of Julie Soto before (where have I been??) because I usually stick to thrillers, but WOW. I was super shocked to find out "The Thrashers" is her debut YA thriller because it was so sharp and so twisty.

Told from the POV of Jodi, this book dives headfirst into betrayal, revenge, and the kind of juicy high school drama that gives *Mean Girls* energy—but make it darker and way more dangerous. The friendships are messy (in the best way), secrets are everywhere, and just when you think you've figured it out? BAM—a twist.

If you love twisty, teen drama with a side of secrets and betrayal, this one is for you. Super bingeable. Super entertaining. 4 stars from me!
Think: "Mean Girls" meets a thriller with serious bite.

Synopsis: Jodi’s childhood best friend Zack Thrasher comes from a different way of life. He’s popular and has his group of followers, known as the Thrashers. Emily has always wanted to be part of the group, but ends up dead. Her death is investigated and the Thrashers are questioned. Who’s to blame?

Review: I’ll start by saying I read this in a day because I couldn’t put it down. Julie Soto does no wrong! The character development was great and the story was easy to follow. (Side note: I can’t stand too many POVs because it takes away from the story and gets messy) So excited for her next book Rose in Chains!!

Go buy this book on release day May 6th! Thank you Net Galley, Wednesday books, and Julie Soto for the advance reader copy!

Loved Soto’s adult romances but this YA just wasn’t for me. Well written and great for its targeted audience.
While I do enjoy YA, this one was a miss for me.

I don’t read many thrillers, Y.A or Adult, so this was a nice change of pace and was a fun thrilling read. I enjoyed how it portrays how cruel children/young adults can be in school setting/groupthink

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin´s Press, Wednesday Books for this ARC.
Well…okay…What did I´ve just read?
I became a Julie Soto´s fan since her debut novel and although this is not a love story like her previous works, I knew this was going to be an emotional rollercoaster. This YA novel is intriguing and provocative. With very well written characters all flawed and struggling with their secrets, the athmosphere really immerses you in the intricate teenage world and its complex hierarchy.
It all started a few months after the suicide of Emily Mills, this event will set the tone of the story and and will threaten the integrity of a group of friends known as“The Thrashers”
Jodi Dillon belongs to that group of friends and when secrets start to come to light she will discover that nothing is what it seems.
This story gave me all the vibes of a late 90´s-early 2000´s teenage “toxic friendship” drama. I loved the paranormal elements and the plot twist!! I want to think that after the ending (THAT ENDING!) we can expect a second book…maybe.
Julie Soto really nail it!!

Julie Soto is officially magnificent at multiple genres.

The Thrashers is truly a masterful entrance to YA and thrillers. It was captivating - I couldn’t put it down. The twists and turns were unexpected and kept me on my toes the entire book. I’ll join the masses to say that a sequel is necessary.

The best part about this book is how it transcends genres. It may be considered YA, but it bridges the gap between YA and adult thrillers. I actually found it to be more suspenseful than most thrillers I’ve read, keeping me wanting more.

I can without a doubt say that this is going to be one of my favorite reads this year. Highly recommend.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC copy. I can only blame myself for sitting on it for as long as I did.

🎧 Audiobook +📗 E-book: The Thrashers

✍🏾 Author: Julie Soto- an auto-buy author for me

📃Page Count: 352

📅Publication date: 5/6/25 | Read: 5/3/25

🏃🏾‍➡️Run Time: 10:15

🌎 Setting: Sacramento, CA- New Helvetia High School

👆🏾POV: 3rd person single- Jodi

Genre: YA, Mystery, Thriller, Romance

Tropes: friend group/friendships, the wealthy vs. everyone else, family drama, coming of age, in love w/ BFF, small town, virgin heroine

⚠️TW: suicide, bullying, underage drinking and drug use, statutory r*pe

🗣️Narrator: Eva Kaminsky and Jesses Vilinsky voice all the characters with standouts from Jodie, Julian, and Zack. The reading style brought the text to life, and the author and narrators worked together perfectly. The pacing and flow allowed me to get lost in the story. The narrators paused and announced new chapters and there was a table of contents which helped me follow along.

Summary: Jodi feels like a social pariah, yet she hangs out with the most popular kids in school-The Thrashers. When an odd sophomore Emily attempted to join their friend group, she's ridiculed. When she dies, an investigation is launched because Emily kept a journal chronicling her attempt to belong as weird texts and flickering lights plague the Thrashers.

👩🏾 Heroine: Jodi Dillion-17, in love w/ Zack, friends since 2nd grade

🎭 Side Characters:

*Emily Mills-wanted to be a Thrasher, was scorned by them, and ended her life. Emily's mother-Maureen, father-Robert, and little sister-Hannah

*Hank Dillion-Jodi's father, her mother Josephine is deceased.

*Rosa Rodriguez-Jodi's maternal aunt

*Gregory Thrasher-Zack's father-a lawyer

*Detective Harding-investigating Emily's death

*The Thrashers: Zackary "Zack" Thrasher, Paige Montgomery, Julian Hollister, Lucy Reed, and Jodi

🤔 My Thoughts: This was a great rollercoaster ride of whodunit. Jodi led us on her journey being in the "in crowd," but feeling like she doesn't belong. She had a moral compass and made sure she kept Emily safe knowing she would do anything for Zack's attention-like everyone else. Even though Julian had issues, I rooted him. I hope there's a follow-up.


*Spice: 1/5 🌶️ kissing only, sex mentioned all off page
*Emotion: 4/5 🥲
*Rating: 4/5 ⭐

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books, Macmillan Audio, and Julie Soto for this ARC & ALC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

Thank you so much to @StMartinsPress & @WednesdayBooks for the advance copy!

This book will be out on May 6th.

First off, please make sure you check the trigger warnings for this.

Sigh. I am sorry Julie Soto and it pains me to say that this book didn't hit the way I wanted to. I have seen so many stellar reviews and I had such high hopes but it fell flat.

I am not even sure what didn't work for me. I think I was just waiting for more to happen. There were a lot of characters and I wished I had kept track of who was who. I kept getting people confused as I listened and had to rely on Google AI to help with the character names.

This book is essentially a ghost story. The ghost of Emily is surrounding these group of kids called The Thrashers. Emily wanted to be one so bad and over the course of the book we learn more about her and her desperation to join this clique. All the students who are in this group are unreliable and you don't know which one to point fingers at.

Jodi is our narrator and her background was interesting! I was fascinated by her character and how there were connections from her to things that were happening in things surrounding Emily (sorry I have to be vague for your own surprise). I felt bad for her! Her home life had not been a good and she has gone through things a young girl shouldn't have to have worried about.

I love that Julie is taking chances and doing things outside of romance (she has a romantasy coming out soon in addition to this YA thriller). Perhaps if I didn't have this preconceived notion going into it, it may have been different. Please review other reviews as I know they will be stellar!

I will say that I thought the end was pretty good. I know book friends in our buddy read are hoping with the way it end that we could potentially be getting a 2nd book. Will I read it? Probably!

Julie Soto neverrrrrrr misses.

I made the absolute dumbest decision of starting this book at 1 o'clock in the morning and I did not put it down until I finished it at 5:30 in the morning.

The Thrashers by Julie Soto was a fast paced, jaw dropping and sometimes a lil spooky story from the beginning to the end. In the best way, this book felt like a mix of Gossip Girl meets Pretty Little Liars -- the ultimate teen dramas in my opinion.

I have not read a thriller or anything YA in a while, but I should have known I would be enthralled with this one. There's angst, there's chemistry, there's tension and complex character dynamics.

And that ending?! How could you do this to me?! I am sick (complimentary).

Thank you for the ARC! I'm obsessed.