This book was incredible! Although the premise originally just sounded identical others in its genre, this book completely blew away my expectations. The plot was intriguing, and I really enjoyed the supernatural aspects. Julie Soto's writing truly never disappoints!!

(I would rate the 4.75/5 stars)

I love a YA mystery with high school drama. This one kept me invested from start to finish. I loved the social hierarchy and group dynamics in The Thrashers. So many secrets uncovered through out the book. Definitely worth the read.

I am the world’s biggest scaredy cat and was very nervous to read it. While I got goosebumps several times and had to pace around the house a little, I was never truly afraid and LOVED the story. The mystery was engaging and all the characters were multi-layered. It’s going to stick with me for a long time.

OMG I ATE THIS UP. If you were a teen who was obsessed with Pretty Little Liars or Riverdale, The Thrashers gives the same addictive feelings.

The story follows a group of five friends & high school seniors whose classmates have deemed "The
Thrashers" because once they're done with you you're thrashed out of their group. The story is told in the point of view of Jodi, who has the least in common with everyone in their group. It's through Jodi, that a classmate Emily latches on uninvited into their friend group- particularly to Jodi and Zack Thrasher the groups "leader". Emily thinks she's spending junior prom with the group, but ends up committing suicide that night. At the start of the following school year, all of the Thrashers except for Jodi are charged with harassing Emily to death, and that's when it starts to get weird.

As someone who only reads romance, I was intrigued by the book since I loved Julie's last adult book and I was not expecting to love this as much as I did. It truly gives the same feelings of the teenage drama shows. All of the wild things that start happening to them after the investigation into them start are things that truly feel like have a supernatural explanation (so there's no eye rolling at cheesiness like what happens in a lot of TV shows). I felt like the pacing of the book was great and I stayed up late to finish it all in one day. I also really enjoyed the arc we see Jodi's character go through over the story and how she struggles with doing the right thing, keeping herself out of trouble with the law, and whether or not she should try to offer that same protection from the law to her friends.

Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an ARC of The Thrashers!

The Thrashers by Julie Soto is a compelling YA mystery. At beginning we know that Emily is dead but they why is revealed throughout the book. The Trashers are a group of cliquey teens that get criminal charges when a classmate, Emily, gets "thrashed" and dies by suicide. Emily leaves a journal with details of all the bullying the Thrashers committed against her. Our main character, Jodi, doesn't fit the profile of a privilege rich kid, but was still accepted in this elite group. As she tries to solve the mystery of why Emily died, she learns that her friends may not be who she thought they were.

The Thrashers in New Helvetia High are notorious for being the elite group, even if it’s a label gifted by the adoring crowd. But little did they know a series of events would bring them into the spot light and unraveling the bonds that seemed unbreakable, turning everyone admirer suspicious.

Jodi Dillion stayed in the shadows, being the girl on the outskirts of her rich popular besties. Yet not having the advantages of being wealthy, from a solid family gave Jodi more of a reason to seal off her voice. But being best friend with Zack Thrasher gave her a leg up socially, but the longing side glances of interest never seemed to be reciprocated from the name sake of their group.

Zack Thrasher is wanted by all, adored for his good looks and charm, he’s not only easy on the eyes but kind, almost too good to be true. Every girls dream, even Lucy and Paige may have had a bite, as the two other girls in the group with Zack, and his best friend (and less of a Jodi fan) Julian.

But as a new student tries to break ranks and enter in the Thrashers, it seems as though this elite clique is not as solid as it seemed.

I loved reading about Jodi’s growth, how she emerged less of a follower and found her own voice. The supernatural details came quick and I couldn’t stop reading for me!

Intrigue, suspicion, lies and confessions riddled this story! And of course, perhaps a blossoming romance? I kept myself awake for several evenings, ignoring the guilt of work in the morning to turn the page!

If you love a mystery sprinkled with supernatural and youth mistakes and guilt, you won’t regret picking up The Thrashers!

4.75 ⭐️’s. Thank you NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. Was it a YA book? yes. Was it crazy addicting, fast paced, and had gossip girl vibes? Double yes. Such a quick fun read and different style of book I have read before. It had some mystery, high school rich kid drama, and character development of the main character Jodi. Glad I gave this book a chance because it was really good.

If you're looking for an addictive, head-spinning, and fast paced book, I cannot recommend this one enough.

A group of friends with life changing secrets, a gripping investigation, and a paranormal twist is exactly what made this book as great as it is. Experiencing the story unfold and learning how all of the secrets and other details tie together at the end created a fun and addictive experience that is exactly what you're craving when you pick up a book such as this one. Each character had their own distinct personalities and interesting situations which made it easy to stay engaged throughout the book. I highly recommend this title to those who are looking for a captivating YA thriller filled with unexpected twists and a jarring revelation (especially in the epilogue).

I am so glad that Julie Soto was recommended to me. Her books only get better! This was an interesting turn since her last novel, Not Another Love Song, but I'm glad that didn't deter me! This was a thought-provoking young adult read, which isn't usually something I'd put on my TBR! This was the psychological twist that I needed in my books this year!

The Thrashers had me hooked from the first page, and I devoured it in a single sitting (which I haven’t done in a long time). This book took me through every emotion (mirth, joy, anxiety, sadness, you name it), and I was not expecting the ending!

Julie Soto is a master at characterization. The dynamic between characters and the growth we see in Jodi was incredible. I love how we as readers are learning information at the same time as Jodi. This is a 6 star read for me without question. I’ve thought about this book every day since I finished it.

Begging the publishers for a sequel or spinoff in this universe! I would love to see more of Jodi and {redacted}’s story.

I absolutely loved (LOVED) Julie Soto’s first two romance novels, and that is how I came to read my first YA novel in 25 years (lol). I came into The Thrashers with no expectations whatsoever, and by the end found myself gripped by the suspense as the plot unfolded. Similar vibes to 13 Reasons Why, and I am just here for any crumb Julie will give us (thank you for the one kiss, I was dying for it).

Was so excited to get this book, but it is unlike any other Julie book. This was a psychological thrilling time. The story starts with a traumatic event. And we spend the rest of the time trying to piece together the events that happened. The way it wrapped up 😱 WHAT. AN. ENDING.

I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy a YA in this setting but god was i hooked. The twists and turns kept me wanting to know more. Its all i could think about from page one till the end.

I knew this was a YA novel going in so I’m not sure how fair this comparison is. However I prefer this author, Julie Soto, adult romances more then “The Thrashers”. (‘Forget Me Not” and “Not Another Love Song”) Now I am in no way saying I didn’t like “The Thrasher”. I’m a big “Heathers” fan so I knew I’d like this. I also got a ‘Scream Queens’ mixed with “Pretty Little Liars” vibe here. It took me some time to get into the story with all the set up and how many characters there were but once I did get further in, I was hooked.
Emily Mills dies of suicide on Prom Night. She leaves behind a journal pinpointing a group called “The Thrasher” as the reason for her death. Named after head member Zack Thrasher, the group is a clique at the local high school. Jodi, one of the group begins to questions her other friends and starts to unravel the truth behind Emily’s death.

The Thrashers by Julie Soto is unlike anything I’ve ever read… A friend group that is the envy of the high school is centered around their namesake, Zack Thrasher. All are drawn to him, want to please him, want to be a part of the group but along with that comes with the fear of “being Thrashed”. The term was coined by those who felt cast aside after the group was not longer interested in hanging out with them.

Jodi Dillion has been Zack’s best friend since second grade but nothing more even though she would have hoped for something romantic. She was content being his friend and being any type of person that he needed. She put him on a pedestal and even made his best friends, her best friends. Collectively, they were The Thrashers.

Emily Mills badly wanted to become a Thrasher. She was the worst kind of obsessive. Her life ended on Prom Night where she left behind a journal that placed blame on The Thrashers for bullying her to death. That wasn’t the end of it though.. The year following Emily’s death was filled with strange accidents, dreams and communications from beyond the grave. Emily is still with them and insistent on making the lives of those who wronged her a living hell.

Jodi goes on a journey, along with the investigators, to discover how much of the blame is really on her and her friends. She questions if these friends truly care about her or if she also on the verge of being Thrashed.

This novel is thought provoking, mysterious and has twists, turns and new revelations in every chapter. Julie Soto has become a favorite author of mine with her contemporary romance novels. I’m thrilled to add this one to the list! Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Thrashers comes out May 6, 2025.

The Thrashers is a gripping, paranormal YA thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It took me a little time to get into it, but after 30% in I couldn’t put it down. It starts with the death of a classmate and a very incriminating journal. The story follows Jodi, who begins to question whether she truly knows her friends as well as she thought. As secrets unravel, and unexpected twists take you by surprise, it leaves you second guessing everyone’s intentions. The morally grey characters makes the story even more fascinating, blurring the lines between right and wrong, which adds depth to the plot. It kind of reminds me of Thirteen Reasons Why.

There’s also a subtle romance woven in. And that epilogue! I really hope she continues with the story because that was too short. And I could see this as a series or movie! 🎥

Definitely check TW

ahhhh Julie Soto. I have a deep love for Julie’s writing style. It’s SOOO bingeable. No matter what genre she’s writing, you want to sit and devour the book in one sitting.

I wasn’t sure if this would be for me because while i like thrillers, YA thrillers are a hit or miss for me because they can sometimes just be toooo immature for my taste, but this one didn’t hit badly.

I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I was eager to turn the page and figure out what happened. I did kind of see what was coming so it wasn’t unpredictable but i don’t feel like overall it took away from the plot.

It’s not my favorite book by Julie, but if you’re a thriller girl and/or a Julie girl def don’t skip it! 😊

PS - The audio was very well done. The narrators did an outstanding job and delivering the emotions of the characters and keeping the listener engaged.

I wasn't immediately drawn into the book but honestly I kept trying to read it at night and when I was tired. Once I picked it up on a Saturday morning, I couldn't put it down! This book was so interesting as it followed the Thrashers. I enjoyed how the story followed Jodi and I'm thankful she finally got over Zack! I can't believe how it ended and I really hope there is a book two!!!

YA Thriller
High School Clicks
Troubling journals

Julie Soto broke into YA with a bang. “The” crowd in high school who protect their own at all cost is a story we’ve all lived. Jodi’s is a character you want to root for and seeing her story unfold was a satisfying conclusion. I enjoyed the dynamic character development for Julian as well, though I could have used more of a full ending to the epilogue. A great read that is easy to digest and follow. Well done as always, Julie!

I’m not surprised that this book was good because I’ve read 2 other 5 star Julie Soto reads, but wow this book was GOOD! I will be there to petition for this book to go into immediate movie production because wow!! I love how the story laced itself together and the secrets that were revealed had me on the edge of my seat. Everytime I had to stop reading I was itching to open it and read more. Only Julie could make me hate a character only to root for him in the end. For sure became a Julian apologist at the end. Can we talk about the epilogue??? Closely aligned to my theory throughout the book but still a shocker. I love this book so much!