I thought this would be an entertaining thriller - it was that, but it was also a surprisingly nuanced and provocative look at love, power, and intentions versus outcomes. Really impressed.

This was so much fun that if it was a hundred pages shorter I’d have given it another star! I loved the FMC and how well written she was. Her teenage brattiness paired with her confidence and “maturity” just screamed 18 year old. This was so interesting with the politics and the kidnappers having such a soft personality compared to what you’d think. Then the FMC comes in and everything blows up. Literally.

The Bombshell by Darrow Farr caught me by surprise! This debut novel will hook you immediately. Some have described this book as a thriller but for me it tells of growing up and relationships. While at times it was thrilling and a bit dangerous, I urge you to be ready for the unexpected. This book takes place in Corsica. So grateful for the opportunity to read this book.

The Bombshell focuses on the well to-do daughter of a politician, Severine, who is nearing the end of her schooling and dreams of fame and excitement. She doesn't expect it to come in the form of kidnapping at the hands of extremists on the island of Corsica. While her kidnappers attempt to ransom her back, Severine becomes intrigued by their politics and drawn into their activism.

Inspired by the story of Patty Hearst and set vividly in the 1990s, Darrow Farr has written an evocative, exciting story perfect for planes, beaches, and days stuck on your couch. You won't want to put it down.

Patty Hearst but French? The Bombshell was an entertaining read, albeit lacking in depth. Séverine wasn't the most annoying teenager I've read about, which is good. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

First of all, I am extremely grateful fo the opportunity to read Bombshell in advance!
I have mixed feelings about this one. The first third was amazing with a very well developed sense of urgency and tension.
I was aware of the plot and dynamics switch since it was in the synopsis, I can't complain I wasn't expecting it but it felt way too abrupt and I didn't feel it was convincing enough, for me a lot more prior development was necessary.
Probably my taste contributed too as I enjoy kidnapping and true crime much more than wars and revolution content (in fiction of course). The last few chapters I really liked as well and they redeemed the LA part for me.
Overall, I appreciate something different and unique among my reads and it had plenty of good for an (I think) debut novel.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The synopsis pulled me in right away and I started reading as soon as I received it. It had a pretty solid pace throughout. I never felt bored or wished things would hurry along. It’s also a reflective story as we get a front row seat to witness Severine change as she’s exposed to a life completely different from her own. I liked all the main characters in the story and thought the character development was excellent. I look forward to reading more from Darrow Farr.

One of my favorite books I've read in a long time. Would recommend for people who liked the book The Girls by Emma Cline. It did an incredibly job of capturing being a teenager and that desire to feel seen and belong, while also educating me about a subject I knew nothing about (Corsica independence)

This was an incredible read. One of my favorites so far this year. I devoured it from start to finish - an absolute treasure of a story!

One of Farr’s greatest talents is humanizing and breathing life into these characters. I truly loved all of them, despite their (I’m assuming purposefully written) problematic behavior. I grew attached to the main four and adored their dynamics with each other: Severine, Bruno, Petru, and Tittu. Lots of drama, political intrigue, action, and a passionate whirlwind romance tied together quite nicely with a humorous prose.

This was one of those books I couldn’t stop thinking about when it ended, which is always a hallmark of a special story to me. I am normally quick to finish a book then promptly move on to the next, but I almost feel as though my next read just won’t live up to this one. I’ll need to stew in it for a few days, lol.

Genuinely so thrilled I was able to read this ARC, and I plan to purchase a physical copy in May! Thank you so much to NetGalley and Viking Penguin.

Séverine gets unwittingly caught up in the struggle for independence on the island of Corsica. A change from her privileged existence she relishes the chance to be ruthless, driven by youthful idealism. I really liked the author’s fluid prose infused with humor. It’s a funny book with a serious undertone.

Wow. I’m going to be honest when I got done with Chapter 1 I thought this book wasn’t going to be for me.
I felt the main character Severine was too much but as I kept reading it made sense and then I couldn’t put the book down. It all made sense, Severine is too much! I devoured this book. This is a story that stands out from other fiction in the best way. The plot had me hooked, the relationships between the characters was addicting, and I needed to see how it played out.