
Member Reviews

The Thrashers completely blew me away—it’s gritty, raw, and unapologetically intense in all the best ways. I loved how vividly the story captured the thrill and danger of its world, and the characters felt so alive that I was invested in every choice they made. The tension never let up, and the emotional stakes hit hard, leaving me fully immersed from start to finish. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after the last page, and I couldn’t recommend it more.

I adored this book and the story. The audio gave it extra drama and suspense that truly made this a perfect audio book. It reads sort of like a podcast. So perfect for us true crime girlies!

The thrashers takes place a few months after Emily Mills commits suicide, and “the thrashers” — a popular friend group of five — are the key suspects and labelled Emily’s former bullies, but as evidence is unravelled and discovered for the court case, Jodi learns that both her friends and Emily’s journal are not as truthful as she was led to believe… This book was such a great read. I really enjoyed it and I think my students will really enjoy it. I can't wait to get this into my library. I look forward to more from Julie Soto for young adults.
Thanks to NetGalley for the audio ARC to preview.

This book was a blast and I found it totally unputdownable. Fun, twisty, layered, and dark. I went back and forth on whether I liked the supernatural aspect, especially with how subtle it is throughout most of the book (reminiscent of Tana French's The Likeness in a lot of ways). Ultimately I think it was a fun extra twist, especially with the way things were punched up in the epilogue.

Julie Soto, queen of all genres, does NOT MISS! The Thrashers was an electrifying, edge-of-your-seat read that had me hooked from page one. The perfect blend of mystery, suspense, supernatural chills, and just the right touch of romance—this book delivered everything!
Jodi Dillon never truly fit in with the Thrashers—Julian, Lucy, Paige, and, of course, Zack Thrasher. They’re rich, magnetic, and the center of attention. But Zack’s been her best friend forever, so she’s in… until Emily Mills dies, and the whispers start. When Emily’s journal surfaces and the police start circling, Jodi has to make an impossible choice: stay loyal or save herself. But the deeper she digs, the more terrifying the truth becomes. But the real question is... is Emily truly gone?
I was obsessed with this story. The mystery around Emily’s death kept me second-guessing everything, and the supernatural touches gave me actual chills. I thought I had things figured out, but then the twists kept coming. And that epilogue?! I’m still thinking about it.
Jodi’s character growth was one of my favorite parts. Watching her relationships shift as she started seeing the Thrashers—and herself—more clearly was so satisfying. Julie Soto has a way of making every scene feel so alive, and her storytelling is just chef’s kiss.
This book kept me second-guessing everything and left me thinking about it long after I turned the last page. If you love thrillers that are smart, atmospheric, and completely unputdownable—The Thrashers is a MUST-READ.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was excited for this book because everyone is saying great things. The writing and narrator are incredible, but I didn't read the trigger warnings before I started and this one won't be for me.

I absolutely LOVED this. I think I'd have to say 4.75 stars.
My biggest negative would be that there is no content warnings. On a book that is marketed YA which such heavy topics I feel those warnings are so important for parents picking books for their kids and for the kids themselves. The main plot is suicide and bullying which is such a hard topic at that age. It gave very much 13 reasons why vibes.
The story had me on the edge of my seat the ENTIRE time Wondering what would happen next. Absolutely one of my favorite Julie Soto books I will recommend to many.

Had I realized there was a supernatural component to this book, I probably would have skipped it, but I'm glad I didn't, because I really enjoyed it. While I did not understand Zach's appeal and hold over literally everyone in this book, I did find the relationship between Jodi and Julian super cute in a Veronica Mars / Logan Echolls kind of way. The character development was well done and the author did a good job portraying the messy, complicated, lives of teenagers. She also did a commendable job in exploring some pretty heavy themes - suicide, alcoholism, bullying, neglect, to name a few.
The grave yard scene was super creepy and the epilogue was chef's kiss.
Both veteran narrators did a commendable job.

The Thrashers is a dark and gripping YA thriller about a privileged high school clique unraveling after a classmate’s shocking suicide. With eerie supernatural elements and sharp social commentary, the story follows outsider Jodi as secrets, guilt, and ghostly warnings surface. Fast-paced, chilling, and twisty.

I love Julie Soto so decided to give this genre change a try. I really had trouble getting into the high school-ness of the story.

Full of twists and turns that will have you hooked from the start. Full of surprise, Suspense, mystery and games they are playing.
The plot was great. The narrator was great. Definitely recommend this one.

This was a very entertaining young adult mystery! Jodi is part of an exclusive group of seniors at New Helvetia High, one that is centered around Zach Thrasher. Everyone wants to be a part of “The Thrashers.” When Emily Mills, another student who was determined to be a Thrasher, commits suicide though, the cracks in group start to show. Weird things start happening to Lucy, Paige, Julian, Zach and Jodi and they realize that maybe they aren’t as invincible as they originally thought.
I thought this was a super entertaining YA book. I really enjoyed the group dynamics, though I personally wanted a bit more characterization of The Thrashers. I did like that there were some paranormal aspects, and the epilogue was pitch perfect. I hope that Julie Soto makes this into a series, because the ending sort of lent it to be the beginning of one. Overall, this was a fast read that kept me wanting to figure out all the twists. The narrator did a fantastic job of differentiating between the different characters and really brought the story to life. Definitely recommend it if you enjoy a little bit of a popcorn thriller with a high school setting.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced listening copy of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.

Overall this wasn’t my favourite, I think I’m just aging out of YA books though. I liked the premise and I really enjoyed the mean girls meets thriller vibe of the book. I was just getting annoyed at some parts with the immaturity of the characters, but it’s YA so that’s to be expected. I think it was a well done book, and many people will enjoy it, I’m just not the target audience at this point. However, it is one that I would reread if a YA mood strikes me!

I couldn't get into this book. I don't think I am the target audience. I think is would be popular with a fan of "one of Us is Lying" which was also not my style.

I really enjoyed this young adult thriller by Julie Soto! Fast paced, good character writing, suspenseful, and keeps you hooked! A great debut... Just wait for the epilogue.

I DNFed this book at 33%, I skipped to the end to find out "who dun it" and I easily guessed the overall plot line and where the story was going within that first 33%. I was not entertained, and I did not enjoy the narration of this book. I will not be continuing and I do not think now that I know the end, that I will pick this one back up again.

This was the Mean Girls/Final Destination mash-up I didn't know I needed. I was so conflicted because I knew the Thrashers were terrible, but at the same time, I was rooting for them. I couldn't stop listening to this. Soto sucks you right into the story and doesn't let go. And that ending? I did not see that coming. This was the perfect summer YA thriller.

I found this book to be an enjoyable read. The story kept me engaged from start to finish and had some moments that really stood out. Overall, it offered an entertaining reading experience.

This is THE BEST book of the year. I LOVED everything about this book. The characters, the drama, the slow burn, the setting! It was perfection! Julie Soto is top tier! Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read in exchange for a review!

THE THRASHERS totally delivers on the YA thriller vibes - fast paced, twisty, and full of tension, making you want more. The story explores themes of guilt, complicity, and the destructive nature of exclusionary social groups. I found most of the story riveting!
I just wanted a liiiiiiiitle more clarity around some of the reveals, but overall I enjoyed it!