I loved this!! If you are a fan of YA thrillers, place your preorders/request at your library now because this book is IT! I was SAT from the second I hit play!

A group of 5 friends (known collectively as the Thrashers), a girl that has died, and a journal that is pointing fingers from beyond the grave… are the Thrashers to blame for Emily’s death?? With stellar narration, one narrator voicing Jodi (our MC) and the rest of her friends (Zack, Paige, Lucy, and Julian) and another narrator voicing Emily through her diaries, I flew through this audiobook and cannot recommend the format enough! I loved these characters, despite (or maybe because of??) their moral grayness and couldn’t help but root for them as the story went on.

The Thrashers gave me similar vibes to Pretty Little Liars and 13 Reasons Why (two favorites of mine when I was in high school), yet was still uniquely its own. With twists that had my jaw hanging open, eeriness that gave me chills, AND THAT ENDING?!? The Thrashers was truly everything I could have asked for and more. In fact, I may or may not have already listened to it twice!

The biggest thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for access to an ALC!

I don’t always love YA mysteries or thrillers, so I went in with low expectations, but I ended up enjoying this one. It gave off Pretty Little Liars energy, and the audiobook narrators were great.

The story kept me guessing and wanting answers, even though some parts pulled me out of it, especially the heavy use of modern pop culture references (and some odd ones, like Sketchers and heeled Converse). Emily was pretty annoying, and Zach was even worse. I didn’t love the ending, it felt a bit predictable, but overall, it was a fun read.

I was completely hooked from the start, and I’m desperately hoping this will be a series (or at least have a sequel), because I NEED MORE! 😍

I’m also convinced Julie Soto could write absolutely anything and it would be fantastic 👌🏼

📖 The Thrashers by Julie Soto
☠️: YA thriller

📝 mini blurb:
The book starts with the suicide of Emily Mills, a teen desperate to be a part of the infamous “Thrashers” - an elite friend group at New Helvetia High.

We then follow Jodi Dillon, a member of this group who’s always felt like she’s on the outside. She feels like she’s only included since she’s Zack Thrashers’ childhood best friend, since she isn’t rich like the rest of them.

The story unfolds are the group is being investigating for bullying, and their involvement in Emily’s death.
Strange & dangerous things begin to happen, and it feels like she isn’t quite done with them.

⭐️: 5/5
📱🎧 tandem read audio + ebook
🎙 narrated by: Eva Kaminsky & Jesse Vilinsky

💭 what I loved about this one:
- this was incredibly addictive & fast-paced
- Jodi is such a compelling character, and I love how we learned more and more about her as the book went on
- a few little things I won’t spoil here 😉
- the romance subplot OF COURSE

🙃 what didn’t quite work for me:
- Literally nothing, this book was a perfect YA thriller!

🎧 audiobook thoughts:
The audio was fantastic, and chilling at times. Both narrators were great at portraying teenagers.

✦ tropes & stuff:
🔪 YA thriller - high school drama
👻 paranormal elements
👑 elite friend group
💬 mystery texts
🤫 secrets & lies
💜 romance subplot
🦋 single 3rd person POV

✨ books with similar vibes:
♡ So I haven’t read the books, but it gave me vibes from the TV shows of 13 Reasons Why (I was totally obsessed with this one!) & Riverdale.

Thank you to Wednesday Books (St. Martin’s Press), Macmillan Audio & NetGalley for advanced copies. All opinions are my own.

The Thrashers by Julie Soto is a compelling young adult thriller infused with supernatural elements that add a unique layer of mystery and suspense. As a long-time fan of Julie Soto’s work, my expectations were high—even though thrillers are not typically my genre of choice. I am happy to say that The Thrashers not only met those expectations but exceeded them, reaffirming that I will eagerly read anything Soto writes. This novel might just be the perfect gateway into thrillers for newcomers, while still satisfying readers who already love the genre.

Told through two distinct perspectives, the story delivers both emotional depth and narrative intrigue:

1. Jodi, the main character, is navigating complex personal struggles, including tension within her friend group known as the Thrashers, a strained relationship with her father, grief over her mother’s passing, and the recent suicide of an acquaintance. Despite carrying her own emotional weight, Jodi remains the grounded voice of reason among her peers, even when that means confronting painful truths about the people closest to her.

2. Emily, the want-to-be Thrasher who dies by suicide, tells her story through poignant diary entries that serve as flashbacks. Her voice adds critical context to the events leading up to her death and deepens the emotional impact of the narrative.

As the legal case against the Thrashers unfolds—centered on accusations of bullying that allegedly contributed to Emily's death—Soto skillfully peels back layers of the story. The novel confronts heavy topics like bullying, grief, and self-harm with sensitivity and care, never sensationalizing the issues but treating them with the seriousness they deserve.

The twists kept me fully engaged, and I especially appreciated the evolving dynamics within the friend group. The character development, particularly in Jodi and Julien, felt authentic and earned. Watching them grow through their experiences was one of the most rewarding parts of the book. This is one of the best epilogues I have read and left a potential opening for a sequel or spinoff, which I sincerely hope is written.

If you are drawn to stories and shows like 13 Reasons Why or Pretty Little Liars, this novel will likely resonate with you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing a copy of The Thrashers in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this amazing ALC!

This book had me hooked from the very beginning! I could not put it down. A very addictive plot and characters kept me guessing the whole time. Definitely worth the listen and can’t wait to read more!

4.75 stars
Thank you Wednesday Books, Netgalley, and Macmillan for the physical ARC, digital ARC, and audiobook ALC respectively!

Julie Soto writes a compelling YA coming-of-age thriller about a clique, “The Thrashers,” under scrutiny as evidence of their supposed bullying surfaces toward a “thrashed” classmate who died by suicide on prom night.

I ate this book up: Julie Soto had me hooked from the first chapter and I read/listened to this quickly in 2 days. 

Soto from the first couple of chapters builds the characters and the suspense. The plot is easy to follow and the tension is held throughout. The story and writing maintains a YA language, but one I think will appeal to both a teenage and an adult audience. Soto’s writing style is versatile and has a range.

The story and reveals were easy enough to guess, but where this book really shines for me was the character studies of our leads. You see this clique in mixed light; one from Jodi’s perspective but also as you get to know them and their relationships with each other. They’ve all done some ambiguous and wrong things, but they also care. I liked Jodi’s perspective and seeing her growth. I connected with the idea of reflecting on your friendships with a more Birds Eye view as I experienced that transition with high school friends post-graduation and now talking to few if any of them. The pacing does reflect this character study and slow-burn, but audiobook wise I was addicted. The court case took a back seat after the beginning 1/3rd, so I was waiting for things to surface more especially when the initial findings gave me manipulated/edited evidence, which I think is an intriguing topic given AI prevalence now: l wanted more of.

I loved the audiobook. Jodi’s narration paired with evidence narrated by Eva Kaminsky and Jesse Vilinsky. It set the tone and story well and the speed and volume were congruent with one another. If you like the story formatting of A Good Girls Guide to Murder, this is similar.

Thank you to SMP and Macmillan Audio for the review copies!
This dark and suspenseful YA thriller draws stylish elements and themes from One of Us Is Lying, 13 Reasons Why, and even A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. It shakes them up and offers a story that explores the post-unaliving reveals from one of the characters. While the premise may not feel completely new, the storytelling is strong; many readers will likely question the ending, but it will definitely get people talking — always a win for this book reviewer!

The plot and pacing are perfectly coordinated, with media drop-ins that add an extra splash to the story and help move it forward. This is a perfect pick for Karen McManus fans or anyone looking for an edgy YA summer read. It especially stands out on audio, thanks to the excellent narration and the creative production of the media elements.

After devouring Forget Me Not and Not Another Love Story, Julie Soto became an instant auto-buy author for me. I've adored everything she's written. When I heard about The Thrashers, I was beyond excited. And let me tell you, she did not disappoint.

The story centers on Jodi Dillon, a girl on the fringes of the elite high school clique, the Thrashers. She never truly feels like she belongs, and her outsider status becomes increasingly precarious following the tragic suicide of Emily Mills, a classmate who desperately sought acceptance into the group.

As the investigation into Emily's death unfolds, tension escalates. The discovery of Emily's journal, filled with unsettling accusations, casts suspicion on the Thrashers and thrusts Jodi into the spotlight. Then come the anonymous messages and the eerie coincidences. Is someone messing with them? Is it guilt or paranoia? Or is Emily not as gone as they thought?

The Thrashers is the best YA thriller since A Good Girl's Guide to Murder. Soto masterfully blends psychological suspense with the complexities of teenage social dynamics. The uncertainty keeps you on edge, questioning what's real and imagined.

I especially loved Soto's character work. They are deeply flawed and morally ambiguous, and some are deliciously creepy. Soto's skillful writing made me care about them regardless, especially Jodi and Julian. I was invested in their fates even as I questioned their choices.

The audiobook was so good. Eva Kaminsky's and Jesse Vilinsky's narration captures the fear and creepiness perfectly.

I listened to this in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. The ending left me in shock; my mouth was agape. I can't recommend it enough.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and St. Martin's Press for gifted copies in exchange for an honest review.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press | Wednesday Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the YA debut novel by Julie Soto, with the audio narrated perfectly by Eva Kaminsky and Jesse Vilinsky. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

The Thrashers are the elite friend group at New Helvetia High. Jodi doesn't quite fit in with the others, but because she's been Zach Thrasher's best friend since childhood, she's in. When Emily Mills, who was desperate to be a Thrasher, dies, the whispers about the friends grow loud. When Emily's journal comes to light and the detectives close in, Jodi has an impossible choice to make - protect herself or betray her friends.

There is a lot to unpack in this story, but especially the way many young people treat others, especially in this social media age when it's easy to hide. There are also triggers of suicide, stalking, obsession, classism. Throw in some mystery, twists and turns, and a few supernatural events and you have a gripping story! While no one is a shining example of how to behave in this book, I couldn't help but feel for Jodi who has had a tough life and is trying to do the right things, while keeping her feelings about Zach to herself. The narration was spot on and it will transport you back to your own high school days, when being friends with the right people seemed paramount. Great book!

I was really impressed with this book! I had avoided Julie Soto's previous work as it leaned more into the YA romance genre, but this is mystery/thriller set at a high school is much more my speed. I really like the way Soto creates her characters. The titular Thrashers seem like something that could come out of any high school, and while this book leans into some supernatural elements, it feels mostly connected to the reality of cliques and popularity in schools everywhere.

I love a good YA thriller and this one kept me engaged! Narration was well-done and the story itself was entertaining. I recommend this book for thriller lovers that need an easier-to-digest read!

3.5⭐️
16+
👻Supernatural
🍾Underrage substance/alcohol abuse
‼️Lots of F words

I enjoyed this one a lot more than what I was expecting! It’s very much like 13 reasons why. Emily committed suicide and FMC Jodie was the one who was kind to her out of the group of high school mean kids. An investigation starts up, making everyone curious about what really happened.

The main characters were really developed and I appreciated how fleshed out they truly were!! The book was fast paced and constantly kept me on my toes.

I didn’t love the constant alcohol/drug use, especially with it being teenagers in high school. Because of that, I’m unsure I’d read again and I probably would recommend to people only looking for this type of vibe. But I did really enjoy my reading experience on this one.

Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review 💖

This was my first Julie Soto read and boy what a ride it was! I went into this with mega high hopes and wasn’t let down for a second, This genre isn’t one I normally read but I wanted to give it a shot based on how great the synopsis was and I am SO glad I did! I absolutely reveled in the intrigue, suspense and tension of it all and found myself unable to put it down because I had to know what happens next. It’s giving dark academia, everyone’s toxic, trust no one and watch your back. This book made me realize I do love suspense and I need to give this genre its fair share of room on my shelf! I loved theorizing and how often I was wrong because this book is the epitome of the the gasp moment I just love to read. Complex characters, a page gripping plot, its vulnerability, all wrapped up with spot on narration that really increased the feeling of suspense I love this as an audiobook. It also made our Jodi seem all that more real and upped the emotional stakes for me. I quite literally could not ask for more here! Color me a new suspense thriller reader after this triumph!

Thank you to Julie Soto, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC

ARC/ALC REVIEW

The Thrashers by Julio Soto

Thank you Wednesday Books St Martin’s Press for the free eARC of this book and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary audiobook!

SYNOPSIS: “Jodi Dillon was never meant to be one of them. Julian, Lucy, Paige, and the infamous Zack Thrasher are rich, sophisticated, and love attention. Jodi feels out of place, but Zack’s her childhood best friend, so she’s in. Then Emily Mills, who desperately wanted to be a Thrasher, dies—and the whispers about the Thrashers begin. As Emily’s journal surfaces, detectives close in, and Jodi faces an impossible choice: betray her friends or protect herself. But as eerie messages and strange occurrences escalate, it becomes clear—Emily isn’t done with them yet.”

REVIEW: I LOVE Julie Soto’s writing, and I LOVED this book. What a stellar YA debut! The characters, the plot, the ending…it all worked very well. I think I’ve officially entered my “if Julie writes it I’ll read it” era.

I was absolutely hooked from the beginning of this one and barreled through it. While I’m not usually a thriller lover, I enjoyed this book immensely. Overall, it was a great ride!

Audiobook narrators Eva Kaminsky and Jesse Vilinsky did a tremendous job, and the overall production of the audiobook was great! It was such a great listen!

The Thrashers is provocative, exciting, and perfect for fans of Pretty Little Liars and Gossip Girl. This is a fun, fast read, just perfect for summers by the pool or on the beach!

Publisher: Wednesday Books, SMP, Macmillan Audio
Pub date: 5/6/25

Author Julie Soto has crafted a twisty, YA read. Bringing out the traumatic parts of everyone's high school experience, from the cliques, the friendships, the fear, and the fitting in. This read plays on our emotions, our memories and reality.

Sometimes all you need is a good old YA thriller, and this one fits the bill perfectly. This is full of backstabbing, cliquishness and DRAMA. The writing is really well done and there was a twist I did not see coming. I really liked the protagonist, Jodi. She was real, flawed, but ultimately complex and likable.

I listened to the audio and really enjoyed it. There were two narrators and both did an excellent job with pacing and expression.

Jodi is a very ordinary high school student. Due to a childhood friendship, however, she finds herself as one of the Thrashers, an elite group of wealthy high school students. When wannabe Thrasher Emily dies, and her journal resurfaces, members of the Thrashers are under suspicion and Jodi has choices to make.

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for giving me an opportunity to listen to the audiobook.

This was an eventful addictive story from start to end. I was screaming, yelling and crying the whole time.

Jodie is apart of a group called “The Thrashers” consisting of Julian, Lucy, Paige and Zach Thrasher. Their senior year goes completely off the rails when they are accused of causing Emily Mills suicide. The story is like if Pretty Little Liars had some weird paranormal activity and I promise it will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Jodie is such a strong main character with flaws that are very realistic and relatable. Her interactions with everyone in the story is amazing. Her insecurities and conflicts only add to the story and to how the reader feels about the rest of the group.

The twists at the end are crazy and all I need to say is Jodie and Julian have my WHOLE heart.

This book reminded me of the early 90s YA, i loved it. It has mystery, paranormal, and thrill. I got the chance to listen to this book and the narrator's didn't disappoint. All those twist and turns keep me on my toes and i couldn't stop listening to it. It does fell like the book leaves you on a cliffhanger, great book.

I want to thank @NetGalley, @MacMillan Audio and @JulieSoto for allowing me to listen to this audio and now i feel like i was Thrashed!

I had a lot of fun with this one. I love a good teen mystery. I haven't read any of Soto's adult fiction, but this made me want to pick up her other books. I was invested in the story from start to finish, and I appreciated that nothing was ever black and white with the story. High school cliques are bad, my friends.

My one critique is that I don't think this book needed the supernatural aspect, or I wish that she'd leaned into it even more. It felt out of place with the rest of the book, and I would have been fine if a lot of that had been left to coincidence. I can't tell if the epilogue was setting up another book, but if it were, I would read more Jodi and Julian.

4.5 stars

I can only describe this book as a mix of Pretty Little Liars and 13 Reasons Why with a hint of Final Destination. The amount of times this audiobook stopped me in my tracks to gasp, I tell you! There were some areas in the story that kind of lulled for me, but then something big would happen and I’d be sucked back in. And that epilogue?!?!?! My goodness, I feel like there needs to be a sequel or an epilogue to the epilogue because it actually left me with MORE questions! This book was such a nice change of pace for me. If you love a good YA thriller, I highly recommend checking this out! The narrator on the audiobook was perfection as well.

Thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC of this book!