SANCTUARY BAY by Laura J. Burns & Melinda Metz // HOOKED Me From The Very Beginning And Did NOT Let Go...

Review by Sara

SANCTUARY BAY 
by Laura J. Burns & Melinda Metz
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (January 19, 2016)
Language: English
Goodreads | Amazon

In this genre-bending YA thriller, will Sarah Merson's shiny new prep school change her life forever or bring it to a dark and sinister end?

When Sarah Merson receives the opportunity of a lifetime to attend the most elite prep school in the country-Sanctuary Bay Academy-it seems almost too good to be true. But, after years of bouncing from foster home to foster home, escaping to its tranquil setting, nestled deep in Swans Island, couldn't sound more appealing. Swiftly thrown into a world of privilege and secrets, Sarah quickly realizes finding herself noticed by class charmer, Nate, as well as her roommate's dangerously attentive boyfriend, Ethan, are the least of her worries. When her roommate suddenly goes missing, she finds herself in a race against time, not only to find her, but to save herself and discover the dark truth behind Sanctuary Bay's glossy reputation. 

In this genre-bending YA thriller, Sanctuary Bay by Laura J. Burns and Melinda Metz, Sarah's new school may seem like an idyllic temple of learning, but as she unearths years of terrifying history and manipulation, she discovers this "school" is something much more sinister.

Sanctuary Bay was so much more than I was expecting. This story started with a terrifying story of a child’s horrific memory and then turns into a story of starting over. This one hooked me from the very beginning and did not let go.

Sarah Merson is given a full scholarship to Sanctuary Bay Academy, where she is determined to start her life over. Unfortunately, that means she will have to look past her upbringing and the spoiled and over privileged crowd that attends this Academy. Sarah’s character is so well written and engrossing that you are immediately drawn to her. In addition, she has an odd characteristic that hooks you as the reader even more. The world building is beautifully done and the characters throughout the story are so well developed that the story is an effortless read.

There is one catch to Sanctuary Bay – it hides an unexpected and very dark secret. Sarah must uncover the hidden secrets if she is to survive. The author does a perfect job of misleading the reader so you never know really what is the truth until the very end.

This story was a brilliant mix of drama, dark secrets, and… well, you will need to read to find out. The entire story engulfed me and I was delighted to find out this will be the first book in an expected series!

I highly recommend this story to everyone as it is an original and fresh story, one that is needed. There is a bit of storytelling genius involved, if I say so myself. Add this book to your TBR if you have not already.

@gingerlyreview

agingerlyreview.wordpress.com