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Risk
Taylor and Sierra have been best friends for their whole lives. But Taylor’s fed up. Why does Sierra always get what – and who – she wants? From kissing Taylor’s crush to stealing the guy they both met online for herself, Sierra doesn’t seem to notice when she hurts her friends.
So when Sierra says Jacob Jones is the one and asks her friends to cover for her while she goes to meet him for the first time, Taylor rolls her eyes.
But Sierra doesn’t come back when she said she would.
One day. Two days. Three . . .
What if Taylor’s worrying for nothing? What if Sierra’s just being Sierra, forgetting about everyone else to spend time with her new guy?
When Taylor finally tells Sierra’s mum that her daughter is missing, Taylor and her friends are thrown into a dark world they never even knew existed.
Can Taylor find Sierra’s abductor in time? Or should she be looking for a killer?
So when Sierra says Jacob Jones is the one and asks her friends to cover for her while she goes to meet him for the first time, Taylor rolls her eyes.
But Sierra doesn’t come back when she said she would.
One day. Two days. Three . . .
What if Taylor’s worrying for nothing? What if Sierra’s just being Sierra, forgetting about everyone else to spend time with her new guy?
When Taylor finally tells Sierra’s mum that her daughter is missing, Taylor and her friends are thrown into a dark world they never even knew existed.
Can Taylor find Sierra’s abductor in time? Or should she be looking for a killer?
279 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2015
40 people are currently reading
2215 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews
January 4, 2016
Risk, by debut author Fleur Ferris, is a book that my 14 year old daughter devoured, and then I picked it up and did the same thing. I cannot impress enough, how absolutely frightening and real the theme of this Young Adult book is. In a way it might be a little counterproductive calling this YA though, as I know many people out there have hang ups or issues about this genre. This is a must read, and no pre-conceived notions should interfere with getting your hands on this book.
Cyber safety is a big issue in my household, as it is all around this world, as I have two teenage girls, and a pre teen boy.. I also have just attended an extremely worthwhile session on this exact topic at one of my girls’ high schools – I was horrified at what can happen. What does happen! So when I realised this book is written by an ex policewoman and paramedic nonetheless, it fell into place. Fleur Ferris knows her stuff.
The way in which our youth are drawn into this online world, when their real life world is full of angst and insecurities, it seems quite understandable at times that young people would feel safe meeting a person in real life whom they’ve met online. These predators buoy up those in need of attention, shower them with interest, and provide that much sought after feeling of being desired. Of course, it’s not only young people that engage in this behaviour, but this story focuses on the issue of 16 year old high school student in suburban Melbourne, Australia.
The writing was impressive, it really did flow like nothing else, and there was no sign at all that this was Fluer’s first book. It was devastatingly real, from teen emotions spiralling up and down, parental anxiety and family bereavement interwoven with endless points of terror, as we realise that gorgeous Sierra may not just be having a bit of fun meeting a hot guy that has shown her some online attention. We are left speechless as her best friend Taylor inevitably has a role to play in this awful chain of events as they unfolded.
Thank you to my friend Richard who quietly and thoughtfully encouraged me to read this book, I hope so many others out there will do the same and read this topical and important novel. Those who have contact with young people need to pick up this book and start the conversation. I cried a lot last night as I finished this book. That never happens to me. Maybe I’m getting soft in my old age, or maybe it just got to me. Or maybe it’s just so close to home...
I’m off to have this one added to my local library, and also my daughters high school libraries as well. Australian schools need to add this to their reading lists. I’d love to see this author publish in The States. I think big things might be instore for her. I for one cannot wait.
Cyber safety is a big issue in my household, as it is all around this world, as I have two teenage girls, and a pre teen boy.. I also have just attended an extremely worthwhile session on this exact topic at one of my girls’ high schools – I was horrified at what can happen. What does happen! So when I realised this book is written by an ex policewoman and paramedic nonetheless, it fell into place. Fleur Ferris knows her stuff.
The way in which our youth are drawn into this online world, when their real life world is full of angst and insecurities, it seems quite understandable at times that young people would feel safe meeting a person in real life whom they’ve met online. These predators buoy up those in need of attention, shower them with interest, and provide that much sought after feeling of being desired. Of course, it’s not only young people that engage in this behaviour, but this story focuses on the issue of 16 year old high school student in suburban Melbourne, Australia.
The writing was impressive, it really did flow like nothing else, and there was no sign at all that this was Fluer’s first book. It was devastatingly real, from teen emotions spiralling up and down, parental anxiety and family bereavement interwoven with endless points of terror, as we realise that gorgeous Sierra may not just be having a bit of fun meeting a hot guy that has shown her some online attention. We are left speechless as her best friend Taylor inevitably has a role to play in this awful chain of events as they unfolded.
Thank you to my friend Richard who quietly and thoughtfully encouraged me to read this book, I hope so many others out there will do the same and read this topical and important novel. Those who have contact with young people need to pick up this book and start the conversation. I cried a lot last night as I finished this book. That never happens to me. Maybe I’m getting soft in my old age, or maybe it just got to me. Or maybe it’s just so close to home...
I’m off to have this one added to my local library, and also my daughters high school libraries as well. Australian schools need to add this to their reading lists. I’d love to see this author publish in The States. I think big things might be instore for her. I for one cannot wait.
July 2, 2017
4.5 stars
When I first saw my friend Suzanne's review of RISK, I knew it was something I really wanted to read. I'm very interested in social media and the influence it has on society, especially the younger generation. Unfortunately, the only format available to me in Canada was audio. It wasn't looking like it was going to be released in Canada anytime soon, so I went for it and purchased the audio and I'm glad I did.
Taylor and Sierra have been best friends for years. However, Taylor is often frustrated as it seems like Sierra gets almost everything she wants.
Sierra and Taylor have been spending time in chat rooms lately. One day they start chatting with a new guy they meet online. His name is Jacob Jones. Sierra decides that she wants to meet Jacob irl (in real life) and begs Taylor to cover for her and to say she's with her. Taylor grudgingly agrees and the date is set. As the day gets closer, Sierra's excitement builds while Taylor starts to feel more and more annoyed. However, she still agrees to cover for Sierra.
When Taylor first hears from Sierra on Friday evening, Sierra tells her everything is going great and she will contact her again later.
But she doesn't call Taylor later. She doesn't come back the next day either. Soon Taylor is terrified that something horrible has happened and decides to tell her mother.
Soon Sierra's parents are involved and so are the police....
Where is Sierra?
It's scary because these situations really happen. I remember being a teen, I felt invincible. Teenagers are extremely impulsive and that's just part of their nature. So we have our impulsive teenagers and social media where they can potentially make a split second decision to do something that can change their lives. My daughter seems to handle social media fairly well but she's not perfect. There has been times where she's come to me and said "I'm so embarrassed that I posted this!" Usually it's something she's said and wished she hadn't . Luckily nothing scary but still, I can see the how quick they are to make decisions both good and not so good.
I've seen girls that post their cell numbers frequently on these public sites and it's terrifying because there are many online predators out there. I know we can't live in a bubble or be scared all the time but we do have to be much more cautious about the information we are giving out online.
There are so many apps and chat things that makes it hard to keep up, but we can learn. We may say no Facebook, Snapchat, or Instagram but there are probably fifteen other ways that our children can talk to someone if they really want to. Social media is here to stay but we need to educate not just our children but ourselves as well. I would love to have read a physical copy of this novel but the audio-book was very good. The narrator was excellent and I had no problems keeping up.
I thought this novel was very well written. Although it is a Young Adult novel, I still found it very interesting and informative. The plot was good, and it had some very important messages. I highly recommend this book, especially to those with children that use Social Media.
I'm really looking forward to this authors next book.
When I first saw my friend Suzanne's review of RISK, I knew it was something I really wanted to read. I'm very interested in social media and the influence it has on society, especially the younger generation. Unfortunately, the only format available to me in Canada was audio. It wasn't looking like it was going to be released in Canada anytime soon, so I went for it and purchased the audio and I'm glad I did.
Taylor and Sierra have been best friends for years. However, Taylor is often frustrated as it seems like Sierra gets almost everything she wants.
Sierra and Taylor have been spending time in chat rooms lately. One day they start chatting with a new guy they meet online. His name is Jacob Jones. Sierra decides that she wants to meet Jacob irl (in real life) and begs Taylor to cover for her and to say she's with her. Taylor grudgingly agrees and the date is set. As the day gets closer, Sierra's excitement builds while Taylor starts to feel more and more annoyed. However, she still agrees to cover for Sierra.
When Taylor first hears from Sierra on Friday evening, Sierra tells her everything is going great and she will contact her again later.
But she doesn't call Taylor later. She doesn't come back the next day either. Soon Taylor is terrified that something horrible has happened and decides to tell her mother.
Soon Sierra's parents are involved and so are the police....
Where is Sierra?
It's scary because these situations really happen. I remember being a teen, I felt invincible. Teenagers are extremely impulsive and that's just part of their nature. So we have our impulsive teenagers and social media where they can potentially make a split second decision to do something that can change their lives. My daughter seems to handle social media fairly well but she's not perfect. There has been times where she's come to me and said "I'm so embarrassed that I posted this!" Usually it's something she's said and wished she hadn't . Luckily nothing scary but still, I can see the how quick they are to make decisions both good and not so good.
I've seen girls that post their cell numbers frequently on these public sites and it's terrifying because there are many online predators out there. I know we can't live in a bubble or be scared all the time but we do have to be much more cautious about the information we are giving out online.
There are so many apps and chat things that makes it hard to keep up, but we can learn. We may say no Facebook, Snapchat, or Instagram but there are probably fifteen other ways that our children can talk to someone if they really want to. Social media is here to stay but we need to educate not just our children but ourselves as well. I would love to have read a physical copy of this novel but the audio-book was very good. The narrator was excellent and I had no problems keeping up.
I thought this novel was very well written. Although it is a Young Adult novel, I still found it very interesting and informative. The plot was good, and it had some very important messages. I highly recommend this book, especially to those with children that use Social Media.
I'm really looking forward to this authors next book.
September 25, 2015
OH this novel was addictive!!! It has a simplistic style yet a very powerful story that simply kept me wanting more and more until I ran out :(
Let me just say one negative then I'll go on with the goodness! There was only one part where I thought some of the story could of been chopped because it kept rehashing some feelings over and over...I understand why..But at one point I wondered when the rest of the story would actually start.
Anyways...Online dating..It is becoming more of a thing and who is using the internet more than ever? Teenagers! Actually, we as a society of all ages are using it more and more especially as a social tool.
But what if something doesn't go as planned? People on the internet can easily hide behind their keyboard and SEEM like the most amazing person on earth while really hiding a deep dirty secret. And then there is the general population who have good intentions and would never dream of using it for ill gotten means.
Sadly, this novel dances around the evil side of the internet..What happens when you find someone you instantly click with online? How will it go IF you meet up? Are you planning to take a friend with you to meet this new person or not?
Interestingly the Fluer makes an interesting point about picking up someone at a pub/bar/etc that even then you can never truly know how it'll really turn out. I guess the difference is people online have time to build a story behind them more than if you meet someone in a bar. A person online can build up fake photos, hide themselves through VPN, know to ask the correct questions to get you to share social media stuff..Whereas if you meet someone in a bar while they might seem shady you've probably got longer to 'get away' than if you build up a relationship online.
This story focusses on two teenage girls who live in Melbourne, Australia and what happens to their world when they decide to meet up with a guy they've met on Mysterychat. Will things ever be the same?
Besides the great story telling and compelling page turner this book keeps you on the edge of your seat like you're watching a thriller but through words. You're also given a small taste of internet safety, something that is needed in this day and age AS everyone has access to the internet.
Let me just say one negative then I'll go on with the goodness! There was only one part where I thought some of the story could of been chopped because it kept rehashing some feelings over and over...I understand why..But at one point I wondered when the rest of the story would actually start.
Anyways...Online dating..It is becoming more of a thing and who is using the internet more than ever? Teenagers! Actually, we as a society of all ages are using it more and more especially as a social tool.
But what if something doesn't go as planned? People on the internet can easily hide behind their keyboard and SEEM like the most amazing person on earth while really hiding a deep dirty secret. And then there is the general population who have good intentions and would never dream of using it for ill gotten means.
Sadly, this novel dances around the evil side of the internet..What happens when you find someone you instantly click with online? How will it go IF you meet up? Are you planning to take a friend with you to meet this new person or not?
Interestingly the Fluer makes an interesting point about picking up someone at a pub/bar/etc that even then you can never truly know how it'll really turn out. I guess the difference is people online have time to build a story behind them more than if you meet someone in a bar. A person online can build up fake photos, hide themselves through VPN, know to ask the correct questions to get you to share social media stuff..Whereas if you meet someone in a bar while they might seem shady you've probably got longer to 'get away' than if you build up a relationship online.
This story focusses on two teenage girls who live in Melbourne, Australia and what happens to their world when they decide to meet up with a guy they've met on Mysterychat. Will things ever be the same?
Besides the great story telling and compelling page turner this book keeps you on the edge of your seat like you're watching a thriller but through words. You're also given a small taste of internet safety, something that is needed in this day and age AS everyone has access to the internet.
December 11, 2015
This review has been posted on Happy Indulgence. Check it out for more reviews!
Actual Rating: 3.5
The scariest thing about Risk aren't the thrills or the twists that are usually present in a thriller - it's that everything written in the novel could happen in real life. As a blogger who pretty much lives online, we tend to get comfortable speaking to people we meet up online, but it's important to remember that everyone can hide behind an online persona.
And that's what happened to Sierra, the beautiful, wild and carefree girl who falls in love with a guy she meets online. Little does she know, she's placing herself at risk, by sharing her personal details with him, her social media accounts and her photos. Soon Sierra goes missing, and that's what Risk deals with, the aftermath in the wake of a missing person's case. Her best friend Taylor, does everything in her power to bring justice for Sierra and to come to terms with the grief and loss of a silly decision.
Going into Risk expecting an edge of your seat thriller probably isn't the best way to go, but going in and reading a contemporary story that would shed some light on online predators is what the novel aims to achieve. I did find it repetitive at times, going over things that had been said again, but it really drives home the precautions you have to take. There were quite a lot of issues touched upon here, friendship, jealousy, grief, depression, a quiet romance, but Risk stays on track with its messaging.
I also had a few problems with the characters, for example Riley is a jealous, mean bitch who has no empathy for her best friend, Sierra is selfish and doesn't care who else gets in trouble for her own excitement and Taylor is plagued with self esteem issues. I liked how the characters were flawed, but when they are flawed to the point of being one-dimensional, that didn't really want me want to root for them.
Risk explores the consequences of meeting up with a stranger online in detail, that one time where it turns out to be a predator. It's an important novel, especially for high school students who may be naive about guys that seem too good to be true online. Despite the few problems I had with it, it was a compelling and quick read.
Actual Rating: 3.5
The scariest thing about Risk aren't the thrills or the twists that are usually present in a thriller - it's that everything written in the novel could happen in real life. As a blogger who pretty much lives online, we tend to get comfortable speaking to people we meet up online, but it's important to remember that everyone can hide behind an online persona.
And that's what happened to Sierra, the beautiful, wild and carefree girl who falls in love with a guy she meets online. Little does she know, she's placing herself at risk, by sharing her personal details with him, her social media accounts and her photos. Soon Sierra goes missing, and that's what Risk deals with, the aftermath in the wake of a missing person's case. Her best friend Taylor, does everything in her power to bring justice for Sierra and to come to terms with the grief and loss of a silly decision.
Going into Risk expecting an edge of your seat thriller probably isn't the best way to go, but going in and reading a contemporary story that would shed some light on online predators is what the novel aims to achieve. I did find it repetitive at times, going over things that had been said again, but it really drives home the precautions you have to take. There were quite a lot of issues touched upon here, friendship, jealousy, grief, depression, a quiet romance, but Risk stays on track with its messaging.
I also had a few problems with the characters, for example Riley is a jealous, mean bitch who has no empathy for her best friend, Sierra is selfish and doesn't care who else gets in trouble for her own excitement and Taylor is plagued with self esteem issues. I liked how the characters were flawed, but when they are flawed to the point of being one-dimensional, that didn't really want me want to root for them.
Risk explores the consequences of meeting up with a stranger online in detail, that one time where it turns out to be a predator. It's an important novel, especially for high school students who may be naive about guys that seem too good to be true online. Despite the few problems I had with it, it was a compelling and quick read.
October 4, 2015
oh wow, this book was brilliant, very well written and the story and issue that go with it were executed perfectly and made the novel 'Risk' a very good read.
Fleur has done an exceptional job at writing this novel, her past experience as a police officer has made the issue that the book deals with feel that she understands today's youth and the risks of online use. The author understands how teenagers talk and act every single teenage character was written and felt like I was there and friends with them myself. Not only did the author focus on the teenagers and how this effected them but she also had the adult characters written perfectly it showed how differently they dealt with what had happened.
I feel this book should be on every schools reading list, it has an important message and deals with some heavy issues that are important to this generation.
this story was a gripping, devastating and tragic sight into what happens with online chat rooms. it speaks to me on so many levels that this book should be sold everywhere!
Fleur has done an exceptional job at writing this novel, her past experience as a police officer has made the issue that the book deals with feel that she understands today's youth and the risks of online use. The author understands how teenagers talk and act every single teenage character was written and felt like I was there and friends with them myself. Not only did the author focus on the teenagers and how this effected them but she also had the adult characters written perfectly it showed how differently they dealt with what had happened.
I feel this book should be on every schools reading list, it has an important message and deals with some heavy issues that are important to this generation.
this story was a gripping, devastating and tragic sight into what happens with online chat rooms. it speaks to me on so many levels that this book should be sold everywhere!
October 1, 2015
Wow this book has truly been a thrilling emotional journey. It's so scary because these things can happen in reality. Young females to love compliments online by older men and will fall for them because they feel good.
This story is about two girls who have been best friends since birth and they are opposites. Sierra is outgoing and takes risks and Taylor does not. Sierra decides to meet up with a guy online and tells her mum she is staying with Taylor all weekend which of course brings Taylor into this lie.
Sierra never comes back to Taylor's house but her and her friends aren't exactly worries just pissed off.
When Sunday comes about and it's been 2 days Taylor finally comes clean.
This whirlwind will have you from chapter one!! It's nice to read Australian books, support where I'm from, but is also more scary since you know these areas in your state :/
It is a must read for all ages as a learning curve to parents and young adults. Thankyou Fleur for your amazing writing.
This story is about two girls who have been best friends since birth and they are opposites. Sierra is outgoing and takes risks and Taylor does not. Sierra decides to meet up with a guy online and tells her mum she is staying with Taylor all weekend which of course brings Taylor into this lie.
Sierra never comes back to Taylor's house but her and her friends aren't exactly worries just pissed off.
When Sunday comes about and it's been 2 days Taylor finally comes clean.
This whirlwind will have you from chapter one!! It's nice to read Australian books, support where I'm from, but is also more scary since you know these areas in your state :/
It is a must read for all ages as a learning curve to parents and young adults. Thankyou Fleur for your amazing writing.
July 5, 2017
Fifteen year old Sierra was vivacious, a compassionate young woman, beautiful and captivating until an encounter with online predator Jacob Jones. Sierra is sexually active and her behaviour often characterised as destructive, so when she decides to spend the night with Jacob Jones, fifteen year old Taylor is concerned of the consequences of Sierra's lies.
Sierra isn't answering her phone. As the hours pass, the four young friends begin to speculate where Sierra is. While Riley is skeptical, Callum is concerned for Sierra's well being. Yet, her absence is unreported. Forty eight hours since Sierra disappeared with Jacob Jones and detectives are desperately searching for the fifteen year old. In retrospect, Taylor is left to speculate whether she was a friend to Sierra by allowing her to engage Jacob Jones unaccompanied. Taylor held resentment for Sierra's popularity but is she partially culpable? Mutual friend Riley is venomous, her character continuously shamed Sierra for her confidence and tenacity while Taylor compared herself to Sierra. Neither responsible for Sierra's choices but the toxicity of their friendship resulted in the delay in reporting her disappearance.
Jacob Jones doesn't exist. The online predator perused websites for vulnerable young women to manipulate into online relationships, using the young victim's social media accounts to accumulate information. Technology has introduced unwelcome communication throughout our safe spaces, predators potentially have access to children, posing as teens whilst creating an online persona. In Sierra's situation, the man posing as Jacob Jones used a proxy which allowed the predator to engage with both Sierra and Taylor anonymously.
Sierra's abduction is confronting and the ramifications reverberate throughout the community. Taylor believes she is culpable for Sierra's disappearance and creates a cautionary website to warn other young females about predatory behaviour online, encouraging teens to share their stories. Risk is inundated with young women with similar experiences.
Risk is compelling, exploring the anguish of despair and the cautionary narrative of communicating online often with concealed predators and pedophiles. A distressing realism facing adolescents as lives migrate online. Fleur Ferris examines the consequences, often within safe spaces that are infiltrated and provoking discussion within our adolescence communities. Distressing, poignant and captivating until the final page.
Sierra isn't answering her phone. As the hours pass, the four young friends begin to speculate where Sierra is. While Riley is skeptical, Callum is concerned for Sierra's well being. Yet, her absence is unreported. Forty eight hours since Sierra disappeared with Jacob Jones and detectives are desperately searching for the fifteen year old. In retrospect, Taylor is left to speculate whether she was a friend to Sierra by allowing her to engage Jacob Jones unaccompanied. Taylor held resentment for Sierra's popularity but is she partially culpable? Mutual friend Riley is venomous, her character continuously shamed Sierra for her confidence and tenacity while Taylor compared herself to Sierra. Neither responsible for Sierra's choices but the toxicity of their friendship resulted in the delay in reporting her disappearance.
Jacob Jones doesn't exist. The online predator perused websites for vulnerable young women to manipulate into online relationships, using the young victim's social media accounts to accumulate information. Technology has introduced unwelcome communication throughout our safe spaces, predators potentially have access to children, posing as teens whilst creating an online persona. In Sierra's situation, the man posing as Jacob Jones used a proxy which allowed the predator to engage with both Sierra and Taylor anonymously.
Sierra's abduction is confronting and the ramifications reverberate throughout the community. Taylor believes she is culpable for Sierra's disappearance and creates a cautionary website to warn other young females about predatory behaviour online, encouraging teens to share their stories. Risk is inundated with young women with similar experiences.
Risk is compelling, exploring the anguish of despair and the cautionary narrative of communicating online often with concealed predators and pedophiles. A distressing realism facing adolescents as lives migrate online. Fleur Ferris examines the consequences, often within safe spaces that are infiltrated and provoking discussion within our adolescence communities. Distressing, poignant and captivating until the final page.
July 24, 2015
My View:
Sensational! This is a book that all families should share with their teenage children.
This book is so good if…if I had the money I would buy the films right to this book and make a feature film! Listening to this book I had a film playing on the big screen in my head.
The settings - wonderfully urban Australian (but this book translates so well to any city or town) , the accents, the dialogue – perfect, accessible and real. The characterisations – so credible you would think the author is writing about her own experience or that of her own family. The narrative – tense and adrenaline raising.
I honestly believe this book has the potential to positively influence the decisions young people may make whilst simultaneously educating the adults around them. Cyber predators are a real threat – listen closely to this story, the message is clear without being condescending. The narrative is powerful, the moral dilemmas are real and contemporary, and the complicated dynamics of relationships are exposed. A great read!
May 15, 2015
This is seriously one of the best books I have ever read. I idly started it last night at about 9:30, and I just couldn't put it down - until like half-past 12 when I just had to stop mid-page and sleep! And then I finished the other half in one sitting today. It's so compelling and amazing and heartbreaking and awesome. The writing itself is sheer perfection, and even though there's not an abundance of slang, you can just tell it's Australian. The story itself is so modern and fresh - and inherently creepy and horrifying.
I usually delete books from my kindle after reading, to save space (I can always go through the rigmarole of using my Amazon account to re-add them if the need arises) but this one I just straight off the bat moved to my "awesome keepers" collection because, well, WOW.
I usually delete books from my kindle after reading, to save space (I can always go through the rigmarole of using my Amazon account to re-add them if the need arises) but this one I just straight off the bat moved to my "awesome keepers" collection because, well, WOW.
November 24, 2015
I read an excerpt of this book earlier in the year and I was lucky to receive a copy from the author for a review.. Now that I have closure, what can I say?.. THIS BOOK IS MIND BLOWING!! Never have I read a book that made me gasp, cringe.. give Goosebumps.. I smashed this book in about 2 days and I urge ALL adolescents and parents of adolescents.. This book sends a powerful message of the dangers of online chat rooms and meeting strangers on the internet.. This story is told by Taylor who is best friends with Sierra, a girl who she'd love to hate.. Sierra meets a random on the internet and asks Taylor to cover for her when she goes to meet this random in person.. Taylor, thinking this is normal as it's happened before, covers for Sierra thinking she will return.. But Sierra doesn't come home the next day, or the next day.. or the day after that which sends Taylor into a dilemma.. where is Sierra? should I tell my Mum or her parents she's missing? Will I get into trouble? how long should I wait.. will it be too late by then? What if I'm just paranoid over nothing? This story doesn't just focus on immediate dangers and Sierra's disappearance however it demonstrates the affects this has on those around her - Taylor for one, their circle of friends, families.. Although it's fiction, this story is real and these stories are all too true.. READ IT!
February 15, 2016
Online dating is the latest trend but is it worth risking your life for?
Being a young adult in 2015 can be challenging in many ways.
Sierra is a pretty girl who draws plenty of attention to herself and seems to get everything she wants according to her best friend, Taylor.
The story starts in Taylor’s bedroom where Sierra begins chatting to a guy online. Instantly there is some sort of attraction and playful conversation.
From that day on Sierra says Jacob Jones is the one. Determined to meet up with him, she asks her friends to cover for her, but as the days pass there is no word from Sierra …
Risk is written by a former police officer and has been inspired by true stories. I encourage everyone to read this story. It may save some lives. I’m a slow reader but I read this book in just over a week.
Also being a teacher and author of young adult books, I feel young adult books are pivotal, not only for young adult readers but everyone. Times are changing and if we really want to understand today’s youth we must learn with them.
You must read this book!
Being a young adult in 2015 can be challenging in many ways.
Sierra is a pretty girl who draws plenty of attention to herself and seems to get everything she wants according to her best friend, Taylor.
The story starts in Taylor’s bedroom where Sierra begins chatting to a guy online. Instantly there is some sort of attraction and playful conversation.
From that day on Sierra says Jacob Jones is the one. Determined to meet up with him, she asks her friends to cover for her, but as the days pass there is no word from Sierra …
Risk is written by a former police officer and has been inspired by true stories. I encourage everyone to read this story. It may save some lives. I’m a slow reader but I read this book in just over a week.
Also being a teacher and author of young adult books, I feel young adult books are pivotal, not only for young adult readers but everyone. Times are changing and if we really want to understand today’s youth we must learn with them.
You must read this book!
July 23, 2017
If your teen is looking for something to read, give them 'Risk'. Author, Fleur Ferris was previously a police officer and paramedic and her story of online romance gone wrong is one all teens should read.
Ferris doesn't shy away from packing a punch or two in this easy-to-read cautionary tale.
Taylor and Sierra, fifteen-year-old girls are besties and have always been there for each other until Sierra meets Jacob Jones, a hot guy online. When Sierra goes missing after her first real date with Jacob, it's up to Taylor to raise the alarm.
'Risk' is the real deal and teens need to know how to keep themselves safe online.
Highly recommended reading.
Ferris doesn't shy away from packing a punch or two in this easy-to-read cautionary tale.
Taylor and Sierra, fifteen-year-old girls are besties and have always been there for each other until Sierra meets Jacob Jones, a hot guy online. When Sierra goes missing after her first real date with Jacob, it's up to Taylor to raise the alarm.
'Risk' is the real deal and teens need to know how to keep themselves safe online.
Highly recommended reading.
July 26, 2015
How many girls are online right now, taking risks they don’t even know about?
Taylor and Sierra have been best friends since before they were even born. They did almost everything together, practically sisters. But when Sierra goes off after school one Friday afternoon to meet a guy she met on the internet, Taylor’s life is torn apart.
The beginning of this novel was a little shaky. It was very much your typical “plain girl with the outrageous best friend that she loves but is insanely jealous of”, but then things start to get interesting when Sierra disappears.
I loved the emotions in this book. They felt so real. The discussion of grief and how everyone grieves differently. There is no one, universal, correct way to get over a loved ones death, and I like how this book dealt with that.
Also I think it has a ridiculously important message in this day and age. It is so easy to find out almost everything about someone online, and it’s even easier to have these things used against you. But it’s not something you would think about - it’s not something I really think about. But it’s still important.
This is one of the reasons I really liked the whole “Australian” feel to this book. It’s a lot easier to relate to a novel when the setting feels so familiar, and that’s a little hard to come by nowadays when even the Australian authors tend to set their books in the great ol’ U S of A.
I actually really liked all of the characters. Despite the seemingly cliche dichotomies between Taylor and Sierra, I still found them both to be very intriguing characters. I want to know more about Sierra especially.
The secondary characters were also interesting. I though Callum was a complete sweetie, and Riley was the kind of character I haven’t come across much in YA. Out of all the characters, I’m most curious about her. As a secondary character we didn’t really get to learn much about her other than what Taylor thought was pertinent to the events, but I think she’d be a great character to explore on her own.
I also really enjoyed the active role that the adults took in this book. More often than not in YA the parents and the adults tend to take a backseat - usually because they’re just completely MIA. But Josie (Taylor’s mum) and Rachel (Sierra’s) both have a critical role in this book.
However, like always, it’s not all great. There were a number of smaller things that I didn’t enjoy. Like I mentioned earlier, I thought the first quarter or so was quite weak, which is not a good thing. The beginning of a novel is what is supposed to draw you in but this one kind of did the opposite?
Also with Taylor is in the thick of it all she loses some weight due to the stress of the situation, and she plays it off as a good thing. This is kind of terrible. This sort of unhealthy loss of weight is not something to be looked at as a good thing.
Overall though, I vastly enjoyed this book. It was captivating and heartbreaking. Definitely something I’d recommend.
November 25, 2015
I feel like I need to lie down and catch my breath and then maybe bury my head under a pillow and bawl. Risk is a crackling contemporary YA novel exploring the dangers of Internet relationships. Harrowing without being graphic, confronting in its honesty and realism.
Sierra, a 15 year old girl, is groomed by a pedophile in a chat room using sinisterly clever technology to quickly earn the girl's trust. Within a week of intense online chatting the girl believes she has found the 'boy of her dreams' and goes to meet him with terrible consequences that reverberate through her family and school community.
The story is told through the eyes of Sierra's best friend, Taylor who was with her when she made first contact with 'Jacob Jones' in a chatroom called Mystery Chat. The story explores the complex nature of friendship and loyalty, grief and trauma. It deals with the aftermath of loss and how we cope with blame and guilt and moving on. Taylor's tight knit friendships are tested and broken. The journey to recovery is confusing and painful. Taylor is constantly having to process her feelings/motives as she seeks to honour her best friend's memory through a website she creates called 'Risk'. The website is designed to warn people about online dangers and provide a safe place for people to discuss their experiences. It becomes a source of catharsis and a tool that provide clues that may lead to Sierra's killer.
Fleur Ferris creates a fast paced narrative and the story belts along quickly sweeping you up into the heart of the action. Taylor is a very believable and sympathetic character, nuanced and flawed but with a growing strength and resolve that makes her an engaging protagonist. The dialogue is very authentic as is Taylor's inner voice. While the subject matter is disturbing there are no gruesome details, making it palatable for young readers.
I found it hard to put down both in my parental horror and in my provoked sense of justice. I have no doubt this highly relevant, well crafted, cautionary tale will save lives.
Sierra, a 15 year old girl, is groomed by a pedophile in a chat room using sinisterly clever technology to quickly earn the girl's trust. Within a week of intense online chatting the girl believes she has found the 'boy of her dreams' and goes to meet him with terrible consequences that reverberate through her family and school community.
The story is told through the eyes of Sierra's best friend, Taylor who was with her when she made first contact with 'Jacob Jones' in a chatroom called Mystery Chat. The story explores the complex nature of friendship and loyalty, grief and trauma. It deals with the aftermath of loss and how we cope with blame and guilt and moving on. Taylor's tight knit friendships are tested and broken. The journey to recovery is confusing and painful. Taylor is constantly having to process her feelings/motives as she seeks to honour her best friend's memory through a website she creates called 'Risk'. The website is designed to warn people about online dangers and provide a safe place for people to discuss their experiences. It becomes a source of catharsis and a tool that provide clues that may lead to Sierra's killer.
Fleur Ferris creates a fast paced narrative and the story belts along quickly sweeping you up into the heart of the action. Taylor is a very believable and sympathetic character, nuanced and flawed but with a growing strength and resolve that makes her an engaging protagonist. The dialogue is very authentic as is Taylor's inner voice. While the subject matter is disturbing there are no gruesome details, making it palatable for young readers.
I found it hard to put down both in my parental horror and in my provoked sense of justice. I have no doubt this highly relevant, well crafted, cautionary tale will save lives.
June 13, 2015
Over the last two years I have become increasingly more interested and aware of the wonderful and the not so wonderful uses of technology. I have read other reviews of this soon to be released novel Risk and I would concur with another reviewer that schools and other organisations do excellent work educating students about the pitfalls of our online world, the dangers and the risks that we all take on a daily basis exposing our lives, our thoughts and dreams online. It has become the way we communicate, study and socialise. But even though online communication has become the norm and for many teens and adults to spend hours via chatting, sharing and posting isn't unusual, we all think we acknowledge the online safety message yet it can often be pushed to the background. This YA novel Risk will bring it back to the forefront and will be essential reading for teens and parents alike. I love the way Fleur Ferris has been able to create a story that is honest and warm whilst sending out alarming messages without being preachy or over the top. The novel will hit you, will make you think, will make you question how you yourself act online. The novel will encourage discussion, it will spark debate, but mostly it will provide a solid warning and reminder that all is not what is seems in an online world. It highlights the need to check in with your kids and your friends about what they are doing online, as well as providing insight into the technical side of how online perpertrators can become so hard to trace and how people can be lured in - at any age.
Terrific character development, a range of issues including socialising, anxiety, parent relationships and most of all self reflection and integrity are really closely examined encouraging the reader to consider their own personal response.
Recommend it highly, a great YA novel on a number of levels.
Terrific character development, a range of issues including socialising, anxiety, parent relationships and most of all self reflection and integrity are really closely examined encouraging the reader to consider their own personal response.
Recommend it highly, a great YA novel on a number of levels.
May 23, 2016
Full review on my blog :)
This was amazing, especially since it was a debut novel. Also knowing that the author is a former police officer and paramedic really makes this story both realistic and accurate. This life-changing, eye-opening book will make your heart race in suspense, your eyes bulge out of their head in horror and most importantly it will make you think about whether you are “online-invisible or risk”.
This was amazing, especially since it was a debut novel. Also knowing that the author is a former police officer and paramedic really makes this story both realistic and accurate. This life-changing, eye-opening book will make your heart race in suspense, your eyes bulge out of their head in horror and most importantly it will make you think about whether you are “online-invisible or risk”.
June 18, 2017
I think what you get from this book depends on your starting point. I work in a field that encompasses work with both adolescents and predators, so I found the book a bit too basic and simplistic for me. However, if you’re a parent who has limited knowledge about online grooming and the risks of the internet then this book will be a really great starting point. Some of the things I thought worked well were the way the author showed the way guilt and self-blame affected different characters in different ways; giving some basic information about the way people can be groomed on the internet; and that it is easy to pretend you are someone you are not on the net. I know this is going to be a shock but I, for example, am not really Rita Skeeter.
I’m not sure how well this book would sit with an adolescent reader to be honest. I wonder if some young people mightn’t find this book a little too didactic, and a little bit boring. I think the value for this book is really for parents not young people. If this book raises awareness for parents around knowing what their children are doing on the internet, and helping their children make good choices on the net then that is a great thing.
Leaving aside target audience, this book wasn’t really my cup of tea. The character development was a little light on for my taste, and the tone was a bit flat. I also didn’t care for the ending – I thought it was all a bit too convenient and contrived. .
So it’s a circle back to my starting sentence; I think what you get from this book depends on what your current knowledge is around internet safety; and for generally in what you look for in a book.
I’m not sure how well this book would sit with an adolescent reader to be honest. I wonder if some young people mightn’t find this book a little too didactic, and a little bit boring. I think the value for this book is really for parents not young people. If this book raises awareness for parents around knowing what their children are doing on the internet, and helping their children make good choices on the net then that is a great thing.
Leaving aside target audience, this book wasn’t really my cup of tea. The character development was a little light on for my taste, and the tone was a bit flat. I also didn’t care for the ending – I thought it was all a bit too convenient and contrived. .
So it’s a circle back to my starting sentence; I think what you get from this book depends on what your current knowledge is around internet safety; and for generally in what you look for in a book.
July 7, 2015
I received a free copy from netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger warnings: rape, murder, abduction.
This is and Australian book that everyone should read, I firmly believe it needs to become a school text. A permanent one.
Ferris has delivered an excellent debut that is well written, accurate in its portrayal of teenagers and teenage life, confronting, chilling and most of all, cautionary.
I both liked and disliked Taylor Gray throughout the story, I took issue with her constant body shaming, but I also understand that as a teenager girl, that is something you stress about whether you like it or not.
What I found best about this novel is that it spoke to me on a personal level, I had friends like Sierra, and when I was a teenager, online chat was a huge thing, and talking to random strangers was a big part of the thrill. I only ever spoke to people I knew, but others didn't. I remember so many cases of teenagers, girls mostly, running off with internet friends and never coming home.
Learning that Ferris was a police officer only cemented that policing aspects of the story for me, I found them incredibly accurate, if a little sped up for timeline sake.
It's hard to say that I enjoyed a book of this nature, but I definitely appreciated it.
Trigger warnings: rape, murder, abduction.
This is and Australian book that everyone should read, I firmly believe it needs to become a school text. A permanent one.
Ferris has delivered an excellent debut that is well written, accurate in its portrayal of teenagers and teenage life, confronting, chilling and most of all, cautionary.
I both liked and disliked Taylor Gray throughout the story, I took issue with her constant body shaming, but I also understand that as a teenager girl, that is something you stress about whether you like it or not.
What I found best about this novel is that it spoke to me on a personal level, I had friends like Sierra, and when I was a teenager, online chat was a huge thing, and talking to random strangers was a big part of the thrill. I only ever spoke to people I knew, but others didn't. I remember so many cases of teenagers, girls mostly, running off with internet friends and never coming home.
Learning that Ferris was a police officer only cemented that policing aspects of the story for me, I found them incredibly accurate, if a little sped up for timeline sake.
It's hard to say that I enjoyed a book of this nature, but I definitely appreciated it.
May 13, 2015
I sat down to read the first few pages and emerged hours later having devoured the book in one sitting. It's a great thriller (not just for YA). Every young teen should read this book, which makes very real the dangers of the Internet and the deceitful and clever ways that adults can manipulate young (and not so young) people online - myself included. A couple of years ago I realised that I had been chatting to a 'fan' who I thought to be a child who enjoyed my books via email. I realised upon meeting a middle aged man face to face at an interstate signing that he had actually been pretending to be that child and I had fallen for it completely. Scary stuff. Fleur Ferris is a new writer with a great voice. The challenge of writing this book without dwelling on the evil perpetrated on the victim was skilfully met and although there are ghastly things afoot, I wouldn't hesitate recommending it to young teens. The characters are believable and the relationships reminded me of being in high school. A compelling read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2015
I couldn't put this book down. It deals with an aspect of digital citizenship that all teachers and teacher librarians rattle on about ad infinitum - online safety. It successfully tells a story that all young people active online should read. The story flows well as we become familiar with the characters - young and fairly typical teenagers, whose online life is as vital and active as their offline life. A chance encounter however, spells disaster. The author has captured so successfully the resultant responses for so many of those associated with the victim of this story. This book is well worth reading and promoting.
September 3, 2015
Twitter has a way of making me read books I would normally never pick up, I just really like participating in twitter chats! When I heard that the newly established #bookclubaus’s August pick was Risk, I went to purchase a copy promptly. While I really appreciated the main message in the book and ultimately found it emotionally tight, I did have a couple of problems as well.
At first, Risk starts out unnervingly like a typical high school drama – and while I love watching Mean Girls – my tolerance for this type of fiction is low in my old age. Thankfully, the frenemy plot soon got left behind and Risk started to confront larger issues. Risk mainly looks into the danger of catfishing and victims of internet dating scams.
PLOT
Taylor and Sierra are best friends from childhood, they love one another, though Taylor can’t help feeling that Sierra’s life is too charmed, too perfect. They were both approached by a charming guy on a chatroom, though he ultimately chooses to take Sierra out on a date, leaving Taylor envious and hurt. However, the story takes a dark twist when Sierra does not return from her date.
There is nothing but overwhelming waves of grief wedged between periods of disbelief and numbness…
The plot deals with Taylor’s guilt: for being envious of Sierra, for having such horrible thoughts of her friends just before she went missing, for not recognising that they were being groomed by a sexual predator. It also deals with her grief of losing a best friend. The mystery of finding the culprit of this crime also played a brief role in the plot. However, the main crux of the plot deals with raising awareness for cyber crime, rather than trying to solve this specific one. I wish that I did not go into this expecting a thriller, as my expectations were drawn up short.
CHARACTERS
Anger pulses through my veins, but it is not anger at Jacob Jones. It is anger at me. My stupidity and carelessness. I should have swallowed my pride and gone with Sierra.
I really felt for Taylor as she lost her best friend, I also somewhat related to her envy of Sierra initially – we were all 15 once, after all. However, I did not like how this comparison between herself and Sierra dominated her thoughts – especially when they were mostly concerned about the physical: e.g. how much make up Sierra was wearing, how much prettier she is, etc… All these insecurities were never answered during the book.
I did like how involved the parents were in this storyline. Both Taylor and Sierra’s mum played an important role in the book and in Taylor’s emotional arc. As always, I appreciate the inclusion of family members as they’re so often brushed aside in young adult novels.
Another thing I enjoyed was the relative lack of focus on the romance. The story told definitely highlighted Taylor and Sierra’s friendship, and Taylor’s coming to terms with the dangers of the internet. However, I felt that all of the side characters were really underdeveloped, not wholly unexpected in a 300 pages long book, I guess.
WRITING
An issue I had with this book was the simple, direct, style of writing. It left me a bit detached from the events which unfolded, though I felt I should have been a lot more affected. It felt a bit more like a report telling me of the events, of how Taylor is feeling, without really showing me anything. I will say that it makes for a very quick read. The writing was also gripping enough to finish it in a single 2-3 hours sitting.
Maybe it’s easier to criticise Sierra. Maybe if it was her fault – if she did something wrong – it would be easier to make some sense of what happened. But the cruel truth is, what happened to Sierra could have happened to any one of us.
I did appreciate that the book raised awareness on all of the potential stranger danger of this current age. Loads of people own multiple forms of media, heck, as bloggers we should understand more than anyone how easy it is to trust and love people online. However, be cautious is always a good idea, as you never know who might be behind that computer screen, and sadly the tragedy in this book is too commonplace in real life.
All in all, it was a great debut novel by an Australian author. I actually loved it after my initial read through 2 weeks ago – but thinking back on it, I had issues with some of the writing and portrayal of teen drama. However, if you’re looking for an emotional and gripping contemporary, this one will fit the bill!
At first, Risk starts out unnervingly like a typical high school drama – and while I love watching Mean Girls – my tolerance for this type of fiction is low in my old age. Thankfully, the frenemy plot soon got left behind and Risk started to confront larger issues. Risk mainly looks into the danger of catfishing and victims of internet dating scams.
PLOT
Taylor and Sierra are best friends from childhood, they love one another, though Taylor can’t help feeling that Sierra’s life is too charmed, too perfect. They were both approached by a charming guy on a chatroom, though he ultimately chooses to take Sierra out on a date, leaving Taylor envious and hurt. However, the story takes a dark twist when Sierra does not return from her date.
There is nothing but overwhelming waves of grief wedged between periods of disbelief and numbness…
The plot deals with Taylor’s guilt: for being envious of Sierra, for having such horrible thoughts of her friends just before she went missing, for not recognising that they were being groomed by a sexual predator. It also deals with her grief of losing a best friend. The mystery of finding the culprit of this crime also played a brief role in the plot. However, the main crux of the plot deals with raising awareness for cyber crime, rather than trying to solve this specific one. I wish that I did not go into this expecting a thriller, as my expectations were drawn up short.
CHARACTERS
Anger pulses through my veins, but it is not anger at Jacob Jones. It is anger at me. My stupidity and carelessness. I should have swallowed my pride and gone with Sierra.
I really felt for Taylor as she lost her best friend, I also somewhat related to her envy of Sierra initially – we were all 15 once, after all. However, I did not like how this comparison between herself and Sierra dominated her thoughts – especially when they were mostly concerned about the physical: e.g. how much make up Sierra was wearing, how much prettier she is, etc… All these insecurities were never answered during the book.
I did like how involved the parents were in this storyline. Both Taylor and Sierra’s mum played an important role in the book and in Taylor’s emotional arc. As always, I appreciate the inclusion of family members as they’re so often brushed aside in young adult novels.
Another thing I enjoyed was the relative lack of focus on the romance. The story told definitely highlighted Taylor and Sierra’s friendship, and Taylor’s coming to terms with the dangers of the internet. However, I felt that all of the side characters were really underdeveloped, not wholly unexpected in a 300 pages long book, I guess.
WRITING
An issue I had with this book was the simple, direct, style of writing. It left me a bit detached from the events which unfolded, though I felt I should have been a lot more affected. It felt a bit more like a report telling me of the events, of how Taylor is feeling, without really showing me anything. I will say that it makes for a very quick read. The writing was also gripping enough to finish it in a single 2-3 hours sitting.
Maybe it’s easier to criticise Sierra. Maybe if it was her fault – if she did something wrong – it would be easier to make some sense of what happened. But the cruel truth is, what happened to Sierra could have happened to any one of us.
I did appreciate that the book raised awareness on all of the potential stranger danger of this current age. Loads of people own multiple forms of media, heck, as bloggers we should understand more than anyone how easy it is to trust and love people online. However, be cautious is always a good idea, as you never know who might be behind that computer screen, and sadly the tragedy in this book is too commonplace in real life.
All in all, it was a great debut novel by an Australian author. I actually loved it after my initial read through 2 weeks ago – but thinking back on it, I had issues with some of the writing and portrayal of teen drama. However, if you’re looking for an emotional and gripping contemporary, this one will fit the bill!
September 10, 2015
I literally just finished this book, Risk by Fleur Ferris and excuse me whilst I try to cover the redness from eyes.
This is definitely a book that anyone using the internet to interact with strangers should read. A book that will not open eyes but change lives. The dangers of being online and the risks you take can have some devastating outcomes...and Risk shows you the course of a young girl, Sierra who goes missing after meeting a boy she met online. Told through her best friend, Taylor’s perspective you will be turning the pages and biting your nails. This book gave me tingles. It took my tears and it holds a place in my heart.
This is definitely a book that anyone using the internet to interact with strangers should read. A book that will not open eyes but change lives. The dangers of being online and the risks you take can have some devastating outcomes...and Risk shows you the course of a young girl, Sierra who goes missing after meeting a boy she met online. Told through her best friend, Taylor’s perspective you will be turning the pages and biting your nails. This book gave me tingles. It took my tears and it holds a place in my heart.
November 2, 2015
YA is not a genre I normally read but I was intrigued by a blog review. So glad I read it, realistic and scary but such an important aspect of our online society that should be told.
Beautifully honest, loved it.
Beautifully honest, loved it.
October 20, 2015
I’d expected Risk to be a warning to teens of the dangers lurking online from predators, & the book is indeed an excellent cautionary fable, particularly for its description of how stalkers ‘groom’ the prey by studying their footprints on social media & constructing an appealing identity that appears to share the same interests in sport, entertainment & music, even claiming to have attended the same events & concerts. But tho’ I’m far from YA (in Britain my initials would be OAP), I found Risk a very good book indeed. Why it has not appeared in print either in Great Britain or North America seems an utter mystery, but fortunately Risk is available as a downloadable audio, excellently read by Marny Kennedy. Australia these days is indeed felix in her run of excellent YA novelists & I’m delighted to have discovered Fleur Ferris.
Taylor, the 1st person 15 y/o narrator, is an extremely attractive character. Her dad is deceased & she has a good relationship with her mother, a nurse. She is somewhat jealous of her BF Sierra, a DDG blonde whose family are more affluent (her dad’s got a profitable business in North America so Sierra can ski when it’s summer in Australia when visiting him). Sierra’s mother Rachel is a good friend & gave Taylor & her mum a lot of support when Taylor’s dad died. Taylor is also at the initial stages of a possible relationship with a classmate Callum, but put off by gossip that he may have been seen kissing Sierra. Then Taylor & Sierra find a new hottie online who calls himself Jacob Jones. He chats up both of them, but it’s Sierra he sets up to meet @ the mall.
As the story unfolds, the author lets us see how grief & guilt & remorse spread outward to affect different families & generations. It was this aspect that appealed to my interest in relationships & in moral & spiritual values. Taylor blames herself for what occurs, & Sierra’s mum Rachel refuses to speak to her. Many of Taylor’s & Sierra’s classmates blame Sierra herself as an impulsive showoff intoxicated with her own attractiveness. Except for failing to act as Sierra’s wingman for the meeting with Jacob @ the mall - Taylor seemed moved by jealousy to stay away - whatever sins Taylor commits are errors of omission intended to cover for Sierra. I have absolutely no doubt that I would have done & not done exactly the same in Taylor’s place, had I been asked by a BF.
There are two approaches to judging whether a decision is right or wrong. Intentionalists
ask whether you meant to do good or to do harm. If you intended to do the right thing then you did right, even if the outcome is bad. Consequentialists measure rightness or wrongness by the outcome. It's how things turn out that matters, & if things would have turned out that way anyway, who cares what you meant? (For example, intentionalists & consequentialists approach a topic such as medically assisted euthanasia very differently, tho’ in practical terms they might do much the same for the patient.) From a consequentialist standpoint, Taylor’s delay in alerting parents & authorities probably didn’t matter. But as a pretty strong intentionalist, I was moved by how the author showed that the likely unavoidableness of the outcome in no way excused Taylor or assuaged her grief or remorse. Risk is an excellent study of how corrosive grief & loss are, & the estrangements between & within families & friendships they cause.
But Risk is also a superb portrayal of how redemption & expiation can be accomplished. With the help of her friends & of the police, Taylor creates a website to warn other teens of the dangers of online hookups & when the site ‘goes viral’ some good consequences happen. Taylor not only brings some good out of evil, but she also becomes very much the person she should always have aspired to be, as well as a better student & a public figure & part of a new relationship. Some of the events in the denouement went a trifle OTT, but still, one makes allowances for exciting fiction. The story finishes with an appropriately bittersweet taste that readers of all ages should find authentic & satisfying.
Taylor, the 1st person 15 y/o narrator, is an extremely attractive character. Her dad is deceased & she has a good relationship with her mother, a nurse. She is somewhat jealous of her BF Sierra, a DDG blonde whose family are more affluent (her dad’s got a profitable business in North America so Sierra can ski when it’s summer in Australia when visiting him). Sierra’s mother Rachel is a good friend & gave Taylor & her mum a lot of support when Taylor’s dad died. Taylor is also at the initial stages of a possible relationship with a classmate Callum, but put off by gossip that he may have been seen kissing Sierra. Then Taylor & Sierra find a new hottie online who calls himself Jacob Jones. He chats up both of them, but it’s Sierra he sets up to meet @ the mall.
As the story unfolds, the author lets us see how grief & guilt & remorse spread outward to affect different families & generations. It was this aspect that appealed to my interest in relationships & in moral & spiritual values. Taylor blames herself for what occurs, & Sierra’s mum Rachel refuses to speak to her. Many of Taylor’s & Sierra’s classmates blame Sierra herself as an impulsive showoff intoxicated with her own attractiveness. Except for failing to act as Sierra’s wingman for the meeting with Jacob @ the mall - Taylor seemed moved by jealousy to stay away - whatever sins Taylor commits are errors of omission intended to cover for Sierra. I have absolutely no doubt that I would have done & not done exactly the same in Taylor’s place, had I been asked by a BF.
There are two approaches to judging whether a decision is right or wrong. Intentionalists
ask whether you meant to do good or to do harm. If you intended to do the right thing then you did right, even if the outcome is bad. Consequentialists measure rightness or wrongness by the outcome. It's how things turn out that matters, & if things would have turned out that way anyway, who cares what you meant? (For example, intentionalists & consequentialists approach a topic such as medically assisted euthanasia very differently, tho’ in practical terms they might do much the same for the patient.) From a consequentialist standpoint, Taylor’s delay in alerting parents & authorities probably didn’t matter. But as a pretty strong intentionalist, I was moved by how the author showed that the likely unavoidableness of the outcome in no way excused Taylor or assuaged her grief or remorse. Risk is an excellent study of how corrosive grief & loss are, & the estrangements between & within families & friendships they cause.
But Risk is also a superb portrayal of how redemption & expiation can be accomplished. With the help of her friends & of the police, Taylor creates a website to warn other teens of the dangers of online hookups & when the site ‘goes viral’ some good consequences happen. Taylor not only brings some good out of evil, but she also becomes very much the person she should always have aspired to be, as well as a better student & a public figure & part of a new relationship. Some of the events in the denouement went a trifle OTT, but still, one makes allowances for exciting fiction. The story finishes with an appropriately bittersweet taste that readers of all ages should find authentic & satisfying.
June 28, 2015
*This review also appears on my blog Genie In A Book*
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley
4.5 stars
How safe are you online? How much do you share? Who is seeing it? It is these questions which Fleur Ferris's thought-provoking debut novel Risk raises, and with shocking results. The presence of online predators is unfortunately a chilling reality, and there are grim consequences when swept up in a dangerous web of lies.
This book has quite a smart construction, as from the start it seems that there's some typical teenage drama happening - two best friends, one bright and popular while the other can't take her seriously. Crushes, boyfriends and school are covered...until Sierra and Taylor start talking to guys on MysteryChat online. Though many of us readers will sit there and say 'how could they be so stupid?', the truth is that some girls will fall into these traps, and at just fourteen years old - they're more vulnerable than ever. However, this almost cloying beginning soon gives way to the more sinister underlying danger which lurks behind the screen. There was an unexpected turn quite early on which caught me off guard, and the story took on a different path than I had anticipated. Not only is there that 'shock' factor, but one which makes you take a step back and evaluate how you act online. The didactic nature of this novel just adds a whole other dimension and makes it a memorable one.
There is a crescendo when the adults become involved, which was an essential aspect. In some books the adults are barely even mentioned, let alone play a major role in any of the developments. What got a big tick from me in this case is that they were present, and though Sierra missing did have an impact on her friends, especially Taylor, the adults also had an important stance in the storyline. There is definitely a holistic exploration of characters in Risk which made everything well-rounded and compulsively readable.
To realise that a pedophile had effectively 'groomed' your best friend before she disappears is chilling to say the least, and obviously has an enormous emotional impact. The flow-on effects from one major event really demonstrates the extent to which one girl's fate can change the people around her. The author captured the emotional ramifications in such a realistic way and it drew me into the lives of these fictional characters as if they were real. Taylor's initiative and her own relationship made her a likable character, and just the anguish of it all was executed perfectly. Though there was that little something which perhaps could have added an extra kick near the end, there was definitely a fair share of drama throughout and suspense in abundance.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In all, Risk is a compelling and didactic novel which depicts a situation that could be all too real. Though the bar was set high for this one, I'm happy to say that I enjoyed it, and would recommend it to anyone who reads YA as it has an important message at its core. As a piece of Australian YA, it is a shining example of just how talented local authors are! I can't wait to read whatever Fleur Ferris writes next, because after this fantastic debut, she sure is one to watch.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley
4.5 stars
How safe are you online? How much do you share? Who is seeing it? It is these questions which Fleur Ferris's thought-provoking debut novel Risk raises, and with shocking results. The presence of online predators is unfortunately a chilling reality, and there are grim consequences when swept up in a dangerous web of lies.
The feeling inside me is numbness. A massive, strange void that makes me feel like my body's not mine. My mind has detached itself from my body and I feel nothing.
This book has quite a smart construction, as from the start it seems that there's some typical teenage drama happening - two best friends, one bright and popular while the other can't take her seriously. Crushes, boyfriends and school are covered...until Sierra and Taylor start talking to guys on MysteryChat online. Though many of us readers will sit there and say 'how could they be so stupid?', the truth is that some girls will fall into these traps, and at just fourteen years old - they're more vulnerable than ever. However, this almost cloying beginning soon gives way to the more sinister underlying danger which lurks behind the screen. There was an unexpected turn quite early on which caught me off guard, and the story took on a different path than I had anticipated. Not only is there that 'shock' factor, but one which makes you take a step back and evaluate how you act online. The didactic nature of this novel just adds a whole other dimension and makes it a memorable one.
There is a crescendo when the adults become involved, which was an essential aspect. In some books the adults are barely even mentioned, let alone play a major role in any of the developments. What got a big tick from me in this case is that they were present, and though Sierra missing did have an impact on her friends, especially Taylor, the adults also had an important stance in the storyline. There is definitely a holistic exploration of characters in Risk which made everything well-rounded and compulsively readable.
Something black is inside me, lurking just out of reach. I can't grasp it, but it's there, heavy, filling every crevice as I move.
To realise that a pedophile had effectively 'groomed' your best friend before she disappears is chilling to say the least, and obviously has an enormous emotional impact. The flow-on effects from one major event really demonstrates the extent to which one girl's fate can change the people around her. The author captured the emotional ramifications in such a realistic way and it drew me into the lives of these fictional characters as if they were real. Taylor's initiative and her own relationship made her a likable character, and just the anguish of it all was executed perfectly. Though there was that little something which perhaps could have added an extra kick near the end, there was definitely a fair share of drama throughout and suspense in abundance.
Anger pulses through my veins, but it is not anger at Jacob Jones. It is anger at me. My stupidity and carelessness. I should have swallowed my pride and gone with Sierra.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In all, Risk is a compelling and didactic novel which depicts a situation that could be all too real. Though the bar was set high for this one, I'm happy to say that I enjoyed it, and would recommend it to anyone who reads YA as it has an important message at its core. As a piece of Australian YA, it is a shining example of just how talented local authors are! I can't wait to read whatever Fleur Ferris writes next, because after this fantastic debut, she sure is one to watch.
June 9, 2015
I am still internally processing this book. I think it is going to be one of those really important books that I am certainly going to recommend to all the schools that I deal with.
Points to recommend for booksellers and t-ls in schools in particular:
a. its uniquely Australian feel - so important for kids to be able to relate to stories set in a familiar setting/culture (and internet experience)
b. every school I know from P-12 does a fine job of educating the kids in cyber safety - so fine a job that kids are completely over hearing the message from adults - in the backs of their minds they are thinking that being sucked in to chat rooms always happens to someone else - it happens in America, not here, I would never be that gullible etc. Taylor shows just how easy it is to fall for the traps and the psychological manipulation that goes with that. Reading about the character's experience in a book like this is pretty powerful, which is why I have loved and recommended Jennifer Brown's Thousand Words for the same reason.
c. the depth and range of emotions were so well explored. I really got Taylor's frustration, jealousy, grief, anger, despair. Hey, haven't we all had a friend like Sierra? (the one who seemingly has everything and although you love her to bits you are at times envious and you also feel she abuses your good nature) Many of us have no doubt been the Taylor in a relationship like that (I know I have). Beyond that though I think Callum and Riley were also great characters and it was so reassuring to see how their emotions and feelings were explored.
d. although this deals with a horrible event there is hope and a feeling that something can be done about this situation.
Other points:
At first I felt the style was a little jumpy but about a third of the way through it really settled into a good rhythm. There is some lovely writing in parts - honest and raw.
My gripe: Sorry, but I do have only one gripe.
In summary, a novel with an important message that you never know just might help a few teens make some good decisions.
Points to recommend for booksellers and t-ls in schools in particular:
a. its uniquely Australian feel - so important for kids to be able to relate to stories set in a familiar setting/culture (and internet experience)
b. every school I know from P-12 does a fine job of educating the kids in cyber safety - so fine a job that kids are completely over hearing the message from adults - in the backs of their minds they are thinking that being sucked in to chat rooms always happens to someone else - it happens in America, not here, I would never be that gullible etc. Taylor shows just how easy it is to fall for the traps and the psychological manipulation that goes with that. Reading about the character's experience in a book like this is pretty powerful, which is why I have loved and recommended Jennifer Brown's Thousand Words for the same reason.
c. the depth and range of emotions were so well explored. I really got Taylor's frustration, jealousy, grief, anger, despair. Hey, haven't we all had a friend like Sierra? (the one who seemingly has everything and although you love her to bits you are at times envious and you also feel she abuses your good nature) Many of us have no doubt been the Taylor in a relationship like that (I know I have). Beyond that though I think Callum and Riley were also great characters and it was so reassuring to see how their emotions and feelings were explored.
d. although this deals with a horrible event there is hope and a feeling that something can be done about this situation.
Other points:
At first I felt the style was a little jumpy but about a third of the way through it really settled into a good rhythm. There is some lovely writing in parts - honest and raw.
My gripe: Sorry, but I do have only one gripe.
In summary, a novel with an important message that you never know just might help a few teens make some good decisions.
June 28, 2015
A gripping tale, and one unfortunately seen too often on Australian news; missing underage child, possibly taken by a sexual predator. Only this story is fiction, and also YA. A book like this one, just like the website contained within the story, can serve as a warning to online dangers we all forget sometimes. Just like Taylor and Sierra, it's all too easy to think 'What's the harm?'.
I've had online friendships, but never a romantic relationship. I toyed with meeting up with a girl from America when she visited Australia once, but knew that my mother would never let me, and besides, even though we spoke most nights you can never be sure and I didn't want to be disappointed in my ideal online friend. The girls in this book both talk to the 'perfect' young guy, who claims to go to a school near theirs, as well as liking similar things. He draws them in, but is it all too good to be true?
I quite liked the writing in this book, although at times it felt a little clinical and more like I was reading the newspaper. I read the little snippet about the author, and it says she was a police officer and a paramedic, and you definitely get that undertone. Having worked both those jobs, I can well understand the need to write stories like this one. I had a few pivotal moments growing up that made me realize how easily you can go missing and that there were people lurking the streets waiting to hurt you. One was the Daniel Morcombe case, because my mother spoke about it and gave me warnings about waiting by myself. She also when I was a little older made me read the Anita Cobby story, and I was never walking alone again! The girls in this book don't have those warning bells going off in their heads, they only see a cute picture and some fun late night conversation and that's enough.
I randomly choose this because it was new on the shelves at the bookstore, probably put out a little early looking at the release date. I definitely recommend it to all YA readers, especially Australian readers. It's nice to see more typical young Aussies depicted! A great book, I hope this gets the attention it deserves. Four stars!
I've had online friendships, but never a romantic relationship. I toyed with meeting up with a girl from America when she visited Australia once, but knew that my mother would never let me, and besides, even though we spoke most nights you can never be sure and I didn't want to be disappointed in my ideal online friend. The girls in this book both talk to the 'perfect' young guy, who claims to go to a school near theirs, as well as liking similar things. He draws them in, but is it all too good to be true?
I quite liked the writing in this book, although at times it felt a little clinical and more like I was reading the newspaper. I read the little snippet about the author, and it says she was a police officer and a paramedic, and you definitely get that undertone. Having worked both those jobs, I can well understand the need to write stories like this one. I had a few pivotal moments growing up that made me realize how easily you can go missing and that there were people lurking the streets waiting to hurt you. One was the Daniel Morcombe case, because my mother spoke about it and gave me warnings about waiting by myself. She also when I was a little older made me read the Anita Cobby story, and I was never walking alone again! The girls in this book don't have those warning bells going off in their heads, they only see a cute picture and some fun late night conversation and that's enough.
I randomly choose this because it was new on the shelves at the bookstore, probably put out a little early looking at the release date. I definitely recommend it to all YA readers, especially Australian readers. It's nice to see more typical young Aussies depicted! A great book, I hope this gets the attention it deserves. Four stars!
October 3, 2019
You can find my reviews on my blog:
https://brooklynthebookworm.wordpress...
I’m so glad I picked this book up. I cannot express how much it’s opened my eyes – what happened to Sierra is completely real and tragic and horrifying.
Look, I know the internet can be a safe place sometimes, if the user knows what they’re doing and that sort of thing- I mean I have connected with some of my very closest friends online and I’m grateful for them.
We hear horror stories on the news regularly enough, whether it’s a Tinder meet up gone wrong or just a tragic chance meeting gone horribly wrong, women and young girls are falling tragically victim to prey of men who use proxy boxes to disguise themselves as supposed dream hunks, making these young girls think they’ve met Mr Right and are just basking in their attention and the fact that someone could actually think they’re beautiful, which is sad in itself too.
This is our slight premise for Risk, which was our @AusYABloggers buddy chat book for this month – the link is above if you’ve read it and would like to join in ;).
Risk follows two best friends, Sierra and Taylor – Sierra, who has been banned from using her laptop or smartphone or any form of technology, logs onto a seemingly fun and harmless chat site, only to meet one J. Jones and quickly become smitten with him and determined to meet up with him, lying to her parents in the process and not keeping her friends posted about the date initially, until she tells them that she wants to stay the night with him.
Danger bells instantly went off in my mind as Sierra was chatting to J Jones, I could just tell that he was baiting her and I found it so sad that Sierra, this bright, albeit sometimes naive and careless to the repercussions of her actions without thinking as to how others may be left feeling, but altogether a charming, bright girl who like so many others should just have the world at their feet and their futures ahead of them, only to have their lives tragically cut short by the actions of horrible filth.
How dare these men do this? It’s utterly despicable! The chain reaction that is set off from Sierra’s apparent silence just creeps into a feeling most horrifying and unsettling, a feeling that stayed with me throughout reading this book and one that will be staying with me for a long, long time to come.
Risk is Fleur Ferris’ debut novel and every once of it just felt so raw and real and frankly I think that’s one of the most potent aspects of it – the fact that what happens in this book does indeed happen in real life.
It’s just awful, I just felt so sad for Taylor throughout this book, having to deal with the aftermath of what happens next- I felt like her feelings, her rage, her sadness, everything, were mine throughout this novel and the utter grief and pain that she and Sierra’s family have to go through was just conveyed so raw and I couldn’t not be moved by this book!
As I was reading Risk, it struck me as to how vital I think this book actually is, and how I think everyone needs to read it! It haunted me to my utter core, the lead up to what happened to Sierra was so chilling and that tragic announcement which I felt was coming but hoped wasn’t…the aftermath, Taylor wanting to see the scumbag locked up, creating a website not only as an ode to Sierra but displaying warning signs about how girls can so easily get tricked into falling for these guys, I just admired her so much for this!
I feel like I haven’t read a book that was written and felt so vivid and real for a long time, actually. I polished it off in 2 days, having started it last night and staying up late, only to wake up a few hours later and be horrified at the events in the book that I’d read.
Initially I was going to give this book a 4, however, upon further reflection I cannot fault this book, from how it made me feel when I was reading it to the fact that stories like Sierra’s are real and completely tragic and happening in this world. I just wish more could be done to help these girl see they are worth so much more!
https://brooklynthebookworm.wordpress...
I’m so glad I picked this book up. I cannot express how much it’s opened my eyes – what happened to Sierra is completely real and tragic and horrifying.
Look, I know the internet can be a safe place sometimes, if the user knows what they’re doing and that sort of thing- I mean I have connected with some of my very closest friends online and I’m grateful for them.
We hear horror stories on the news regularly enough, whether it’s a Tinder meet up gone wrong or just a tragic chance meeting gone horribly wrong, women and young girls are falling tragically victim to prey of men who use proxy boxes to disguise themselves as supposed dream hunks, making these young girls think they’ve met Mr Right and are just basking in their attention and the fact that someone could actually think they’re beautiful, which is sad in itself too.
This is our slight premise for Risk, which was our @AusYABloggers buddy chat book for this month – the link is above if you’ve read it and would like to join in ;).
Risk follows two best friends, Sierra and Taylor – Sierra, who has been banned from using her laptop or smartphone or any form of technology, logs onto a seemingly fun and harmless chat site, only to meet one J. Jones and quickly become smitten with him and determined to meet up with him, lying to her parents in the process and not keeping her friends posted about the date initially, until she tells them that she wants to stay the night with him.
Danger bells instantly went off in my mind as Sierra was chatting to J Jones, I could just tell that he was baiting her and I found it so sad that Sierra, this bright, albeit sometimes naive and careless to the repercussions of her actions without thinking as to how others may be left feeling, but altogether a charming, bright girl who like so many others should just have the world at their feet and their futures ahead of them, only to have their lives tragically cut short by the actions of horrible filth.
How dare these men do this? It’s utterly despicable! The chain reaction that is set off from Sierra’s apparent silence just creeps into a feeling most horrifying and unsettling, a feeling that stayed with me throughout reading this book and one that will be staying with me for a long, long time to come.
Risk is Fleur Ferris’ debut novel and every once of it just felt so raw and real and frankly I think that’s one of the most potent aspects of it – the fact that what happens in this book does indeed happen in real life.
It’s just awful, I just felt so sad for Taylor throughout this book, having to deal with the aftermath of what happens next- I felt like her feelings, her rage, her sadness, everything, were mine throughout this novel and the utter grief and pain that she and Sierra’s family have to go through was just conveyed so raw and I couldn’t not be moved by this book!
As I was reading Risk, it struck me as to how vital I think this book actually is, and how I think everyone needs to read it! It haunted me to my utter core, the lead up to what happened to Sierra was so chilling and that tragic announcement which I felt was coming but hoped wasn’t…the aftermath, Taylor wanting to see the scumbag locked up, creating a website not only as an ode to Sierra but displaying warning signs about how girls can so easily get tricked into falling for these guys, I just admired her so much for this!
I feel like I haven’t read a book that was written and felt so vivid and real for a long time, actually. I polished it off in 2 days, having started it last night and staying up late, only to wake up a few hours later and be horrified at the events in the book that I’d read.
Initially I was going to give this book a 4, however, upon further reflection I cannot fault this book, from how it made me feel when I was reading it to the fact that stories like Sierra’s are real and completely tragic and happening in this world. I just wish more could be done to help these girl see they are worth so much more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2017
I found the beginning of Risk strong and compelling. Readers are thrown straight into the slightly tense friendship between the narrator Taylor and her best friend Sierra. Taylor is a good girl, whereas Sierra pushes boundaries. The petty jealousies about potential boyfriends are authentic and immediately accessible to teenagers.
As the tension builds, and Sierra goes missing, the writing remains tight and suspenseful. All the teenager's reactions are valid and so real. The parents too are portrayed with flaws, especially Sierra's mother. Her behaviours seem over-the-top, but I suspect they're not.
I did find the last few chapters lacked the powerful emotion connection I expected. But that could just be me. I am beginning to grow weary of large community memorials. Do they really achieve anything? But as I say, my issue.
One thing I found odd was the use of real-life celebrity names when Taylor spoke about people she might like to get stuck with (Ansel Elgort, etc.), but that another name was used for what appears to be Taylor Swift (Taylor Wolfe). Given the significant role she plays in the text, I can understand why, but this inconsistency seemed jarring and threw me out of the narrative.
This is very readable, and I can imagine many teenagers enjoying it, and hopefully passing it on to their friends. And they should. We all should.
Risk is out everywhere now (in Australia at least). This copy was provided by the publisher, via Netgalley, and read with thanks.
As the tension builds, and Sierra goes missing, the writing remains tight and suspenseful. All the teenager's reactions are valid and so real. The parents too are portrayed with flaws, especially Sierra's mother. Her behaviours seem over-the-top, but I suspect they're not.
I did find the last few chapters lacked the powerful emotion connection I expected. But that could just be me. I am beginning to grow weary of large community memorials. Do they really achieve anything? But as I say, my issue.
One thing I found odd was the use of real-life celebrity names when Taylor spoke about people she might like to get stuck with (Ansel Elgort, etc.), but that another name was used for what appears to be Taylor Swift (Taylor Wolfe). Given the significant role she plays in the text, I can understand why, but this inconsistency seemed jarring and threw me out of the narrative.
This is very readable, and I can imagine many teenagers enjoying it, and hopefully passing it on to their friends. And they should. We all should.
Risk is out everywhere now (in Australia at least). This copy was provided by the publisher, via Netgalley, and read with thanks.
November 5, 2015
Oh my goodness. That was just... I don't have the words to describe it. The quotes on the front cover often exaggerate, I find, but this was the most accurate one I've ever seen; gripping, devastating and terrifying describes the novel perfectly. I started reading it at about 1am, I think, to wind down before bed, and read straight through without so much of a toilet break until 4am. I've read some great books this year, but this would have to be my favourite by far. It's perfect and haunting in every way.
And one of the things I love about it is that it looks at the risks of online dating, and at the girls' role in it, without vilifying it or them. The girls are portrayed as young and ignorant, not at fault, and there's a good discussion about whether it is more or less risky than meeting a stranger at a bar. A lot of stories, whether they are books or TV shows, that explore this theme go too far in the direction of trying to stir a moral panic about internet usage, thus isolating audiences who use and love those things. In contrast, Risk addresses the dangers involved without presenting social media usage as an inherently bad thing. And I think that is part of what makes it so effective and enthralling.
Taylor's voice is wonderful, and the fact that it's set in Australia just makes it feel all the more real to me. Given the perspective it's written from, it's horrifying but not grotesque, so it would be suited to young teenagers as well.
Read it. Seriously.
And one of the things I love about it is that it looks at the risks of online dating, and at the girls' role in it, without vilifying it or them. The girls are portrayed as young and ignorant, not at fault, and there's a good discussion about whether it is more or less risky than meeting a stranger at a bar. A lot of stories, whether they are books or TV shows, that explore this theme go too far in the direction of trying to stir a moral panic about internet usage, thus isolating audiences who use and love those things. In contrast, Risk addresses the dangers involved without presenting social media usage as an inherently bad thing. And I think that is part of what makes it so effective and enthralling.
Taylor's voice is wonderful, and the fact that it's set in Australia just makes it feel all the more real to me. Given the perspective it's written from, it's horrifying but not grotesque, so it would be suited to young teenagers as well.
Read it. Seriously.
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