Capsule by Mel Torrefranca // book review!
June 06, 2021Happy Sunday!
Today's post is going to be short and sweet - I'm going to be reviewing Capsule, an upcoming release by Mel Torrefranca! I really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait for its release so I can buy a physical copy.
note: I did receive a free eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Two students from Brookwood High School mysteriously go missing on the same night.
The first is Peter Moon, a heartless pescatarian who bashes students from Brookwood on his blog, turning everyone against him. The second is the adored Kat Pike, an audacious girl desperate to boost her adrenaline. Three days pass. No leads.
Indifferent to the disappearances, sixteen-year-old Jackie Mendoza remains immersed in her virtual world of video games and online friends.
When a menacing app by the name of Capsule downloads itself onto Jackie's phone, she enters a game interlaced with reality. A game threatening to erase Peter and Kat forever. Only Jackie can save them now—but Capsule is the most ruthless game she's ever played.
Mel Torrefranca delivers a heart-wrenching thriller about unlikely friendships, bittersweet memories, and a never-ending search for answers best left forgotten.
The first is Peter Moon, a heartless pescatarian who bashes students from Brookwood on his blog, turning everyone against him. The second is the adored Kat Pike, an audacious girl desperate to boost her adrenaline. Three days pass. No leads.
Indifferent to the disappearances, sixteen-year-old Jackie Mendoza remains immersed in her virtual world of video games and online friends.
When a menacing app by the name of Capsule downloads itself onto Jackie's phone, she enters a game interlaced with reality. A game threatening to erase Peter and Kat forever. Only Jackie can save them now—but Capsule is the most ruthless game she's ever played.
Mel Torrefranca delivers a heart-wrenching thriller about unlikely friendships, bittersweet memories, and a never-ending search for answers best left forgotten.
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So let's talk about why I liked this book!
The characters. Although most of them could generally be considered "unlikeable," I absolutely loved reading about Jackie, Peter, and Kat, along with all the rest of the side characters. I felt they were very realistic and (in the case of Jackie and Peter) highly relatable. (Also, they all need hugs. The poor kids <3 <3 <3)
I also loved that, unlike a lot of thrillers that focus on fight scenes and general plot, the characters very much drove the plot in a way that felt organic and interesting.
Which, speaking of that . . .
The plot. Capsule has some of the most interesting, unexpected plot twists I've ever read about. The big ones at the end (those of you who've read it, you all know which ones I'm talking about) left me STUNNED and heartbroken at the same time. My mind is still blown.
But amazing plot twists aside, Capsule felt very well-paced. I could easily follow what was happening (well, as easily as one can when not all the information is given to you ;) ), and I was quite literally glued to my laptop screen, trying to read faster to find out what would happen.
One of my favorite parts of the story as a whole was CAPSULE, the app. I loved the mystery behind it and the *ahem* ending that came about because of it. It added a cool sci-fi aspect to the story that I absolutely adored.
But I think the parts I adored the most were THE THEMES. I could rave about these all day, but I won't say anything too specific about them here because of spoilers. ;) For now, I'll just say that the themes were powerful, presented in wonderful ways, and unforgettable. <3 <3 <3
(And one last thing I loved about this book were the pop culture references. Off the top of my head, I remember Big Hero 6 and a whole lot of Discord, both of which made my geeky, Internet heart happy.I use Discord wayyyyy too much nowadays, so I saw myself in Jackie in that respect XD)
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I also loved that, unlike a lot of thrillers that focus on fight scenes and general plot, the characters very much drove the plot in a way that felt organic and interesting.
Which, speaking of that . . .
The plot. Capsule has some of the most interesting, unexpected plot twists I've ever read about. The big ones at the end (those of you who've read it, you all know which ones I'm talking about) left me STUNNED and heartbroken at the same time. My mind is still blown.
But amazing plot twists aside, Capsule felt very well-paced. I could easily follow what was happening (well, as easily as one can when not all the information is given to you ;) ), and I was quite literally glued to my laptop screen, trying to read faster to find out what would happen.
One of my favorite parts of the story as a whole was CAPSULE, the app. I loved the mystery behind it and the *ahem* ending that came about because of it. It added a cool sci-fi aspect to the story that I absolutely adored.
But I think the parts I adored the most were THE THEMES. I could rave about these all day, but I won't say anything too specific about them here because of spoilers. ;) For now, I'll just say that the themes were powerful, presented in wonderful ways, and unforgettable. <3 <3 <3
(And one last thing I loved about this book were the pop culture references. Off the top of my head, I remember Big Hero 6 and a whole lot of Discord, both of which made my geeky, Internet heart happy.
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So, would I recommend Capsule? Absolutely! I'm planning on pre-ordering/buying a physical copy as soon as I can, because this is one book I need on my shelf.
If you like thrillers with a dark writing style and amazing characters with very real flaws, consider picking this book up!
And in the meantime, watch out for any apps mysteriously downloading on your phone . . . ;)
-Nicole <3
3 comments
Oh my word, this sounds like it would be 100% up my alley! Sci-fi-ish thriller-ish thing with pop culture references and mysterious apps? YES PLEASE!
ReplyDeleteOoh, this is the first I've heard of this book and it sounds amazing! Awesome review!
ReplyDeleteI've seen this book and wondered if it was good and now I want to read it soo bad!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the comment section! I love hearing what you guys think and seeing you guys talk. Just remember to keep it clean, and as always, check back for my replies! <3
-Nicole