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S.T.A.G.S. by M.A. Bennett is a book that honestly surprised me. It is a very eerie story with a twisty plot and an intelligent main character. The story definitely strays from the classic private school book I was expecting. Although this book is a thriller, I feel like there isn’t enough action, and I would have enjoyed more suspense.
Title: S.T.A.G.S (S.T.A.G.S. #1)Series: S.T.A.G.S. #1
Author: M.A. Bennett
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: January 30, 2018
Rating:
Series Rating:
Nine students. Three bloodsports. One deadly weekend.
It is the autumn term and Greer MacDonald is struggling to settle into the sixth form at the exclusive St. Aidan the Great boarding school, known to its privileged pupils as S.T.A.G.S. Just when she despairs of making friends Greer receives a mysterious invitation with three words embossed upon on it: huntin' shootin' fishin'. When Greer learns that the invitation is to spend the half term weekend at the country manor of Henry de Warlencourt, the most popular and wealthy boy at S.T.A.G.S., she is as surprised as she is flattered.
But when Greer joins the other chosen few at the ancient and sprawling Longcross Hall, she realises that Henry's parents are not at home; the only adults present are a cohort of eerily compliant servants. The students are at the mercy of their capricious host, and, over the next three days, as the three bloodsports - hunting, shooting and fishing - become increasingly dark and twisted, Greer comes to the horrifying realisation that those being hunted are not wild game, but the very misfits Henry has brought with him from school...
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: S.T.A.G.S. by M.A. Bennett
❀ Lacks Action
It’s so hard to describe this book without spoilers, but basically, it tells the story of a girl who is invited to the annual weekend trip with the most popular kids in school. She is skeptical, since she is considered an outcast, but goes on the trip anyways. As expected, the trip takes a dark turn, and she finds herself trapped in a house with no adults. It was originally the private school aspects that drew me to this book, but we don’t get to see a lot of the actual school. Also, I found that the book lacks action for the kind of story that is is, and everything happens at the end. The idea is very creative, but I just feel like it falls a bit flat.
❀ Greer is a Likeable Character
I really enjoyed Greer’s character in S.T.A.G.S. As a scholarship student in a school for the rich, she doesn’t fit in with the others. However, on the trip, Greer is resourceful and clever, and she is good at manipulating those who are trying to manipulate her. She is also quick to defend her newfound friends, which I loved. The one thing I will say is that the constant movie references do get annoying, but other than that, she is likeable.
❀ Intriguing Concept
S.T.A.G.S. by M.A. Bennett is a book that is a darker take on a private school weekend trip. The main character is likeable, and the concept is intriguing. However, I would have liked more action in this thriller, and a faster paced plot.
About M.A. Bennett
M. A. Bennett is half Venetian and was born in Manchester, England, and raised in the Yorkshire Dales. She is a history graduate of Oxford University and the University of Venice, where she specialized in the study of Shakespeare’s plays as a historical source. After university she studied art and has since worked as an illustrator, an actress, and a film reviewer. She also designed tour visuals for rock bands, including U2 and the Rolling Stones. She was married on the Grand Canal in Venice and lives in north London with her husband, son, and daughter.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.
The concept here is pretty unique, and I like that the main character is intelligent and not helpless. Too bad it fell flat!
I always dislike it when thriller or suspenseful reads don’t have enough action or suspense. Totally kills it. But this book does sound intriguing I must say.
It has a really amazing concept! I have a feeling that it is going to be one that people either really love or find a bit uneventful. 😉
I also got an ARC of this, but I’m struggling to get through the first 20 percent. There is just something about the book that doesn’t click with me. I do enjoy the movie references, at least the ones I know! Hopefully the book will pick up for me. 🙂
I hope that it does pick up for you. I will be interested in finding out your thoughts on it when you finish it. 🙂
Private School! Secret clubs! Danger..Danger..Danger!!! AND THAT COVER! If you couldn’t tell, I am all the way in on this way!
I hope that you enjoy it!
That cover is stunning! I like the whole mystery of the private school/club thing.
Dianna
That cover has such an elegant/mysterious vibe to it, too bad the book did not live up to expectations 🙁 Great review nonetheless!
That cover is what initially drew me in, for sure! 🙂
The heroine sounds great, especially with the friend-defending part! <3 Too bad this one wasn't as fast-paced as a thriller should be. You've gotten me curious, though. Awesome review!
– Aimee @ Aimee, Always
There are some really great aspects to this book, for sure! 🙂
Great review! I haven’t heard of this book but it does sound very intriguing. It’s too bad that it was slow paced and doesn’t have much action in it.
I’m a sucker for books about private schools and that cover is great!
Thanks for the great review. The book sounds very intriguing.