Hide by Kriersten White is a game of hide and seek in an abandoned amusement park with deadly consequences. This book was not marketed as YA but the writing sure felt like it, I know White is known for her YA works. Some things dipped in to the adult along with the language but the writing format was very YA. I think this book can me enjoyed by both audiences, it makes great observations on privilege and generational gap amongst families and what they value. The story had good twists and turns. The narrative follows the 14 contestants, one person that helped organize it, and journals that feel in the history of the event. The story flows well and increases the intensity as the contestants get lower. The villain is best when not described. I felt the gore could have been greater, I fell like this book gave the reader the PG 13 version of the story, as it would cut away from the gore at some times, but when we finally see it I thought it was good, but I felt it was a little too late. Where the book really shined was the backstory of it’s characters, I did not like most of the characters but I felt I understood them and their motivation. The plot was really clever and overall really liked where the story went. I wanted a little bit more from the ending but was still satisfied. The story features LGTBQIA+ characters that were represented well. Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Del Rey for the advanced reader copy of the book. Hide by Kiersten White is published on May 24 2022.

The Plot Summary: 14 contestants form all different walks of life are selected to play a game of Hide and Seek for a 50 thousand dollar prize. The game could be a test pilot for reality TV show. The players don’t know where the game is being played. The game takes place in an abandoned amusement park from the 70’s with no wifi and cell service. The game starts off fine but but when people go missing belonging and little bits of blood are found, this isn’t a game. It’s survival!

What I Liked: The backstories of characters really stick out, especially Mack who’ backstory is heartbreaking and really makes you understand the difficult decisions she makes in the game. I liked the relationships formed from the contestants that have a little family dynamic. I loved the journal entries and the story they told for each person’s entry. The drama of putting the game on was interesting. I liked getting in the heads of so many characters. The small bits of action were good. I love how the story increased in intensity.

What I Disliked: The ending could have been better, the true villain you know will eventually get what they deserved, but they were so horrible I wanted to see it. Plus it ends with too much unknown maybe an epilogue would have worked. The character of Ian had and read the history and still he trust the people who put it on they set up his character to be too smart, to be so gullible.

Recommendation: I recommend you check this story out the plot goes to fun places once you find out what the contestants are up against. The big thing that makes this story work are the characters that you can’t help but root behind. I rated Hide by Kiersten White 4 out of 5 stars, this novel had moments of a 5 star rating but felt it deserved a 4 based on what I disliked. Kiersten White is a good author this was the first story I’ve read by her but plan to read more.