3.5 ( )

This review originally appeared on my blog www.gimmethatbook.com.

THE SWELL was a story that grabbed you right away and sucked you into all the characters’ drama. And there is A LOT of drama! The isolated beach setting was perfect, quite different from many of the thrillers I’ve read. One of the good parts about the setting is that it loomed large in the plot – the waves, the weather, and the confinement of it all just hovered above the characters and slowly began to smother them like a wet blanket.

Everyone seems to be an unreliable narrator and as I read, I didn’t know who to believe. This book is so filled with twists and suspense that I’m having a hard time writing this, since I don’t want to spoil the story for you.

Each chapter is written from the point of view of each character, some more than others. My first thought would be to have less of the POV of Kenna (the one that joins the surfers and is considered a newbie) and more of the others. I got frustrated more and more each time Kenna asked a question; maybe some of her queries could have been answered by having a chapter in the POV of the others. Belatedly I understood that my personal reaction to all those questions was to mirror how the others felt about her never ending stream of “Why is this…?” and “Who said that…?” among other, more pointed questions. Yes, the answers to all her questions furthered the plot along and doled out information slowly, to keep us guessing about what would happen next. As I continued reading, however, there were times that I wanted to shake Kenna and tell her to have a simple conversation without nosing into everyone’s business.

I really enjoyed all the surfing lingo and descriptions of the ocean waves, as well as the danger of it all. The setting is wild and unforgiving, with treachery everywhere. Kenna’s interactions with the others are treacherous as well, as she is unable to tell who is being truthful.

Each character’s backstory is explained along the way, and the tension builds and builds since the author gives the reader just enough information to make them rethink everything they’ve learned so far. Their personalities mesh, then break apart, just like an episode of “Survivor”.

This was a get-under-your-skin read, and I didn’t want to put it down! The author’s style is a good combination of dialogue and description, and the ending is something you will totally never see coming. I’m planning to read Reynold’s debut novel, SHIVER, and I hope it’s as good as this one.

Love twisty psychological stories? Grab this! ( )

“The Swell” is not only the title of Allie Reynold’s newest book but it also describes this book to a TEE!!


I started it and as it slowly began to SWELL with momentum I was flipping pages like a madwoman and I was thinking…Five star read!

The reader has been clued into the probable killer and can’t wait to see why or what or who is making them do such things!

Very suspenseful with short succinct chapters that kept me glued to the book.


….then here comes the CRASH

I typically try not to judge a book just by the ending, but this one did disappoint me. That was too big of a wave and it just fell flat for me and it left me hanging.

It also could possibly leave an opening for the author to continue the story for a book two?!?! I can only hope I’m correct.


( )

There are a number of excellent female authors from the UK and Australia who really need more recognition in the United States, there writing is outstanding and their stories are amazing.
A fantastic story with a number of false clues and some excellent twists.
The author is right up there with Jane Harper and Liane Moriarty, Val McDermid, Dervla McTieran, to name a few.
Some have said this book is too much about surfing or too much like The Beach.
I totally disagree and think anyone could enjoy this book. ( )

Just inhaled it! I read and loved Shiver so was counting the days till I could read Swell as it is called here in North America. A good story is made even better when the author speaks from their own experience and expertise. Completely swept up in the waves of this thrilling thriller! All the characters were well developed and interesting. I tuned out the world while reading this exciting story which I just love when a book does that for me. 2nd novel and i can't wait till her next novel. Counting down the days once again!! ( )