Review of Cut Off by Adrianne Finlay
As a book blogger, it’s always thrilling to dive into a narrative that promises an intricate blend of technology, survival, and psychological tension. Adrianne Finlay’s Cut Off caught my attention immediately, offering a futuristic reality show premise that hooks you from the start. The concept of being inside the minds of contestants—with VR that immerses you completely—seemed like a perfect recipe for drama and intrigue. However, while the setup was compelling, my overall experience felt muddled, leading me to settle on a two-star rating.
The book centers around the last four contestants of a twisted survival reality show gone awry. In a not-so-distant future, it’s a bizarre twist when the virtual experience turns lethal. I appreciated the book’s ambition, particularly in its exploration of themes like trust and fear, as the contestants are forced to band together to escape a deadly situation. The first part, titled The Show, captivated me entirely. I raced through it in one sitting, consumed by the budding dynamics among the characters. River, Trip, Cam, and Liza each brought a different flavor to the drama, and I was intrigued to see how their relationships would unfold amid dire circumstances.
Character Dynamics:
My admiration, however, hit a snag with River. Initially, he encapsulated the witty, clever archetype, but as the story progressed, his self-glorifying attitude and treatment of others became unbearable. Trip, by contrast, emerged as a breath of fresh air—intelligent, capable, and supportive. His defining moment, when he knocked River unconscious to save him, was both shocking and satisfying. I found myself cheering for Trip, whose emotional and logical intelligence made him the backbone of the group.
On the contrary, the book’s treatment of medication—especially anti-anxiety pills—left me fuming at times. Through River’s lens, medication was consistently stigmatized. As someone who battles anxiety, I found the narrative’s message overly simplistic and even harmful, chipping away at my enjoyment. The depiction of mental health as a hurdle one could simply “face” added layers to my frustration.
Pacing & Plot Execution:
With regards to pacing, Cut Off started strong but faltered in its execution, especially in the latter parts. The ending, intended to pack a punch, felt rushed and diluted by a sudden shift to a more supernatural antagonist, which was both confusing and unsatisfying. The potential for a significant resolution became lost amid the scientific theories presented. I personally believe the storyline would have benefited from a consistent tone, avoiding abrupt changes that left me more bewildered than thrilled.
In conclusion, while I found Cut Off to leave me with more critique than praise, I can see it captivating readers who enjoy survival and sci-fi elements intermixed with psychological undertones. If you delight in fast-paced stories that grapple with fear and interpersonal dynamics, this book could certainly engage you. My reading journey with Finlay’s work resonated on various levels, prompting introspection about how narratives handle mental health and character development. Ultimately, Cut Off would perhaps shine brightest for readers willing to suspend more than just disbelief in this tumultuous ride.