The Deviants

Ella and Max are a couple. They've known each other for a very long time and are close friends as well as boyfriend and girlfriend. Unfortunately they're having problems, because Ella isn't able to give Max what he needs. There are things he doesn't know and Ella doesn't want him to ever find out the truth. They used to be part of The Fearless Five with their friends Corey, Fallon and Zane. Unfortunately they are no longer a tight group of friends because of an awful accident that changed their lives forever. Max and Ella are a unit of two, but that's bound to change.

Corey and Fallon are having problems with bullies. They both need help and that is when Ella decides they all have to stand up for themselves. Because of this they find a way back to their once so easy childhood friendship. The Fearless Five are back again to take revenge on their tormentors. However, while they are making their plans Ella's life slowly starts to unravel. What will happen to the once so tight group of friends, will they be freed of what despairs them or will they be tormented forever?

C.J. Skuse writes about deep emotional issues in a beautiful empathic way and every member of the group has terrible issues to deal with. Ella is a sweet and talented girl who has been through too much. She can't tell anyone what happened to her and the secrets are festering inside her. Her problems made my heart ache. Max uses drugs and is about to throw away every good thing in his life. I felt sorry for him, but was mad at him at the same time. Corey is a bit strange and that's why he's a target for bullies. He's a wonderful gentle soul and I loved his character. He grows so much during the story and that made me proud of him. Fallon is strong, capable and brave. She's a good friend and even though she comes from an unusual household, but she manages to get it all together and make something of her circumstances. I could only admire her. She doesn't have regrets, she just makes the best of every situation. Zane is popular, he thinks he can get away with nasty things, but his mistakes only make him vulnerable. It took quite some time to warm to him, but eventually it happened. Every main character of The Deviants is interesting and has a multilayered personality. They have flaws and good character traits and I loved how close C.J. Skuse lets her readers get to them. I felt incredibly involved, which was fantastic to experience.

The Deviants is an impressive emotional story with a shocking ending. Every idea, plan or excessive sorrow and despair is being described in a rational meticulous way. The result is an intense story with many surprising twists and turns. I often had tears in my eyes while reading this book and the ending made me cry. I love it when I feel so much while reading a story. The Deviants is a brilliant novel, it's unusual and original and it has a good important theme. It's a terrific thought-provoking story about significant and difficult issues. I highly recommend this amazing book.

Did not expect that ending. Was a good read, kept me interested