📖 Overview
Georgia Avis discovers a dying girl on the side of the road, thrusting her into an investigation that connects to Aspera, an exclusive members-only resort. The 16-year-old has always dreamed of working at the resort, viewing it as her ticket to a glamorous life.
After securing a job at Aspera, Georgia becomes entangled in two parallel pursuits - helping the victim's older sister investigate the crime while navigating the resort's opulent but secretive world. She finds herself drawn deeper into a web of privilege, power, and danger that exists beneath Aspera's polished surface.
The story explores the complexities of girlhood and the realities of being young and female in a world controlled by wealthy, influential men. Through Georgia's experiences, the novel examines themes of justice, desire, and the high cost of ambition in a system designed to protect those at the top.
👀 Reviews
Readers note this book's unflinching examination of sexual exploitation and power dynamics, though many found it difficult to read due to the heavy themes and content warnings.
Readers appreciated:
- Raw, honest portrayal of trauma
- Complex female relationships
- Sharp social commentary
- Atmospheric writing style
- Realistic depiction of class differences
Common criticisms:
- Pacing drags in middle sections
- Some character motivations feel unclear
- Romance subplot feels underdeveloped
- Several unresolved plot threads
- Too graphic/disturbing for some readers
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: 3.8/5 (32,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings)
StoryGraph: 3.75/5
Reader quotes:
"Brutal but necessary" - Goodreads reviewer
"The writing pulls you in but the content pushes you away" - Amazon review
"Not an easy read but an important one" - StoryGraph user
"Left me with more questions than answers" - Goodreads reviewer
📚 Similar books
All the Right Reasons by Bethany Mangle
A teen's summer job at an upscale resort leads her into a web of secrets and power dynamics with the wealthy guests she serves.
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn A woman confronts traumatic memories from her past while investigating her family's murder and untangling connections to a satanic cult.
The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis A small-town high school student channels her rage into vigilante justice after her sister's murder goes unpunished.
Sadie by Courtney Summers A missing girl hunts her sister's killer across the country while a true crime podcaster follows her trail.
The Project by Courtney Summers A journalist infiltrates a cult to save her sister and uncovers manipulation, abuse, and dark truths about power.
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn A woman confronts traumatic memories from her past while investigating her family's murder and untangling connections to a satanic cult.
The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis A small-town high school student channels her rage into vigilante justice after her sister's murder goes unpunished.
Sadie by Courtney Summers A missing girl hunts her sister's killer across the country while a true crime podcaster follows her trail.
The Project by Courtney Summers A journalist infiltrates a cult to save her sister and uncovers manipulation, abuse, and dark truths about power.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔹 Courtney Summers wrote her debut novel at age 14 and published her first book at 22, establishing herself as a voice in young adult fiction that tackles difficult subjects head-on.
🔹 The book was partially inspired by real-life cases of sexual exploitation at high-end resorts and luxury establishments, where wealth and power are used to shield perpetrators.
🔹 The Aspera Resort featured in the novel represents a dark twist on exclusive wellness retreats, which have seen a 639% increase in popularity since 2017.
🔹 Like the protagonist Georgia, approximately 1 in 9 girls under the age of 18 experience sexual abuse or assault by an adult, according to RAINN statistics.
🔹 The novel's cover design features a swimming pool, which serves as both a symbol of luxury and danger throughout the book - reflecting the dual nature of the Aspera Resort itself.