The Unfortunates by Kim Liggett
Tor Teen
Publication Date: July 10, 2018
ISBN: 978-0765381002
Grant Tavish, the 17-year-old son of a senator, is living with the guilt of being the only survivor of a fatal car crash. Unable to live with the guilt, he makes a plan to kill himself and make it look like an accident. However, things don’t go as planned and he gets caught in a cave-in and meets four other teens trying to escape the collapse. They have to work together and share their resources and knowledge to escape. Grant soon realizes that his new friends are not what they seem, but they help him on his emotional journey to overcome his guilt.
While the story is a little predictable, the suspenseful plot, as well as the unexpected twists and turns make The Unfortunates a fast-paced read. Watching as Grant works through his guilt and grows as a person is intriguing. The flawed characters are well developed and interesting and make this book an excellent Quick Pick for Reluctant Reader choice.
Readers who enjoy other suspenseful stories such as One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus or We Were Liars by E. Lockhart will find much to love in The Unfortunates.
–Elizabeth Nebeker
