X. the Novel

Rating:  ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ (4.5/5)

Book Review: X. by Shelby Mena

Concept: young adults, questionable decisions, after-after parties, and an insane amount of alcohol and snapchatting.

Basically, if Project X and Skins UK had a baby in Los Angeles- it would be THIS BOOK. I’m literally buzzing from the hype this book gives me when I read it. It feels so exciting, and so real, all the references to songs, people, music….

Here’s the thing, you’ve either done something the characters did or you know someone who has…

And that, in itself makes the book and everything that happens feel like so much more.

X. by Shelby Mena

5/5 stars

Official Synopsis:

Inspired by actual events, X. follows the story of Tamra, a young actress, during the days following her feature film debut. The week kicks off with the arrival of her childhood best friends, Maddy and Amelia, who have flown in to help her celebrate the most important milestone of her life. 

Home friends. L.A. friends. Fun parties. Exclusive clubs. Hot boys. It should all add up to equal the most unforgettable time. But Tamra is haunted by a dark secret. Unbeknownst to her friends, she is being stalked, and pressured by greater forces to keep quiet. Our leading lady has convinced herself that she needs no one’s help battling the anxiety that has only recently developed within her. 

Everything is only further complicated when Lucas, the boy who has appointed himself protector and guide to Tamra during her time in Los Angeles, threatens to act against her wishes and reveal her truth.

My thoughts:

HOLY SHIT. GUYS!!! I just finished this book and I am still reeling!! 

Let me start at the beginning! After reading the synopsis for this book, I was slightly intrigued. I assumed it would be a little like Gossip Girl mixed with Pretty Little Liars. I thought it would be an easy read that I could float through while still being able to take care of my other obligations. NOPE. I WAS WRONG.. 

X NOVEL has officially ruined my life. I started it on a Thursday, while at work. BIG MISTAKE. I couldn’t put it down! I totally neglected everything that I was supposed to do for the rest of the day! I was sneaking my kindle into the printer room with me just so I could gobble up a few more pages!

That being said, the plot for X NOVEL was enrapturing. I absolutely flew through it. The entire time I was reading I kept trying to guess WHO this book was really about, since its based on real events. AND THE CHARACTERS!!! I was shocked at how invested I became in each of their lives as I continued to read. I felt so deeply for Tamra during the first half, that it was shocking when I started to side with other people during the book. 

I don’t want to delve too deeply into the plot because I dont want to spoil anyone but I will say that scene building is one of Mena’s strong suits. I loved being able to picture every situation so clearly in my head. She built this story and its characters up to a tangible thing that I could hold in my heart. I cant wait to see where Mena takes us with her work next!

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