Huge apologies to Bookollective, Hazel Clarke and SaladPages for missing my stop on the #blogtour on Saturday! It may be a couple of days late but I am delighted to be reviewing ‘Nightmare Scenario’ – thank you Bookollective for the invite and SaladPages for the ARC.
The rules for the Nightmare Scenario: 1. The player must complete the scenario to gain points and reach the next level.
2. The voices can help during the scenario.
3. The scenario will access the player’s fears.
4. The characters in the scenario can physically harm the player.
5. Once started, the scenario must be completed. Do you accept the scenario? Yes, or no?
Eighteen-year-old Gracie Thrace has a secret. Four months ago she started to hear voices that force her to carry out frightening scenarios. With her father abroad and her relationship with her high-powered mother strained, Gracie has no one to turn to for solace. When a new voice called Kai materialises, Gracie finds herself attached to his kindness.
Kai offers the support Gracie craves, but how can she possibly let herself fall for someone who isn’t real? Set in 2047 London, Nightmare Scenario is a complex and touching love story that explores the stigma around mental illness and offers a daunting prediction of the future where technology infiltrates every part of society.
What does TWG think?
If I had to pick just one book that was so far out of my comfort zone it would need it’s own postcode and Visa, it would be Hazel Clarke’s ‘Nightmare Scenario’ without a doubt.
I dont usually read dystopian, futuristic novels, in fact I usually avoid them. However, when this book was brought to my attention, I couldnt turn it away in fear that I was missing out on something rather special.
You know what? I was right to not turn ‘Nightmare Scenario’ away – what a cleverly crafted, powerful and memorable novel this is! I mean, the storyline goes against anything I would usually put together in one book, yet it works! You’ve got the fantasy and futuristic vibe mixed with romance, mental health, and the minds of young adults.
Without giving too much away, the delivery of the mental health elements was very well written and incredibly poignant. I also thought that the idea of facing fears was such an important message to convey, and it was done without the usual peer pressure aspect that usually follows young adults.
All in all, a unique, cleverly written storyline from an author who has an older head on young shoulders – very impressed!
The Writing Garnet 