Review of Unsound

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Unsound" by Ash Finley.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Rainier is a boarding school for troubled youth struggling with addiction, eating disorders, mental illness, and suicidal ideologies. Burdened by the heaviness of trauma and shameful family secrets, many of the teens have spent a lifetime trying to run from these things, but at Rainier, healing means facing the truth. Alongside these traumas, the group faces further coming-of-age hardships such as romantic relationships, conflicts, and morality.

Will Rainier be their catalyst for change? Read and find out.

Unsound by Ash Finley is a coming-of-age book sprinkled with romance. The story takes place in Washington in a small community nestled in a tranquil forest and follows several characters. Written from the first-person perspective, the narrative alternates between Holly, Jon, Jay, and Mindy as they navigate the many challenges of being at-risk teens whose families have placed them in Rainier as a last resort. Themes of love and family are sprinkled throughout the pages.

This was a fantastic read! First, I loved the story's premise—a bunch of troubled teens having to live and work together in fairly close quarters, promised drama and action. Moreover, my interest was buttressed by the motley crew of characters the author deftly created. Between Holly's fabricated tough-girl exterior, Jon's unwavering jealousy, and Mindy's proclivity for depression and self-mutilation, there was never a dull moment.

Further, the author aptly focused on crossing the threshold between friendship and romantic relationships, which perfectly illustrated the challenges young adults face. The lack of experience, self-confidence, and fear of rejection was showcased particularly between Mindy, Jay, Holly, and Jon. The alternating perspectives were a clever approach as I could experience what each of them was thinking and feeling. For example, readers could understand the tension between Holly and Jon as they both harbored secret feelings toward one another but feared being vulnerable.

I am happy to report I didn't find a single error in the book; it was exceptionally edited. There was nothing to dislike about the all-encompassing novel, and I have chosen to give it a rating of five out of five stars because of the diversity of characters and the relatable coming-of-age issues depicted.

I recommend the book to a young adult audience who enjoys books about relationships and overcoming familial drama. Each character is flawed but likable, and readers will easily resonate with them. That said, I would warn those easily triggered by profanity and exposure to heavier topics to exercise caution before reading the story.

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Unsound
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[Favour Ugwu Chidinma]

Despite profanities caution I think this book is interesting. I look forward to reading the book. Beautiful review.

[Ana-Maria MT]

Romance? Say no more! I am so interested in the “drama” that this books is ready to give!

[Mhiz Vyi Vyan]

Every romance book must be added to my shelf. Thanks for sharing this lovely review.

[zynnyx_]

I like the switch in viewpoints. It gives the reader more understanding of the characters. I also love the different issues treated in this book. Excellent review.

[Ogechi Okonkwo]

This is an interesting and a fascinating review. I loved how you captured every aspect of the book. I did enjoy reading your review. This is an interesting one.

[Oluchi23]

Neuropsychosis is a mental disorder where the affected is kept in asylum where they will be restricted from mixing up with others. This health condition also distress their relatives too. Am impressed with you elaborate review.

[Leen282]

I love coming-of-age books, even when not a young adult myself. The setting is intriguing, troubled youth having to overcome their issues. How recognisable is the fear of being vulnerable? I will certainly enjoy this book.

[Chris Agbara]

This book will certainly make a great read.

[Domeseo Camus Meda]

A BOOK BY ASH FINLEY TALKING ABOUT RAINER A BOARDING SCHOOL FOR YOUNG ADDICTS, EATING DISORDERS, MENTAL ILLNESS, SUICIDAL IDEOLOGIES AND SHAMEFUL FAMILY SECRETS.
A BOOK FOR YOUTH AND ADULTS.GOOD REVIEW

[Adebayo Peace 1]

I would love to read it. I look for romance in all books and this has it with a little bit of twist to it. I will certainly love this book

[rusyalana]

The book seems interesting. Adolescence is a difficult period: the teenagers are no longer kids, still they are not yet adults but they are already overwhelmed with all those adult problems they have little skills to deal with. It will be interesting to read this book. Congratulations on becoming BOTD!

[Aan Granados]

It’s great that these troubled teens have somewhere to go to instead of juvie. These teens with different backgrounds and troubles from drugs, eating disorders and mental disorders are a bunch of complex characters that make this interesting.

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

The healing journey of Holly, Jon, Jay, and Mindy at Rainier is something I look forward to reading. I want to know how they cope with life with their traumas and addiction. This story is something I can relate to. Congratulations to the author on BOTD!

[Sushan Ekanayake]

'Unsound' by Ash Finley offers a complex look into the lives of troubled teens, dealing with issues of trauma, relationships, and growth. Keep in mind, it's not a light read and digs deep into heavy themes. It could be a hit if you enjoy raw, emotional coming-of-age narratives. Congratulations on being BOTD!