Book Review

Where are you right now? Wherever it is, I bet you’re not stuck on a roller coaster in the desert, wondering if you’ll be burned alive or rescued.

Cady was supposed to be filming the new, and biggest, roller coaster in the world for her YouTube channel in The Drop by S.R. Masters. However, an issue arises when it stops when it’s supposed to drop. Everyone (because, of course, it’s a reunion for her and her university friends) is confused. They wait, wait, and… wait some more. But nope. Something’s definitely wrong. And that something might just be killer because they’re stranded at the highest point of the ride and the desert sun isn’t exactly merciful.

For a book that runs over 300 pages, I got through it pretty quickly. That doesn’t usually happen, unless the story is actually interesting. And this one totally was. S.R. Masters has a way of writing that makes everything worth reading. Even the scenes that would feel like filler in another book didn’t in this one. S.R. Masters somehow turns the mundane into “okay, fine, I’ll read just one more chapter” material. Color me impressed. Honestly, that’s a skill I’ve got to give props for.

Most of the characters are unlikable for a period of time, but this is a good thing because they then become likable again and possibly unlikable again, which is realistic. No character is supposed to be liked the whole time, unless they’re the perfect character, and this book isn’t about perfect characters; it’s about imperfect, flawed people who are trying to get through life (and maybe the roller coaster from hell). S.R. Masters created realistic personalities and people, which is no easy feat, and impressive when accomplished.

I’m glad I read this book because it brought the dread of being stuck midair on a deathtrap coaster, the emotion from bonding (and not so much bonding) with friends from a past life (university), and the chaos of a character whose mind is… let’s just say “complex.”

I don’t usually give out super high ratings super easily, but this story deserves a 5 out of 5 mystery boxes. It’s got heart, it’s got personality, and it’s got emotional breakthroughs that may or may not stick. If you’re after a story that’s fascinating, realistic, and just the right amount of unhinged, The Drop is absolutely worth reading.