Early Review--The Rules by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie

WELCOME TO THE HUNT.

Rule #1
Never trust people you call your friends.

Rule #2
Be prepared for some seriously dangerous situations.

Rule #3
Keep your eyes open, especially when it's dark.

Rule #4
You are your only lifeline.

Rule #5
Always follow the Rules.

Junior Robin Brisset has no idea what she's in for when she accepts an invitation to one of Callabrese High's most exclusive parties. And when the trademark scavenger hunt begins, Robin must go against every rule she's lived by to survive. 

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, I was in no way compensated for this review.


I have been a fan of the writing duo Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie since the Wicked series very first published! I thought it was awesome! They were even my first writing duo and I was amazed--at that time, and honestly still am--that two authors could collaborate and write a book together! It never ceases to amaze me! So I went into The Rules expecting something completely and totally awesome and naturally, Nancy and Debbie delivered!

First off, I have to say that in order to truly enjoy these talented ladies' writing, you have to like or at least be able to handle, multiple points of view. At first, I did feel a little overwhelmed with all the characters taking a spin at the narration, but for Robin is one of main narrators and the rest maybe have 2-3 turns at it. And since there were quite a few characters, that's still a lot of points of view, but don't worry! Seriously! It's easy to follow along once the game gets rolling and what a game it was!

August is mad at the so called popular people at his high school. In a way, he's one of them by default by having rich and famous parents. But when it was because of these people, that his younger sister died, he's not happy. And he wants his revenge now. So he sets up one of his famous scavenger hunts, planning to exact that revenge, but things suddenly take a dark and horrible turn.

People start going missing, people start dying. August proclaims innocence. As to what his plans really were about, is a little unclear. But his revenge is pushed aside when it becomes clear that whoever this killer is plans to keep them here until he or she gets what they want. Their cell phones are gone. The batteries to their cars are missing. They are in an abandoned warehouse in the middle of nowhere--because that's where all the cool kids party apparently! Basically, they are trapped until the killer decides to let them go. Or kill them all.

Robin is sort of our main character. She isn't apart of the popular crowd, so the killer never really banked on her coming. But as Robin watches her friends get killed one by one, she is more determined then ever to escape. But the killer seems to have eyes everywhere and if they make one false move, game's over and people will be killed.

The Rules was INTENSE! Omigosh so freaking intense! I loathed to put the book down! Having to take care of other responsibilities was not optional! (Yet of course, I had to) I could've easily read this in one sitting and nearly did since I only read a few pages yesterday before feeling too sick and took a long nap! But today, I read and read and never sat the book down for long! Holy moly this read was SOOOOO good! I love a good thriller! As I said, in these stories, our "monster-creatures" are nothing more than humans. And that can be even scarier than a bloodsucking vampire in my opinion!

I don't want to get into too much more about this one. But I must commend the authors again on all the incredible characters! You could easily tell the characters apart. Everyone had their own agenda and personality, though the helpful chapter header of the narrator's rules was helpful in knowing whose head you were in (third person wise). The pacing was incredible too! It has a steady pace to begin, letting you think this is all about a simple boy's revenge for his sister and then boom, bang, blam! We're hit again and again with shocking events!

And the whodunit person...ohhh I fell for this once before and I cannot believe I let it happen to me again! But wow! Kudos Nancy and Debbie, kudos!! Basically I did not see the murderer coming. I had my own theory going, totally convoluted naturally, but yeah...wasn't banking on the way it turned out! LOL!

Now my biggest question is, after that ending...is this a standalone or duology or series? Something, because OMG!!! OMG!!!! Just as I felt things were wrapping up into a nice standalone, there was a mysterious kind of ending! And I'm still reeling! What just happened? What's going to happen? Is there more? Please tell me there is more!! Ah the joy authors receive in readers' pain and agony! LOL! 

If you're looking for a deliciously creepy thriller this summer, I cannot recommend The Rules enough! It's chilling. It's dark and twisted. It's a must read!


Overall Rating 5/5 stars


The Rules releases June 23, 2015