Mayhem by Estelle Laure

3 out of 5 🌟Interesting ideas with poor execution

Mayhem and her mother Roxy have fled their abusive stepfather/husband from their house in Texas to a family home in California. Roxy hasn't been to Santa Maria, CA since the day she left to start a new life. Yes, there's a dark secret involved.

The book comes with a trigger warning about rape description but it does not include all the other things that threw me off when reading. This supposed to be a young adult, hence I didn't anticipate the number of expletives I encountered while reading and yet, that wasn't the worst part. I was unpleasantly surprised with gruesome descriptions of homicides and * Spoiler Alert * the fact than they were committed by "good" characters in the book and also treated as something noble (what!?). People cheering, giving presents to the murderous vigilantes... Is that still a book for teenagers?

Plus, descriptions of doing drugs endorsed by the family members and friends. * Spoiler Alert * Drugs providing people supernatural powers. I'm far from being a saint but a book glorifying drugs and killing for teenagers? C'mon.

I loved the idea of witches and dark powers then again the matter was underdeveloped with so many ideas that were just wrong. While Mayhem and Roxy were properly introduced, all other characters were merely people in the crowd. With no character features and no backstories.

As shown above, great cover and a good book idea aren't enough to make a great title. At the same time, I'd love to buddy read this one or hear someone else's opinions about 'Mayhem' to confront mine owns.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and feelings are my own.

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