Action packed, sometimes a bit unrealistic, but still...kick butt fun. Clara, the narrator, is a believeable young woman & joining a team to help go fight scrabs - there's a lot to like here. Both boys & girls at my high school library enjoyed this... the subplots on father abuse, & angry men were heavy, but did add some depth to Clara's arc. Action packed; realistic; team building inspiration. ( )

This book deserves an industrial strength WOW! It's a blend of monsters everywhere, almost as many bad guys, and a bunch of very relatable teens, who are trying to save France and England from the monsters called Scrabs. While Clara's initial reason to join the teams, funded by slightly older Grayson, is to escape the brutality inflicted by her father, it isn't long before she starts buying into the mission and busting her butt in the daily training sessions. Her attraction to Julian, her team leader draws her ever deeper. The action is fierce, bloody and frequent. Team members are killed and there's treachery to overcome in addition to the scores of Scrabs. the ending sets up a sequel perfectly and I'll pre-order it as soon as it's announced. ( )

Between the story, the characters and the Scrabs, I loved everything about this novel! Clara is 17 and running from an abusive home. When her mother takes back her father again it’s the last straw. Clara decides her only way out is to join Grayson St. John’s Scrab killing team.

Scrabs have an unknown origin and depending on the continent can be deadlier, creepier, faster and even smarter. They tunnel underground and erupt without notice slaughtering whoever is in their path. Clara’s life completely changes when she joins the team and sinister plots involving the Scrabs begin to surface.

This was everything I needed it to be. I had Divergent and Maze Runner vibes in my head as I read along. Clara may be a flawed character but her life struggles and situations make it easy to connect with her and see her strength. Her team is icing on the cake. I didn’t find one that I didn’t like. They are all written in a way that makes you want to have them in your life as your own personal monster fighting squad. I honestly can’t say enough about this book.

There are themes of alcoholism and child abuse for those interested in trigger warnings. There are descriptive scenes of violence during attacks as well.

Thank you to Amy Tintera and HMH Books for Young Readers for an advanced reader copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. ( )