Title: “The Fury”

Author: Alex Michaelides

Genre: Psychological Thriller/Suspense

Publication Date: January 16, 2024

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

“The Fury” by Alex Michaelides promises a blend of mystery and intrigue set against the backdrop of a secluded Greek island, where a group of famous friends find themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Unfortunately, despite its intriguing premise, the novel fell short of my expectations, largely due to the unappealing narrator and pacing.

Narrated by Elliot Chase, the story unfolds through his perspective, but his character fails to engage. His narration comes across as self-serving and manipulative, making it difficult to connect with the unfolding events or the other characters. Chase’s unlikeable nature ultimately takes away from the story, leaving readers feeling disconnected and disinterested in the outcome.

Moreover, while the plot sounds intriguing with its promise of secrets, revenge, and murder, it ultimately fails to deliver on its potential. The pacing feels uneven, with long stretches of exposition punctuated by sporadic bursts of action. 

Despite its flaws, “The Fury” does have some worthwhile moments of tension and suspense, particularly in its portrayal of the secluded island setting and the dynamics between the characters. However, these fleeting glimpses of “now we’re getting somewhere” are overshadowed by the overall lack of cohesion and depth in the narrative.

In conclusion, “The Fury” by Alex Michaelides may appeal to fans of the author’s previous work or those drawn to psychological thrillers, but for readers seeking a more engaging and well-paced reading experience, this one may prove to be a disappointment.

Thank you to NetGalley and Celdaon Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.