The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis

Posted September 11, 2016 | 39 Comments

The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnisThe Female of the Species
Author: Mindy McGinnis
Published by: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: September 20, 2016
Format: eARC
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher

Alex Craft knows how to kill someone. And she doesn’t feel bad about it.

Three years ago, when her older sister, Anna, was murdered and the killer walked free, Alex uncaged the language she knows best—the language of violence. While her own crime goes unpunished, Alex knows she can’t be trusted among other people. Not with Jack, the star athlete who wants to really know her but still feels guilty over the role he played the night Anna’s body was discovered. And not with Peekay, the preacher’s kid with a defiant streak who befriends Alex while they volunteer at an animal shelter. Not anyone.

As their senior year unfolds, Alex’s darker nature breaks out, setting these three teens on a collision course that will change their lives forever.

“This is how I kill someone.”

I didn’t even finish reading the blurb for The Female of Species to know it was meant for me. Murder, violence and revenge? Of course I’m drawn to it! It does have those three things, but there is so much more to it that I didn’t expect. It’s an incredibly poignant and pertinent story that everyone should read.

The book is told from three perspectives – Alex, Peekay, and Jack – and each one provides a powerful voice to the story. They’re flawed, complex, and completely realistic. The different dynamics and what they represent is done exceptionally well, especially between the various girls.

This is a quick read that packs a major punch. We’re treated to a raw and brutally honest look at a lot of issues that occur in society today, and it’s incredibly refreshing that the author doesn’t sugarcoat or shy away from any of it. It’s gritty and disturbing, delving into tough topics that are extremely relevant and important to talk about.

The Female of Species is an intense, gripping, and beautifully executed book that left me reeling. I have no doubt it will stay with me for a very long time.

“For the female of the species is more deadly than the male.” – Rudyard Kipling

 

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39 responses to “The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis”

  5. Stormi Johnson

    To be honest when I read the title and looked at the cover the first time I didn’t give it much of a sideways glance. Then I got to read the first five chapters free and I really want this book…lol. I was hooked after the first chapter. 🙂

    Reply
  25. Melanie Simmons

    When I clicked on this review, this is not the book I was expecting. I wasn’t expecting murder. I don’t know why, because females are way deadlier in the wild than males. I know my mom would much rather run into a bull moose while she is hiking in Alaska than a mom with a calf. Lionesses do the majority of the hunting, etc. I might have to check this out.

    Melanie Simmons recently posted: Unraveled Audiobook by Jennifer Estep (REVIEW)
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  26. Kelly

    Holy shit, I neeeed this book in my life. I love books based on the sinister and revenge and it sounds as though it’s so wonderfully written and really hits you hard. Most books for me have lost that ability to really shock me but it sounds like you’ve found one that I can’t wait to dive into. Brilliant review Christy, so excited for it’s release! <3

    Kelly recently posted: Trial By Fire
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