Nichole Conran Reviews Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” Book Series

Book #1: The Truth We Never Told

I highly recommend this book. This book is an educational read, highlighting the experiences that young people may go through. Young adults may relate to the situations that the characters are in. The characters navigate love, friendship and finding themselves while under the pressure of social influences. This book demonstrates how certain choices can have devastating consequences for the person making that choice, and their loved ones.

The relationships between the characters are intriguing and leave the reader wanting to know more. I found myself becoming invested in the characters. The storyline pulls a reader in. I’m looking forward to finding out what happens to them as I continue reading the series.

Book #2: Blindsided

I really enjoyed this second book in the Gripped series. I highly recommend it! Readers will learn background information about some of the characters and delve further into their lives. This book drew me in, as I had to keep reading to see what would happen to certain characters. In Part 2, readers will understand why certain characters made bad choices that they regret.

The characters are introduced to parties and social gatherings where drugs are present, which is something teenagers may face in their lives. This book is important for teenagers to read because it shows the dangers of taking drugs, such as the loss of relationships, the loss of dreams, and even the loss of lives. This story will demonstrate to teenagers that what may seem innocent to them, could end up destroying their lives.

Book #3: The Fallout

In this third book of the Gripped series, the characters really captivated me. The various storylines and the relationships between the characters are engaging and refreshing to read. The author captures the emotions behind the characters in a powerful way. Readers will find themselves rooting for characters to overcome certain struggles and obstacles.

The conflict and tension will keep a reader turning the pages, wanting to find out more. The dialogue between the characters is entertaining to read and shows the depth of their friendship. The storyline between the group of friends is woven together nicely. I can’t wait to read the 4th book in the series now!

Book #4: Smoke & Mirrors

This book is a must read book in the Gripped series. I had to keep turning the pages to figure out what was going to happen to these characters that I’m now invested in. The events that unfold between the connected group of friends will leave readers on the edge of their seat. As a reader, I could feel the tension and drama that unfolds, which hooked me as I needed to see how things were resolved. The author writes characters that are realistic, relatable and intriguing. 

This book navigates the struggles a couple faces in terms of drug use, concern over friendships, and battling mental health struggles and addiction. It explores the dangers of drug use and the dangers of the connections within the drug world, while having a setting that teens will relate to, such as house parties and spending time with friends. Readers will relate to the bonds the characters have in their relationships with one another, and they will want to know the characters’ stories. I definitely recommend it!

Book #5: Taylor’s Story

Gripped 5 is a must read. This book dives deeper into the lives of this particular group of friends, taking the reader on an edge of your seat adventure. There’s suspense, action and drama within this book, which hooked me as I read. Certain truths are revealed as characters are honest with each other, and dire situations arise that leave other characters in danger. 

This book and series is such an important read for both young people and older people. Within these chapters, an interesting world has been created full of dynamic, relatable characters that will give a glimpse into the lives of young people and what they may face. This series teaches others the dangers of drug use, and the effect it has on their lives and on their loved ones. The world would be a safer place if the characters in this series helped to warn the young people in this society to not make the same choices that they did. 

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About Nichole Conran

Nichole graduated in 2024 with a Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. She enjoys reading, writing, baking, going to the beach, and spending time with loved ones. She plans to pursue a career in writing.