Review & Giveaway: Damage Done by Amanda Panitch

Title: Damage Done

Author: Amanda Panitch

Publisher:  Random House Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: 7.21.2015

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Thriller, Mystery

Series: N/A

Source:  Finished copy from publisher

Amazon

Rating: 4 ½ Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

22 minutes separate Julia Vann’s before and after.

Before: Julia had a twin brother, a boyfriend, and a best friend.

After: She has a new identity, a new hometown, and memories of those twenty-two minutes that refuse to come into focus. At least, that’s what she tells the police.

Now that she’s Lucy Black, she's able to begin again. She's even getting used to the empty bedroom where her brother should be. And her fresh start has attracted the attention of one of the hottest guys in school, a boy who will do anything to protect her. But when someone much more dangerous also takes notice, Lucy's forced to confront the dark secrets she thought were safely left behind.

One thing is clear: The damage done can never be erased. It’s only just beginning. . . . 

Review:

WHAT JUST HAPPENED HERE?!

That was my reaction and mantra for most of this book. DAMAGE DONE is a twisted, brilliantly executed book that does not read like Amanda Panitch’s debut novel. My mind is still reeling from the multitude of bombs that went off.

I have to admit—I saw part of the twist coming. But only part of it. The other part? Holy. Crap. Never, ever saw that coming. It literally left me lightheaded and stunned. Pretty sure I was openly gaping at the book in front of me for a solid two minutes.

Julia/Lucy is a fascinating character to be in the head of the entire novel. You can see how much her past and present both scare her and she ultimately has to make a choice as to which will define her life. That struggle was executed wonderfully.

This book is addictive from the first chapter where you learn exactly why Julia Vann became Lucy Black to the chilling conclusion. It’s creepy, terrifying, and twisted in the best ways. 

Giveaway:
US/Canada Only'

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