Lycroft Phelps is an elite boarding school with very traditional values. "Turn a blind eye" and "boys will be boys" both ring true. Above all the boys rowing team rules the roost. They control the school and have created the Slycroft Club, a secret society with less than stellar ideals.

Charlotte is a dancer who is dating one of the rowers but she feels like Seb is holding back, and then she starts receiving mysterious notes about him. Max is a scholarship nerd, insecure about his height but then he's asked to join the rowing team as a cox. He enjoys it but all is soured once he learns the truth about Slycroft. Quinn, known as Q, is depressed and angry following a rape that can't be prosecuted. The three, along with some other friends, come together to start changing the "boys club" culture of Lycroft Phelps.

I really enjoyed the way this all came together and I liked the characters and how they developed and grew. I especially enjoyed Q's progression from alienating everyone to letting people in. I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed and it didn't seem like the situation of who was sending Charlotte the notes was properly resolved. Overall a great book that people should definitely read.

All I can say is WOW. From the title, the cover, the acknowledgements at the start, right the way through to the last page. Just wow.

TWs: Rape, PTSD, sexual abuse recovery, rape culture, toxic masculinity, misogyny, plus more that I've definitely missed.

I would definitely advise anyone wanting to read this book to check out the TWs beforehand.

At the start I really didn't feel in the correct headspace to be reading this book with it's heavy topic, and the reader is thrown right in. However, I could tell that this book is a piece of incredible art from Rosenblum and I wanted to carry on. I was afraid my headspace was going to affect me being able to do her writing justice as I read. I didn't want to DNF this book so I decided to carry on. I really do not think this is a 'read bits here and there' kind of book. I found it quite confusing at the start as the narrative is split between 3 POVs - Max, Quinn, and Charlotte - at an elite American boarding school and there are a lot of characters to remember. It wasn't until I sat down and spent a good hour reading that everything started to click into place, and when it does, oh boy does it click! Each character represents something that I'm sure we all remember from school - the jocks, the nerds, the artsy ones, the girls that are sweet and lovely, the head teacher that is a d*ck, etc. All these characters cross over between POVs and we see different sides and what they represent in the story - this is very important as you read on.

The subject matter of The Sharp Edge of Silence is emotional and dark. Max's POV shows the peer pressure and a side of toxic masculinity from inside the 'boys club', especially how easy it is to be swept up in the moment and how hard it is to speak out. Charlotte's POV is of a very talented dancer, in a relationship with a member of the 'boys club', and all is well in her world until she starts receiving notes that show that everything is not as it seems... Her POV helps the reader to understand how far the culture spreads, it goes throughout the school. Quinn is an artsy student (from a long line of attendees of the boarding school) learning to cope with the sexual abuse that happened to her the previous summer. Her idea of 'coping' is extreme, however Rosenblum's writing of her POV is exceptional. You really understand how Quinn is feeling, why her thought process is as it is.

Quinn's narrative was inspired by Rosenblum's own experices of sexual assault and I felt this made her POV the strongest, most heart wrenching and emotional. I loved Max's character too, providing insight into the 'boys club' and his inner turmoil was so well written, with a conflict of what is right or wrong and how his choices can shape the whole future.

I was angered by the response from the boarding school and how they try to cover up the traumatic events that have happened, however the conclusion to this story is epic. It will have you cheering, crying, smiling, and even laughing at the demise of the 'boys club'.

The Sharp Edge of Silence is incredible, especially in this time period following movements such as #MeToo and documentaries of survivors speaking up. I am so pleased I read this book.

Thank you NetGalley, Bonnier Books UK and most importantly Cameron Kelly Rosenblum for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This YA/emerging adult book captures the feeling of someone emerging from a trauma and trying to make sense of their rearranged perspective on the world and how to piece themselves back together. The toxic masculinity of a private boarding school and the effect of privilege as a barrier to consequence is well crafted. The characters are likeable and frustrating in equal measure which reflects their adolescence. Recommended. (Copy received via Netgalley in return for an honest review)

It's a mixed review on this one, sadly.

This got such good press, and it sounds really intriguing. But when I started reading it, I found it sooooo slooooooow. I wasn't even sure for a while that everything was happening in the same time frame; I thought it was going to turn out to be a timeslip twist. Having three different protagonists made it hard for me to keep track of what was happening, though that often happens with me and doesn't necessarily reflect the book.

It's an interesting setting, but I'm afraid it just didn't grab me. Apologies to those of you who loved it - I'm sure I'm well outnumbered!

An amazing book about recovery, strength, bravery and a raw account of how it must feel to go through the trauma of assault. It also showed that whilst masculine toxicity is very much prevalent even in today's society, peer pressure also can lead to unwanted actions. Really enjoyed this book, thank you for letting me have a sneak preview

The Sharp Edge of Silence starts off in epistolary form with a series of school acceptance letters addressed to Charlotte, Max(well) and Quinn respectively, with the letter sent to the latter immediately creating mystery and intrigue as it's cremated to the point where only half of it can be seen.
The viewpoint switches between the three aforementioned characters and, although having a trio of narrators makes for a hectic few chapters as you try to get to know their stories - like ballet dancer Charlotte's unlikely relationship with Seb and physics student Max's desperation to fit in despite dealing with lackadaisical peers - it's Quinn's vendetta towards fellow student Colin Pearce (who she declares must die) which underpins the novel and makes you want to read on to understand why she feels this way. This says a lot about how easily the writing flows, with the author sticking to language that is accessible and not particularly graphic despite the sensitivity of the topics at hand, and how effective the author is at keeping readers interested.

I’m not entirely sure where to start in reviewing The Sharp Edge of Silence by Cameron Kelly Rosenblum, my worry is that I will simply not be able to do justice to the powerhouse that is this novel.

The Sharp Edge of Silence is an unapologetically dark but intensely gripping story about rape culture and toxic masculinity. Its setting provides us with the dark allure of an elite boarding school setting in the US.

Told through the first person perspectives of Quinn (Q), Charlotte and Max in alternate chapters, we are fully immersed within this story. This is a YA and so, thankfully, the accounts of sexual assault are not graphic in nature, yet they are present and the impact it has on Q is palpable. She is a girl totally fractured by what had happened to her.

This is a novel that makes us bear witness to the absolutely deafening and suffocating nature of silence. Whether that be silence brought on by trauma, shame and misplaced guilt, or the silence of those who stand by but don’t speak up, too afraid to rock their own boat in the process. But this is also a story of strength and resilience, of decent people who want to help those who need it, and of those who say enough is enough and want to start holding wrongdoers to account.

Before she begins her novel Rosenblum writes her reader a letter, which I urge you to read. Her raw honesty relating to her own sexual assault is significant and powerful. Throughout the entire story she writes so sensitively, but with raw power and impact. Q’s story is not an easy one to read, but that’s why it’s so damn important. I can’t help but feel that this should be a prescribed text.

I went into this one blind apart from the content warnings given by the pulisher. It was the most emotional and heartbreaking on parts books I have read in a long time. It raises some really interesting topics which are really relevant to be discussed at the moment. I don't want to give any spoilers so I won't talk too much about the plot, but I think it is something everyone should read.

A timely book exploring the #MeToo climate. Rosenblum interweaves three points of view of students at the prestigious Lycroft Phelps school. The victim Quinn is consumed by rage and PTSD suffering in the wake of her rape at the end of term. All three protagonists realise that there is a cost for the perfect school experience - popularity/prospects/romance - but what must they sacrifice in order to succeed, and when must a line be drawn.

The Sharp Edge of Silence could have been a generic 'surface' exploration of entitlement and tradition, but Rosenblum has managed to navigate and create a narrative that feels authentic and at times raw and true that hopefully will serve to empower and educate.

This is the first book that I have read by this author but hopefully not the last.
This is the story of a group of young people at a very prestigious boarding school, Lycroft Phelps and it is told from the prospective of three of these students, Charlotte, Quinn and Max.
Charlotte Forester is a grade A student, a ballerina and choreographer, she is dating Seb McNally, the hunky star of the schools rowing team, a match made in heaven.......or is it ?
Max Hannigan-Loeffler is at Lycroft Phelps on a scholarship, he is a brilliant scholar but doesn't quite fit in with his wealthy fellow students, that is until he is offered a place coxing the rowing team, a team that is ultra important to competitive Lycroft Phelps, kudos and hero worship is given to all the team, will being in the team get Max the girl of his dreams ?
Quinn Walsh comes from a family who's ties with Lycroft Phelps go back generations, she is artistic, she is a dreamer but her dreams are shattered when she is brutally assaulted sexually, Quinn's anger and frustration are palpable, she wants the perpetrator dead.......but he is important to Lycroft Phelps aspirations.
When the girls discover that a secret society exists at the school, a chauvinistic society, a society where deprivation knows no bounds, a society that denigrates women. They have to be stopped, the identity of the members leave some of the girls sad but not down, this story is about the girls fight for justice and parity, the hierarchy at privileged schools and the problems that they cause, peer pressure that is difficult to fight. I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book, it is not my usual genre but I needn't have worried, I couldn't put it down.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from NetGalley. This was an interesting read which tackled difficult themes very sensitively. Although the first half felt a little slow, it really picked up in the second, and I was invested in the story and characters.

A great book, quite a heavy read, but I would definitely recommend this to anyone.

Thanks to NetGalley and to the author for giving me the chance to read and review this book.

I really enjoyed The Sharp Edge Of Silence. It was quick paced and had a lot going on which made it quite the page turner. Even though its classed as a young adult book, its very dark and I found myself more times getting very angry and quite upset. My heart broke for Q. The brutality of the assault and the aftermath was just horrendous. The toxic masculinity made me so unbelievably angry and I'm reminded why I always hated the phrase "boys will be boys". I'll look forward to reading more from Cameron Kelly Rosenblum in the future.

4.5 stars rounded to 5 stars for NetGalley.

Whilst clearly a YA book, it was a heavy read. I was transfixed throughout and felt all the emotions running through the teens. Boys should certainly be held accountable.

It's been a while since I was at school but I could understand the reactions the teenagers had - the ease of giving in to peer pressure, believing rumours, overlooking things because your partner is "more popular" than you. Everything was raw and hormone driven - as an adult it's much easier to speak out or stand against the crowd, but not necessarily so when you're younger.

It was painful to see the path Quinn was on, struggling with her secret assault, but I like how the ending was handled - I can't add more without spoilers. However, I still felt there should have been a bit more follow up.

Overall, an intense YA read which covers a lot of topics. It's written well, so much so that I was surprised Cameron wasn't actually a teen herself. An author I'll keep my eye on.

A great read full of twists. When one of the female students at Lycroft Phelps college is assaulted she becomes obsessed with revenge. A thriller which keeps the reader on the edge of the seat. Really well written with believable characters who are all totally brought to life. It is a hard read due to the sexual nature of the story but it is more about friendships, relationships, truth and lies. A secret society within the college brings the culprit into the open.
Would highly recommend and look forward to reading more by Cameron.

An important look at identity, friendship and toxic masculinity.

Set in an American private school, The Sharp Edge of Silence centres around the sexual assault of Q and her journey to come to terms with what has happened to her, while surrounded by peers that are negotiating relationships, finding their own identities and trying it ‘fit in’.

This harrowing yet gripping tale, from multiple perspectives, is fast-paced and reminiscent of Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl and TV’s Sex Education. Perfect for young adults (though thoroughly enjoyed by this oldie!)

I found this book to be a slow start but about half way through it picked up pace and I didn’t want to put it down. In fact I found myself in tears at the end which shows how well written the characters were. I loved Q’s character and going on her revenge journey with her. Definitely worth a read.

Thanks to #NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book.

Trigger warnings for sexual assault, rape, emotional trauma.

This book was well written from the POV of 3 seemingly different characters. Charlotte is a dancer and choreographer who can’t believe she is in a relationship with the popular member of the rowing team ‘the genetic miracle’ Sebastian. Max is a nerd and on a scholarship. He knows that he gets used for his academic ability. Quinn or Q is a gifted artist and musician or she was until she lost herself after being raped by one of the popular boys. Keeping it a secret, she starts to withdraw into herself until she breaks.

This story focuses on the toxicity of the environment and how it is eventually addressed. The author outlines how the characters conform to keep their place and status in the group. Charlotte tried to dress like Sebastian’s ex girlfriend and doesn’t raise anything she has concerns about with him as she doesn’t want him to break up with her. She does not have the self belief that she is worthy of him. When Max becomes part of the rowing team, he conforms to their society by keeping things secret even though he knows it’s wrong in order to maintain his newfound popularity.

In the stories of Max and Charlotte we are given a reprieve from the darkness that surrounds Q and the despair that she is feeling. Their stories weave around to become one of learning and support and strength.

This book was a powerful well written book. There is not too much graphic detail of the event but the emotion experienced following the event is very well portrayed.

Set in a boarding school following the 3 lives and POVs of Q, Max and Charlotte. It was an interesting premise and I thought it was an okay read. This book involved alot of discussion of rape, rape culture, misogyny and toxic masculinity. I felt it was quite heavy to get my head around and didn't think max or Charlotte's povs was really adding to the story for the most part.

The Sharp Edge of Silence
Cameron Kelly Rosenblum
Publication Date: 11th April

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First off, Thanks so much to Netgalley and author Cameron Kelly Rosenblum for the chance to read an advance copy of this book due out April 11th in exchange for an honest review.

While I liked this book, I have to say it fell a little flat for me and definately was a bit of a let down after hearing so much wonderful things prior to reading, I think I was expecting more and ended up disappointed as this one just didnt quite deliver for me.

The blurb pulled me right in and I was so looking forward to it but I just found the majority of it so drawn out and it didnt grip me like I thought it would at all. It seemed to drag on and I think a huge chunk of the story could have been removed and it still wouldnt have made a difference to the plot. I struggled through the first 60% of the book and hadnt fully connected with any of the characters but I stuck it out and have to say the storyline did come together better by the final 40%. It wrapped the storyline up well but I think it just took a bit too long to come together. There was so much potential but the pacing ruined it for me.

Overall, I liked the book but found the writing style a bit slow paced for my liking. The storyline didnt go quite the way I was expecting it to.

I dont think I'd be looking out for this authors future books. A bit slow for me.

Thank you again to Netgalley.

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