I was really pleased to review this, given the hype. The marketing had been well thought out and whilst I did enjoy it, the idea isn’t new and I didn’t feel it brought anything fresh to the genre. It is well written on the whole however.

A really entertaining “dark academia” book, although I think the comparison to The Secret History is way off – The Four is nowhere near as literary, more of a fun thriller (albeit with some dark scenes), and probably better suited to younger readers. I would definitely recommend this to teens who want to take their first steps into reading adult fiction, as it’s focused on teenagers but a bit more complex than your average YA. A truly compelling read.

What happens when four scholarship students are admitted to a boarding school.
Trying to fit in and understand the new lifestyle and it's requirements.
Nothing like the boarding school stories I read as a child.
Hierarchical for both students and staff.
Compulsive and disturbing read.

I want to apologise in advance for what I am about to say because personally I hate giving negative feedbacks but alas this website requires it.
It felt like a rip off of If we were Villains and had an excessive amount of bullying which should have been indicated as I personally can't stand that trope as I was a victim of bullying.

Interesting novel. Wasn’t convinced with the location of the book (boarding school) as heavily used, but stuck with it and was rewarded with an interesting set of characters, the four of the title who are bright scholarship students brought in for sixth form to improve results. They obviously struggle to fit in and the triggers a set of events that ultimately lead to tragedy.

This just wasn't for me I'm afraid, some uncomfortable reading, I found it hard to keep going but I hate to leave a book unread, I'm sure some people will love it but just not me, sorry

When I first started reading The Four, I thought I'd made a mistake and it was a YA novel, a school story, but then I read the blurb again and decided to keep going. I'm glad I did because before long I was reading long past bedtime - just one more chapter! - because I was so hooked.

I was drawn in by Rose, though at times I was frustrated that she, and the others, were acting irrationally. I could see her motivations though, loyalty to her friend(s), not wanting to go against their wishes, and so on. However, this is a teeth-grinding read at times - I kept muttering 'Don't put up with it', 'Tell someone', 'Get help', etc., - throughout the narrative. The atmosphere of bullying and undermining of fellow pupils is difficult to accept, and I questioned whether a few weeks was enough for two girls to bond so thoroughly and disastrously - but it all adds up to a suspenseful read.

There are anomalies and questions that arise but given that I read an advance readers' copy, it may be that these will be ironed out in the final version.

Well worth the tension of reading it!

Thanks to Netgalley & the publishers for the ARC! In "The Four," we delve into the lives of four scholarship students navigating the opulent world of High Realms, a prestigious private school. The novel paints a vivid picture of their struggles to assimilate into the privileged realm surrounding them.

The narrative is skillfully crafted, immersing readers in the palpable atmosphere of High Realms. From the grandeur of its halls to the leisurely pursuits on horseback or riverside lounging, the author successfully transports us into the characters' daily lives.

Admittedly, the initial chapters are a slow burn, teasing a mysterious event on the horizon without clear indications of its nature or timing. Patience is required to fully engage with the unfolding plot.

While the story is undeniably immersive, it tends to become overly intricate, culminating in a rushed ending. The dearth of likable characters further complicates the narrative, leaving readers without a compelling anchor.

A notable drawback lies in the prevalence of dark and intense themes, necessitating explicit trigger warnings. The narrative touches upon mental and emotional abuse, self-harm, attempted suicide, and sexual assault, making it imperative for sensitive readers to approach with caution.

While "The Four" may find an appreciative audience among many readers, it didn't resonate with me. Despite my inclination towards true crime and thrillers, the myriad of issues tackled and the overwhelming negativity throughout the story proved to be too much for my taste.

An emotional and hard-hitting story about 4 teenagers who gain a scholarship to an elite private boarding school. It is told by the perspective of Rose, looking back on her time there. Throughout the story there are some upsetting scenes about bullying and abuse. It makes you question what you would do in these situations, when there are many thoughts, feelings, loyalties and worries to consider, and whether being good or bad, is often as black and white as we often may feel. I found the characters to be very engrossing, as well as the story. Their love lives, relationships with one another and their teachers were realistic and I felt that the author had a good grasp of what it’s like to be a teenager developing into adulthood. This story would be great as a TV series or film, and I am keen to read more from this author in the future.

The Four follows four scholarship students at an exclusive boarding school, struggling to fit in and relate to the wealthier students.
I wanted to love this book. I genuinely found myself intrigued until the very last second, the plot was very atmospheric and well-written. However, I couldn't gel with the narrative style. I accept that it was written from the future, but for the first third, I hated Rose as a narrator because there were moments where she would make 'if only we hadn't done' or 'if only we knew' comments. It got better when the action started to take place.
I wasn't entirely sold on the pacing of the book. The plot felt a little dragged out, however, this book could've benefitted from plenty of character study style narrative, yet not enough time was given for that.
I loved the literary allusions and the comparisons between classic literature characters and the characters of the book.
There were parts of this book that I enjoyed, however, the narrative let it down.

It has taken me some time to write this review as I've needed time to think about the book and my thoughts after reading.
To start, the book has an attention grabbing opening lines, "It would have made our lives a lot easier if Marta had simply pushed Genevieve out of our bedroom window on our third day at High Realms. Certainly, it would have been tragic". And so begins our tale and enticing tale as Rose recounts the tragic adventures of Rose, Marta, Lloyd and Sami over several semesters at the High Realms school. What follows next is a thrilling, though disturbing take of friendship, loyalty and defiance, embedded with the themes of mental health illness, suicide ideation, sexual assault. These themes are particularly dark and I would like to see more detailed trigger warnings included in the published novel. Meanwhile, as our protoganist Rose narrates the events, we learn that the quartet are all attending High Realms as scholarship students and there is an added expectation from their tutors to outperform their peers. These same peers are intent on bullying anyone considered to be an outsider, leading to several tragic events by the end of the (academic) year.
I found the writing to be compelling and I raced through to the end of the book. However, for me this is where the storyline let me down - having become so invested in their story, I felt that the ending seemed rushed , and the "current day" epilogue only heightened the viewpoint that no-one had recovered or truly learned from their experiences

I loved it. This book gripped me and didn't let go, I needed to finish it and find out what was going on! The characters were interwoven so skilfully and each reveal was carefully managed.
It has a great pace and the story is brilliantly executed. I loved boarding school stories as a child and the setting of High Realms was exactly as I wanted it to be. Wild, and beautiful and different, with that dark streak running so malevolently throughout.
I'd love to read more by this author. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy of this book.

This thriller about four scholarship students who get to attend a top boarding school in England is gripping and immersive. Packed with intense teenage emotions, shocking events, secrets and lies, I found this entertaining rollercoaster of a novel both moving and gripping.

St Trinians this is definitely not. Who would have thought that a book about students in a boarding school would be such riveting reading.

After reading page 2 I could not put this book down.

The struggles that were faced by the two girls is second to none. Early scholarships with full funding is not always for the best especially in this book. Dramas, murder, rights of passage and finally the hiding of a suspect (one of their own) makes for this books absorbing read.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this excellent book. A new author for me to follow closely.

This is a dark and twisty mystery thriller, with not a single likeable character and a deeply insufferable writing style. I hope both were intentional because it does give the book a bit of a edge - I think I was hate reading it rather than enjoying it. Worth picking up, but not if you're in a good mood, since The Four will thoroughly spoil it!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

I’ve rated this a four star, but it’s left me a little disturbed (on my Christmas break too!). This is dark dark academia. It does need trigger content ratings for sexual assault, and suicide although nothing happens of this nature that we “read through”. There is nothing graphic in this book.

I enjoyed it a lot, but wow…it’s mean, nasty and twisted. What an awful school.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Ellie Keel's debut, "The Four," emerges as a shockingly powerful entry into the literary scene. Positioned as a dark academia novel, Keel's work delves into a raw and unflinching exploration of the nature of actions and their consequences. This narrative roots itself in the diverse facets of human nature, encompassing themes of love, friendship, loyalty, and, on the darker side, wicked cruelty and abusive behaviour. While not for the faint of heart, "The Four" is a compelling read that should not be overlooked.

The tale unfolds around four students who, in 1999, secured full-ride scholarships to an elite boarding school in Devon. Upon their arrival, they find themselves outsiders, facing rejection from most and becoming targets for a select few. The narrator, Rose, one of the four, attempts to recount the events of those years. However, memory, especially when shaped by trauma, proves to be elusive.

"The Four" belongs to that rare breed of books that make you feel compelled to keep reading while simultaneously instilling a sense of fear about what might unfold next. While it's challenging to delve into the plot without risking spoilers, it's crucial to note that the book carries serious content warnings. Keel masterfully navigates the extremely dark nature and tone of the novel, presenting events that can be genuinely shocking. Yet, the narrative never feels burdensome to read, a testament to Keel's skill as an author.

The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, no significant gaps between words and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book. A star has been deducted because of this.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Tense, dark, and twisty. A novel about social differences, relationships, and the consequences of our action.
A story that always keeps the tension high, featuring some hateful and well plotted characters.
Gripping, atmospheric, and fascinating.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A very well written debut. It was engrossing and very dark. Towards the end I thought it was maybe a little too stretched out and found my mind wandering at times. I did warm to the characters although found some of their actions a bit unbelievable. I wasn't sure wether it was aimed at young adults or adults but I guess it could appeal to both. Overall it was an enjoyable read.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6074960144

3 stars rounded down from 3.5. A real page turner and great at setting up an atmosphere but not sure the plot was entirely believable and possibly veered a few times into melodrama or just plain silliness. Also not entirely sure who the audience for this is - the protagonists are all teenagers and the boarding school vibe would suggest YA but the themes are very serious and it's being marketed as an adult book. So in some ways a slightly confused mess, but on the other hand I couldn't put it down and the author clearly has bags of talent she just needs to find the right vehicle for. In the meantime, this one is an imperfect but very entertaining debut.

Thanks to her, the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.