Member Reviews

Evie Hunter's revenge thrillers have been on my radar for a while as books that i would most likely enjoy if I actually sat down with one, and when I spotted The Takedown was set on a super yacht, I knew I had to give it a go.

And I was right I thoroughly enjoyed this, even if at times I lost track of just who had it in for who.

There were definitely plenty of twists and fabulous revelations, and although I can't see the biggest reveal totally shocked me, I also hadn't fully guessed it either, which is always a good sign.

And its set to a stunning backdrop, and shows just how greed can be a powerful motivator, and that once you are rich that you really can't trust anyone.

I loved Freya's motivations for wanting to bring down Falcon, and really felt for her, as she tried to work out who to trust.

It was a gripping story that I could barely put the last quarter of it down. It captured my intrigue and I strongly suspect I need to read more from this author in the future.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which i have reviewed honestly and voluntarily .

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I loved the setting of the book, as it makes you wish you were there and not at work and living a mundane life.... The book was very well written, and I really enjoyed the way it ended. Can't wait to read more by this very talented author!
TB

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Good book with good story line. Absolutely loved the characters and finished it in no time. A definite must read

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A brilliant read, grips you from the very first page I found it hard to put it down once I started. Would recommend it!

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Below Deck meets Big Little Lies in the latest nail-biting revenge thriller by Evie Hunter – The Takedown.

Freya Addison is the hostess of the majestic superyacht Perseus that is currently moored in the Antibes. Liked and respected by her fellow crew, Freya is very good at her job, meticulous in her work and able to rise to any challenge that comes her way. Nobody on board has got a bad word to say about her, but little do the guests and crew on board Perseus realise that there is far more to Freya than meets the eye.

Freya has a secret. A dark and dangerous secret bubbling beneath her calm and conscientious exterior. Being a hostess on this particular boat was not an accident of fate, but something much more serious – and deadly. Freya intends to do whatever it takes to take down the owner of the Perseus, the rich and arrogant Julian Falcon – and she won’t stop until she has destroyed him just like he had destroyed her family.

Will Freya manage to wreak her revenge? Or will vengeance never be hers?

Evie Hunter’s The Take Down is a juicy, exciting and scandalous thriller that takes readers into a glittering world of glamour, decadence and deception that will keep them glued to the book’s pages. Unpredictable, entertaining and shocking, revenge thriller fans will want to devour Evie Hunter’s The Take Down in one go.

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It's a bit of a shame. It's A good story but, there are too many characters. In the end, I couldn't make out the good guys from the bad.
It had twists and turns on who was who. It didn't really keep my attention which is very unusual for me.
I know I'm in for a good read when I find myself keep returning the book. Sadly this wasn't one of them.

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The Takedown by Evie Hunter is a riveting revenge thriller that maintains a relentless pace from beginning to end. The novel centers on Freya’s resolute quest to dismantle the empire of the wealthy and arrogant Julian Falcon, and her determination is both compelling and engaging. Set against the opulent backdrop of the yacht Perseus, the story weaves a complex tapestry of deception and intrigue.

Hunter masterfully develops the characters, each harboring their own motives and secrets, and skillfully plots a narrative full of unexpected twists. The glamorous setting of the yacht enhances the narrative’s allure, contributing to an enthralling and immersive reading experience. The Takedown is a standout entry in the suspense thriller genre, offering a sophisticated take on revenge and deception.

3.5/5.

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I love Below Deck so I couldn't resist this. I wasn't disappointed. Fabulous setting with the yacht crew and it kept me turning the pages as I tried to work out how it would end. I won't spoil it but suffice to say I loved it! Fabulous read. Really enjoyed and will be recommending. Many thanks for sharing this ARC with me.

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This tale of revenge is not so much a thriller, nonetheless it's a speedy page-turner. Freya is aboard the super yacht Perseus and she's determined to take down it's owner, Julian Falcon - along with most of his deck crew apparently. This had a really good premise - we love a bit of revenge! But it did lack substance and depth, there were a lot of superfluous characters to keep track and in the end, there was no real suspense. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

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This is a fast paced, edge of you seat thriller that will keep you guessing right up until the last page. As always, Eva Hunter’s books kept me up all night. I just couldn't put it down!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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This is a great book by Evie Hunter. It's got great characters and is a real page turner. I was gripped from the start and have reccomended to my book club friends.

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Freya is starting a new job as a hostess onboard a super yacht. However, Freya is not on the yacht for a job. She is there to seek revenge. Freya is determined to take down the owner of the yacht, the ultra-wealthy Julian. Julian is responsible for tearing apart Freya's family. Family will stop at nothing to get revenge.

I was super interested in reading this book as I love vacation-type thrillers. However, I think this book has been incorrectly classified as a thriller. If it had been properly classified, I would not have requested it. It's an okay read, but really drawn out and boring at times. The writing was very repetitive - there were some phrases that were used over and over again. I thought, didn't I just read that?

Again, because it is classified as a thriller, I was waiting for something to happen. It was a bit dull and I wish there was a more exciting takedown. The ending was also somewhat messy and ended abruptly.

There were also way too many characters. This led to a very messy plot line. None of the characters were really developed all that well.

Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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I enjoyed most of this book. It was like watching an episode of Below Deck, until it became a confusing case of “ who done it?”

Taking place on a luxury private yacht, Freya works as a hostess on the boat, owned by an unlikeable millionaire. This man was responsible for the death of Freya’s sister, and now she is seeking revenge. She soon discovers that she’s not the only one in the crew who is out for revenge. Their boss is a despicable man, and the crew members plot to bring him down.

All is interesting until the plot thickens with a confusing case of lost bitcoin money, other shady characters involved, and a murder!

Since I enjoyed part of the book, I rate it 3 stars, for some entertainment value.

Thank you to Boldwood publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
My opinions are my own and without bias.

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A brilliant read, grips you from the very first page I found it hard to put it down once I started. Would recommend it!

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Evie Hunter's "The Takedown" is an enthralling revenge thriller that had me hooked from the get-go. The protagonist, Freya, is on a relentless quest to topple the affluent and smug Julian Falcon. Her fierce resolve is contagious, and I found myself cheering her on. Set against the opulent backdrop of the Perseus yacht, the plot thickens with each page, ensnaring me in its complex web of duplicity. The characters are compelling, each shrouded in mystery with their agendas.
The narrative is masterfully woven with twists that kept me in suspense until the end. The yacht's luxury adds a touch of glamour to the tale, making it an irresistible page-turner. "The Takedown" is a riveting blend of tension, drama, and mystery, ensuring readers stay captivated by the last word. It's a stellar contribution to the genre of suspense thrillers and convoluted revenge narratives. Hats off to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing this ARC.

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The perfect title for this lightly paced mystery. Waiting to find out if Freya will get her revenge (and how!) or if she'll get caught, will keep you turning the pages late into the night. Everything unfolds just at the right times, and you won't see the twists coming until they're right upon you! A must read!

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The Takedown, is a book about a yacht crew that all secretly want to get back at the owner for their own personal reasons. In my personal opinion this book didn't get interesting until chapter 12. Multiple characters were thrown around throughout the story who at the end of the book, I can think of at least 3 who really didn't serve any purpose. The overall writing was clear and easy to follow but was extremely underwhelming. I honestly think we could've gotten to the point a lot faster and that's saying something, since this book is only 276 pages. I wouldn't classify this as a thriller, more of a drawn-out game of Guess Who.

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“The Take Down” by Evie Hunter immerses readers into a world of betrayal, revenge, and hidden agendas set against the backdrop of a superyacht. Freya Addison, the protagonist, is not just a diligent crew member—she’s a woman with a mission. Her calm exterior hides a burning desire for vengeance against Julian Falcon, the wealthy owner of the yacht who destroyed her family. As the story progresses, the layers of Freya’s vendetta against Julian are peeled back, adding depth to the narrative and keeping readers guessing about her true intentions.

While the premise of revenge fuels the plot, the novel’s pacing initially struggles to find its stride. The slow unraveling of Freya’s history with Julian adds to the suspense but may leave some readers craving more immediate action. Additionally, the abundance of characters and their interconnected subplots can feel overwhelming at times, making it challenging to keep track of everyone’s motivations and actions. Despite these initial hurdles, the story gains momentum as it progresses, drawing readers deeper into Freya’s world of deception and manipulation.

What sets “The Take Down” apart is its focus on character development over setting. While the luxurious setting of the superyacht provides an intriguing backdrop, it is the complex interplay between characters that drives the narrative forward. Through dialogue and introspection, readers gain insight into the minds of the main characters, particularly Freya, as they navigate the treacherous waters of revenge and betrayal. However, some readers may find certain plot developments to be somewhat contrived or unrealistic, detracting from the overall believability of the story. Despite these criticisms, “The Take Down” remains an entertaining read, offering a blend of suspense, drama, and intrigue that will keep readers engaged until the final page.

Check out more on my blog here: https://leylaslibrary.wordpress.com/2024/05/11/the-take-down-book-tour/

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Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this book. I have no clue about bitcoin and cryptocurrency so that went right over my head. The need for revenge was the best part of the story for me. And the wording of what I assume is British slang was just plain weird. I finished the book and was happy with the ending but didn't really understand much of the story.

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A very complex cast of characters and a fine psychological game of characters and circumstances. This is probably my third book by Evie Hunter and every time she does not disappoints. She is able to create a good story with surprising ending. Personally, I was interested in following some of the characters and trying to understand their motivations. I was not disappointed and I cannot wait to read her next book!

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