Think you’re anonymous on the internet?

Are you sure?

Kaylee has a problem. Her brother is sick, and desperately needs an organ transplant to save his life. Her Dad mysteriously ran out on the family just when times got tough – and he could be the match her brother needs.

So when a new social networking site called NEED promises to give her what she wants in exchange for a favor, she agrees. As do all of the other teens at her highschool. After all, teens always think that they need something. But when strange and dangerous accidents start happening, Kaylee begins to put it all together. NEED is behind the accidents, and eventually, the deaths at her school. Can she stop whoever is behind it all before more kids are killed? And will she get the donor for her brother before it’s all too late?

I’m such a fan of Joelle Charbonneau and her TESTING trilogy.  If you haven’t read them, you really, really should. I highly recommend them! NEED is an exciting thriller that follows several highschool kids as they follow the orders of a seemingly omnipotent social networking site that will give them everything they want. It’s really interesting how it spirals out of control so fast. Kids who started out wanting concert tickets end up doing horrible things. No one takes blame though as they are all anonymously fulfilling requests, and then finding out later what horrible deed they helped accomplish. Then, when it is revealed, the site coerces them to keep going so that they are not outed. It’s pretty brilliant. What’s scary is that I can absolutely believe people will let their actions get out of control when they feel that they are not personally responsible for them. I won’t get into it, but I think this really COULD happen, and that’s why it’s so chilling. An excellent, fast-paced read. Charbonneau is a talented writer and you won’t regret getting your copy of this one.

Also, it’s kind of nice to read a standalone novel. In this day of trilogies, NEED is a great palate cleanser between other series. Like, you know, THE TESTING. Seriously. Go read them all, and pick up NEED too.