At Claflin Academy, a group of five girls known as The Ivies have set their sights on getting into their assigned Ivy League schools through underhanded means. When one of the Ivies is murdered after being accepted into Harvard, scholarship student Olivia finds herself caught in a web of deceit and betrayal among the elite group. The plot unfolds with a mix of red herrings, complex friendships, and dark secrets, leading Olivia on a suspenseful investigation within the private academy.

Donne's writing style in "The Ivies" skillfully weaves a narrative that delves into the competitive world of college admissions, portraying a cast of characters that are both nuanced and morally gray. The story is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged with its gripping plot and realistic relationship dynamics, ultimately delivering a thrilling and atmospheric experience that explores themes of ambition, privilege, and betrayal.

Characters:

Characters are depicted as complex and largely dislikeable, embodying the cutthroat nature of their ambition, with Olivia providing an outsider's perspective.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is relatable and straightforward, effectively conveying the characters' inner thoughts and the tense atmosphere of the story.

Plot/Storyline:

The story revolves around competitive girls at a prestigious academy, each vying for Ivy League admissions, leading to an investigation into a murder among the group.

Setting:

The setting is a competitive elite high school, highlighting the intense pressure and ambition of students aiming for prestigious college admissions.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast, drawing readers quickly into the unfolding drama, with occasional slower parts that do not detract from overall engagement.

Me? I am nobody. My mother isn’t a senator; my dad isn’t a high-priced corporate lawyer. No one in my family has won a Pulitzer or an Oscar. And I’m certainly no prodigious math or music scholar. Nice...

Notes:

The story is set at Claflin Academy, a private school known for its competitive atmosphere.

The main group of five girls is called The Ivies, each girl vying for a spot in a prestigious Ivy League school.

Olivia, the protagonist, is an outsider on a scholarship, coming from a single-parent household.

Early Decision outcomes trigger chaos when Avery, who expected to get into Harvard, is rejected while others are accepted.

The plot centers around the murder of Emma, who was also accepted into Harvard, leading Olivia to investigate.

The book explores themes of ruthlessness and ambition among teenage girls in the context of college admissions.

Characters display complex dynamics, with layers of loyalty, betrayal, and competition among them.

Social commentary on the pressures of college admissions and the extremes students might pursue is woven into the narrative.

The writing is praised for its pacing and character development, contributing to the emotional investment in the story.

The book blends elements of suspense and a coming-of-age narrative, focusing on Olivia's moral dilemmas and growth.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes medium-level content warnings for themes of murder, violence, competition-related stress, and potential triggers related to mental health in a high-pressure academic environment.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance in The Ivies, primarily involving the protagonist Olivia and her attraction to Ethan, adding a layer to Olivia's character development.

From The Publisher:

Enroll in this boarding school thriller about a group of prep school elites who would kill to get into the college of their dreams...literally.

"The Plastics meet the Heathers in this murder mystery about ruthless Ivy League ambition." -Kirkus Reviews

Everyone knows the Ivies: the most coveted universities in the United States. Far more important are the Ivies. The Ivies at Claflin Academy, that is. Five girls with the same mission: to get into the Ivy League by any means necessary. I would know. I'm one of them. We disrupt class ranks, club leaderships, and academic competitions...among other things. We improve our own odds by decreasing the fortunes of others. Because hyper-elite competitive college admissions is serious business. And in some cases, it's deadly.

Alexa Donne delivers a nail-biting and timely thriller about teens who will stop at nothing to get into the college of their dreams. Too bad no one told them murder isn't an extracurricular.

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The Ivies

Alexa Donne