Book Review: Pride or Die by S. W. Ransom
When I first came across Pride or Die by S.W. Ransom, I was instantly drawn to the promise of a gripping YA mystery wrapped in the vibrant tapestry of high school life. The thought of following Eleanora Finkel and her friends as they navigate their Senior year in Texas, while also advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, sparked both my curiosity and excitement. However, my experience with this book turned out to be a complex mix of anticipation and disappointment.
The premise starts off strong: Eleanora has established an LGBTQ+ Club at her school, a beacon of hope for students seeking support and acceptance. Things take a dark turn when Kenley, the head cheerleader, is assaulted right outside the club’s meeting. Suddenly, Eleanora and her friends find themselves not just advocates for their club, but main suspects in a crime they didn’t commit. I was intrigued at the potential for tension and drama, but, unfortunately, the narrative faltered.
One of my primary frustrations stemmed from the character of Eleanora herself. While I appreciate her passion and the weight of her mission, I found her demeanor grating. Her frantic insistence that a "homophobic murderer" was on the loose, despite the fact that Kenley—a straight girl—was the only one hurt, felt off. I understand the narrative’s need to heighten suspense, but it often left me scratching my head. The mystery itself lacked the depth I crave in a thriller. The reveal could have been so much more compelling, yet it felt rushed and left several questions unanswered.
As I read, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Ransom’s focus on Eleanora’s single perspective was a disservice to the rich potential of other characters like Noah, Tyler, and even Kenley herself. These side characters felt vibrant and intriguing, yet they remained largely overshadowed by Eleanora’s self-absorbed worldview. Their stories deserved more exploration, and I found myself longing for a multi-narrative structure to give depth to the overall experience.
In terms of writing style, Ransom captures the essence of high school life effectively, but the pacing stumbled in places, particularly during scenes that could have been much more dynamic. A notable highlight for me was the audiobook narration by Ina Marie Smith. She infused Eleanora with a convincing teenage authenticity, making the emotional highs and lows resonate more powerfully.
Ultimately, Pride or Die was not quite what I hoped it would be. While I often enjoy YA mystery-thrillers, this one didn’t hit the mark for me. That said, I recognize that every book finds its audience, and I wholeheartedly encourage those who are drawn to engaging discussions around LGBTQ+ themes in a high school setting to give this story a chance.
In conclusion, while my experience was colored by frustrations, I am grateful to have explored this narrative. For readers looking for a story that blends mystery with the complexity of young relationships and identity, Pride or Die may just offer a captivating journey. Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to review this book—I’ll always appreciate the thrill of diving into new stories, even if they don’t always land as intended.