Goldy Moldavsky is an author whose books are usually pretty wild, and Lord of the Fly Fest was no exception. Once I started reading this book, I couldn’t stop. It was like a trainwreck but in a strangely enjoyable way. This book is out now, so you can buy or borrow a copy from wherever you like. But I personally got my audiobook through the publishers and NetGalley. So thanks for that.
Rafi is a podcaster desperate to make it the big time. She plans to do that by finding out what happened to the missing girlfriend of the famous musician, River Stone. To get that opportunity, she spent all her money on a ticket for Fly Fest, the exclusive music festival on a Caribbean island. But when they get there, the festival is nonexistent, and the guests are stranded. Rafi is okay with this if she can get that interview. But as things take a dangerous turn, she realises they need to get off the island if they wish to survive.
Obviously, this story was inspired by Fyre Fest, among other things. It felt very random, and the type of people the guests were can be pretty frustrating. You just sit there wondering how people can really be so stupid or selfish. And yet…it just made me laugh at times.
This book was weird.
That’s all I can really say. If Lord of the Flies was written now, I can’t say it wouldn’t end up like this, and yet I’d still be surprised by things like people using pig poop as makeup. It was really…something. Reading about it made me wrinkle my nose. I can’t imagine being surrounded by it.
But this weirdness was what made the book so enjoyable. Event-wise…nothing much actually happens. If the characters weren’t all such big personalities, I might not have wanted to keep reading on. Sure, there were scenes and truths that I’m not sure are believable. Especially the twist that gets one of them out of there near the end. But I found myself eating it all up.
Honestly, I probably should have written this review the second I finished this book. Now, a few days later, I can’t remember exactly what I liked or even if there was anything, in particular, I disliked, as the whole thing feels like a fever dream.
As I said, I read the audiobook of this one, and I’m glad I did. The narrator did a good job, and listening to it was a big reason why I got through this so quickly. Once you start, you can’t stop, and I’m not sure I would’ve felt the same with a physical book. But I’d have possibly still enjoyed it.
Overall this book was a fun read. Would I recommend it? Honestly, I’m not sure. If you’re at all intrigued by the concept then pick it up. But it’s not exactly a thriller that most people would describe as amazing. It’s just one that’s a bit of fun.
3/5 Stars
Title: Lord of the Fly Fest
Author: Goldy Moldavsky
Genre: Thriller
Age Range: Young Adult
Publisher: Electric Monkey
Release Date: Out Now
BUY LINKS
Lace and Dagger Books 