Gone too Far by Natalie D. Richards
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Gist
Gone Too Far opens with an intriguing idea. Piper, a high school senior, finds out someone is using her photos to expose cruel classmates. She gets pulled into a dangerous game of vigilante justice. The setup feels fresh and full of potential. But the story never quite takes off.
The Details
Piper is meant to be relatable. She’s quiet, thoughtful, and trying to do the right thing. But she often comes across as naive and indecisive. Her thoughts loop in circles, and she hesitates too long before taking action. In a thriller, that hurts the momentum.
Even with secrets and reputations on the line, the tension doesn’t build the way you’d expect. The plot moves forward, but without many surprises. There’s no big twist or sharp turn to keep readers hooked. I kept reading more out of habit than excitement.
The side characters also felt flat. You’ve got the popular crowd, the loner, the mysterious boy. They fit familiar roles but lack depth. Piper’s interactions with them feel shallow, and that weakens the emotional pull of the story.
Still, there are things to like. Richards writes with clarity and keeps the pace moving. The ethical questions—what counts as justice, who gets to decide—are timely and important. For newer readers or younger teens, this could be a solid intro to the genre.
The Verdict
Overall: Gone Too Far has a cool concept and quick pacing, but it fades fast. Piper’s character lacks urgency, and the plot never fully grips. It’s an easy, decent read—but not one that sticks with you.
