Heartstream is one of the most
compelling thrillers I have read for a long time. Pollock expertly draws the
reader into Amy’s world – which is set in the not-too-distant future.
Amy Becker is
an internet sensation. Using an app that is actually imaginable with today’s
technology, she can tap directly into her own feelings and stream them, raw and
unabridged, to her followers. And she has a legion of them, people who can’t
get enough of her emotional roller-coaster as she deals with her mother’s terminal
illness.
Her family view it as tawdry, but Amy can’t stop, addicted to the
fame. So it’s hardly a surprise when a crazed fan, rigged with explosives shows
up and holds Amy hostage in her own home on the day of her mother’s funeral.
Told in
parallel is the story of Cat and Evie, two current-day internet sensations,
fans of a rock-god. The pair stalk him obsessively and stream almost constant updates
on his status and sightings, and share gossip and theories with his other,
equally ardent fans.
Pollock
expertly juggles the two strands, as the girls’ stories merge into one and past
misdeeds catch up with the present.
There are
plenty of twists here – all told credibly. The pace rarely flags and each new
reveal keeps the pages turning. I pride myself as a reader on being able to
predict the direction a plot will take, but I admit that Pollock’s story took
me by surprise.
Overall, this
is a story about obsessions, revenge and the devastatingly high price of fame.
I will definitely look out for other titles by Pollock. One to watch!
Title: Heartstream
Author: Tom
Pollock
Publisher:
Walker, $16.99
Publication
Date: September 1, 2019
Format:
Paperback
ISBN: 9781406378184
For ages: 14+
Type: Young
Adult Fiction
