Influencer by Adam Cesare

You know that feeling when you’re scrolling through Instagram, and suddenly you come across an account that’s just… different? Maybe it’s the aesthetic, maybe it’s the captions, but something about it draws you in. Before you know it, you’re down the rabbit hole, consuming every post, every story, every carefully curated piece of content. That’s the kind of magnetic pull Adam Cesare captures in his latest YA horror thriller, “Influencer.” But fair warning: this isn’t your typical influencer story. It’s a gut-punch of a novel that’ll make you think twice about hitting that “follow” button.

The Lowdown

Alright, let’s break it down. “Influencer” by Adam Cesare follows Crystal Giordano, your average high school misfit, as she navigates the treacherous waters of senior year. Enter Aaron Fortin, the new kid with a shiny Acura and a mysterious past. Sounds like your typical teen drama setup, right? Wrong. Aaron’s got a secret identity as “The Speaker,” a masked social media personality with a growing cult following. When Crystal stumbles onto his real identity, all hell breaks loose.

What Works

1. The Creep Factor

Holy crap, y’all. Cesare knows how to build tension. The slow reveal of Aaron’s true nature is like watching a car crash in slow motion—you know it’s going to be bad, but you can’t look away. The way he manipulates Crystal’s friends, turning them against her one by one, is genuinely unsettling. It’s a masterclass in psychological horror.

2. Crystal’s Voice

Our girl Crystal is a breath of fresh air in the YA protagonist world. She’s not the chosen one, she’s not secretly beautiful, she’s just… real. Her insecurities, her struggle to fit in, her observations about her friends—it all rings true. You can’t help but root for her, even as things spiral out of control.

3. The Social Media Angle

Cesare nails the toxic allure of online fame. The way Aaron crafts his Speaker persona, carefully controlling his image and message, is frighteningly believable. It’s a stark reminder of how easy it is to create a false identity online, and how dangerous that can be.

What Doesn’t Quite Land

1. Pacing Issues

Look, I get it. Building tension is important. But there are moments, especially in the first half of the book, where things drag a bit. Some readers might find themselves wishing the plot would pick up the pace.

2. Believability Stretches

While the overall premise is solid, there are a few plot points that require a hefty suspension of disbelief. Aaron’s ability to manipulate so many people so quickly, for instance, sometimes feels a bit too convenient.

3. Graphic Content

This isn’t necessarily a criticism, but it’s worth noting: “Influencer” gets dark. Like, really dark. The violence, sexual content, and psychological manipulation might be too intense for some readers, even within the YA horror genre.

The Verdict

“Influencer” by Adam Cesare is a rollercoaster of a read that’ll leave you feeling a little queasy—in the best possible way. Cesare has crafted a timely, terrifying tale that speaks to our social media-obsessed culture. It’s not perfect, but it’s damn compelling.

Who Should Read It?

• Fans of YA horror who aren’t afraid of some seriously dark content
• Anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider in high school (so, everyone?)
• Social media skeptics looking for validation of their fears
• Readers who enjoyed Cesare’s “Clown in a Cornfield” series and are ready for something even more intense

Who Should Skip It?

• Younger or more sensitive YA readers
• Those looking for a light, fun read
• Anyone triggered by depictions of manipulation or violence

The Bottom Line

“Influencer” by Adam Cesare isn’t just another teen horror novel. It’s a scathing commentary on the dangers of online celebrity and the vulnerability of teens seeking connection. Cesare has leveled up his game with this one, delivering a story that’s as thought-provoking as it is chilling.

It’s not without its flaws, but “Influencer” is a solid entry in the YA horror genre that’ll stick with you long after you’ve finished the last page.

Final Thoughts

As I closed the book, I couldn’t help but think about my own social media habits. Who am I really following? What am I consuming? “Influencer” by Adam Cesare serves as a stark reminder that behind every carefully curated online persona, there’s a real person—and sometimes, that person isn’t who they claim to be.

Cesare has tapped into something real here, folks. The fear of being erased, of losing your identity in the digital age, is palpable throughout the novel. It’s a theme that resonates in our hyper-connected world, where likes and followers can feel like currency.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. At its core, “Influencer” is also a story about friendship, about standing up for what’s right even when it’s hard. Crystal’s journey from outsider to unlikely hero is one that’ll stick with you.

So, should you read it? If you’re up for a wild ride that’ll make you think twice about your Instagram feed, hell yes. Just maybe don’t read it right before bed. And for the love of all that’s holy, be careful who you follow online. You never know who might be wearing a mask.

Comparable Reads

If you’re digging the vibe of “Influencer,” here are a few other books you might want to check out:

• “Clown in a Cornfield” by Adam Cesare – Another intense YA horror from the same author
• “One of Us Is Lying” by Karen M. McManus – For those who love the high school drama angle
• “Sadie” by Courtney Summers – Another dark YA thriller with a unique narrative structure
• “Feed” by M.T. Anderson – A classic look at the dangers of technology and social media

About the Author

Adam Cesare is quickly making a name for himself in the YA horror scene. Known for his “Clown in a Cornfield” series, Cesare has a knack for blending classic horror tropes with modern themes. “Influencer” marks a step up in terms of complexity and social commentary, showcasing Adam Cesare’s growth as an author.

The Takeaway

“Influencer” is a timely, terrifying look at the dark side of social media fame. While it’s not without its flaws, Cesare has crafted a compelling narrative that’ll make you think twice about who you’re following online. It’s a must-read for fans of YA horror and anyone interested in the intersections of technology, identity, and teenage life.

Just remember: don’t just speak, act. But maybe think twice before you do either online.