Nerve by Jeanne Ryan
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children's UK
Goodreads Summary: 
A high-stakes online game of dares turns deadly.

When Vee is picked to be a player in NERVE, an anonymous game of dares broadcast live online, she discovers that the game knows her. They tempt her with prizes taken from her ThisIsMe page and team her up with the perfect boy, sizzling-hot Ian. At first it's exhilarating--Vee and Ian's fans cheer them on to riskier dares with higher stakes. But the game takes a twisted turn when they're directed to a secret location with five other players for the Grand Prize round. Suddenly they're playing all or nothing, with their lives on the line. Just how far will Vee go before she loses NERVE?
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Review: 
Nerve is an addicting game. Real life truth or dare, without the truth part. When the game knows all your secrets and what you want the most in life, how can you refuse? But the stakes get higher with every level, and Vee will have to decide if the prizes are worth risking her life for.

Vee is often in the shadow of her best friend, the dazzling golden-haired Sydney. Working backstage while her friend takes centre stage in their school production, NERVE offers Vee everything she's ever dreamed of. What starts out as a silly joke to impress a guy turns into a full on, dangerous game with no limits.

Vee's character arc takes some brilliant turns which help readers to sympathise with her rather than hate her. Matthew, on the other hand, is little more than a side character but his personality describes that of many teenage guys. He is one of many underlying messages for the teenage community hidden throughout this book. Sydney and Vee's friendship is something special, I'm happy it doesn't end nastily.

I loved reading this book because the storyline, although abnormal could easily describe any other troubled girl in a difficult place and time. Switch NERVE with drugs, alcohol or any of the various other modern issues, the same story could be produced but with a much sadder ending. Nerve brings technology and reality together in a powerful novel which contains messages about many everyday problems conveyed in a subtler way. A must read for all fans of Sci-fi and YA Contemporary.
Purchase Location: Borrowed From Library
Edition:
Paperback
Buy the book:
Book Depository
Recommended for: Fans of sci-fi and middle grade.