Book Review: All In by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (The Naturals #4)

 

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Genre: Mystery

*4.75

I don’t think my heart will ever completely move on from this world and series. I feel like rereading it already, I don’t want to leave these characters behind. I really wished the author would release more books in this series than the inheritance games. 

Continue reading for more details.

Synopsis:

New victims. New betrayals. New secrets.

When Cassie Hobbes joined the FBI’s Naturals program, she had one goal: uncover the truth about her mother’s murder. But now, everything Cassie thought she knew about what happened that night has been called into question. Her mother is alive, and the people holding her captive are more powerful—and dangerous—than anything the Naturals have faced so far. As Cassie and the team work to uncover the secrets of a group that has been killing in secret for generations, they find themselves racing a ticking clock.

The bodies begin piling up, the deaths hit closer and closer to home, and it soon becomes apparent that this time, the Naturals aren’t just hunting serial killers.

They’re being hunted themselves.

Review:

I really don’t even know what to say. Every single one of these characters won my heart, some more than others. Though, even if one of them were missing this crew would not be the same. The found family they had was so heartwarming and I might end up looking for more of this trope because I didn’t realize how wholesome this trope was. The appearance of Celine, a new character, was such a pleasant surprise and even though I did feel like she was added for the twists and turns of the plot, I really did appreciate her and enjoyed the newness of her attitude and personality within the group. I was very surprised none of the Naturals were killed off, I don’t think my heart would be able to handle that but also was surprised that didn’t happen based on my traumatic experience with other books. Every single one of these characters played an irreplaceable role in the group and their flaws and scars along with their quirks made the group what it was. The different character dynamics and relationships were perfect and all enjoyable in their own ways. 

“All of us had a way of regaining the control that life had taken away from us. For Sloane, it was numbers. For Lia, it was keeping her true self buried beneath layers of lies. Michael intentionally provoked anger instead of waiting for someone else’s fuse to blow. Dean did everything he could to keep his emotions in check. And I use knowing things about people as an excuse to keep them from knowing me.”

Also, the lack of huge/significant focus on romance was actually so good for the overall series. Dean and Cassie are cute together since they’re both able to understand each other and be there for each other, but their relationship isn’t a large focus of the book and just flows with everything else. I feel like the amount of focus there was on the romance is the perfect amount and the author did a really good job about balancing it. 

“I love you.” Dean lifted the words from my mind. “Today, tomorrow, covered in blood, haunted and waking up in the middle of the night screaming—I love you, Cassie, and I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”

This book was quite fast paced, even in the middle part of the book. I read 75% of this book in one sitting and literally could not get myself to put it down. The deeper the Naturals got into the case of the Masters and Cassie’s mother, the more I wanted to find out what happened. The twists and ending I, AGAIN, didn’t see coming at all! I need to up my plot twist guessing game! Also, how clever is the author to make such a crazy case. The cult, the concept of the Masters, the Pythia, the Nine were all so outstanding. I don’t know how a mind is able to create such a fleshed out mystery and idea. Also, controversial opinion, but how did this same author write the Inheritance Games. It’s nowhere near the same level as the Naturals. Also, the “you” perspectives sent chills down my spine. The way those were written and how things were described was lowkey creepy. 

“Sometimes, the hardest thing to be is the one who lives.”

The only complaint/dislike I have about the book is how I feel like after the big revelation/conclusion of the mystery the author wrapped things up a bit too quickly. I would’ve loved some more relaxed, wholesome ending scenes and especially character interactions to ease into a nice ending after the chaos and intensity that unraveled. Though, not a major issue.  

It’s genuinely been such a long time since I’ve read such an all-around amazing book/series, the characters, plot, and mystery were all so well written and thought out. Also, this following quote will always be my favorite one from the whole entire series.

“Home isn't a place. Home is the people who love you. Forever and ever, no matter what.”

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