Review by: Samantha M. Siciliano
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Quick Summary:
If you’re hungry for a story that has a whirlwind of action, then What Mustn’t Be Told is your next obsession. Fast and slow readers (like me) alike will race through its pages. You will be swept into a multiple POV thrill ride with Alyssa Mitchell, Damien Mitchell, and Stephanie Lacrosse as they jump headfirst into a crazy conspiracy, risking freedom and family to expose the truth of traitor David Lacrosse, Stephanie’s father. Oh, and did I mention Stephanie is a wanted criminal?!
The Review:
THIS. BOOK. WAS. EPIC. I’m not even sure where to begin! Was it the fact that I read it within 4 days because the suspense was KILLING me? Or that I found myself desperately trying to skip ahead for answers, only to be thwarted by the wild ride of multiple POVs, making it beyond difficult to find the information I craved so intensely? Or maybe it was the monsoon of questions that flooded me every chapter, to have only half of them resolved? Yes. Yes, it was. This is my first solo dive into Seven Nelson’s work, and it shattered every expectation I had. This book kept me guessing, gasping, and glued to the pages!
I’ll admit, the opening chapters were a bit of a maze, but this is ONLY because I struggle with starting new books. There’s something comforting about a series where the characters, rules, and stakes have already been set. But holy crap, when I finally gained my footing, there was no turning back! I was absolutely hooked and unable to put the book down (staying up too late a few nights!). I could NOT put this book down! I thought I’d spotted a twist or two, but time and again, the story blindsided me with surprises where I thought, “Well, that was something I didn’t see coming!”
The characters in this book are shrouded (thanks to the Sea of Thieves video game for that word) in mystery. I was desperate to uncover what Alyssa and Damien truly knew, what secrets their father was unwillingly holding, and what knowledge their mother held. And then there’s Rail- who is this guy, and what fate awaits his family? The questions continue to fill my brain: What happened to Stephanie and Damien? Is Stephanie’s dad really guilty? Is he dead or alive? I finished the book with my mind burning with a thousand questions. However, I do not want to spoil the book at all, as going in as blind as possible is the only way to experience its full-throttle ride.
I feel like the book was set in the near future because of the extended terms of the president and vice president, and the chaotic problems in Europe (which I hope Nelson will write about more in the next book). I was soaking up every ounce of light in the dark and dangerous world that Stephanie navigated and the web of connections she has at her disposal. I am craving more of those shadowy alliances to take center stage for the next book.
The world-building was great. Nelson weaves together threads of fictional history, geography, and culture well, creating a world that feels both familiar and a little new. You will encounter stereotypical government officials, cunning actors, criminals, and ordinary, everyday people thrust into the extraordinary.
Also, who doesn’t love a conspiracy? I’m convinced our governments are hiding secrets from the everyday population, and I wouldn’t be shocked if David’s record is spotless and is sitting on dynamite information about the real culprit(s). I had my theories, but this book kept me guessing at every turn; most of my predictions were blown out of the water. The experience was pure adrenaline- like watching an action movie unfold on my screen. Nelson’s vivid descriptions left nothing to the imagination, allowing me to swim among the chaos and suspense.
As a Michigan native, I got a jolt of excitement seeing my home state mentioned in the story- it’s always a thrill when familiar places are mentioned. It is amazing how little anyone really knows about anything. Even as a Michigan history nerd and crime-loving teacher, I had no idea that there was an FBI Field Office in Detroit! It makes perfect sense, but it’s a piece of knowledge I was missing until now.
I am counting down the days until the next installment that will give me, hopefully, some closure (although I have been warned by Nelson that that will not be the case!). The prose is sharp, the story masterfully built, and the suspense is unrelenting. If you are searching for a book that will keep your heart pounding until the very last page, this one is it! I’m giving it a rock-solid 5 out of 5. If you crave a fresh, lightning-paced conspiracy, do yourself a favor and READ THE FRACKING BOOK!
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book will be released in February 2026.
Up Next: Morning Star by Pierce Brown
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