What if you were stuck in a world where time never moved forward, forcing you to relive the same terrifying events again and again? That’s exactly what happens to Ben, a teenager who finds himself stuck in a time loop, reliving the same deadly events over and over. With danger closing in and no clear way out, The Loop by Shandy Lawson is a thrilling ride that keeps you guessing until the very end.

One part of the story I really liked was Ben’s growing friendship with Maggie. At first, Ben is confused and scared, but Maggie already knows what’s happening—she’s been stuck in the loop longer than him. She’s not just a companion; she’s his guide to surviving the nightmare they’re trapped in. Maggie’s determination and quick thinking make her a strong character, and I liked how she never gave up, no matter how many times they had to start over.

Then there are the loopers, the men chasing Ben and Maggie. They’re mysterious, dangerous, and always seem to know what’s coming next. Unlike Ben and Maggie, the loopers don’t seem surprised by the time resets, which made me wonder—are they part of something bigger? Do they control the loop, or are they just as trapped? Every time Ben and Maggie try to escape, the loopers are there, making the story feel like a mix of mystery and action.

One of the most intense parts of the book was Jerry, the ruthless hitman working for the loopers. He’s a serious threat to Ben and Maggie, and his presence makes the stakes even higher. Unlike the loopers, who are mysterious, Jerry is direct—he has a job to do, and he won’t stop until it’s done.

I also liked Ben’s friend, Todd, because he represents the normal life Ben wants to return to. Todd has no idea what’s happening to Ben, which adds to the frustration and loneliness of being stuck in the loop. Ben’s mom also plays a small but important role, reminding us of the life he’s desperately trying to hold onto.

What I loved most about The Loop was its fast-paced suspense and unpredictable twists. Just when I thought Ben and Maggie had figured things out, something would change, throwing them back into chaos. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, making me wonder—will they ever escape, or is the loop unbreakable? If you like thrilling stories with mystery, action, and high stakes, I highly recommend The Loop!

-Adarsh V.