This was my least favourite of the three novels in the Avery Sisters trilogy. From the beginning, I had a hard time relating to Quinn. In fact, she came out sounding like a very selfish, small person and I was surprised that Rachel Vail decided to paint her that way. Allison and Phoebe turned out to be better representations than the versions they were viewed as, but Quinn turned out to be much worse. She was painted as fake – “the ultimate con girl”. I wasn’t able to connect with the ultimate con girl. I also can’t connect with the girl who kissed her sister’s boyfriend.

In an effort to remain brilliant, zen, understanding Quinn, she goes a little overboard. Most of the choices she made were just so bad. I know teenagers make bad choices, but Quinn made them all in one night, which really felt unrealistic. I had a little sympathy for her, but honestly not much. I can understanding how heartbreaking it is to lose your sense of self and not know who you are and where you fit into the world. I can even sympathize with losing possessions that represent important moments and memories in your life. I just think Quinn didn’t handle the loss very well. Going to a party and getting drunk seem like really poor ways at showing your displeasure and your anger at your parents.

Overall, not a great book. Okay if you want to kill some time. ( )

I left this for too long, I'd forgotten the details from the previous two books, I bet they'd be smashing to read all in a row.
Regardless, I enjoyed Quinn's story on its own - it was really easy to empathise with Quinn's resentment at being the 'easy child' the one who is strong and not allowed to be upset when their family is turned upside down. I also liked the realistic picture of Quinn's parents here, we see them through Quinn's eyes as she realised that they are deeply flawed, but that she still loves them. The romance didn't light me on fire, but it wasn't awful. ( )

Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com

The last book of the Avery sisters' trilogy comes from the eldest sister, Quinn's, perspective. She's always been the one in control, the good girl, the serious girl, and the nerdy girl. Her youngest sister is lucky and her middle sister is gorgeous. Quinn finds herself wanting to compete with them and become someone. Quinn wants to shed her good girl image.

A new friend she meets at camp might help her. She wants to fix up Quinn and her best friend with boys. They start going to parties and meeting new people. Quinn isn't sure she wants a boyfriend, since she's been crushing over her piano teacher for years, who is now in college. He's slowly beginning to notice her just as she has other dating options.

Besides finding herself, Quinn's family is going through a rough patch. Her mother's in hot water at work. The family must sell their home and downsize considerably. Quinn's always held her mother in high regard, but now she doesn't know how to feel. She's angry, hurt, and confused.

With boy trauma, family upheaval, and trying to change her image, will she go off the deep end?

BRILLIANT is the simultaneous companion story to LUCKY and GORGEOUS from the eldest sister's perspective. The three grow up, find themselves, and find their true strength in these books about sisters, romance, friendship, and dreams - all while dealing with family drama. ( )