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zanybibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
Four teenagers and the schoolies week that answers their questions and changes everything, all thanks to a mysterious stranger. An interesting premise that delivered in ways I was not anticipating.
You can read my full review here.
It was an enjoyable and somewhat motivational read. Whether you are a teenager trying to figure out who you are or what to do after high school, an adult trying to figure out how to navigate the new unknowns in your life, or just a fan of YA contemporaries with a hint of mystery, I highly recommend you give this one a read.
You can read my full review here.
It was an enjoyable and somewhat motivational read. Whether you are a teenager trying to figure out who you are or what to do after high school, an adult trying to figure out how to navigate the new unknowns in your life, or just a fan of YA contemporaries with a hint of mystery, I highly recommend you give this one a read.
labsandliterature's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars rounded up.
RTC and will be published over at The Nerd Daily.
Thank you to Hachette Australia for sending me a copy of this wonderful book!
RTC and will be published over at The Nerd Daily.
Thank you to Hachette Australia for sending me a copy of this wonderful book!
rav_3084's review against another edition
3.0
Wasn't bad, wasn't phenomenal, but it was just an okay read I guess.
There were numerous intriguing concepts & themes that were explored throughout the novel and the several perspectives in the novel but I just wasn't too invested. I feel like this would've been a different case had I begun the book in a time period where I had more free time, but then again, I probably would've found the time for this book regardless if I was really invested in it. However, I wasn't and that caused me to read it at a much slower pace than I normally read fictional novels this length.
That being said though, this wasn't a bad read or a waste of time in my opinion, it's just not something I could see myself getting extremely interested or invested in if a sequel or movie/show adaptation were to ever come out and I definitely won't be rereading this.
There were numerous intriguing concepts & themes that were explored throughout the novel and the several perspectives in the novel but I just wasn't too invested. I feel like this would've been a different case had I begun the book in a time period where I had more free time, but then again, I probably would've found the time for this book regardless if I was really invested in it. However, I wasn't and that caused me to read it at a much slower pace than I normally read fictional novels this length.
That being said though, this wasn't a bad read or a waste of time in my opinion, it's just not something I could see myself getting extremely interested or invested in if a sequel or movie/show adaptation were to ever come out and I definitely won't be rereading this.
littleelfman's review against another edition
4.0
This is a super compelling contemporary YA. A slightly less sinister teen version of 'The Beach' (that Dicaprio movie) set during Schoolies week. Toying with magic realism and a hint of crime suspense keeps you wanting to read as you cycle through the 4 main characters POV. But, in YA fashion, the biggest mystery is WTF to do next year/with the rest of your life.
Strong recommend for 12+
Strong recommend for 12+
tamj96's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars
Before the beginning is a coming of age, character driven story that follows a group of teenagers on their schoolies week. A sister, crashing her brothers schoolies and his two friends go on schoolies expecting something and find that their experience is not what they expected, after meeting a girl.
Before the Beginning was not what I was expecting. I was expecting a story of a few teenagers on schoolies dealing with something creepy and mysterious. But I had no idea what. Instead it is a very character driven story and the mystery was pushed to the sidelines and only briefly discussed throughout and at the end.
Although it wasn't what I was expecting, I really enjoyed Before the Beginning. It is a very easy read and I felt like I was flying through it. All the characters are very distinct and have their own voice and POV throughout the story, which is done really well. All the characters had a great arc and you could feel and see them change and grow as people and build deeper and more meaningful relationships between them.
The whole time while reading, I was waiting for the twist that I knew was coming. I really wish that it was explored more and there was more of a struggle (Does that make me a terrible person?), I just felt like it was resolved too quickly once it was addressed.
Overall Before the Beginning was a fun, fast read that I would recommend for anyone looking for a somewhat lighthearted but mysterious story.
Before the beginning is a coming of age, character driven story that follows a group of teenagers on their schoolies week. A sister, crashing her brothers schoolies and his two friends go on schoolies expecting something and find that their experience is not what they expected, after meeting a girl.
Before the Beginning was not what I was expecting. I was expecting a story of a few teenagers on schoolies dealing with something creepy and mysterious. But I had no idea what. Instead it is a very character driven story and the mystery was pushed to the sidelines and only briefly discussed throughout and at the end.
Although it wasn't what I was expecting, I really enjoyed Before the Beginning. It is a very easy read and I felt like I was flying through it. All the characters are very distinct and have their own voice and POV throughout the story, which is done really well. All the characters had a great arc and you could feel and see them change and grow as people and build deeper and more meaningful relationships between them.
The whole time while reading, I was waiting for the twist that I knew was coming. I really wish that it was explored more and there was more of a struggle (Does that make me a terrible person?), I just felt like it was resolved too quickly once it was addressed.
Overall Before the Beginning was a fun, fast read that I would recommend for anyone looking for a somewhat lighthearted but mysterious story.
bookishjanna's review against another edition
4.0
This book is divided into four different parts/POVs. I liked getting to know each important character this way. It luckily wasn't confusing at all because the POV only changed once for each of the four main characters.
This book really didn't need any more characters. It worked just perfectly fine like this - having these five teenagers isolated on an island, having to talk about their feelings, fears for the future and about their shared past, too.
Of course, there's the added mystery of Sierra and what she wants from them - which makes this book even more intriguing. I kind of wish there would have been a couple of more twists - but other than that I don't have anything to criticise.
This book also includes: subtle paranormal elements, sapphic representation, discussions about toxic friendships, a vegan character, anxiety representation (especially in regards to academic pressure) and fat representation.
I loved the writing style that truly created a mysterious atmosphere and the beautiful setting at the sea. So recommendable!
bookish links: instagram / tiktok / blog / twitter
This book really didn't need any more characters. It worked just perfectly fine like this - having these five teenagers isolated on an island, having to talk about their feelings, fears for the future and about their shared past, too.
Of course, there's the added mystery of Sierra and what she wants from them - which makes this book even more intriguing. I kind of wish there would have been a couple of more twists - but other than that I don't have anything to criticise.
This book also includes: subtle paranormal elements, sapphic representation, discussions about toxic friendships, a vegan character, anxiety representation (especially in regards to academic pressure) and fat representation.
I loved the writing style that truly created a mysterious atmosphere and the beautiful setting at the sea. So recommendable!
bookish links: instagram / tiktok / blog / twitter
bookish_brooklyn's review against another edition
3.0
A huge thank you to Hachette Australia/Date a Book for sending me a copy of Before The Beginning to read and review as part of the review tour, all thoughts are my own.
I’d long been excited for Before The Beginning, having absolutely adored Anna Morgan’s wonderful debut, All That Impossible Space.
I love how Before The Beginning sweeps readers in right away, with one of the main characters reflecting on their adventure and the mysterious young girl who they meet near the start of their journey, Sierra. As soon as her character was introduced, I found myself wanting to know more of her origin and her agenda – I absolutely loved that there were notations in between the chapters, alluding to mythological ties connecting Sierra to the island and of course the little teasers about the islands history, where a group of young teens ventured on an exciting but ill fated trip!
These wonderfully mythical teasers coupled with a backdrop of a cast of wonderfully real characters celebrating Schoolies, though not potentially in the conventional fashion, Before The Beginning is a wonderfully lyrical, immersive, cross-genre beauty!
I love how Before The Beginning is narrated from each of the main characters points of view, starting and ending with Grace, who we meet as a young girl who’s questioning everything she thought she knew (especially on a spiritual level, being torn about her Church’s values and learning her once close friends would be prejudice against what she believes in! I instantly adored her and hopefully she’d find happiness and peace in this adventure! Though it was so sad that her Brother (Casper) didn’t want her tagging along and didn’t care enough to tell his closest friends (Elsie and Noah) that she was coming in the first place!
Noah’s chapters were my favourite, I found Anna Morgan’s writing depicting his anxiety and worrying nature on such a real scale! His emotions, to me, really seeped through the page and his character was definitely the one that I loved reading about most, I honestly thought that his chapters were the ones packed with the most emotion, I found myself really feeling sad for him when he recounts fond memories of his beloved cat curling up with him and putting happily, Noah not always knowing his purpose in the world but being happy knowing that he could be a cushion for Ursula! So sweet, my heart!
Each of our four characters definitely had a chip on their shoulder throughout Before The Beginning and it was really great that Grace, Casper, Noah and Elsie got to have moments throughout this book where they learnt things about themselves, though it’s definitely not to say that the journey definitely wasn’t without its angst, because there was definitely plenty of that! Unfortunately for me though, I felt like there was just too much page time spent amongst these characters talking about their realisations, more so getting to the point where they always had suspected Sierra of erring on the menacing side and thinking she wants to keep them on the island (again, those whispers of mythology, which I love and truthfully wish there had of been more of!).
I definitely recommend Before The Beginning though, if you’re looking for a beautiful and completely mysterious and sometimes whimsical adventure, shrouded in some mythology too!
I’d long been excited for Before The Beginning, having absolutely adored Anna Morgan’s wonderful debut, All That Impossible Space.
I love how Before The Beginning sweeps readers in right away, with one of the main characters reflecting on their adventure and the mysterious young girl who they meet near the start of their journey, Sierra. As soon as her character was introduced, I found myself wanting to know more of her origin and her agenda – I absolutely loved that there were notations in between the chapters, alluding to mythological ties connecting Sierra to the island and of course the little teasers about the islands history, where a group of young teens ventured on an exciting but ill fated trip!
These wonderfully mythical teasers coupled with a backdrop of a cast of wonderfully real characters celebrating Schoolies, though not potentially in the conventional fashion, Before The Beginning is a wonderfully lyrical, immersive, cross-genre beauty!
I love how Before The Beginning is narrated from each of the main characters points of view, starting and ending with Grace, who we meet as a young girl who’s questioning everything she thought she knew (especially on a spiritual level, being torn about her Church’s values and learning her once close friends would be prejudice against what she believes in! I instantly adored her and hopefully she’d find happiness and peace in this adventure! Though it was so sad that her Brother (Casper) didn’t want her tagging along and didn’t care enough to tell his closest friends (Elsie and Noah) that she was coming in the first place!
Noah’s chapters were my favourite, I found Anna Morgan’s writing depicting his anxiety and worrying nature on such a real scale! His emotions, to me, really seeped through the page and his character was definitely the one that I loved reading about most, I honestly thought that his chapters were the ones packed with the most emotion, I found myself really feeling sad for him when he recounts fond memories of his beloved cat curling up with him and putting happily, Noah not always knowing his purpose in the world but being happy knowing that he could be a cushion for Ursula! So sweet, my heart!
Each of our four characters definitely had a chip on their shoulder throughout Before The Beginning and it was really great that Grace, Casper, Noah and Elsie got to have moments throughout this book where they learnt things about themselves, though it’s definitely not to say that the journey definitely wasn’t without its angst, because there was definitely plenty of that! Unfortunately for me though, I felt like there was just too much page time spent amongst these characters talking about their realisations, more so getting to the point where they always had suspected Sierra of erring on the menacing side and thinking she wants to keep them on the island (again, those whispers of mythology, which I love and truthfully wish there had of been more of!).
I definitely recommend Before The Beginning though, if you’re looking for a beautiful and completely mysterious and sometimes whimsical adventure, shrouded in some mythology too!
emmagrace28's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
littleworldofella's review
4.0
Synopsis:
The story of four friends, a mysterious stranger, and the week when everything changed. For fans of We Were Liars.
Schoolies week: that strange in-between time when teenagers move from school into the adult world. It's a week when anything is possible, and everything can change.
Grace is questioning everything she thought about herself, and has opted not to join her clique of judgemental friends for schoolies, instead tagging along with her brother Casper and his friends. Casper, an artist, is trying to create the perfect artwork for his uni application folio. Overachieving, anxiety-ridden Noah is reeling from a catastrophe that might have ruined his ATAR result. And Elsie is just trying to figure out how to hold their friendship group together.
On the first night of the trip, they meet Sierra, a mysterious girl with silver-grey hair and a magnetic personality. All of them are drawn to her for different reasons, and she persuades them to abandon the cliched schoolies experience in favour of camping with her on a remote, uninhabited island. On that island, each of them will find answers to their questions. But what does Sierra want from them?
An empathetic and suspenseful coming-of-age story from the author of All That Impossible Space.
My thoughts:
This novel was gripping from the start! I knew I would love it as soon as I read the blurb!! The characters were really likeable and there was so much suspense throughout the whole book. The main thing I loved is how it tackled difficult and relatable topics such as anxiety, external pressures, and leaving high school.
I would highly recommend this for fans of We Were Liars, and I Had Such Friends.
Thank you so much @hachetteaus for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
The story of four friends, a mysterious stranger, and the week when everything changed. For fans of We Were Liars.
Schoolies week: that strange in-between time when teenagers move from school into the adult world. It's a week when anything is possible, and everything can change.
Grace is questioning everything she thought about herself, and has opted not to join her clique of judgemental friends for schoolies, instead tagging along with her brother Casper and his friends. Casper, an artist, is trying to create the perfect artwork for his uni application folio. Overachieving, anxiety-ridden Noah is reeling from a catastrophe that might have ruined his ATAR result. And Elsie is just trying to figure out how to hold their friendship group together.
On the first night of the trip, they meet Sierra, a mysterious girl with silver-grey hair and a magnetic personality. All of them are drawn to her for different reasons, and she persuades them to abandon the cliched schoolies experience in favour of camping with her on a remote, uninhabited island. On that island, each of them will find answers to their questions. But what does Sierra want from them?
An empathetic and suspenseful coming-of-age story from the author of All That Impossible Space.
My thoughts:
This novel was gripping from the start! I knew I would love it as soon as I read the blurb!! The characters were really likeable and there was so much suspense throughout the whole book. The main thing I loved is how it tackled difficult and relatable topics such as anxiety, external pressures, and leaving high school.
I would highly recommend this for fans of We Were Liars, and I Had Such Friends.
Thank you so much @hachetteaus for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
turtleduckies_'s review
2.0
changing my rating bc it was really meh when i think about it
2.5/5
i bumped it up by .5 bc i liked the ending a lot
2.5/5
i bumped it up by .5 bc i liked the ending a lot