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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
This was a re-read for me. I very seldom re-read books. There are maybe four books that I can think of that would be worth my time to journey back into their pages; this is one of them.
This is a story (letter) written (narrated) by Gemma in response to her kidnapping from a Bangkok airport. She is taken to the Australian desert, where she lives every minute hoping and planning her breakaway...
This is a story (letter) written (narrated) by Gemma in response to her kidnapping from a Bangkok airport. She is taken to the Australian desert, where she lives every minute hoping and planning her breakaway...
Spoiler
This is not your average young adult book where the main female character falls in love with main male character; thank God for that. The first time I read it, I was almost filled with fear that sooner of later this would turn into another "I know he's wrong but I fell for him anyway" plot. This second time reading I got to sit back and get into the unfolding of Lucy's emotions and thoughts without worrying if she was going to lose her mind and become "one" with her abductor.
challenging
dark
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Kidnapping, Stalking
I was recommended this book by a friend and since it had a lot of good reviews I decided to give it a shot. But honestly, I don’t get the hype. The entire time I read this book I felt uncomfortable. The ‘romance’ between these characters is difficult to deal with. A totally cringe-worthy read.
This is one of those books that stay with you long after you've read it, and OMG emotions. I DONT KNOW HOW TO FEEL. Too many conflicting thoughts! And how am I going to read another book again after this? Can anything ever be as good?!
The first person/letter format is brilliant for this book, it feels so personal, like you're literally experiencing all the emotions that Gemma is feeling yourself.
Everything is described so well, the creaky wood of the house, the warmth of the sand. It felt like you were really out there in the dessert under the heat of the sun, craving the coolness of water.
I'd recommend this to anyone who loves a book that moves you and makes you think.
SIGH.
The first person/letter format is brilliant for this book, it feels so personal, like you're literally experiencing all the emotions that Gemma is feeling yourself.
Spoiler
Sometimes you just want to scream at her though, just give Ty a chance already, he's not going to hurt you! And then your mind goes back on yourself and thinks, yes but she shouldn't give him a chance after what he's done.Everything is described so well, the creaky wood of the house, the warmth of the sand. It felt like you were really out there in the dessert under the heat of the sun, craving the coolness of water.
Spoiler
After I finished the book, I missed Ty! I missed how caring and gentle he could be. I missed his passion for the land! Im not done with him yet, give me more Ty!I'd recommend this to anyone who loves a book that moves you and makes you think.
SIGH.
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Don't come here expecting to read the usual romantic development for these kinds of stories. Just let yourself be taken to the flow.
That said, this is a refreshing and beautiful read. The second-person point of view made it more impactful.
That said, this is a refreshing and beautiful read. The second-person point of view made it more impactful.
I'm hugely surprised by the raving reviews of this book. I will begin this review by telling you the ONE thing that I liked about it. Gemma is a fighter. Even towards the end when she feels something like care or sympathy for Ty, she never excuses what he did to her, she stops trying to get away. I appreciate that.
Here are the things I don't appreciate.
1) In what universe is this an acceptable amount of backstory for a kidnapper? We know nothing about Ty. Like almost literally nothing. I can't even hate him because I feel like despite being on almost every page he has no personality or story whatsoever. He's just there. Like the desert. Just there.
2) The letter writing format is so not needed at all.
3) The way she constantly refers to him as "you" throughout the whole story is EXTREMELY uncomfortable.
It was a fairly quick read but... Pretty pointless, honestly.
Here are the things I don't appreciate.
1) In what universe is this an acceptable amount of backstory for a kidnapper? We know nothing about Ty. Like almost literally nothing. I can't even hate him because I feel like despite being on almost every page he has no personality or story whatsoever. He's just there. Like the desert. Just there.
2) The letter writing format is so not needed at all.
3) The way she constantly refers to him as "you" throughout the whole story is EXTREMELY uncomfortable.
It was a fairly quick read but... Pretty pointless, honestly.
Written with a strong sense of place and character. Gemma is kidnapped and taken to the outback of Australia. When I finished this book, I felt confused and hot and dusty!
I’m giving this book four stars for a couple of reasons… First, it’s been years since a book has captivated me to the point where I don’t want to put it down. Even when I wasn’t reading this book, I was thinking about it because of its plot and the descriptions of the setting- the Australian outback is a huge third character in and of itself. Additionally, I love a book that’s told in second person. Christopher did a great job making the reader experience Stockholm syndrome along with Gemma. I really hated Ty because of his actions from the beginning but as the book progressed, I don’t know how in the hell I started to fall in love with him just like she did. Logically that would never happen, but it’s so scary to think about it possibly happening because of the way I felt at the end of this book. I felt sorry for him because he was turning himself in to help save her life, but also disgusted with myself for even thinking that he’s a good guy (…but he kinda is!? Idk!) I’m super excited to know there’s a sequel, sad that my library doesn’t have it so I’m definitely requesting it.