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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
My actual rating is 4.5
As always TJ Klune never fails to amaze me with his creative, heart felt stories. I fell in love with the characters and was immediately entranced by the story. Plus talk about a plot twist! I did not see it coming. The only fault I could find with this book is that I felt the beginning was a bit slow and the very ending felt a bit convenient but otherwise an amazing book!
As always TJ Klune never fails to amaze me with his creative, heart felt stories. I fell in love with the characters and was immediately entranced by the story. Plus talk about a plot twist! I did not see it coming. The only fault I could find with this book is that I felt the beginning was a bit slow and the very ending felt a bit convenient
Spoiler
namely how these things were possible because the town was “special” without really explaining why and also how things worked out with Michael showing up
SO. MUCH. IN. THIS. BOOK.
Will be unpacking for some time--not sure in a positive or negative trajectory. Did the author try to cram too much into one book? After reading [b:The House in the Cerulean Sea|45047384|The House in the Cerulean Sea|T.J. Klune|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1569514209l/45047384._SY75_.jpg|62945242], I had pretty high expectations and feels. And while this book is also creative, it had a much darker feel and no cute little magical orphans.
Merged review:
SO. MUCH. IN. THIS. BOOK.
Will be unpacking for some time--not sure in a positive or negative trajectory. Did the author try to cram too much into one book? After reading [b:The House in the Cerulean Sea|45047384|The House in the Cerulean Sea|T.J. Klune|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1569514209l/45047384._SY75_.jpg|62945242], I had pretty high expectations and feels. And while this book is also creative, it had a much darker feel and no cute little magical orphans.
Will be unpacking for some time--not sure in a positive or negative trajectory. Did the author try to cram too much into one book? After reading [b:The House in the Cerulean Sea|45047384|The House in the Cerulean Sea|T.J. Klune|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1569514209l/45047384._SY75_.jpg|62945242], I had pretty high expectations and feels. And while this book is also creative, it had a much darker feel and no cute little magical orphans.
Merged review:
SO. MUCH. IN. THIS. BOOK.
Will be unpacking for some time--not sure in a positive or negative trajectory. Did the author try to cram too much into one book? After reading [b:The House in the Cerulean Sea|45047384|The House in the Cerulean Sea|T.J. Klune|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1569514209l/45047384._SY75_.jpg|62945242], I had pretty high expectations and feels. And while this book is also creative, it had a much darker feel and no cute little magical orphans.
Honestly, it was weird, but I liked it. Felt very different from TJs later work though, so if that’s what you’re looking for, this isn’t it.
This is one of those books that needs to be experience not explained. It’s touching, beautiful, emotionally draining, but yet hopeful in the end no matter the circumstances. This is a book about faith, love, duty, and devotion, but it’s also a book about pain, loss, anger, and frustration. Inside Benji’s head is just a mess of turmoil and this book takes a LONG time to develop. It’s well worth the wait though.
Benjamin Edward Green adores his father Big Eddie. When Big Eddie was killed in a car crash Benji’s life goes spinning out of control. Ruled an accident Benji’s never been truly convinced. It’s five years later and his life is still on hold wrapped up in one single moment in time. He’s immersed in his grief to the exclusion of all else only functioning enough to maintain the convenience store and garage that was his father’s life. Benji is drowning in a river of his own grief, but every so often he feels an unseen hand on his shoulder, a breath on the back of his neck, or a bright blue light. Something is out there and it keeps dragging Benji back to the surface anytime his dreams of his father’s death get to be too much. But the world is still spinning and truths are hurtling towards each other leading to a big explosion of long hidden secrets.
I’m going to try to write this review with as few spoilers as possible. This is one of those stories that just needs to be read. Benji’s voice is so painfully honest and lost. I am not normally a fan of first person stories, let alone one’s told mostly in first person past. This worked beautifully though. The structure is unorthodox and yet supremely fascinating. I really felt like I was in Benji’s head, jumping from point to point as he remembered. This story isn’t completely one hundred percent linear, but every jump further into the past makes sense within the context of the storyline.
God my heart is just plain torn in two for Benji. He’s suffered so much over the loss of his father. There’s so much pain going on inside his soul and it causes him to lash out at those he loves often at those he least likes hurting. Cal is such a shock to his system. His uniqueness is just fascinating enough to catch Benji’s attention and keep him from thinking about his own pain for a heartbeat. There were times I wanted to smack Benji and times I wanted to cuddle him and shower him in love and caring. He may be twenty one now, but in some ways he’s trapped at sixteen mentally, stuck in the same mindset he was at when his father died. He needs to grow up as much as he needs to let go.
Oh Calliel, you are just the most adorable thing. I loved how everyone in town was just so innately drawn to him. Sure, he is what he is, but yet he’s still so human. I loved his curiosity and his joy at the new things he was discovering. I giggled every time I heard his “I don’t think I’ll like that.” His love for Benji was just so pure. Of course when he goes all protector on everything it’s a little bit of a “HOT DAMN!” moment.
The paranormal aspects to this story and the description of faith I found to be fascinating. This was so well crafted no matter what your personal beliefs I think there is something to be found within this story. I’m beyond curious at the other world hinted at within these pages and what those possibilities might mean for humanity. The decisions these characters arrive at are suggested to have long ranging implications and I hope Mr. Klune gets to explore them at some point in the future.
This story was brilliantly put together and lyric despite being written in prose. It’s a slow building beginning, but every piece in the end feels necessary. There are no wasted thoughts and Calliel’s devotion to protecting Benji and the people of Rosewood is beautiful to behold. This story tells of things impossible and improbable to believe, but sometimes those things are the greatest of us all. They mystery behind everything pushes the story along where it might have gotten muddied down in river water. Everything gathers speed as the story progresses and culminates in a slam-bang finish. This story is a chance for a rebirth, like the way a river gathers speed during a flash flood, it may have start off as a trickle but eventually that water will become a wave with the potential to leave devastation in it’s path, but in the aftermath there is the chance for new growth and hope to replace the destruction. Rebuilding may be necessary, but greater things can come of it all.
Epic tale of love and loss. It is not one I will soon forget. Benji’s growth throughout the story really does take a boy trapped in his teenage headspace and make him the man he’s always had the potential to become. This book is touching and gives everyone a reason to believe, to have faith, and pray for the day that everything does get better. Free will is ours, our choices and what we stand up for are what will make us at the end of the day.
Benjamin Edward Green adores his father Big Eddie. When Big Eddie was killed in a car crash Benji’s life goes spinning out of control. Ruled an accident Benji’s never been truly convinced. It’s five years later and his life is still on hold wrapped up in one single moment in time. He’s immersed in his grief to the exclusion of all else only functioning enough to maintain the convenience store and garage that was his father’s life. Benji is drowning in a river of his own grief, but every so often he feels an unseen hand on his shoulder, a breath on the back of his neck, or a bright blue light. Something is out there and it keeps dragging Benji back to the surface anytime his dreams of his father’s death get to be too much. But the world is still spinning and truths are hurtling towards each other leading to a big explosion of long hidden secrets.
I’m going to try to write this review with as few spoilers as possible. This is one of those stories that just needs to be read. Benji’s voice is so painfully honest and lost. I am not normally a fan of first person stories, let alone one’s told mostly in first person past. This worked beautifully though. The structure is unorthodox and yet supremely fascinating. I really felt like I was in Benji’s head, jumping from point to point as he remembered. This story isn’t completely one hundred percent linear, but every jump further into the past makes sense within the context of the storyline.
God my heart is just plain torn in two for Benji. He’s suffered so much over the loss of his father. There’s so much pain going on inside his soul and it causes him to lash out at those he loves often at those he least likes hurting. Cal is such a shock to his system. His uniqueness is just fascinating enough to catch Benji’s attention and keep him from thinking about his own pain for a heartbeat. There were times I wanted to smack Benji and times I wanted to cuddle him and shower him in love and caring. He may be twenty one now, but in some ways he’s trapped at sixteen mentally, stuck in the same mindset he was at when his father died. He needs to grow up as much as he needs to let go.
Oh Calliel, you are just the most adorable thing. I loved how everyone in town was just so innately drawn to him. Sure, he is what he is, but yet he’s still so human. I loved his curiosity and his joy at the new things he was discovering. I giggled every time I heard his “I don’t think I’ll like that.” His love for Benji was just so pure. Of course when he goes all protector on everything it’s a little bit of a “HOT DAMN!” moment.
The paranormal aspects to this story and the description of faith I found to be fascinating. This was so well crafted no matter what your personal beliefs I think there is something to be found within this story. I’m beyond curious at the other world hinted at within these pages and what those possibilities might mean for humanity. The decisions these characters arrive at are suggested to have long ranging implications and I hope Mr. Klune gets to explore them at some point in the future.
This story was brilliantly put together and lyric despite being written in prose. It’s a slow building beginning, but every piece in the end feels necessary. There are no wasted thoughts and Calliel’s devotion to protecting Benji and the people of Rosewood is beautiful to behold. This story tells of things impossible and improbable to believe, but sometimes those things are the greatest of us all. They mystery behind everything pushes the story along where it might have gotten muddied down in river water. Everything gathers speed as the story progresses and culminates in a slam-bang finish. This story is a chance for a rebirth, like the way a river gathers speed during a flash flood, it may have start off as a trickle but eventually that water will become a wave with the potential to leave devastation in it’s path, but in the aftermath there is the chance for new growth and hope to replace the destruction. Rebuilding may be necessary, but greater things can come of it all.
Epic tale of love and loss. It is not one I will soon forget. Benji’s growth throughout the story really does take a boy trapped in his teenage headspace and make him the man he’s always had the potential to become. This book is touching and gives everyone a reason to believe, to have faith, and pray for the day that everything does get better. Free will is ours, our choices and what we stand up for are what will make us at the end of the day.
This novel contains the most real portrayal of grief that I can recall reading. Benji Green lost his father in a car accident by the river five years ago. His life has been in a muddy rut ever since, frozen in time. He runs the family general store. Then he goes home to sleep. And then he does it again. But Benji’s life takes a turn for the strange when a man with wings tumbles out of the sky and into his life.
This book is wild and unpredictable, with the untamed twists of a wild romantic fan fiction coupled with literary musings on grief, death, and God’s place and hand in suffering. Its love story is sweet and compelling. Its murder mystery is grim and scary. Its worldbuilding on angels and the divine is—wisely—left mysterious and epic (I hate angel stories with too much detail; they always feel like the writer hasn’t done their research).
I recently read in my current book that queer stories (along with stories about women and people of color) are often dismissed as specific rather than universal, small rather than big, personal rather than socially significant. A novel like this doesn’t deserve that dismissal. A gay love story is at its center, but, as with many a queer story, there are emotions and ideas here that can connect with any reader.
This would also low key rank among the best Father’s Day reads. Benji’s father, though dead before the novel begins, permeates the story with his presence. Writer TJ Klune portrays an (imperfect, but) impeccably good man. I was often reminded of my own impeccably good person of a dad, my love for him, and his transparent love for me.
This book is wild and unpredictable, with the untamed twists of a wild romantic fan fiction coupled with literary musings on grief, death, and God’s place and hand in suffering. Its love story is sweet and compelling. Its murder mystery is grim and scary. Its worldbuilding on angels and the divine is—wisely—left mysterious and epic (I hate angel stories with too much detail; they always feel like the writer hasn’t done their research).
I recently read in my current book that queer stories (along with stories about women and people of color) are often dismissed as specific rather than universal, small rather than big, personal rather than socially significant. A novel like this doesn’t deserve that dismissal. A gay love story is at its center, but, as with many a queer story, there are emotions and ideas here that can connect with any reader.
This would also low key rank among the best Father’s Day reads. Benji’s father, though dead before the novel begins, permeates the story with his presence. Writer TJ Klune portrays an (imperfect, but) impeccably good man. I was often reminded of my own impeccably good person of a dad, my love for him, and his transparent love for me.
There was so much I loved about this book, but also a lot I was annoyed with. What was clear to me is that book needed a better editor as it was way too long.
So this book made me cry. Wow. Honestly, the best review I can give for this book is that if any single part of the premise intrigues you, I would tell you to pick it up, because this book is so much more than it's parts and it is a journey worth taking.
Merged review:
So this book made me cry. Wow. Honestly, the best review I can give for this book is that if any single part of the premise intrigues you, I would tell you to pick it up, because this book is so much more than it's parts and it is a journey worth taking.
Merged review:
So this book made me cry. Wow. Honestly, the best review I can give for this book is that if any single part of the premise intrigues you, I would tell you to pick it up, because this book is so much more than it's parts and it is a journey worth taking.
“We are the furious ones, the ones that scream at the injustice and the pain. We are the ones that obsess and slowly lose rational thought, knowing it is happening but unable to find a way to care. We are the ones who drown.”
(DEUTSCH WEITER UNTEN)
Phew, I don’t know what to think.
Klune’s writing style was once again beautiful and flung emotions around so that I couldn’t get through the book without tissues. In my opinion, Klune expressed grief magnificently in words. Showed what loss means and what it can be like when you can no longer manage to live life. Unfortunately, this is precisely where our protagonist (Benji) repeated himself very often and especially the themes of his depression and his „self-esteem“ were conveyed in an annoying rather than understanding way. (Benji’s thought patterns, which were simply constantly repeated).
I don’t know why, but the book dragged on incredibly and I just couldn’t get into it. Cal was an amusing main character (some of his descriptions often reminded me of „The Green Mile“) and I think Benji and him were a nice match. However, their „relationship“ progressed far too quickly for me - at least from Benji’s point of view - but perhaps that was simply due to grief and despair. I dunno.
In general, the whole town and especially Abe reminded me a lot of Klune’s „Green Creek“ series (which came after „Into This River I Drown“) and somehow that bothered me. Of course, it’s nice to have an altruistic community around, but ... yes ... it was all just too samey for me.
The basic idea of the book was exciting, but at the end (even though it was super emotional and I cried like a baby) it was all too much (especially the thing with the angels). It read as if there were a few plot threads that were never taken up again, because this book is a stand-alone.
Also, the stuff with the angels and Cal and the town community and God at the end was really just too much for me. Too confusing. Too ... „divine“. I won’t say anything more about it, because I don’t want to spoil anything, but yes, I didn’t enjoy it that much, but that’s okay.
My favourite character remains Nina, (and her relationship with Cal) who I took to my heart from the start. <3
I think the book is solid, but it just wasn’t quite for me. I enjoyed it quite a bit and had my moments, but often I just wanted it to be over.
(DEUTSCH)
Puh, ich weiß auch nicht.
Klune’s Schreibstil war wieder einmal wunderschön und hat mit Emotionen um sich geschlagen, sodass ich nicht ohne Taschentücher durch das Buch gekommen bin. Meiner Meinung nach hat er die Trauer wundervoll in Worte gefasst. Hat gezeigt, was Verlust bedeutet und wie es sein kann, wenn man das Leben nicht mehr schafft zu leben. Genau hier hat sich unser Protagonist (Benji) leider auch sehr oft wiederholt und vor allem die Thematik seiner Depression und seiner „Selbstachtung“ wurden eher nervend vermittelt, als verständnisvoll. (Benjis’s Gedankengänge, die sich dahingehend einfach konstant wiederholt haben)
Ich weiß nicht warum, aber das Buch hat sich unglaublich gezogen und ich bin einfach nicht reingekommen. Cal war ein unglaublich amüsanter Hauptcharakter (hat mich durch manche Beschreibungen oftmals an „The Green Mile“ erinnert) und ich denke, Benji und er waren eine schöne Konstellation. Allerdings ging mir ihre „Beziehung“ viel zu schnell – jedenfalls aus Benji’s Sicht –, aber vielleicht hat das auch einfach war mit Trauer und Verzweiflung zu tun. I dunno.
Generell hat mich die ganze Stadt und vor allem auch Abe sehr stark an Klune’s „Green Creek“ Reihe (die nach „Into This River I Drown“ erschienen ist) erinnert und irgendwie hat mich das gestört. Natürlich ist es schön eine altruistische Gemeinschaft um sich herum zu haben, aber ... ja ... es war mir dann doch einfach alles zu gleich.
Die Grundidee des Buches war spannend, allerdings war es mir am Ende (auch wenn es super emotional war und ich geheult hab wie ein Kleinkind) alles zu aufgebauscht (vor allem die Sache mit den Engeln). Es hat sich gelesen, als würden da so einige Plotstränge aufgemacht werden, die aber nie wieder aufgenommen wurden, da dieses Buch ja ein Stand-alone ist.
Auch war mir das mit den Engeln und Cal und der Stadtgemeinschaft und Gott am Ende echt einfach zu viel. Zu verwirrend. Zu ... „göttlich“. Ich sage da jetzt mal nicht mehr zu, da ich nicht spoilern will, aber ja, ich bin nicht so gut drauf klargekommen, was aber voll okay ist.
Mein Lieblingscharakter ist und bleibt Nina, (und ihre Beziehung zu Cal) die ich von Anfang an ins Herz geschlossen habe. <3
Ich denke, dass das Buch solide ist, aber es war einfach nicht ganz für mich. Ich habe es durchaus genossen und hatte so meine Momente, aber oft wollte ich auch einfach nur, dass es vorbei ist.
(DEUTSCH WEITER UNTEN)
Phew, I don’t know what to think.
Klune’s writing style was once again beautiful and flung emotions around so that I couldn’t get through the book without tissues. In my opinion, Klune expressed grief magnificently in words. Showed what loss means and what it can be like when you can no longer manage to live life. Unfortunately, this is precisely where our protagonist (Benji) repeated himself very often and especially the themes of his depression and his „self-esteem“ were conveyed in an annoying rather than understanding way. (Benji’s thought patterns, which were simply constantly repeated).
I don’t know why, but the book dragged on incredibly and I just couldn’t get into it. Cal was an amusing main character (some of his descriptions often reminded me of „The Green Mile“) and I think Benji and him were a nice match. However, their „relationship“ progressed far too quickly for me - at least from Benji’s point of view - but perhaps that was simply due to grief and despair. I dunno.
In general, the whole town and especially Abe reminded me a lot of Klune’s „Green Creek“ series (which came after „Into This River I Drown“) and somehow that bothered me. Of course, it’s nice to have an altruistic community around, but ... yes ... it was all just too samey for me.
The basic idea of the book was exciting, but at the end (even though it was super emotional and I cried like a baby) it was all too much (especially the thing with the angels). It read as if there were a few plot threads that were never taken up again, because this book is a stand-alone.
Also, the stuff with the angels and Cal and the town community and God at the end was really just too much for me. Too confusing. Too ... „divine“. I won’t say anything more about it, because I don’t want to spoil anything, but yes, I didn’t enjoy it that much, but that’s okay.
My favourite character remains Nina, (and her relationship with Cal) who I took to my heart from the start. <3
I think the book is solid, but it just wasn’t quite for me. I enjoyed it quite a bit and had my moments, but often I just wanted it to be over.
(DEUTSCH)
Puh, ich weiß auch nicht.
Klune’s Schreibstil war wieder einmal wunderschön und hat mit Emotionen um sich geschlagen, sodass ich nicht ohne Taschentücher durch das Buch gekommen bin. Meiner Meinung nach hat er die Trauer wundervoll in Worte gefasst. Hat gezeigt, was Verlust bedeutet und wie es sein kann, wenn man das Leben nicht mehr schafft zu leben. Genau hier hat sich unser Protagonist (Benji) leider auch sehr oft wiederholt und vor allem die Thematik seiner Depression und seiner „Selbstachtung“ wurden eher nervend vermittelt, als verständnisvoll. (Benjis’s Gedankengänge, die sich dahingehend einfach konstant wiederholt haben)
Ich weiß nicht warum, aber das Buch hat sich unglaublich gezogen und ich bin einfach nicht reingekommen. Cal war ein unglaublich amüsanter Hauptcharakter (hat mich durch manche Beschreibungen oftmals an „The Green Mile“ erinnert) und ich denke, Benji und er waren eine schöne Konstellation. Allerdings ging mir ihre „Beziehung“ viel zu schnell – jedenfalls aus Benji’s Sicht –, aber vielleicht hat das auch einfach war mit Trauer und Verzweiflung zu tun. I dunno.
Generell hat mich die ganze Stadt und vor allem auch Abe sehr stark an Klune’s „Green Creek“ Reihe (die nach „Into This River I Drown“ erschienen ist) erinnert und irgendwie hat mich das gestört. Natürlich ist es schön eine altruistische Gemeinschaft um sich herum zu haben, aber ... ja ... es war mir dann doch einfach alles zu gleich.
Die Grundidee des Buches war spannend, allerdings war es mir am Ende (auch wenn es super emotional war und ich geheult hab wie ein Kleinkind) alles zu aufgebauscht (vor allem die Sache mit den Engeln). Es hat sich gelesen, als würden da so einige Plotstränge aufgemacht werden, die aber nie wieder aufgenommen wurden, da dieses Buch ja ein Stand-alone ist.
Auch war mir das mit den Engeln und Cal und der Stadtgemeinschaft und Gott am Ende echt einfach zu viel. Zu verwirrend. Zu ... „göttlich“. Ich sage da jetzt mal nicht mehr zu, da ich nicht spoilern will, aber ja, ich bin nicht so gut drauf klargekommen, was aber voll okay ist.
Mein Lieblingscharakter ist und bleibt Nina, (und ihre Beziehung zu Cal) die ich von Anfang an ins Herz geschlossen habe. <3
Ich denke, dass das Buch solide ist, aber es war einfach nicht ganz für mich. Ich habe es durchaus genossen und hatte so meine Momente, aber oft wollte ich auch einfach nur, dass es vorbei ist.
My second read of this book was ruined by extenuating circumstances that happened in my life but I still focused enough on it to give it a different review than the first time I read it. Three and a half stars from me. I love TJ Klune and his writing, and this book is good, but definitely not as good as some of his others. The whole crossover with his Elemental series was kind of ridiculous, and the progression of this book happens too quickly for me. There are time jumps and more development in his other books I love, but there’s a lack of it in this one. A really cool concept though, just not quite done right.