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4.56 AVERAGE
4.56 AVERAGE
medium-paced
This book had me on an absolute journey!
I had the pleasure to beta read the first party but unfortunately, couldn't do the same for part 2, and so I've been waiting (im)patiently to read the rest of this story for a while.
Now, let me tell you, it did not disappoint. I knew Scarlett would do something great with this story, but I wasn't prepared for what I felt while reading it.
I have completely fallen for Jude and Caspien, two very different characters but both imperfect and with depth. Caspien is, let's say it, mean at the best of times, but I couldn't help but love him, and in that way, I feel like I, and the reader, can completely empathise with Jude.
We follow them from teenagehood to adulthood and their growth was so beautiful to witness. This is not just a love story, it's also about self discovery and life. How do you keep on living when your heart has been ripped away from you?
As always, Scarlett has the most beautiful way with words, you don't just read them, you feel them deep in your bones. She takes you on a journey with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, and there's no way to prepare yourself for it. You'll find yourself crying from pain.
To me, this was one of a kind romance. Yes, it's a retelling, but Scarlett really made it her own, with well-rounded characters, a heart-wrenching love story and a pinch of mystery.
Thank you for sending me an ARC of this masterpiece.
If you fancy yourself a coming of age, slow-burn romance that will rip your heart out and then put it back together, then grab a copy on June 1st!!!
I had the pleasure to beta read the first party but unfortunately, couldn't do the same for part 2, and so I've been waiting (im)patiently to read the rest of this story for a while.
Now, let me tell you, it did not disappoint. I knew Scarlett would do something great with this story, but I wasn't prepared for what I felt while reading it.
I have completely fallen for Jude and Caspien, two very different characters but both imperfect and with depth. Caspien is, let's say it, mean at the best of times, but I couldn't help but love him, and in that way, I feel like I, and the reader, can completely empathise with Jude.
We follow them from teenagehood to adulthood and their growth was so beautiful to witness. This is not just a love story, it's also about self discovery and life. How do you keep on living when your heart has been ripped away from you?
As always, Scarlett has the most beautiful way with words, you don't just read them, you feel them deep in your bones. She takes you on a journey with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, and there's no way to prepare yourself for it. You'll find yourself crying from pain.
To me, this was one of a kind romance. Yes, it's a retelling, but Scarlett really made it her own, with well-rounded characters, a heart-wrenching love story and a pinch of mystery.
Thank you for sending me an ARC of this masterpiece.
If you fancy yourself a coming of age, slow-burn romance that will rip your heart out and then put it back together, then grab a copy on June 1st!!!
Oh this book is not what I expected it to be at all. This hurt me and not in the good way. I felt for Jude throughout the story and I just wanted to give him a big hug. Cause that is literally all he needed from someone and thank god he had Luke to be that someone. Honesty Gideon was a nasty vile person and I think he deserved to die alone. If I was Jude and Cas, I would have not been by that man side when he died. Also, I really thought I was going to finish this book, hating Cas, but damn that ending made me see him, FINALLY. I felt as though since its through the point of view of Jude and he is kind of unreliable narrator, I didn't know how to feel about Cas. But, he was a victim just as much as Jude, probably even more the victim. Honesty the villain in this book is Xavier, but more importantly it is Gideon!!
This book left me feeling empty and sad, but then that epilogue and article at the end made my heart swell and I finally felt happy after finishing this book. I thought I was going to give it 3 stars, but that ending deserves 4 stars.
This book left me feeling empty and sad, but then that epilogue and article at the end made my heart swell and I finally felt happy after finishing this book. I thought I was going to give it 3 stars, but that ending deserves 4 stars.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Oleander is an epic story that is hard to put into words. Jude and Caspian go on a long journey where hearts break, misunderstandings run amok and devastation surrounds both characters. I loved how emotional this story was, going on this ride with Jude and Caspian. Their story is beautiful, and heartbreaking, while showing how soul mates may have impossible timing but to never lose hope.
Jude and Caspian are total opposites in personality and overall demeanor. Jude is warm, loving, friendly, and sunshine-personified, while Caspian is prickly, curt, complicated and outwardly cold. Together they go on an intense journey from a pseudo-friendship to enemies to a beautifully rewarding second chance.
Another wonderful aspect of this story is its lyrical prose. I loved how throughout reading I felt like I was reading a classic story, which perfectly fits with this story being a Great Expectations retelling. Caspian speaks eloquently and bluntly, while Jude is much softer and approachable. I thought it was an excellent choice to have the story only through Jude's POV. Jude is a wonderful narrator and seeing this world through his eyes is perfect and keeps a shroud of mystery as to the many truths of the situation.
Caspian is a complicated character. Throughout this story alongside Jude, I was frustrated, angry, and devastated at his choices, but his reveal, without any games or hidden meanings, is so rewarding and amplifies the story.
Overall I loved this story. It was challenging to go through all the pain and suffering, but so worth it for their eventual HEA, which is hard-won and beautifully executed.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Jude and Caspian are total opposites in personality and overall demeanor. Jude is warm, loving, friendly, and sunshine-personified, while Caspian is prickly, curt, complicated and outwardly cold. Together they go on an intense journey from a pseudo-friendship to enemies to a beautifully rewarding second chance.
Another wonderful aspect of this story is its lyrical prose. I loved how throughout reading I felt like I was reading a classic story, which perfectly fits with this story being a Great Expectations retelling. Caspian speaks eloquently and bluntly, while Jude is much softer and approachable. I thought it was an excellent choice to have the story only through Jude's POV. Jude is a wonderful narrator and seeing this world through his eyes is perfect and keeps a shroud of mystery as to the many truths of the situation.
Caspian is a complicated character. Throughout this story alongside Jude, I was frustrated, angry, and devastated at his choices, but his reveal, without any games or hidden meanings, is so rewarding and amplifies the story.
Overall I loved this story. It was challenging to go through all the pain and suffering, but so worth it for their eventual HEA, which is hard-won and beautifully executed.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes