Reviews

I feel like my heart has been broken a thousand times over. But at the same time, this book was so insanely comforting. How can that be?

Each of the characters is so loveable, realistic and relatable in their own unique way.

Spoiler

I fell in love with them as the story progressed, and despite the hints that they might not make it, I still had hope for them. I guess that is a lesson in the story, hope is not always enough. But that doesn't mean we should give up on it, because the story these characters had to tell and the bonds they shared were something truly special. Through found family vibes and Sam's narration, these characters felt more than real. I felt like I knew each of them personally. And that's why the ending hurt so so much more.

I know how much this story means to the author, and I think she did a spectacular job at piecing this together and impacting so many people. The writing is poetic and lyrical; there is not a single line in this book that does not flow with beautiful ease and passion. This is exactly why Lancali's work is always up there in my favourites. I'm so excited to read more from her <3.

sweetsunbleached's review against another edition

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3.0

this was such an interesting concept that imo was not executed that well. some parts were great but for the most part it was a drag.

hikari and sam aka the two main characters were so pretentious and annoyed the living shit out of me. the amount of times sam said they were “lost in her yellow eyes” STFUUUUUU.

but i will say… nico and couer deserved better

mylasteve's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

tamtamslibrary's review against another edition

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emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Before you read the rest of this review, pleasepleaseplease check trigger warnings. This is a VERY heavy book, and I recommend being in the right headspace to read it. I would not recommend reading this if you are struggling with loss or depression—they are avid themes throughout.

That aside, this is a story of grief, loss, hope, and love. On the prose level, this is written beautifully—especially if you love metaphorical language and imagery. The characters are all unique and individualized, and you will never be the same after C and Neo (and if you are, well, lucky you not falling victim to emotional tragedy).

You will be confused at times when it comes to the narrator, and I can’t stress this enough—THAT IS THE POINT. Will you like the narrator by the end? Maybe not, but this isn’t just their story.

I listened to the audio version of this, and the fact that it was read by Lancali makes it that much more emotional. I knew very little about this book going in, but I couldn’t stop listening, even when I was left with more questions.

The structure isn’t perfect, and it messes with the pacing some, but the characters, themes, and language make up for that.

Again, check the trigger warnings. I am not joking when I say there is some parts where I had to pause and take a f*cking breath. This is set in a hospital with a few different sick characters who all have different relationships with others and themselves, so it is meant to be emotional.

I’ll list the main TW here (since I post the review on Goodreads as well).
Grief, child abuse (shown through bruises and injuries mostly, but there is a instance where there is some details), anorexia, self harm, child illnesses, abandonment, and one paragraph mention of rape (not graphic or detailed, just mentioned).

Content Warnings

chloejen's review against another edition

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3.0

i feel like this would work better if all the characters were 10 years younger

binx11's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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