Reviews with content warning for Violence - Before We Disappear

Reviews tagging 'Violence'

Before We Disappear by Shaun David Hutchinson

17 reviews

tofi_15's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.75

This book stole my heart... oh no, actually, I gave my heart to this book and I regret nothing. Truly worth reading and/or listening <3.

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monniebiloney's review

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.0

Had a great beginning and a great climax, but was a little slow in the middle.
I loved the setting alot, and William and Jack were cute together. I loved how even though the "romance" was the main motivator for the main characters actions (it's because Jack liked William that he decided that he had to help William away from his' abusive "family", and it's because William was in love with Jack that he was willing to brave against his abusive "Father" ).

The best part of this book was definitely the climax,

the fact the MC told his "mother" about what happened and they all worked together to con Teddy so that Teddy would get arrested was great! I thought it was hilarious when the mom diches out with the gold. It's a slight plot hole that she decided to not tell Jack and just ditch out on him [it felt like that was done just so that Jack could be free, rather then something she would do]

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samthebookdevotee's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

3.0

This book was not what I expected it to be. I thought it would be a fun interesting enemies/rivals to lovers magical romance but instead, it was a lot more serious and darker book. Warning mild spoilers ahead. Most of what I am going to mention happens in the first couple of chapters, but feel free to skip to my wrap-up at the end if you don't want to be spoiled.

So, instead of enemies to lovers, we have Wilhelm who is a kidnap victim of Laszlo and essentially a slave to his master. He is only discovered to be a victim by Jack who breaks into their home to try and figure out their magic trick secrets. The rest of the book is spent with Jack trying to free Wilhelm and stop Laszlo's con. While not a bad plot, I do wish this was hinted at in the synopsis. It just wasn't what I expected and just overall not a good twist for me.

With that being said, I absolutely loved the characters. There was not one that I disliked. The author did an amazing job fleshing each of them out even if they were side characters. The characters are the reason I kept reading the book. I loved seeing the relationships between them grow and change. I really liked Jack as he is painted to us as this golden boy, but he really has no ambition and doesn't think of his future or want to further himself. Wilhelm is painted as this shy character but he's bold enough to pursue Jack despite the danger it brings. I also really liked the two of them together. There were no unnecessary understandings. They did their best to openly communicate. Just chef's kiss.

Overall, while I wasn't a fan of the plot, the characters stole the show and were my absolute favorites. They are why I did not dnf this book. I think this is a great read if you're looking for fun interesting characters and a complex plot. I would stay away if you're not interested in reading about kidnapping, torture, racism, and emotional manipulation. I am interested in reading more books by this author.

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thebookishell's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious fast-paced

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

4.5

This was a cover-purchase at first but in the end I was so happy I’ve read it.

Perfect pacing, slow-burn, a lovely subtle romance that isn’t the main focus but still there and placed perfectly, totally fitting for the young characters.

I could hardly put it down because it really made me want to know what happens next.

Maybe check the trigger warnings because of one or two scenes.

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