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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
mysterious
sad
medium-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
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for providing me with a gifted ebook copy of We Can Never Leave through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Bird belongs to the Caravan, which exists to take care of creatures that are part human, part animal. Bird was born into the Caravan, and has grown up in the community with their mother and grandparents. One morning following one of the community's moon festivals, five teenagers wake to find that everyone else is missing. Now Bird, Hugo, Felix, Eamon, and Cal must travel to the next Caravan community and try to find out why everyone has disappeared overnight. They all have their own secrets and along the way they start to discover dark secrets that have been kept by the very community that is supposed to protect them.
When I saw that We Can Never Leave was compared to Sweet Tooth, I was all-in, because it is one of my favorite series! The book definitely has a similar vibe to the series, introducing characters who have varying half human/half animal attributes. I really loved the mystery surrounding the emergence of half humans/half animals and the questions of how they can into being. I think I would have enjoyed the story even more, if the "sci-fi" aspect would have been explored and fleshed out more, instead of so much time spent on the characters relationships. I was really invested in the questions behind their existence and the secrets being kept by the cult-like members of the Caravan. I didn't mind the relationship aspects to the story, but it would have worked better for me, if equal or more of the story followed the sci-fi arc.
The writing was beautiful, and I loved the imagery that Edgmon created. There's a great sense of mystery as the five characters travel to find answers, and the varying POVs kept the story interesting. I also loved that Edgmon had some fourth wall breaks, that brought humor to the story, as well as insight into one of the characters. The book reads as young adult fiction, but there were some small moments of horror in the story, that really elevated the storytelling, for me.
We Can Never Leave is a captivating story of fantasy and science fiction, that follows complicated characters, dangerous secrets, messy family relationships, past traumas, and struggles with identity and seeking to find your place.
Bird belongs to the Caravan, which exists to take care of creatures that are part human, part animal. Bird was born into the Caravan, and has grown up in the community with their mother and grandparents. One morning following one of the community's moon festivals, five teenagers wake to find that everyone else is missing. Now Bird, Hugo, Felix, Eamon, and Cal must travel to the next Caravan community and try to find out why everyone has disappeared overnight. They all have their own secrets and along the way they start to discover dark secrets that have been kept by the very community that is supposed to protect them.
When I saw that We Can Never Leave was compared to Sweet Tooth, I was all-in, because it is one of my favorite series! The book definitely has a similar vibe to the series, introducing characters who have varying half human/half animal attributes. I really loved the mystery surrounding the emergence of half humans/half animals and the questions of how they can into being. I think I would have enjoyed the story even more, if the "sci-fi" aspect would have been explored and fleshed out more, instead of so much time spent on the characters relationships. I was really invested in the questions behind their existence and the secrets being kept by the cult-like members of the Caravan. I didn't mind the relationship aspects to the story, but it would have worked better for me, if equal or more of the story followed the sci-fi arc.
The writing was beautiful, and I loved the imagery that Edgmon created. There's a great sense of mystery as the five characters travel to find answers, and the varying POVs kept the story interesting. I also loved that Edgmon had some fourth wall breaks, that brought humor to the story, as well as insight into one of the characters. The book reads as young adult fiction, but there were some small moments of horror in the story, that really elevated the storytelling, for me.
We Can Never Leave is a captivating story of fantasy and science fiction, that follows complicated characters, dangerous secrets, messy family relationships, past traumas, and struggles with identity and seeking to find your place.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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:
Yes
Thanks to Wednesday Books for the free copy of this book.
- WE CAN NEVER LEAVE is a beautiful and painful exploration of trying to figure out what home means after a traumatic upbringing.
- I loved the setting of this book, moving around the western half of the country in a van with people you love and hate in equal measure.
- This is very much a character driven novel, and there are long stretches where not much happens plot-wise. But if you love messy characters in thorny situations, this is definitely one to look into.
- WE CAN NEVER LEAVE is a beautiful and painful exploration of trying to figure out what home means after a traumatic upbringing.
- I loved the setting of this book, moving around the western half of the country in a van with people you love and hate in equal measure.
- This is very much a character driven novel, and there are long stretches where not much happens plot-wise. But if you love messy characters in thorny situations, this is definitely one to look into.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Death, Grief, Murder, Alcohol
On the fringe of society a caravan of people with hidden magic or inhuman attributes circles the country seeking out their own. Suddenly one night the entire caravan disappears except for 5 teenagers. This is the story of those 5 teenagers trying to navigate the trauma of their past and present to figure out if they'll even have a future.
Edgmon's writing is intriguing and addictive. If you crave complex character driven narratives, this book's for you. This world is dark, gruesome, and selfish. Our group of teens is trying to navigate it as best as they possibly can. This novel takes a close look at how people are messy, complicated, and capable of hurting each other. Filled with characters that are equals parts likable and unlikable, trustworthy and dishonest. Can we survive our past and move forward to the future? Will the kids be alright? I do not know.
Edgmon's writing is intriguing and addictive. If you crave complex character driven narratives, this book's for you. This world is dark, gruesome, and selfish. Our group of teens is trying to navigate it as best as they possibly can. This novel takes a close look at how people are messy, complicated, and capable of hurting each other. Filled with characters that are equals parts likable and unlikable, trustworthy and dishonest. Can we survive our past and move forward to the future? Will the kids be alright? I do not know.
adventurous
mysterious
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:
Yes
I tried really hard to follow this book but I just found myself getting constantly confused with the switching perspectives between five different characters. It was just way too much back and forth and I could never keep anything straight.
Which is kind of disappointing because parts of this book that I was following were really good and very interesting. I loved the concept of this book and It seems like there was really storytelling in the world and environment you were in. It's just the characters constant pov change was really throwing me off.
Thank you so much to the publisher for reaching out and allowing me to read this book.
Which is kind of disappointing because parts of this book that I was following were really good and very interesting. I loved the concept of this book and It seems like there was really storytelling in the world and environment you were in. It's just the characters constant pov change was really throwing me off.
Thank you so much to the publisher for reaching out and allowing me to read this book.
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Surreal, heart-wringing, and suspenseful, We Can Never Leave is Edgmon at their most stylistically subversive and character-driven. In Edgmon's usual fashion, the prose is evocative, and the complex characters work to move through their confusing and occasionally horrific circumstances with a lot of anger and a lot of compassion.
If you're looking for a character-driven YA with suspenseful surreality, multiple POVs, fractured perspectives, and a (literally) visceral exploration of religious trauma— this may be THE book for you. It certainly was for me.
If you're looking for a character-driven YA with suspenseful surreality, multiple POVs, fractured perspectives, and a (literally) visceral exploration of religious trauma— this may be THE book for you. It certainly was for me.
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
All across the world, inhuman creatures are waking up with no memory of who they are or where they came from. The Caravan exists to help them. The Caravan - a traveling community made up of these same creatures and their families- help by providing refuge and by seeking the origin of them all. Until the morning five teenage travelers wake to find their community has disappeared overnight.
The five are a half-human who only just came running back to the Caravan, a brother who is always in trouble and one who’s never been brave, a venomous girl with blood on her hands and a golden heart, and a boy of shadow who is the Caravan’s newest addition. They’ve got to band together if they want to survive the cruel world.
For the most part, I wanted to enjoy this book. I loved the idea of the Carnaval and people with inhuman traits. I just couldn’t get into the flow of the story because every chapter was done by a different character - written in 3rd person. And between some sections of the chapters were sections where the author broke the 4th wall and spoke directly to the readers. The flashback bits of the characters lives before the disappearing Caravan were my favorite bits. Those were the parts that flowed well and read smoothly.
Great concept. Lackluster in execution. I will try to listen to the audiobook when it comes out, to see if that makes the story work better.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child abuse, Child death
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Violence, Trafficking
Minor: Domestic abuse, Murder, Gaslighting
What a story! I have to admit, the ending was not what I expected, in the best way. I had no idea it would turn out like that and I’m still left curious what happens next for the characters. They all go on this big journey when everyone they know disappear. The world is basically silent for them and it was very eerie to read. It’s based on tales from an indigenous tribe and it was very cool to experience the tale for myself. I do love stories pulled from indigenous tribes, as it gives another perspective on the world.
To add some critique, I wasn’t a large fan of when we got the narrators point of view. It felt like breaking the fourth wall and it took me out of the story a bit. I was also super confused at the start and had to read the first chapter a few times to get my bearings.
Overall, it was a good story and the ending really brought it together for me!
4/5 stars for mystery, abilities, and friendship!
**Thank you to NetGalley for a review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
To add some critique, I wasn’t a large fan of when we got the narrators point of view. It felt like breaking the fourth wall and it took me out of the story a bit. I was also super confused at the start and had to read the first chapter a few times to get my bearings.
Overall, it was a good story and the ending really brought it together for me!
4/5 stars for mystery, abilities, and friendship!
**Thank you to NetGalley for a review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Abandonment
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This feels like a one and done, but I could be wrong. Essentially, this end up being about a small band of kids who've been living in a mobile commune waking up to find that all the adult figures are gone, and them trying to figure out what the hell is happening, interspersed with some flashbacks. There are also a few moments of very direct fourth wall breaking that I'm still trying to parse how I feel about, but the lines that are used are amazing. Definitely worth your time this summer.