Reviews tagging 'Blood'

The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther

1 review

spearly's review

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

SO CUTE. 

________

Before sneaking back into the Annex that night, I visited the ancient oak tree on the edge of the lawn and ran my fingers over the notches carved into the trunk. Summer after summer, Claire used an ax to keep track of her victories. “I’m going to win,” I whispered once I’d reached the final mark. “I’m going to win this thing.”


You ever read a book that makes you want to listen to the seagulls caw and take a warm nap in the sunshine? That was The Summer of Broken Rules. It was a warm hug. And LOOK AT THAT GORGEOUS COVER.

One of the best things about Walther's writing is how atmospheric it was. I felt like I was at Paqua farm with Meredith. I felt like I was scheming with Mer and Wit in the Assassin game. I could see everything so clearly - could smell the salt air and coconut sunscreen, could feel the love this huge family had for each other. I think I especially loved the setting because Martha's Vineyard has been a dream trip of my mother's for decades, and she's never gotten the chance to go. This novel made me want to take her.

It's usually difficult, when you have such a large cast of characters, to really flesh them out, but the Foxes, Duprés, Witrys, and friends reminded me so much of my large family that I had to smile. More than anything, I loved Meredith; her strength, her humour, her confidence even as she grieved for her sister, even as she was constantly reminded of her loss. Were there moments she frustrated me? Of course. But it's summer. She's 18. As the title of the book suggests, rules don't apply.

Usually I'm not a fan of pop-culture references in books (they always feel like something older authors throw in to their YA books to "connect" with readers) but in this case, I loved the constant allusions to Taylor Swift (but I am a Swiftie, so that's a given).

The writing was great. Never too expositional, but detailed enough that, as I've mentioned, I felt like i was there with Meredith. This kind of book is my perfect happy medium - Young Adult but just edging into New Adult territory. Campy, but in the best way. Elevated teen romance. Babies! Summer! Wedding! Assassin game! Family! Good food! Honestly, even writing this review, I'm getting a little jealous of Meredith (except for, you know, the life-altering loss and crippling grief).

4.5 stars rounded down, and only because of some very specific things that made me go "huh" that I won't bother mentioning because I don't want to spoil anything! BRB, gotta go find me a Wit.
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