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A review by cassiesnextchapter
The Cost of Knowing by Brittney Morris
4.0
The Cost of Knowing by Brittney Morris is an intense journey through brotherly love, anxieties and fears of the future, and the importance of our ancestors. {Thanks to Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for my advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.}
There are so many fantastic elements to this book that I really enjoyed, despite wanting to put the book down to take a break from the intensity of the emotion. I love how Alex and Isaiah's ancestors were tied into the story, and how they carry the burdens of those who came before. It's such a powerful image of love, strength, and kinship.
I was on the edge of my seat for the last half of the book - a lot happens that is intense and traumatic. I really had to take a few breaks, because the content at the end is really heavy. But I kept coming back to see if the bond that grew stronger between the brothers was enough to help them survive in the end.
What brought the rating down for me was a bit of slow pacing in the first half, and repetition in Alex's thought patterns. The resolution also feels suddenly rushed, and not emotional and complex enough in a few spots for the actions that have transpired. Another chapter of digging into the aftermath would have felt like a more stable and realistic ending - there's just too much to cover in regards to tying up all the relationships. There is, however, an unexpected scene with Alex's ancestors that was really powerful.
I especially appreciate how the title “The Cost of Knowing” can be applied to every character in the end, and analyzed differently for each. The Author's Note is also a must-read for some added context.
Overall, despite a few issues, this book is really strong and has some brilliant ideas. I will read whatever Morris publishes in the future, and plan to read her debut, Slay, this month as well.
There are so many fantastic elements to this book that I really enjoyed, despite wanting to put the book down to take a break from the intensity of the emotion. I love how Alex and Isaiah's ancestors were tied into the story, and how they carry the burdens of those who came before. It's such a powerful image of love, strength, and kinship.
I was on the edge of my seat for the last half of the book - a lot happens that is intense and traumatic. I really had to take a few breaks, because the content at the end is really heavy. But I kept coming back to see if the bond that grew stronger between the brothers was enough to help them survive in the end.
What brought the rating down for me was a bit of slow pacing in the first half, and repetition in Alex's thought patterns. The resolution also feels suddenly rushed, and not emotional and complex enough in a few spots for the actions that have transpired. Another chapter of digging into the aftermath would have felt like a more stable and realistic ending - there's just too much to cover in regards to tying up all the relationships. There is, however, an unexpected scene with Alex's ancestors that was really powerful.
I especially appreciate how the title “The Cost of Knowing” can be applied to every character in the end, and analyzed differently for each. The Author's Note is also a must-read for some added context.
Overall, despite a few issues, this book is really strong and has some brilliant ideas. I will read whatever Morris publishes in the future, and plan to read her debut, Slay, this month as well.