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A review by so_many_books
The Sunshine Court by Nora Sakavic
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
I have to say, after seeing some other reviews, I feel a bit less awkward sharing my deepest, darkest feelings about this book. It might not always make sense, though.
I honestly didn't know I needed this book. I made my peace with Jean's ending at the end of The King's Men. Oh, boy, was I wrong?!
This book totally destroyed me emotionally and put me through a wringer. But I inhaled it. Jean and Jeremy's story is exactly what was missing from the original trilogy.
I can assure you it is just as tragic and dark and emotionally loaded as anything Nora writes, but it also has the one thing that Nora does best: HOPE.
The hope is palpable in the writing and in all the emotions that are depicted in this book. It's almost overwhelming, yet it's the most precious thing ever.
Hope to live.
Hope to feel.
Hope to have something good.
Jean went through unspeakably horrible times. Things were done to him that would break anyone. The fact that he's still standing, even though the tons of baggage he brings, is a miracle and shows that deep down, hidden even from himself, is a man who hasn't given up yet. It shows in his progression of letting in the world, piece by piece, person by person, after being kept away from it for so long.
I bowled my eyes out multiple times, reading his most vulnerable thoughts about the slivers of hope and beauty he discovers. I am a wreck, yet I am somehow happy.
Of course, none of Jean's progress would be possible without Jeremy. Our golden boy, our sunshine captain. Oh, how he is good. His want to take care of Jean in any way he lets him is so palpable and honest. His kindness is EVERYTHING. I want to see his smile thaw the icy loneliness around Jean.
Adding in the Trojans and their overall good nature is the perfect contrast to Jean's previous reality. And, of course, Cat and Laia are the best chaotic lesbians out their. I low-key adore them. The way they immediately took Jean into their circle, the subtle ways they made him feel at home. It radiates their goodness.
I cannot string together thoughts. This book is just simply good. I want more of it. I want the second book now. I want to know Jeremy's story. I want to have more of the ridiculously queer Trojans. I want more Cat and Laia. I want Jean to smile. At Jeremy preferably. I want him to feel safe. I want to see Jeremy show Jean what it's like when someone loves him. I. Want. More.
I honestly didn't know I needed this book. I made my peace with Jean's ending at the end of The King's Men. Oh, boy, was I wrong?!
This book totally destroyed me emotionally and put me through a wringer. But I inhaled it. Jean and Jeremy's story is exactly what was missing from the original trilogy.
I can assure you it is just as tragic and dark and emotionally loaded as anything Nora writes, but it also has the one thing that Nora does best: HOPE.
The hope is palpable in the writing and in all the emotions that are depicted in this book. It's almost overwhelming, yet it's the most precious thing ever.
Hope to live.
Hope to feel.
Hope to have something good.
Jean went through unspeakably horrible times. Things were done to him that would break anyone. The fact that he's still standing, even though the tons of baggage he brings, is a miracle and shows that deep down, hidden even from himself, is a man who hasn't given up yet. It shows in his progression of letting in the world, piece by piece, person by person, after being kept away from it for so long.
I bowled my eyes out multiple times, reading his most vulnerable thoughts about the slivers of hope and beauty he discovers. I am a wreck, yet I am somehow happy.
Of course, none of Jean's progress would be possible without Jeremy. Our golden boy, our sunshine captain. Oh, how he is good. His want to take care of Jean in any way he lets him is so palpable and honest. His kindness is EVERYTHING. I want to see his smile thaw the icy loneliness around Jean.
Adding in the Trojans and their overall good nature is the perfect contrast to Jean's previous reality. And, of course, Cat and Laia are the best chaotic lesbians out their. I low-key adore them. The way they immediately took Jean into their circle, the subtle ways they made him feel at home. It radiates their goodness.
I cannot string together thoughts. This book is just simply good. I want more of it. I want the second book now. I want to know Jeremy's story. I want to have more of the ridiculously queer Trojans. I want more Cat and Laia. I want Jean to smile. At Jeremy preferably. I want him to feel safe. I want to see Jeremy show Jean what it's like when someone loves him. I. Want. More.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Sexual assault
Moderate: Blood, Bullying, Physical abuse, Death, Cursing, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Rape, Suicidal thoughts, and Murder