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A review by brookeisbusyreading
Before We Disappear by Shaun David Hutchinson
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
It’s been a while since I’ve read a whole book in one sitting, much less one that’s nearly 500 pages! But I wanted to know what deception, or sweet or emotionally damaging scene would happen next!
Before We Disappear is more heavy in imagery than most books I’ve read lately and, while I can be a bit picky on the level of detail I like in my books, it worked WONDERS for this one! The descriptions of the attractions, illusions, and Wil’s ability were just so SATISFYING!
The fact that the book focuses on magicians and their tricks - and all the cunning thievery that could come with it - was already one of my main reasons for checking this book out. I wasn’t, however, expecting the setting to be in the beginning of the 1900s or have such a realistic cast of characters. The relationships, personalities, and complexity of each character felt so natural! I love characters whose flaws are front and center but I love openly flawed, tormented characters even more!
The found family and Now You See Me vibes are strong and I’m here for it! Wilhelm’s a freaking sweetheart who doesn’t deserve to be that traumatized! Jack is entertaining with his wit and skills, but also loyal and protective of those he loves. He and Wil make an amazing couple!
I also love how contradictive some of the antagonists are, displaying moments of humanity and sincerity. Evangeline was more morally grey, which made her moments at the ending feel like a grand finale. Teddy was just a despicable human being - as was George - and I won’t change my mind.
Overall, Before We Disappear was as magical as I hoped it would be and with enough twists and turns to keep me hooked…apparently for ~7 hours (Oops)!
Before We Disappear is more heavy in imagery than most books I’ve read lately and, while I can be a bit picky on the level of detail I like in my books, it worked WONDERS for this one! The descriptions of the attractions, illusions, and Wil’s ability were just so SATISFYING!
The fact that the book focuses on magicians and their tricks - and all the cunning thievery that could come with it - was already one of my main reasons for checking this book out. I wasn’t, however, expecting the setting to be in the beginning of the 1900s or have such a realistic cast of characters. The relationships, personalities, and complexity of each character felt so natural! I love characters whose flaws are front and center but I love openly flawed, tormented characters even more!
The found family and Now You See Me vibes are strong and I’m here for it! Wilhelm’s a freaking sweetheart who doesn’t deserve to be that traumatized! Jack is entertaining with his wit and skills, but also loyal and protective of those he loves. He and Wil make an amazing couple!
I also love how contradictive some of the antagonists are, displaying moments of humanity and sincerity. Evangeline was more morally grey, which made her moments at the ending feel like a grand finale. Teddy was just a despicable human being - as was George - and I won’t change my mind.
Overall, Before We Disappear was as magical as I hoped it would be and with enough twists and turns to keep me hooked…apparently for ~7 hours (Oops)!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse