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emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As It Was is one of those books that makes you want to keep reading forever. I am genuinely gutted that its successor is not out yet. I need to know what happens next!
This book has community and found family by the truckload. It is warm and cosy, with just enough tragedy to feel like real life. It handles some difficult subjects with dignity and grace, and backs them up with enough banter and spice to keep you smiling instead of crying.
Mollie’s journey in leaving and overcoming Trevor is inspiring. From the off, he is a villain and you question how he could possibly get worse but, whomp, there he goes! His scenes are disturbing and all too real, but they are written with tenderness and care so as to assure the reader and I’m really impressed by Elle Rivers’ approach to this topic.
Cain’s story is dived into a little less but we get the highlights. I think we don’t get the real gist of his background because it isn’t *his* focus at that point. His attention is on Eric and always Eric. The past is the past. Even still, it’s heartwarming to see him take down his walls and accept love from those around him. (Also, I’d usually get the hugest ick from anyone calling a woman “princess” but something about him saying it feels right.)
There were a couple of passages in the book that I had to reread because it felt like the author was trusting the reader a bit too much to follow what was happening and, in doing so, didn’t give quite enough information. Characters would switch up locations without it being described or hinted at, and I got a bit confused at points. I love not having my hand held and being over-described too but please let me know if we’re moving rooms or changing what we’re doing!
I really enjoyed this book, and genuinely look forward to the next.
This book has community and found family by the truckload. It is warm and cosy, with just enough tragedy to feel like real life. It handles some difficult subjects with dignity and grace, and backs them up with enough banter and spice to keep you smiling instead of crying.
Mollie’s journey in leaving and overcoming Trevor is inspiring. From the off, he is a villain and you question how he could possibly get worse but, whomp, there he goes! His scenes are disturbing and all too real, but they are written with tenderness and care so as to assure the reader and I’m really impressed by Elle Rivers’ approach to this topic.
Cain’s story is dived into a little less but we get the highlights. I think we don’t get the real gist of his background because it isn’t *his* focus at that point. His attention is on Eric and always Eric. The past is the past. Even still, it’s heartwarming to see him take down his walls and accept love from those around him. (Also, I’d usually get the hugest ick from anyone calling a woman “princess” but something about him saying it feels right.)
There were a couple of passages in the book that I had to reread because it felt like the author was trusting the reader a bit too much to follow what was happening and, in doing so, didn’t give quite enough information. Characters would switch up locations without it being described or hinted at, and I got a bit confused at points. I love not having my hand held and being over-described too but please let me know if we’re moving rooms or changing what we’re doing!
I really enjoyed this book, and genuinely look forward to the next.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship
Minor: Domestic abuse, Abandonment