Magic Shifts Review

Author: Ilona Andrews

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Let’s play who can be a better killer. My sword and I love this game.

Magic Shifts is the eighth novel in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. I still cant believe she has published over eight amazing novels! Kate and Currans' story is endless and timeless and flawless. I just cant get enough! This series just gets better with every book and Magic Shifts is living proof of that. 

Pay attention to this moment. Look at the stars. Breathe in the cold air. This is your last night. These are the last breaths you will take.

What I would give to live in this world Ilona created! Atlanta is a city with a mixture of magic and technological elements that make it such an interesting place to live in. There are Vampires, the Pack, Ghouls, Witches, and other weird shit rooming within the city boarder! 

“Off your chain. So dangerous, Your Majesty.” He glanced at me. “You might be too scary to let into the house. I don’t know if I can risk falling asleep next to you, Unchained One. Who knows what would happen?”

Magic Shifts is a transition from the previous novels, especially Magic Breaks,allowing the reader to settle into the world again. It begins with a normal opening and goes downhill from there. This novel is EXPLOSIVE! Kate is once again put in the forefront of these mysterious events that begin occurring in Atlanta. However, the pressure is on as she has to juggle between saving Atlanta and yet not shinning a spotlight on herself. 

“You’re a fucking bitch, you know that?” Mac said. “I’ll have to live with myself.”

It shouldn't be a surprise that the characters are just as awesome, if not better, than they previously were! Kate and Curran grow both in their relationship and also individually. There are some characters introduced in this novel are just so enigmatic and different. Magic Shifts really does bring in a wave of uniqueness and diversity.   

“That’s what I love about you, Your Furriness. Your humility and modesty.” “Don’t forget my razor-sharp wit and boyish good looks.”

What I loved most about Magic Shifts was the fact that it didn't feel like just ONE episode out of a TV show. It was its own TV show with a mixture of twists and turns, up and downs, calm moments and pure kick ass storms. It was grittier, funnier and multilayered. The novel wasn't just trying to solve one mystery but various problems that simultaneously occurred. 

This was what happiness felt like.

I am in awe of this series as a whole. 

"Curran!” “Yes?” I could hear controlled laughter in his voice. Unbelievable. I sped up. “We’re tracking ghouls and you’re grabbing my butt.” “I always make sure to pay attention to important things.” “Sure you do.”

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Find this novel on Amazon and Goodreads.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl Review

Author: Jesse Andrews

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Humour

Rating: 4.5 Stars

The sentence should be: “I was pleasantly surprised when the first day of senior year did not make me want to freak out and hide in my own locker pretending to be dead.”

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is pure awesomeness. I can't eloquently state how much i loved this soo much! It honestly reflected my personality! At times I felt as though I was reliving parts of my own life. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is undeniably real and honest. It is possibly the realest novel I have read this year. 

I mean, being ostracized by sophomore church kids would not be the worst thing in the world, but my one goal in life was to not be ostracized by anyone.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl begins at the start of senior year in Benson High School. Greg has spent years learning  to maneuver through the maze of social groups and cliques in high school. Greg's mission is to be virtually invisible, yet, not disliked by anyone in particular. I wouldn't call him a recluse nor an extrovert. He is just average. 

A person’s life is like a big weird ecosystem, and if there’s one thing science teachers enjoy blathering about, it’s that changes in one part of an ecosystem affect the entire thing.

During senior year, Greg's mother forces him to hang out a girl, Rachel,  from his grade that gets Leukemia. I guess this is where the comparison stops with The Fault in Our Stars.He isn't too pleased about this establishment. This new found friendship between Greg and Rachel isn't romanticised or idealised. It simply is. What you see is what you get. There are no long monologues on life and death which force us to feel certain emotions. 

Why the hell would we believe in her? She didn’t even believe in herself.

As Rachel "battles" cancer and Greg begins to spend more time with her. They form a weird friendship and bond with each other.Through this process, they begin to figure themselves out as people. Their simple and random conversations reveal more about life than certain full written novels. Greg and Rachel friendship isn't life changing or awe-inspiring but it is a bond nonetheless.  Because of this, Rachel is the only person who has watched the films Greg and Earl have created. As the cancer progresses, Greg and Earl set out to make Rachel a film. 

I raised a girl who’s sweet, and . . . and lovely, but not tough... Greg, I’m a good mother. But I don’t know how to get her through this. It’s like, God forbid, she doesn’t want to live anymore.

I guess what I loved about Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is I did not feel manipulated once in the story. There was no moral behind the story other than just reading through an experience. Jesse Andrews doesn't romanticise cancer or its effects. At times, he is brutally honest and some of the imagery is vividly morose. But it is reality. It is life.  This novel just felt like the personification of day to day living. Ultimately, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a coming of age novel, highlighting its tumultuous journey.

“The world needs more guys like you. Not less.” Now I was getting alarmed. Was there a campaign to get rid of guys like me? Because that campaign would probably start with me.

In the novel, I never felt any personal connection to any of the characters. They were all just average and maybe borderline boring. But that is what made me like them more. The heroine isn't given superhero characteristics or saintly morality. At times Greg felt like his whole antagonist. Greg's counterpart, Earl,  wasn't any better! 

The Greg S. Gaines Three-Step Method of Seduction 1. Lurch into girl’s bedroom pretending to be a zombie. 2. Go for a fist pound. 3. Suggest that you habitually masturbate all over pillows.

To reiterate one more time, this novel is the bomb! 

Because I don’t really have a moral compass and I need to rely on him for guidance, or else I might accidentally become like a hermit or a terrorist or something. How fucked up is that? Am I even a human? Who the hell knows.

Find this novel on Amazon and Goodreads.

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Complicate Me Review

Author: M. Robinson

Genre: Romance, Mature, Coming of Age

Rating: 5 Stars

Our first kiss was our beginning and in some ways our end.

I just know that after M. Robinson finished this novel, she smirked at her manuscript, smoked a cigar and thought, "let me give my readers hell". And hell she brought. The most wonderful kind of hell. Complicate Me was simply a stunning literary work. It was authentic, captivating and heartwarming while still being brutally tragic and raw. Complicate Me encapsulates the beauty, pain and happiness of life. 

She would tell me later in life that nothing calmed her more than my arms around her, and if I had known that then, I would have held her every time she looked at me with sadness or disappointment. And maybe it could have helped heal the wounds that I cut along the way.

In this little town of Oak Island, the story of Alex and Lucas begins. Now I know what you are all thinking; another romance story, sigh, what is new? And I am here to say that Complicate Me is refreshingly new, original and kick ass. Alex and Lucas have been best friends, soulmates, and each others salvation since birth. Complicate Me begins at the end and goes through the chain of the events that lead to a heartbrokenly powerful moment. Most importantly, Complicate Me felt like an out of body experience as I vividly lived through someone else's story. It taught me to live. 

“You’re a good girl, Alexandra. That’s what makes you my Half-Pint. You’re the calm to my storm. It’s always been that way,” he paused to let his words sink in. “You’re my refuge.”

Being best friends, one would assume things would come easy for Alex and Lucas. It becomes blatantly clear that this is not the case. Alex is born a few years after Lucas and her three other best friends, Jacob, Austin and Dylan, and because of that she has always been seen as "the baby". As they all begin to grow up, Alex struggles to break out of their image of her. Mostly, she struggles to show Lucas that she is conscious and mature enough to see the impenetrable bond between themselves. Lucas struggles with accepting that Alex will not always be his brown-eyed girl. 

I was slapped in the face with my own hurricane. The winds turned against me and I didn’t even fight it. I let it take hold. I deserved it all.

There are so many turns and obstacles that both Alex and Lucas have to face. What sets this novel apart from others is its theme. Not only are we in the search for love but also comfort with being ourselves. Ultimately, it is a coming of age story, trying to find your place in the world and accepting everything that you are. Every character in this novel is constantly evolving and growing through their life experiences. M. Robinson shows both the happy and the dark moments, creating a constant rollercoaster ride of emotions. I was on the edge of my seat through out this reading experience (I still am from the ending...on to book 2). 

I loved picking on her as much as the other boys did. I believed it was in my blood to do it. My dad picked on my mom relentlessly, and my grandfather did the same with my grandmother. It was a Ryder trait. If we didn’t pick on our girls, then we didn’t love them enough. My dad constantly reminded my mom that the day he stopped picking on her would be the day he stopped loving her.

M. Robinson creates a great romance novel and ultimately a great life novel. The characters were all so dynamic, witty, intuitive and just plain fun. There were moments where I wanted to become part of their family; they are literally SQUAD GOALS! The plot is simple yet complex at the same time, having a lot of substance and depth to it. Ultimately, I just loved, LOVED, Complicate ME. I would honestly not change one thing. 

“One day I’m going to fall in love and he’s going to love me fearlessly. He’s going to protect me and fight for me. He won’t care about what anyone thinks, because he’s not a dummy like you are. We’re going to be happy because all you need is love."

There is something about love stories that bloom from childhood that always tugs at my heart. I think it is the truest form of love; it is a time where we are too young to be dishonest with ourselves, where society's expectations haven't hammered down on us, and we are unabashedly free. Complicate Me, at its core, is liberating. I loved and hated reading it. 

I love every single thing about you. I love you because I need you. I love you because there is no me without you. I love you because I can’t stop loving you, and I would be lying if I said I had tried.

Find this novel on Amazon and Goodreads.

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Candidate Review

Author:Rachel E. Carter

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Epic Fantasy

Rating: Should-be-10 Stars

“I told you not to trust a wolf. Because it would only ever want to break you… Haven’t you figured it out yet? I’m the wolf, Ryiah.”

Candidate by Rachel E. Carter was a whirlwind of a read. Because of this, I am staring at this white empty screen attempting to put my thoughts into words in order to adequately show the novels' worth. Candidate was by far the best novel in The Black Mage series and it pushed me to my limits. There is no holding back and because of that, my heart might be eternally bruised due to it. 

“And they told me to keep watch over a ‘lady.’” I couldn’t help but smirk. A lady. I lunged and defeated her guard. I was a war mage.

The first two novels in this series were tamer in the sense of brutality. What Candidate does is strip the smoke screen of deception and throw us into the realities of the Kingdom. No one is more shocked than Ryiah about the implications and consequences of these lies.   Ryiah fights  between doing what is right, with the chance of losing everything, or living in ignorance, and still, losing everything. 

“Remind me to never challenge you to a duel. You are a bloodthirsty savage.”

Ryiah is now a second rank Combat Mage and is betrothed to the non-heir Darren. Everything seems to be on track. However, Ryiah struggles with her impending title and court life and decides to go off to Ferren's Keep. There, she finds reprieve from court politics and focuses on just being Ryiah the combat Mage. She continues to prove herself and her dedication to the cause to those apprehensive about her. But Ryiah can not have the best of both worlds; being a solider and royalty at the same time. At the end of the day, she has to decide which one is more important to her. 

“That’s the thing about enemies. You never know who they could end up being.”

As the future war with Caltoth approaches, sides must be chosen. This decision opens the reader to the greyness of the kingdom and past actions that caused these chain of events.  Friends, families and relationships are tested; the question is whether they will hold up to the strain. It is almost impossible to distinguish between good and evil. Ultimately, who should Ryiah trust? 

“The truth is told in anger, not regret, love.”

Ryiah really grew through these novels; yes she still made mistakes, but she was more conscious of her actions. She transforms into an empowered, self-confident (most times), passionate individual. I wonder if she was always destined to be a princess; to implement change. Darren still remains swoon-worthy and charismatic. There is just something about him that attracts you in like a moth to a flame. Their chemistry is off the charts and I can't wait to see where their relationship takes them. The characters in Candidate were dark, gritty, but brutally honest and raw. They all evolved and played an instrumental part to the ending. 

“You smell like home.” I felt him crack a smile. “Would you believe me if I told you the same?”

The Plot.... I honestly don't know what to say. I am literally stumped. It takes a lot to surprise me, Candidate surprised the hell out of me. One thing is for certain, Rachel created this novel with such  sophistication and maturity. The plot was so meticulous and complex that you didn't really know what is going on until it happened. There were moments where I would could not believe what I was reading. I want to hug this novel but also want to strangle it. I want to comfort Candidate and I also want to it comfort me and tell me everything will be okay.

How many times can a person shatter? At least one more.

I am really proud of Rachel's work and passion in Candidate. I will be riding shot gun for the final novel, The Last Stand. I hope Ryiah is ready! If she wants to win, she has to stop being the sheep and become the wolf. 

Flames erupted in a tempest of red. Against the bright summer sun it seared. Red like blood. Red like rage. Red like revenge.

Find this novel on Amazon and Goodreads.

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Breathing Fire Review

Author: Rebecca K. Lilley

Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 Stars

" Things have been too fucking calm lately.  I’m ready for a storm.”

Breathing Fire has been on my to-be-read for far too long. I curse at my previous self for never having the balls to read this. Breathing Fire is a great urban fantasy novel. It encompasses all the good attributes of the genre. We are introduced into a compelling society with magic and mischief. After reading Eragon, stories involving dragons and folklore have always interested me. Breathing Fire is a cup of fresh air in the Urban Fantasy department, continuously engaging the reader.

“Kinda?” “Yes, I have a plan, kinda-ish.” “Ish?” “Ish.  Worst-case scenario, I’ll have to go see Dom.  But I should have it under control.  Ish.” “Your confidence is inspiring-ish.”

The heretic sisters are two siblings who come from an infamous dragon line. Both sisters escaped in order to escape the brutality that is forced upon women with dragons. Being on the run for a few years leaves them apprehensive and anxious of the people around them. Especially the druids, the guards and watchers of the magical society. This all goes to hell when Jillian unintentionally falls in-love with the most powerful druid. And leaves him.

“But I suppose, in the dark, lying down, it’s all the same to you.”

Fast forward to the present, two druids enter jillian's book store  in order to retrieve their registration documents. The danger of being recorded on the public druid system is their exposure to the dragons they are running away from. In order to prevent this, Jillian takes some harsh measures to ensure that her dragon family will not find them. This means asking help from the one person who loved, now vehemently hates her... the highest ranked druid, the Arch. This is a crazy journey around Las Vegas filled with action, mischief and classic banter. 

The pain was sharp and enduring.    He was the only thing in my life I’d ever wanted badly enough that it made me shake like an addict.

Overall, I really enjoyed Breathing Fire. I wouldn't say it was my top urban fantasy novel ( that spot is saved for the Kate Daniels series) but it has the potential to be. I really loved Jillian; there is something about powerful, smart and driven women that makes a story more enriching. Yes, there were moments where I was pissed at her, but she remained a strong MC through out the whole novel. Her sarcastic, witty and cynical humour got to me and just made the reading experience that more vibrant. Not only that but the support characters were all complex and unique in their own way. It created a versatile world with enigmatic individuals. Excited to explore more of these character developments in the sequel. 

Sometimes you have to laugh in the face of the things that scare you about yourself, or the fear alone will drive you mad.

As I mentioned previously, the plot is fast paced and hectic, which I love! However, there were some plot developments that just didn't make sense (especially in the end). This didn't necessarily detract from the novel, just something a few readers have picked up. Hoping for more action and battle scenes in the sequel as those were written in a superb manner. 

“Right this way, Barbie and Ken,” Corbin said, heading resolutely towards the house.   “Okay, Buffy,” I murmured to his back.  He’d started the name calling, after all.   He stifled a laugh.  “Guess I asked for that,” he said, his voice pitched-low.    “That round went to Barbie,” Christian added, helpful as always.

I urge and beg you (yes, you!) to read Breathing Fire. It was an amazing and fun-as-hell reading experience!

“Damn you,” he said roughly, kissing me with all of his pent-up rage and anger.  “Damn me,” I agreed, when he finally came up for air.  The storm took us yet again.

Find Breathing Fire on Amazon and Goodreads!

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Air Awakens Review

Author: Elise Kova

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Magic

Rating: 4 stars

When will you stop being afraid, read, and learn more about who you are?

Air Awakens by Elise Kova really did awaken something powerful in me. It awaken my passion and love for reading after a dark and uncertain time in my life. I don't know what it is about high fantasy that always has a substantial affect on me. People will tell me "magic isn't real, so why do you waste your time reading it?" and I reply, " I am so sorry for you because when I READ I get to feel magic, this whirlwind sensation, while you will never  will experience something like that". Some people are addicted to alcohol or drugs, I am wholeheartedly addicted to novels. This novel just reminded me of all the reasons people should fight to read and experience more. 

Vhalla wanted to feel special. She wanted to feel important. She wanted to feel she was special and important to the crown prince, of all people. But she only felt like an object.

Elise Kova creates an amazing world surrounded by magic, court games, love and friendship. Vhalla is a seventeen year old librarian apprentice who has been content with her life but always felt as though something was missing. She is on her way to becoming a prominent figure in the library due to her love for reading and knowing. The question is, is that enough? One night, tragedy strikes in the palace and a prince is rushed back from war with a bad injury at critical condition. All the librarians are brought together in order to find the cure for a certain poison. The anxiety and pressure get the best of Vhalla and she vehemently writes all the possible solutions to the cure. Her notes then form the catalyst to her new life. 

Something about it terrified her; something about it shamed her; something about it pushed her forward.

Vhalla imprinted her magic in those notes and basically announced herself as a sorcerer. This is not necessarily what she wants, but that doesn't mean she isn't intrigued by the individuals with the black robes and the emblem on their chests. Vhalla is particularly interested in crown prince Aldrik, who personifies darkness himself. ( Little side note,  Aldrik is slightly similiar in character to the Darkling in the Grisha Trilogy). As Vhalla delves deeper into the world of magic, she begins to face the realities of the world around her. Two paths emerge and Vhalla must decide what type of person she wants to be; one who is scared of the unknown due to ignorance or one who accepts the truth about and around herself. 

She simply saw someone who was lonely, someone who could likely count their friends on one hand, and perhaps wanted to one day use two hands.

Most readers will relate to Vhalla in some shape or form. She is, at times, the epitome of our insecurities. Just like us, she is afraid of change and possesses a lot of self doubt. What makes her character so rich is the development; watching Vhalla acknowledge her insecurities and own them ( or they will own you). Both princes are enigmatic and dynamic. This just makes you want to know more. The main characters were approached well but the way the author dealt with Vhalla's previous friends didn't feel right. Her friends could have become complex characters but remained static throughout the novel. 

“I’m simply learning where I’m meant to be.” It was the only response because it was the truth.

Air Awakens is the first novel from the series and acts as an introduction into the world. Due to this, there isn't a lot of the 'conventional' plot or action seen here. It is mostly the physiological exploration of the characters and the high court, preparing the reader for the sequel. It does its job. Well. I drank up this novel so fast I am surprised I didn't choke. It was THAT good. 

They were sending her to war, so she would go and become something they had every right to fear.

And in the words of Taylor Swift: " This (book) is sick!"

Find this novel on Amazon and Goodreads!

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Saving Francesca Review

Author: Melina Marchetta

Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Coming of Age

Rating: 5 stars

"Left alone with a dial tone....excuse me, operator, why is no one listening?"

I reinvented my blog last night to suite my tastes and personality. With the layout to my pleasing, it seemed necessary to refresh my content to project my personality and who I am. My blog can not fully represent me without having Saving Francesca somewhere. Reading is a huge part of my life but at times it does become monotonous and uninspiring and this summer I NEEDED a novel to PUSH me. Saving Francesca did just that and after months from my reading, I am still musing over it. 

"I was born seventeen years ago," I tell him. "Do you think people have noticed that I'm around?"

"I notice when you're not. Does that count?"

People may read this novel and come back and say "Diana, nothing much really happened..." and I will tell them "you missed the point". Saving Francesca is not a novel involving a vast physical plot or action; it is pretty stagnant in that department. And yet, I loved it as much as I loved Heir of Fire or the Grisha Series. Why am I praising this novel so much? It is because it does something MAGICAL by touching everyone. It takes a small middle class family and projects our needs, wants and fear in life. Saving Francesca is characteristically normal and common and because of this, Melina Marchetta creates a universal work. Saving Francesca is truly a story about enduring life; it is a journey to self-discovery and acceptance. It is a shout to society saying "NO, this is ME, I am who I am, and I love myself for that". 

“It's a weird smile, but it reaches his eyes and I bottle it. And I put it in my ammo pack that's kept right next to my soul and Justine's spirit and Siobhan's hope and Tara's passions. Because if I'm going to wake up one morning and not be able to get out of bed, I'm going to need everything I've got to fight this disease that could be sleeping inside of me.” 

Francesca wakes up one morning going from a world of music, of life, to a world of silence. She wakes up to this stillness that makes someone's heart stop. Her energetic and charismatic mother does not get up. This once vicarious and lively woman is bedridden from a sickness that leaves a ghost of herself. Without Francesca's mother telling her who to be, she is lost, confused and in a state of turmoil. The big question is who is Francesca? Who is she truly, away from society's expectations?

I want to go around the neighbourhood saying, “We’re depressed.” If my mum can’t get out of bed in the morning, all of us feel the same. Her silence has become ours, and it’s eating us alive.

Her journey of self discovery begins in a reformed all boys school, St. Sebastian. Here, Francesca stumbles upon her misfit group of friends that makes her come to terms with the person she became. Her home situation slowly deteriorates as depression takes hold of her mother. Francesca is forced to accept her mothers depression and the facade she has been living under. Once the lies have been revealed, it becomes difficult to hide under the facade of a perfect family. The ultimate fall out is ugly, brutal, raw and shockingly beautiful. 

Just ask how I'm feeling, I want to say. Just ask and I may tell you.... No one does.

Melina Marchetta creates a true and authentic depiction of the effect of an illness upon a family. Not only that, she shows how everything can change from a single moment.The novel is soft spoken and delivers a clear message through Francesca's narration. She is funny, sarcastic, intelligent and critical of the life around her. It is refreshing yet poignant. There is something heartbreakingly beautiful about the day to day struggles and what it makes of a person. 

I want to be an adjective again. But I'm a noun. A nothing. A nobody. A no one.

Melina Marchetta crafts a work that is vital and universal to any demographic. By the end, you begin to appreciate the beauty and struggle around you because it means YOU are LIVING.

Tara Finke nudges me. "Fascism at its best here. They train them young."

Find this novel on Amazon and Goodreads !

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Black Lies Review

Author: Alessandra Torre

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Dark

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Alessandra Torre once again surprises everyone with a dynamic and complex story of love, devotion and decisions. This summer, Hollywood Dirt was released and to be brutally honest, it didn't live up to my expectations from such a authentic author! This right here, reading Black Ties, restored my faith in Alessandra Torre. She has an epic craft of creating the most original and entertaining love stories out there. It is an ingenious craft. 

The synopsis remains intentionally vague and indistinct. For this reason, my review will take on the same theme. I beg anyone planning to read this to go into to blind. Having a blank slate makes the reading experience so much more vibrant and enjoyable. It is like going to a horror movie and knowing what will happen; it takes off the edge factor.... You REALLY don't want to lose the edge factor with this novel. 

“You been hurt?” 

“Not yet.” 

He stared at me so steadily, an odd emphasis placed on the words, as if he was giving his heart to me with both hands, certain that it would lead to his demise.

At the age of 29, Layanna is placed at the pinnacle of her life, she loves two men wholeheartedly. Now some people would justifiably say that is not a good enough excuse for "stringing" along two men. However,  Alessandra Torre takes us into this world of greyness, a world where everything isn't as seems. One has to maintain their wit in the hopes of not being too disillusioned. More than being a good read, the novel is a real life game between reality and abstraction. 

“Yeah. I couldn’t even tell you where I’ve been. Everything…” he grew quiet. “Everything fades unless I’m with you.” It should have been a compliment. Instead, it felt more like a prison sentence. A statement of fact. 

I didn’t respond.

The characters were all so complex and evolutionary. The development is phenomenal and really bring together the ending (can we call it an ending with that prologue though? who knows...). They were all so distinct, flawed and human. Torre personified human ambitions and faults through her characters, adding substance and complexity to Black Lies. 

“Why’d you leave with me?” Open curiosity in his eyes. Like any woman needed to explain running off with a billionaire. “I figured you should have one night you didn’t have to pay for.” 

His eyes smiled. “I like paying.”

 I was honestly enamoured throughout Black Lies. It pulls you into the core and everything else around ceases to be real. I was hypnotised and spellbound. I really recommend this novel for anyone who loves romance and is willing to have your mind challenged, if not, misled. 

“I loved you. I still love you. Even when I hate you, I love you. I always will. I’m not a smart man, but I know that."

Find this gem on Goodreads or Amazon!

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Before We Were Strangers Review

Author: Renée Carlino
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 5 stars

We both cried together, surrendering to the reality that we had to accept. 

I have been so scared of reviewing Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino for some particular reason. Maybe it's the fact that it affected me so much that every time I think about the novel, I want to burst into tears. This is not a normal reaction. It is also not a rational or explainable reaction. It is what it is. And Before We Were Strangers is definitely brilliant.

Friends forever might have been a tired expression, but when he asked, it was like music or poetry. I knew it meant something else. I knew it meant I need you in my life.

Matt and Grace met in NYU at what was arguably the best time of their lives. They were both artists with strong pasts. They became fast friends, creating such a unique and poignant bond that almost nothing could tarnish it. Both leaned on each other and complemented each other on a physical, emotional and psychological level. This is hard to achieve. It is even harder to create such a distinct and raw relationship in a novel; Renée Carlino achieved it all. 

Three seconds doesn’t seem like a long time, but when you’re gazing into someone’s eyes, it’s long enough to make a silent promise.

The operative word used previously was "almost" when stating that few things could have endangered Matt and Grace's relationship. There were a few instances where their relationship was tested and pulled. What I loved most about this story was the authenticity and rawness in the conflicts. It felt so authentic, mimicking real life and its struggles. This makes the reader relate to the issues presented. It makes you care. It makes you feel. It makes you think and question your own life. While reading, thoughts popped up like; I am truly happy? I am living to my most potential? When I look at myself, am I the person I wanted to be? These are simple thoughts but the fact that someone else story could make me question my own was a bit unnerving. 

Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash.

A truly great novel doesn't need flash, glitter or a production. It just needs to break the barrier between the reader and touch the heart. Great novels makes you feel. I state this a lot in my reviews, but its the truth. Feeling reminds us we are human, we are vulnerable and susceptible to the world. Before We Were Strangers felt like drinking wine after a long day. The writing was poetic and basically flowed across the page,as if a song and dance was going on.  The plot remains haunting beautiful, tragic and so so raw. It was gut wrenching and somber. The characters.... were not characters in the manner where you know they are fictional. Before We Were Strangers felt like a glimpse into the genuine lives of two individuals and the world around them.

I became acutely aware of everyone around me carrying on, living life. I was static, standing on the platform, watching train after train go by, wishing I knew which one to be on.

Matt and Grace fought fate and ended up together at the end. The fact that they conquered all odds is heart warming. I really, really enjoyed this novel. It just made me wonder and hope... 

She was perfect . . . poetry in motion—the evidence of a life burning well and bright.

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