A review by gnomepatronus
The Moon & His Tides by Giana Darling

challenging hopeful tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I’m going to try to keep this review as coherent as possible, but honestly, it might come off as a bit rant-like because everything I love about this book is also why I’m so upset about it.

The story centers on a seemingly perfect couple: they’re rich, beautiful, and wildly successful in the entertainment industry. Then, there’s Sebastian, an 18-year-old half-Italian, half-Russian limo driver working tirelessly to support his family. Despite his age, his internal monologue feels so mature you’d think he was 30.

Let’s start with Savannah—the wife. I don’t like her. Honestly, I just don’t. Even in hindsight, my feelings haven’t changed. She’s cold, selfish, and downright ruthless. But here’s the thing: she owns it. She knows who she is, she doesn’t hide it, and everyone around her—including her husband and Sebastian—accepts that’s exactly who she is.

Now, Adam—the husband. I love Adam, but he drives me crazy. I desperately want more of his backstory because it feels like the root of so much of his behavior. He holds back, constantly giving his selfish wife everything she wants, sacrificing his own desires, and in doing so, ends up causing pain to others. He’s willing to give up everything for essentially nothing, and it’s maddening.

And then there’s Sebastian. Oh, Sebastian. He’s a romantic at heart, giving away pieces of himself to different people just to experience the smallest moments of love. He’s willing to stay in the shadows, to live on stolen moments behind closed doors, just to have something. The power dynamics, the age gaps—it’s all there, and it’s complicated and messy.

These characters are so frustrating, but they’re written that way on purpose. Every decision they make fits perfectly with who they are, their development (or lack thereof), and their flaws. It’s so realistic, and that’s why it’s so irritating in the best way. I’ve never been so irrationally annoyed by a book, nor have I ever been so frustrated that it ended. I need more.