Alas it was meh

TW physical and emotional abuse, torture, bulling, bully romance

This had so much potential.
I started this book without realise that this is the same author of one of my favourite books Namesake. I loved Namesake and I had hoped once I found out that this new book would give as much joy that book gave me. Well yeah not really.

Personally I tend to loath bully romances. I don’t think I have the grace and emotional growth to not only forgive my high school bullies (especially when their apologies are obvious farces) but help them by my lack of interference. I am a full grown adult but my pettiness would be at full throttle. The idea of someone bulling me then wanting to date me is not only a full 180 that gives me whiplash but makes me want to punch whatever idiot thinks I liked the bulling in the throat. Sure some are about the changes someone’s character undertakes because they found “the one” but kindly fuck off if you think I would be your rehabilitation centre in order for you to be a good human with morals. Yeah what I mean to say is I will throw hands if the leader of my high school bulling squad showed his face IN MY HOUSE ASKING FOR ANYTHING. BOY I WILL FUCK UR SHIT UP IN MY OWN GODDAM HOUSE IDFC CALL THE COPS IMMA HIT HIM TIL THEY PULL ME OFF.

Anyways the love story wasn’t fully fleshed out. It was very much crushes holding hands but sure let’s call it love.

The civil war the neighbouring country had before they asked for an alliance was an interesting plot that I wished was somewhat expanded upon. Whether that was in PTSD from the love interest and his entourage or like effects of trauma that showcase in small ways like loud noises, certain smells, hoarding of food, trust issues, double checking of things (locked doors, knife in sheath, sweep of rooms, positions of exits). It was only through exposition that we are told they had all changed because of the civil war but their actions, all bit it small but character affirming, should reflect the internal change.

The abuse from the sister was almost too much. Especially with being bullied at school. Sis had no reprieve and felt like a relentless attack. How she didn’t hate the world is a wonder.

Probs won’t read again. Will go and read Namesake again though.


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