"Universe sets us on paths. And sometimes our compasses point us in directions we never thought we'd go. Toward destinations we never bothered to explore."
"That I'm scared that if I don't leave this place, it'll be another cop, another situation where I'm on the ground? Only this time, I won't get up ad I won't go home? Another black boy, fucked by the system."
I have very mixed thoughts on this book. I like the main character, but the supporting character Elijah, I didn't really like.
There are some very important themes present in this novel, some that apply to current day news! So if you read this, then definitely look for these!
Let's take a deeper look into this novel...
Summary:
"We're all saving somebody. Since the day she met Elijah, Teófila's been the one being saved. The girl whose darkest shadows live inside her head and the boy who hides his own with a smile and a song. But after a terrifying encounter precedes his skyrocket to fame and fortune, the tables turn. And while attempting to forget his close call with another life--another end--he loses his way back to her. Now, years, it's Teófila's turn to do the rescuing, even after he's left her behind. We're all saving somebody, but what if we can hardly save ourselves? What happens when best friends become forgotten lovers? Or when it's the moon's turn to light the sun?
Characters:
Teófila: I am surprised how much I ended up liking Teófila. There are some moments where I did not agree with her at all, and actually thought the opposite. Teófila is caring, gentle, loyal, and a little dependent. She doesn't really have a lot of sass or entertaining banter with other characters. I love me some good banter! It makes for great entertainment for Jayli. That part I didn't really like. I feel like she is there because she has to be, not because she wants to be.
Elijah: Oh boy. There are so many problems with this boy, where do I begin? First off, I do not like how he demands things from people and expect them to listen to him. If I was Teofila, I would have punched this guy so many times he would have seen it coming.
Another thing is the music. In the blurb this book talks all about his career and what not. However, there actually isn't a lot of music and stuff in the actual novel. Sure, it's about their relationship, but I was hoping they would have their own goals and accomplishments. Elijah seems to think the world is at his whim, and demands everyone else listen to him. He does go through a traumatic experience, but I feel like he could have definitely handled things better than he did.
Plot:
I like the plot and I think it has great potential! It is mainly focused on the relationship between Teófila and Elijah which covers from children to full grown adults.
The ending is my favorite part! I love how the author set it up, and described it in a way that made the reader feel they were there too! There is a lot of description to help emphasize the scene, but not too much.
I like how the author divides the book into different parts, and sequences the novel. It starts off when they are young, and continues throughout their relationship. I always love seeing and reading that all play out, so it is entertaining to read it in the novel.
As important as the relationship is, the characters also play a large part. I feel like the characters grew up, but didn't really change. Sure, they got moodier when they were teens, but at heart, they were the same. I feel like Teófila is still very caring, childish, and oblivious, while Elijah is immature, dependent, and irritating.
In this novel, there are a ton of very important themes and messages. If you read this novel, definitely look out for these, and how the characters react to them.
Rating:
I give this novel 4 stars! I really like the plot, the details, and overall novel. But what I didn't like was Elijah, and unfortunately he is a secondary character. I disagreed with his actions, as well as Teófila’s. There are some very unrealistic situations in this book that had me pausing for a couple minutes just thinking.
I like how the author set this book up in chronological order, so nothing felt out of place. It has great description, and I do recommend this book for anyone who wants to read romance.
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review
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