I snagged a copy of this from Netgalley when it was available as a 'read it now'.
I think I'm going to have to accept that time travel fantasys on ships are just not my thing, no matter how cool they sound. Two chapters in, I'm confused and bored. At this time I don't really have any interest in continuing.
Original post: sunsetxcocktail.booklikes.com/post/1427008/dnf-the-girl-from-everywhere
Review:
I received a copy from Netgalley.
I pre ordered this ages ago, but of course jumped at the chance when I saw the title pop up on Netgalley.
The novel tells the story of Mallory, who grew up in a terrible foster home with fellow foster child Ryder, after one really bad incident the authorities were involved and they were separated. Mallory was adopted by a couple of doctors who loved and cherished her. Though as a result of the terrible things that happened in foster care Mallory almost never talks. She’s gone through extensive therapy and is now in a good place with her new parents who adore her and after a few years of home schooling, she’s ready for high school.
It’s a gigantic step for Mallory who is only really comfortable with a small handful of people. She has a best friend Ainsley, who’s also home schooled and very supportive. I loved Mallory right off, there was something about her tone that was very real and very honest and so easy to understand. There was a big emotional impact in this book as well. I can’t even say what it was, the first 50 pages or so had me misty eyed immediately. When Mallory goes to school she is reunited with Ryder, the boy who protected her and looked after her in foster care.
The novel deals with some hard issues – the abuse Mallory and Ryder dealt with, the horrible foster parents and the event that lead to the authorities becoming involved and the aftermath. Also with Mallory’s trauma as she adjust to high school - speaking to people, dealing with mean girls, making friends, the cafeteria. And dealing with having to see Ryder again. Mallory has also challenged herself to take a public speaking class. Which has its ups and down and is a huge step for a girl who can hardly cope with speaking to people at the best of times.
It was all very good, very emotional. It was very easy to get lost in this story as Mallory and Ryder reconnect and work through their feelings for each other. Ryder believes he wasn’t so lucky as Mallory after they were separated, he wound up in a group home, which actually seems pretty decent. He’s made friends and the lady who is in charge is hardworking and nice. Though while Mallory is looking to college Ryder is still mixed with some pretty dark stuff and doesn’t see much prospects for himself after high school.
Mallory goes through some incredible character growth and transformations as she gets comfortable with high school and learns how to cope and deal with her own emotions from worry to romantic feels for Ryder to fear of dealing with Ryder’s former mean girl girlfriend.
Parental involvement from Mallory’s parents was pretty incredible. They talk regularly and openly, though they are not without their faults, Mallory like any other teenager has her indiscretions and arguments. Very realistic and nice to see some good parental involvement rather than absentee parents or one parent out of the picture like in so many YA novels.
My only particular issue with this which is why it was a four star rather than a five star was the whole Ryder/Mallory romance while as sweet as it was, it was rather preditcable and a little repetitive. Mallory’s parents had their own issues with Mallory seeing Ryder and Ryder’s college prospects (after he turns out to be a brilliant artist but still can’t see any future for himself) the same points came up more than a few times. The end did make me cry a bit.
Other than that, a very good, very moving and emotional read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin UK for approving my request to view the title.
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Original post: sunsetxcocktail.booklikes.com/post/1426959/review-the-problem-with-forever
