Avery Batts

I adore this book. I usually dislike romance books but this had just enough for me to love it. I recommend this book over and over again. The characters are likable, the scenery is perfectly described. I cried numerous times just because it was so beautiful. The isolation of the kids was painted very well and showed how they want to be seen as “normal”. As someone who has experienced racism, I felt a connection to the kids and was so happy to watch them grow. I could say a million wonderful things about this book, it’s beautiful. If you’re looking for a book with a happy ending, I would hand you this book in a heartbeat.

One of the worst books I’ve ever read. I read it for a project and literally had to force myself to finish it on the day the project was due. The characters are extremely boring and the boy cheats on his girlfriend the whole book! The plot on the back never happens, there’s never a duel and they blandly say the circus makes up for it. That’s not what I wanted to read. I hate romance novels but I gave this one a shot because I thought one would have to sacrifice themselves and it would be emotional, but I ended up hating every aspect. I can’t even tell what happens at the end, it was so confusing. And the time jumps! What the heck?! The perspective changes with all the time jumps left me wondering how old anyone was. I was flipping chapters trying to add up the ages. The only redeeming part was the description and second person. I thought those were interesting but everything was overshadowed by how much I hated everyone else. I don’t understand how it’s so highly rated. Another friend of mine read it and had the same reaction. The only character I liked was Tsukiko and she was barely there. I wanted to know her story, and would have much rather just read about her actual duel because from her brief description of her life, it was the story I wanted. I could go on about how much I wish I could get 400 pages back but I’ll leave it here. It’s not good. Don’t waste your time.