Trish Gorzycki

First, I can't even think about this book without getting choked up. Second, this book is an absolute masterpiece I can’t even wrap my mind around what I just listened to. While I went into this blind I knew it was going to hurt but nothing could have prepared me to be emotionally eviscerated. The book will shake you to your core. Under Your Scars had a profound impact on me. It's hard to even begin to articulate the emotional journey it took me on. The story is an impeccably crafted emotional rollercoaster that evoked such intense feelings in me. The author's debut novel showcased an impressive level of complexity in character development. From the gripping prologue that immediately drew me into the authentic portrayal of mental health struggles, the narrative held me captive throughout. Despite rating it 5 stars for its phenomenal writing, I hesitate to recommend it to just due to its incredibly dark and heartbreaking nature. The emotional depth and the characters' harrowing experiences had a visceral effect on me, to the point where my emotions overwhelmed me. The author's ability to depict the complexities of the characters and their struggles, especially considering this is her debut novel, is truly remarkable. The raw and powerful prologue immediately drew me in, and the portrayal of mental health issues felt incredibly authentic. The depth and flaws of the characters added layers to the story that will stay with me for a long time. The ending, in particular, broke me in a way I'd never experienced with any other book. It's a poignant and devastating tale that will linger in my thoughts forever. I want to acknowledge the emotional toll this book took on me. Despite not usually being easily triggered, the intense nature of this story necessitated multiple breaks to collect myself. Potential readers need to consider the warnings about the morally dark nature of the main male character and the portrayal of mental health struggles. The audiobook performance was exceptional, with the narrator's ability to authentically convey the characters' raw emotions. Their talent and skill elevated the listening experience, leaving me deeply moved by their portrayal. If you're considering diving into this book, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the trigger warnings and understand that it delves into heavy themes that go beyond a typical dark romance.