If you love psychological thrillers with a dark, emotional edge, this one's for you. The story digs into family trauma and mental health, with a twisty mystery that keeps you turning pages late into the night. Fans of layered, 'unreliable narrator' plots or books like 'We Were Liars' will likely find this engaging. The writing style is vivid, pulling you in as secrets unravel, and the characters - especially Alice - are hauntingly memorable. Bonus: It's an easy, fast-paced read that still manages to pack an emotional punch.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you prefer your thrillers unpredictable, you might find the big reveal here a little too easy to guess. Some readers felt the book tried too hard to be mysterious by withholding information, which could be frustrating if you like straightforward storytelling. There’s also quite a bit of drama and a somber tone - so if you’re not in the mood for a bleak or emotional read, this might not hit the spot.

A dark, gripping psychological thriller - emotionally charged, atmospheric, and easy to binge. Predictable for seasoned readers, but absolutely worth picking up if you love twisty tales with heart.

About:

When Alice Monroe wakes up in a mental hospital, she can barely remember what put her there. All she remembers is the flames that killed her boyfriend, Jason. The ones that should have killed her. As Alice's memories of that night start to come flooding back, so do fragments of her past. With her mind reconstructing her reality, Alice knows that she must uncover the truth, or be haunted by uncertainty forever. The book features two timelines running simultaneously, delving into dark subject matter but with a well-written and educational approach regarding mental health and social services. The writing style is described as engaging and straightforward, with a strong hook that keeps readers turning the pages until the very end.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Alice as a relatable protagonist and distinct personalities among the twins.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and emotional, yet at times overly dramatic and descriptive.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around twin sisters with a troubled past, exploring themes of mental health, trauma, and familial relationships.

Setting:

The setting primarily takes place in a mental institution, evoking a dark and intense atmosphere.

Pacing:

The pacing varies; while it can be slow and predictable, the story remains compelling and engaging.

IN MY MIND THERE ARE BLACK-AND-WHITE PHOTOS. They float around, landing softly here and there, resting on top of other memories, dreamscapes and nightmares. Sometimes they bloom color, like the one I’...

Notes:

The book focuses on a character named Alice who wakes up in a mental hospital.

Alice has fragmented memories of a tragic event involving flames that killed her boyfriend.

Her sister is implied to have a dark role in the incident that left Alice in the hospital.

The writing style is described as straightforward and engaging, despite some scenes being heavily dramatic.

The story alternates between two timelines, creating tension and confusion at times.

Alice is portrayed as a sympathetic character while her sister Cellie's voice adds an unsettling chill.

The romance in the book is present but not overwhelming, and it ends on a note of hope rather than a traditional happy ending.

The book addresses heavy themes like mental health and the foster care system, providing educational insights.

The ending has been described as predictable by some readers, while others felt it was still satisfying.

Many readers were drawn to the strong characters and the emotional depth of the story.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of mental illness, trauma, emotional abuse, and references to fire.

Has Romance?

While the romance is present, it does not overpower the central narrative.

From The Publisher:

Murder.

Fire.

Revenge.

That's all seventeen-year-old Alice Monroe thinks about. Committed to a mental ward at Savage Isle, Alice is haunted by memories of the fire that killed her boyfriend, Jason. A blaze her twin sister Cellie set. But when Chase, a mysterious, charismatic patient, agrees to help her seek vengeance, Alice begins to rethink everything. Writing out the story of her troubled past in a journal, she must confront hidden truths. Is the one person she trusts only telling her half the story? Nothing is as it seems in this edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller from the debut author Emiko Jean.

Ratings (2)

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Reader Stats (8):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (4)
Not Interested (2)

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We'll Never Be Apart?

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About the Author:

Emiko Jean is the author of the psychological suspense novel, We'll Never Be Apart. Her second novel, Empress of All Seasons, is inspired by her Japanese heritage. Emiko lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and children. Aside from reading and writing, she loves hiking and travel. www.emikojean.com Twitter: @emikojeanbooks.

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We'll Never Be Apart

Emiko Jean

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