Book Blitz & Giveaway - Intimate Secret by D.C. Stone

Intimate Secret

(Empire Blue, #6)

Author: D.C. Stone

Publication Date: April 17th, 2025

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance / Suspense

Book Description:

A murder was captured on satellite and multiple law enforcement agencies are trying to solve it. One of the detectives on the case, Jake Gonzalez, is led right to the front door of a local author, Francesca Conti. Sparks fly as Jake realizes he’s insanely attracted to his primary suspect, and her father is one of the most ruthless mafia bosses in the city, and someone he’s been investigating for years.

Francesca wants to escape this life her father has set for her and has been putting money away, looking for her opportunity to disappear. And much to her dismay, lately her father has been pushing her toward marrying his right-hand man, someone no woman has ever been able to say no to.

Just when she thinks she’s getting closer to escaping, Detective Gonzalez lands on her doorstep asking alarming questions, and making her heart race unlike ever before.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Just Another Meet Cute by Jenn P. Nguyen

Just Another Meet Cute

Author: Jenn P. Nguyen

Publication Date: May 20th, 2025

Genre: YA Comedy / Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Boy saves girl stuck on a disastrous hike. What could go wrong? So. Much.

Just Another Meet Cute is the joyful and funny story about what happens when you realize you’re dating the wrong twin.

When seventeen-year-old Nina Riley gets saved by a super cute Knight-in-Faded-Khakis just as she lands in an embarrassingly ‘ahem’ sticky situation during the most disastrous hike known to man, she wasn’t exactly looking for a meet cute. She really just needed some peace and quiet from her complicated family. Unfortunately, he disappears before she can properly thank him or get his number. All she has is his name (Ian Nguyen) and a navy jacket with a dog keychain, a gym card, and laundromat receipt. But a meet cute is a meet cute. And armed with years of watching Veronica Mars and a techy cousin, it should be simple enough for Nina to find the boy of her dreams, right? But when she finally tracks him down, he’s different than she thought ―right down to his name. Ryan is just as cute as she remembers, but the chemistry isn’t there like it was before. After a few dates, she meets Ryan’s family: his sweet grandma, his enthusiastic sisters, and his twin brother ―​​​​​​​―Ian.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Unspoken Words by Linda Joyce

Unspoken Words

Author: Linda Joyce

Publication Date: April 22nd, 2025

Genre: Adult Women’s Fiction

Book Description:

What happens when the truth you’ve hidden becomes the key to your greatest fear—and your greatest hope?

For years, Jane Landry has carried a secret that could break hearts and heal them all at once. Her son, Christopher Marcus, is the light of her life—but he’s also the boy no one knows about. Not his father, her ex-husband Mark, nor his wife Maggie, or his sister Suzanne, Jane’s best friends from childhood. Now, with a cancer diagnosis threatening her future, Jane must summon the courage to confess her secret. She prays they’ll embrace Christopher as family before time runs out.

But just as Jane takes the first step, tragedy strikes—Mark is killed in an accident after learning he has a son. The devastating loss leaves Jane grappling with how to face Maggie and Suzanne, the two women she’s avoided for years but now desperately needs. Her truth risks alienating them, yet the stakes are higher than ever. Christopher needs a home. Jane needs to know her boy will be loved when she’s no longer there to protect him.

As Jane uncovers the secrets Maggie and Suzanne have been hiding, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying the weight of the past. Old wounds, unexpected betrayals, and the search for forgiveness weave together in a story about love, loss, and the lengths we’ll go to for family.

Set against the vivid backdrop of New Orleans, Unspoken Words explores the messy, beautiful journey of redemption and the bonds that hold us together—even when stretched to their breaking point.

Discover a story that will break your heart, heal your soul, and stay with you long after the final page.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

BOOK REVIEW: Slip by L. Ryan Storms

Slip

Author: L. Ryan Storms
Publication Date:  15 April 2025
Genre: YA Fantasy / Romance / Magical Realism

Book Description:

9 minutes and 53 seconds isn't enough time to change the world. It's not even enough time to finish a biology exam.

But 16-year-old junior, PJ "Slip" Ellis, gets to repeat the most anxiety-inducing parts of her life again and again. Because her panic attacks send her 9 minutes and 53 seconds into the past, which means she'll do whatever she can to avoid triggering her nerves. And she's learned to deal with her anxiety...mostly.

At least, until Ethan Morrow appears in class. Now, PJ is falling for Ethan, and her anxiety-once under control-is quickly spiraling out of hand. So, PJ's determined to avoid Ethan with every slip.

If only the solution were so easy. Ethan appears in PJ's life no matter what path she takes, no matter how many times she slips. Is it fate? Kismet? Organized chaos? One way or another, PJ must make peace with herself if she ever wants a shot at true happiness with-or without-Ethan Morrow in her life.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Connect with the Author:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Threads

SUMMARY

Slip follows the story of sixteen-year-old Penelope Jane "PJ" Ellis, who has a unique and challenging ability—whenever she experiences anxiety or panic attacks, she's sent exactly 9 minutes and 53 seconds into the past. This unusual temporal displacement, which PJ calls "slipping", has become her coping mechanism for navigating the stressful moments of her teenage life. She's developed strategies to manage both her anxiety and her slips, creating a delicate balance that works—most of the time.

PJ's carefully constructed world begins to unravel when Ethan Morrow, an old classmate, returns to school after moving back from California. As PJ finds herself developing feelings for Ethan, her anxiety—which she thought she had under control—begins spiraling. What's most perplexing is that no matter how many times she slips to avoid Ethan, he continues to appear in her life through different circumstances. Even more startling, Ethan seems to remember events from her "slips" that should have been erased—something that's never happened with anyone else.

The novel explores PJ's home life with her workaholic but loving single mother, with whom she communicates primarily through handwritten notes. PJ's friendship with her best mate Mariana Salvadore provides grounding support as she navigates the complications of her condition. Throughout the story, PJ grapples with whether to reveal her ability to Ethan, especially after previous failed attempts to confide in her mother. The central question becomes whether PJ can make peace with her anxiety and her unique ability to give herself a chance at happiness.

MY THOUGHTS

Storms has crafted a refreshingly original take on the magical realism genre with Slip. What immediately struck me was how seamlessly the fantastical element of time-slipping integrates into the otherwise grounded narrative—a hallmark of magical realism. Unlike traditional sci-fi or fantasy tropes that often over-explain supernatural mechanics, Storms treats PJ’s slipping ability as an organic extension of her emotional reality. The 9-minute-53-second rewinds are not just plot devices but visceral manifestations of anxiety itself, blurring the line between psychological experience and literal magic in a way that feels deeply human. Haven't we all wished we could go back and redo those moments when anxiety gets the better of us? PJ actually can, and watching her navigate this power brings both humour and poignancy to the narrative.

The character dynamics are absolutely brilliant. The dialogue between PJ, Ethan and Mariana flows naturally and often had me chuckling aloud. Their banter feels authentic to teenage friendships without falling into the trap of trying too hard to sound "young". PJ's relationship with her hardworking single mum is portrayed with nuance—there's genuine love there, alongside the realistic frustrations of a teenager who wishes for more parental presence.

Storms handles the mental health aspects of the story with remarkable sensitivity. The conversations between PJ and Mariana about anxiety and mental wellbeing are thoughtfully constructed and genuinely moving. These moments provide valuable insights without ever feeling preachy, which is quite an achievement in YA literature where such themes can easily become heavy-handed.

Where the novel falters somewhat is in its pacing. The second half leans heavily into romantic tension at the expense of leveraging slipping’s unique storytelling possibilities. While Storms wisely avoids over-explaining the ability’s mechanics (a strength of the magical realism approach), I found myself wishing for more creative applications of the slips themselves. For instance, how might PJ’s relationship with her power shift if she actively engaged with it rather than solely reacting to anxiety triggers? The narrative’s focus on Ethan, while emotionally grounded, occasionally sidelines the very device that makes PJ’s journey so distinctive.

I was also slightly perplexed by PJ's reluctance to tell Ethan about her ability when she already knows he somehow remembers her slips. This hesitation feels somewhat contrived, especially given that he's demonstrated an awareness that should make him the perfect confidant. It's a small logical inconsistency in an otherwise well-constructed narrative.

Despite these minor quibbles, Slip delivers a compelling story that balances its supernatural premise with authentic emotional depth. The novel excels at depicting the everyday struggles of teenage life alongside extraordinary circumstances, making PJ's journey relatable despite its fantastical elements.

VERDICT

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Revenge Game by Jax Calder

The Revenge Game

(The Revenge Club, #1)

Author: Jax Calder

Publication Date: April 11th, 2025

Genre: Adult Comedy / Contemporary / LGBTQ+ / Romance

Book Description:

Rule #1 of Revenge Club: Don’t fall for your target

Andrew

I’ve come a long way since being the gawky, geeky, gay kid who was constantly picked on growing up. Having just sold my tech start-up for so much money it broke my phone calculator, I’m now at a loose end wondering what to do next in my life.

Then I run into Justin. Justin, the golden boy from high school. Justin, the popular jock who turned my life into a living hell for four years.

And do you want to know the kicker? He doesn’t even recognize me.

Even worse, it looks like karma hasn’t done its thing because Justin definitely hasn’t been punished for his previous sins.

Maybe my next mission in life is to give karma a helping hand…

Justin

My life looks perfect from the outside – good job, good friends, no worries. Only I know it is all based on a lie. I’ve never been honest with anyone about my sexuality.

Then I meet the new IT guy at work who has just moved into my apartment building too. Given I seem to be having an extraordinary run of bad luck with technology at the moment—like having my email randomly decide to spam the entire company with images of trolls in intimate embraces —Drew’s been a lifesaver. And the more I get to know Drew, the more I want to confess my secret in the hope we can become something more.

But I can’t help the niggling feeling Drew is hiding something from me…

The Revenge Game is a laugh-out-loud journey through misadventures in revenge and the unexpected twists of fate. It’s where old grudges spark new attractions, where secrets unravel, and where two men learn all about redemption and love.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Celebrating a Milestone: CBY Book Club in FeedSpot’s Top YA Blogs!

CBY Book Club: Honoured as One of the Top 100 Young Adult Book Blogs in 2025!

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with our readers! CBY Book Club has been recognised as one of the Top 100 Young Adult Book Blogs on the web by FeedSpot. This incredible honour highlights our dedication to bringing you engaging reviews, recommendations and discussions about young adult literature.

What This Means for Us

Being part of FeedSpot’s comprehensive list of the best YA book blogs is a testament to our commitment to connecting readers with stories that inspire, entertain and spark meaningful conversations. This recognition motivates us to continue delivering high-quality content that resonates with our audience.

A Special Thank You

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to FeedSpot and its panelists for selecting CBY Book Club for this prestigious list. Their support reinforces our passion for sharing the magic of young adult books with readers worldwide.

Celebrate With Us!

To celebrate this milestone, we’ve added FeedSpot’s badge to our website—a symbol of this achievement and a reminder of the incredible community we’re proud to be part of. Check it out on our homepage and feel free to share it on social media to help spread the word!

How You Can Support Us

Share Our Blog: Help us grow by sharing your favourite posts from CBY Book Club on social media or with friends who love books.

Follow Us: Stay connected by following us on social media and subscribing to our newsletter for updates, reviews and exclusive content.

Engage With Us: Leave comments, share your thoughts and recommend books you’d like us to review. Your involvement keeps our community vibrant!

Discover More Amazing Blogs

FeedSpot’s list is a treasure trove of incredible YA book blogs that cater to diverse tastes and styles. Explore the full list here and discover new favourites alongside CBY Book Club.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to more milestones, great books, and a thriving YA community!

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Eva is Waiting by Romola Farr

Eva is Waiting

Author: Romola Farr

Publication Date: February 14th, 2025

Genre: Adult Historical Thriller

Book Description:

Following the death of her mother, Lily is sent to a remote girls’ boarding school, tearing her away from all the excitement of London in the Swingin’ Sixties. Bereft, she develops a relationship with Rainer, the husband of Sylvia, the headmistress.

One day, Bella, the school Collie, goes missing whilst playing on the shore below sheer cliffs. Despite a rising tide, Lily is determined to find the beautiful dog and discovers her trapped between rocks in a cave. Deepening water swirls around them as her fingertips dig into the sand and touch the smooth surface of what she believes to be an animal skull. From that moment on, she is haunted by a young girl pleading for help.

Lily speaks to her headmistress and learns that eleven years previously a pupil went missing. Eva was a refugee from Hungary, and it was assumed by the police that she had run away.

Forced to stay on at school during the Christmas holiday, Lily is caught between those who know what really happened and wish to silence her, and her determination to end Eva’s wait for justice.

But is history about to repeat itself?

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Blog Tour Review - If Shapes Could Eat by Rella B.

Delighted to kick off my stop on the If Shapes Could Eat tour!

Rella B.’s whimsical picture book serves up a feast of imagination, blending geometry and nutrition into a playful adventure. Join Riley Rhombus and her best pal Maxine Hexagon as they navigate a block party brimming with tantalising treats, learning valuable lessons about moderation, curiosity and the joy of diverse flavours along the way. With vibrant illustrations by Wenny S. and a storyline as lively as a child’s appetite for discovery, this book transforms picky-eating struggles into a celebration of food’s colourful possibilities.

Enjoy!

If Shapes Could Eat

Author: Rella B.
Publication Date: 1 March 2025
Genre: Children's Picture Book

Book Description:

Riley Rhombus is super excited!

She has thrown a block party for all her shapely neighbors.

She cannot wait to taste all the delicious dishes on the street with her best pal, Maxine Hexagon.

But she runs into trouble with her excitement and super snacking along the way.

“What kind of trouble?” you may wonder.

“… and what does she discover along the way?”

Join Riley as she learns about tastes and textures and when she takes a moment to think about what she is putting in her mouth!

This is a book all about the celebration of food and the discovery of how a diet with variety can make you feel amazing! Riley and Maxine are excited about trying new foods and enjoying new flavors… but, sometimes, a little too enthusiastic. This book encourages young readers to enjoy all colors of the foodie rainbow, from peas to pizza, from cherry to chocolate, and from carrot to cake!.

Buy Links:
Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Lush by Tinia Montford

Lush

Author: Tinia Montford

Publication Date: March 31st, 2025

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance / Suspense

Book Description:

Laurene King had it all: beauty, wealth, and a sexy secret affair with Reese Ashbourne— the brooding heir of her family’s sworn enemy.

But one reckless night shattered everything.

Tragedy struck. Laurene disappeared. And Reese was left with betrayal, unanswered questions, and scars he’ll never forget.

Now, Laurene is back, forced to return to the life she fled, but her homecoming comes with a cruel twist. Their families, teetering on the edge of ruin, have resurrected an old deal to save themselves: an Ashbourne and a King must marry—or lose everything.

Only this time, Reese is the groom. Not his brother.

Haunted by the past, Reese craves revenge as much as he still craves her. Trapped in a forced proximity neither can escape, their chemistry ignites—and so do their secrets.

But someone knows the truth about that night. The lies that tore them apart are unraveling, and the shadowy danger lurking in their luxurious world could destroy them both.

With their second chance at love and their families’ legacies hanging by a thread, Laurene and Reese must choose: bury the past or watch everything crumble to ashes.

The clock is ticking, and some truths are better left buried…

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Frozen Flames by M.H.B.

Frozen Flames

(The Hollow, #3)

Author: M.H.B.

Publication Date: March 20th. 2025

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

One mistake.

A tragic accident.

A life-altering event.

Something I can never take back.

What do you do when you meet the girl of your dreams but you’re now a shadow of who you used to be.

Gemma Ackerman, my girlfriend, was my everything. Her quiet, nerdy aura drew me in and I never wanted to let go. Life on my Harley with her by my side was perfect.

Until it wasn’t—until I lost myself.

Because a part of me died that night and it was never coming back.

I welcomed anger instead.

I greeted loneliness like an old friend.

I allowed guilt and sorrow to nestle inside my head.

That’s when I met Claire Edwards—the epitome of joie de vivre. She showed me a new colorful way to see the world. She turned numbness into eagerness for a taste of life.

And now I’m torn between a girlfriend that never gave up on me and a woman I picture as my wife.

I had no other choice.

I let myself die, so that I may live.

And it’s all thanks to her. . .

*Follow the same standalone storyline as Silent Screams and Grieving Graves through Harvey and Claire’s eyes.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Sam Squared by Cindy Dorminy

Sam Squared

Author: Cindy Dorminy

Publication Date: March 17th, 2025

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Falling in love should be easy as Pi.

Seventeen-year-old Samantha Baughman has one month to raise her GPA, or she can kiss her coveted Auburn basketball scholarship goodbye. Her only hope lies with her high school’s resident bad boy—and closet genius—Samuel King.

The last thing Samuel wants is to get tangled in anyone else’s problems. But when he gets caught helping another student cheat, his teacher offers him a get-out-of-jail-free card. With a one-way ticket to boarding school as his only other option, Samuel reluctantly agrees to tutor Samantha… with one stipulation. They have to keep their arrangement on the down-low. No one can know about their study sessions, especially Samantha’s overprotective brother, who has already warned Samuel to stay away from his sister.

As the “Sams” spend more time together, their playful banter turns into genuine attraction, including one extra-credit-worthy kiss. But Samantha’s brother’s threats send Samuel backpedaling so fast that he denies their encounter ever happened. Now, it’s game on for Samantha to get him to confess. She may need his help to pass her classes, but he’s the one who needs schooling in matters of the heart.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble

Book Blitz & Giveaway - In The Market For Love by Shanna Hatfield

In The Market For Love

(Hearts of the West, #1)

Author: Shanna Hatfield

Publication Date: March 6th, 2025

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

He’s never opened his heart to anyone. She wears her emotions on her sleeve. When romance blooms, will they realize love is what they both need?

Ransom Kressley possesses the gift of gab, striking good looks, and a blistering disdain for his family’s Idaho ranch where he resides with his father and identical twin brother. His genuine passion is football, but a knee injury shattered his dreams of an NFL career. After years of channeling his frustration and anger toward those who care about him most, Ransom resolves to change. He accepts a job in Portland as a promotions manager for an arena football team and eagerly steps into his new life. As he makes a fresh start, his past continues to plague him, interfering with his chance to get to know the woman who lingers in his thoughts.

Despite her sunny smile and tender spirit, Kelly Truman isn’t in the market for love or even a relationship when she agrees to have lunch with her best friend’s soon-to-be brother-in-law. Familiar only with Ransom Kressley’s notorious reputation, Kelly is determined to keep her guard up around him. However, Ransom proves to be nothing like she expected. Soon, she realizes she cherishes time spent with the man, but fears trusting him with her heart.

When their friendship evolves into something more, will Ransom’s charm and silver tongue split them apart or bind them together?

A sweet romance full of warmth and humor, In the Market for Love is a story of hope, forgiveness, and redemption.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Immortal Dark by Shermon Kodi

Immortal Dark

Author: Shermon Kodi

Publication Date: March 10th 2025

Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Description:

The shadows awaken as darkness falls. And these shadows have fangs.

Seventeen-year-old Bexis has survived the frozen streets of Coppejj by trusting no one but herself. With her shadow magic, she’s scraped by as a freelance thief, working for local gang lords and politicians.

But when a routine heist goes horribly wrong, Bexis is branded with ancient magic, making her the target of a bloodthirsty spirit.

Desperate for answers, she turns to an eccentric demon hunter. Together, they uncover a deadly plot by a sinister cabal, threatening to plunge the world into eternal night. As Bexis confronts her haunted past, she faces a grim choice: Embrace the shadows within, or lose everything she holds dear.

To destroy the darkness, she must first become it.

BOOK REVIEW: The Drowners by David A. Anderson

The Drowners

Author: David A. Anderson
Publication Date:  18 March 2025
Genre: Semi-Autobiographical YA/ Coming of Age Fiction

Book Description:
For Aaron, this world is an unfathomable puzzle. Haunted by disturbing dreams, he drifts through empty days, shielding himself behind sarcasm and cynical wit. After being expelled, he sees an opportunity to rewrite his future at a new school. Connecting over a shared love for De Niro films with Robbie, an aspiring actor of Jamaican descent, he unexpectedly finds his companion piece, one person who truly understands him. Together, they navigate the chaotic waters of adolescence, from dramatic first dates to sociopathic bullies, iconic concerts, and a dead body.

With adulthood fast approaching, the crushing weight of societal pressures and devastating revelations threaten to shatter their unique bond. Confronted by the ghosts of his past, Aaron must choose whether to blaze bright or fade away.

A funny and poignant meditation on the forces that shape us, The Drowners is an ode to that time when your tolerance for hypocrisy was zero and life’s possibilities seemed infinite.

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon US | UK

Connect with the Author:

Threads | Mastodon | X

SUMMARY

The Drowners by David A. Anderson is a poignant coming-of-age novel set in 1990s Dublin. The story revolves around Aaron Anderson, a 15-year-old struggling to find his place in the world. Haunted by disturbing dreams and feeling like an outsider, Aaron navigates adolescence with sarcasm and wit. After being expelled from school, he finds a new beginning and forms a deep bond with Robbie, an aspiring actor of Jamaican descent. Together, they face the challenges of first loves, societal pressures and personal revelations. As Aaron grapples with his identity and the expectations of those around him, he must confront his past and decide whether to embrace his true self or conform to societal norms.

MY THOUGHTS

This book is a powerful exploration of adolescence, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. The author's use of humour and poignant moments creates a narrative that feels both authentic and relatable, drawing readers into the world of 1990s Dublin. The setting provides a unique backdrop, capturing the era's optimism and cultural nuances, which adds depth to the story. One of the strengths of the book is its raw honesty; it doesn't shy away from difficult themes like drug use, identity crises, and the struggles of growing up. This unapologetic approach makes the narrative feel real and engaging, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

The exploration of mental health themes in The Drowners resonated with me, particularly in its portrayal of Aaron's inner turmoil and his struggles with identity and societal expectations. The narrative reminded me of My Mad Fat Diary, a British series known for its honest and relatable depiction of teenage life and mental health struggles. Both share a similar tone in addressing complex issues with humour and sensitivity, making them relatable and impactful. The music ensemble in the book, with its references to iconic artists like Bowie, adds another layer of depth, reflecting the characters' emotional journeys and the cultural context of the time.

In terms of its themes and tone, The Drowners also brings to mind The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. Both stories explore the importance of finding one's place in the world through friendships and shared experiences. The film Submarine, directed by Richard Ayoade, is another point of comparison, as it too captures the awkwardness and humour of teenage life with a similar blend of wit and pathos. Even classic coming-of-age films like The Breakfast Club come to mind, as both The Drowners and The Breakfast Club highlight the importance of finding one's identity and forming meaningful connections with others amidst the challenges of adolescence.

However, at times, the dialogue felt slightly mature for the age of the protagonists, which occasionally required a reminder that these were teenagers. Despite this, the overall authenticity of the characters' experiences and emotions remained intact, making their journey relatable and impactful.

The character development is strong, particularly in the portrayal of Aaron's inner turmoil and his relationship with Robbie. Aaron's struggles with his identity, family expectations and personal relationships are deeply explored, making him a compelling and sympathetic protagonist. The dynamic between Aaron and Robbie is especially well-crafted, showcasing how their bond evolves from an awkward beginning to a comfortable and supportive friendship. The dialogue is smooth and authentic, contributing to the overall sense of realism in the story. The way the characters interact with each other feels natural, which is a testament to the author's skill in crafting believable relationships.

One minor issue is the lack of clear dialogue tags, which can sometimes make it difficult to discern who is speaking. However, this wasn't a big enough issue to cause a disruption in an otherwise smooth transition from one scene to the next. The narrative flows well, and the reader is able to follow the story without significant confusion.

Overall, The Drowners is a compelling read that offers a satisfying conclusion that aligns with its themes of embracing uncertainty and finding courage in the face of adversity. The book's ability to balance humour and sensitivity while tackling complex themes makes it a standout in its genre. I highly recommend it for its honest portrayal of adolescence and its exploration of identity, relationships, and personal growth. The author's willingness to confront difficult subjects head-on creates a narrative that is both impactful and memorable.

VERDICT

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: Author