REVIEW: The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe

 

Author: Megan Crewe

Pages: 304

Genre: Young Adult

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

AMAZON: The Way We Fall

The Way We Fall was kindly provided to me by Netgalley

Synopsis (Goodreads)

It starts with an itch you just can't shake. Then comes a fever and a tickle in your throat. A few days later, you'll be blabbing your secrets and chatting with strangers like they’re old friends. Three more, and the paranoid hallucinations kick in.

And then you're dead.

When a deadly virus begins to sweep through sixteen-year-old Kaelyn’s community, the government quarantines her island—no one can leave, and no one can come back.

Those still healthy must fight for dwindling supplies, or lose all chance of survival. As everything familiar comes crashing down, Kaelyn joins forces with a former rival and discovers a new love in the midst of heartbreak. When the virus starts to rob her of friends and family, she clings to the belief that there must be a way to save the people she holds dearest.

Because how will she go on if there isn't?

Megan Crewe crafts a powerful and gripping exploration of self-preservation, first love, and hope. Poignant and dizzying, this heart-wrenching story of one girl’s bravery and unbeatable spirit will leave readers fervently awaiting the next book in this standout new series.

REVIEW: 3 out of 5 stars

The Way We Fall was kindly provided to me by Netgalley for Disney-Hyperion

16 year-old Kaelyn is insecure and shy with very few friends; her aim this new school year is to reinvent herself. The story begins with a journal entry to her best-friend Leo who left the small island to study; they never got to say a proper goodbye due to a misunderstanding so she begins to document her feelings in the hope that some day she will be able to express them directly to him.

The Way We Fall takes place within a small island community, when a number of residents begin to show signs of illness which begins to spread rapidly resulting in death, the island is quarantined by the government in attempt to contain the deadly epidemic.

We see the motions of what is happening to contain the virus and the destruction it is causing, not only with death and the residents personal health but also to their way of living - there are protests, looting, basic needs not available, loss of utilities and necessary communication. It was terrifying what they had to endure.

Kaelyn is trying to hold everything together for her family, including her young cousin who has been orphaned, what this poor little girl had to go through was terrible. I found Kaelyn’s strength, bravery and determination admirable despite the problems surrounding her.

In the midst of the devastation, Kaelyn meets Gav who is on a personal crusade to provide assistance to those in need, I liked him as a character and am curious to see how their romance progresses.

What I didn’t like: I feel this book lacked emotion – the fear, loss, devastation. It wasn’t portrayed in the characters feelings and actions; I think I would have liked this book a lot more if there was more intensity and realism – I am not sure if this was purposefully done for the younger readers.

The pacing started off slowly for me but soon picked up; I enjoyed Ms Crewe’s writing, all of the characters were likeable and the emotional story she has written enjoyable.

The Way We Fall finished on a cliffhanger so I am eager to pick up book 2 to find out the outcome to this intriguing yet heart-breaking story.