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noreimerreason's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
kdickerson38's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Dual POVs; deep, heartwrenching, and challenging topics; truly felt for the two main characters and went through a rollercoaster of emotions; was fully hooked and never wanted to put it down; a masterfully written, captivating, impactful, and inspiring story with tragedy, hope, trauma, and redemption; the ending gave me goosebumps; my only gripe is that I wish it were longer- I needed more!
Hands down my new favorite Ellen Hopkins book 🩶
⚠️ check trigger warnings ⚠️
Special thank you to Penguin Group/Penguin Young Readers Group/Nancy Paulson Books and Netgalley for a DRC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Special thank you to Penguin Group/Penguin Young Readers Group/Nancy Paulson Books and Netgalley for a DRC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Releases 8/27/24!
oldandnewbooksmell's review against another edition
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Trigger Warnings: Child abuse, child neglect, homelessness, mention of drug use, rape, suicide, homophobia, prison/juvie
Twins Storm and Lake have always been in sync growing up - until they get separated within the foster care system. Storm’s been through juvie but his current foster dad and his girlfriend are helping him find a normal life again - until an incident makes him lose control again. Lake likes girls, but her bible loving foster parents would immediately kick her out if they find out - so she and her foster sibling, Parker, must keep their relationship secret. Both twins have rough patches ahead and both fight to come out on the other side.
Sooo, I’ve never read an Ellen Hopkins book - at least that I can remember anyway. I did NOT keep track of books I read until I was in my late 20’s… That being said, I feel like I would remember the emotional damage that probably would have been done with her books, especially with how I feel after finishing this one.
Hopkins didn’t shy away from the hard topics. Doing so allowed me to feel every emotion alongside the twins as they were. I’ve recently really gotten into novel-in-verse books and it absolutely makes me understand how poetry can really hit your gut with just so few words; Hopkins didn’t have to go into detail about what things looked like for you to understand what was going on.
The ending was bittersweet because I didn’t want it to be over, but at the same time, Hopkins finished it beautifully without needing the words. God, this book is going to stay with me for quite some time. I’m going to think of Storm and Lake and hope they’re doing okay.
Overall, this book will grab your heart and twist it tight, absolutely leaving an imprint when it finally releases you on the last page. Even though it’s a 400+ page novel, it reads quickly and one could probably finish it in one setting. The only reason I hadn’t was because I started it super late at night and then had plans the following morning.
*Thank you Nancy Paulsen Books and BookishFirst for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Homophobia
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Suicide, Drug abuse, Violence, Toxic relationship, Child abuse, and Drug use
bookedandbusy's review
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was a heart wrenching but inspiring story about twins separated by the system and dealing with their own struggles and challenges, while still having a strong connection wish each other no matter what.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Homophobia, Rape, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Mental illness, Drug use, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Confinement, Child abuse, Toxic relationship, Religious bigotry, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Stalking, Pedophilia, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual harassment
minizzip's review
4.0
I had a few comments about the book’s composition as a whole:
The ending was rushed. With 10 pages left, I wondered how the story would wrap up. I was hoping we’d get a final scene with them coming together, but I also just felt like things fell into place too soon almost
Rape felt like a plot device in a lot of ways. Jaidyn’s made sense contextually for the whole story, but Lake’s felt glossed over after everything. No therapy? No outbursts? It felt like a one time deal.
Otherwise, this story was strong and impactful. I loved Storm’s story more than anything. I do wonder what happens to Parker, Teddy, and Jim. But I guess that’s the mark of a good story - always wondering about the lives of fictional characters.
adoseofsmut's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
4.0
This book is a riveting journey through the lives of Storm and Lake, twins torn apart by the foster care system but united by an unbreakable bond. Hopkins crafts a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of trauma, resilience, and the quest for belonging.
From the outset, readers are drawn into the emotional whirlwind of Storm and Lake's experiences. Hopkins' prose is both lyrical and poignant, immersing readers in the depths of their struggles and triumphs. The dual perspectives offer a nuanced exploration of their individual paths, each fraught with obstacles and moments of profound revelation.
One of the novel's strengths lies in its portrayal of the twin connection, symbolized by the title "Sync." While physically separated, Storm and Lake remain tethered by an invisible thread of shared experiences and emotions. This theme of synchronicity adds a layer of depth to their story, underscoring the enduring power of familial bonds.
This was a captivating and emotionally resonant read that leaves a lasting impression. Hopkins' exploration of the human spirit's capacity for resilience and redemption is both moving and thought-provoking. In the end, Sync serves as a testament to the enduring strength of the human heart and the unbreakable ties that bind us together.
From the outset, readers are drawn into the emotional whirlwind of Storm and Lake's experiences. Hopkins' prose is both lyrical and poignant, immersing readers in the depths of their struggles and triumphs. The dual perspectives offer a nuanced exploration of their individual paths, each fraught with obstacles and moments of profound revelation.
One of the novel's strengths lies in its portrayal of the twin connection, symbolized by the title "Sync." While physically separated, Storm and Lake remain tethered by an invisible thread of shared experiences and emotions. This theme of synchronicity adds a layer of depth to their story, underscoring the enduring power of familial bonds.
This was a captivating and emotionally resonant read that leaves a lasting impression. Hopkins' exploration of the human spirit's capacity for resilience and redemption is both moving and thought-provoking. In the end, Sync serves as a testament to the enduring strength of the human heart and the unbreakable ties that bind us together.
tatbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
SYNC is emotionally-riveting. This novel has so much in it. So much horror and grief, and, well, love. Ellen Hopkins' books are not for the faint of heart. They delve into topics that are hard topics, and SYNC focuses on hard topics...
SYNC is the second book that I've read by Ellen Hopkins. I don't know what I was expecting going into this book, but I know what I got. SYNC is a dual-pov, in-verse novel about Storm and Lake as they navigate the life that was handed to them: foster care, heartbreak, life and death situations...a life that is hard and often-times too much. The reader is took on a journey: an emotional-rollercoaster of sorts. There were times in this book that made my heartbreak. I found myself rooting for Storm and Lake, feeling sorry for Storm and Lake.
This book entails a lot, and it may be too much for some people. Honestly, it was almost too much for me. But, I would recommend this.
SYNC is the second book that I've read by Ellen Hopkins. I don't know what I was expecting going into this book, but I know what I got. SYNC is a dual-pov, in-verse novel about Storm and Lake as they navigate the life that was handed to them: foster care, heartbreak, life and death situations...a life that is hard and often-times too much. The reader is took on a journey: an emotional-rollercoaster of sorts. There were times in this book that made my heartbreak. I found myself rooting for Storm and Lake, feeling sorry for Storm and Lake.
This book entails a lot, and it may be too much for some people. Honestly, it was almost too much for me. But, I would recommend this.
gkaltam's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Alcoholism, Sexual assault, Drug use, and Rape
thereadinggoose's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25