A review by sydverse
The Boy Who Steals Houses by C.G. Drews

4.5

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to read an ARC of Drew’s newest novel (don’t let the forest in) and it became an easy all time favorite, so I wanted to look into their backlog and see what other books they’ve written. I finished this book in two sittings and was completed enraptured. This was a beautiful story about overcoming abuse and learning how to make connections in the face of those hardships. Sam and Avery both managed to sneak into my heart and make me care so deeply for them, same with the De Lainey family. I think the ending was a perfect ending as a stand alone story, and then I found out about the sequels (so excited to dive into them!!). I also don’t often read books with autistic characters, and I found the portrayal of Avery (and Sam? from what I read between the lines as well as what I know about future books) wonderful to read, and I adored their undying loyalty for each other, they would do absolutely anything to protect the other. 

I think my only complaint is the pacing at times, and I didn’t particularly care for Vin as an antagonist. She feels more like a comic book super villain at times and I think her inclusion wasn’t entirely necessary. Sam and Avery have precarious life circumstances regardless of Vin’s existence and I don’t think this book entirely needed an external antagonist to have something working against Sam and Avery (when we already have their traumatic pasts and Sam’s situation with the police/Avery’s difficulty with work and the difficulties his autism cause for me). Just lowered my enjoyment a bit, maybe she’ll feel more necessary in future installments, maybe not. 

Regardless of those small complaints, this is a book I’ll never forget. Drews is, at least in the circles I’m in, is an incredibly underrated author and I plan to read every book they have ever/will ever write.