Due to the size and depth of this book (370 pages to be exact), I decided to change how I analyzed the text and how I created its review. I dove right into it, my fingers whipping past multiple pages in a night because I wanted to find out what was happening next. I knew that taking notes and writing down my favorite quotes would take time, and I didn’t want to slow down my reading. I could not get enough of the words dripping off of the page and captivating my mind!
This book was impactful, engaging, and well worth the read. I found myself with my jaw on the floor after multiple situations that occurred, because the story itself is so raw, real, and feels close to home.
The story is set around a group of teenagers who live on Boreal Street. One of them is brutally murdered by a classmate, in the classroom, in front of everyone. Imagine having to witness this event, let alone not knowing if you would be next.
We discover that the murderer has reasons he decided to kill this particular classmate and questions arise on whether he is also out to get the other classmates who have harmed him mentally/physically.
The catch is that he is undergoing experimental brain surgeries to implement nanodrones that will change his empathy receptors to either experience empathy and not feel it at all. Crazy, thought, right? The cover of the book asks the question, “Can evil be cured?” and we are lead down a path of questioning this idea based on how the murderer is behaving.
By the end of the novel, you are so engrossed in the story line and the characters, that you can’t help but feel sympathy and empathy for them. I found myself befriending and believing that the murder was a changed person and only committed the crimes due to the experimental surgery. The story changes so suddenly, though, and you find yourself scrambling to turn the pages even quicker.
I just can’t bear the thought of giving you a full-on summary of this one, as I would LOVE for you to read it and experience the same rush that I did. I would hate for you to know what happens before you get to the end, but just know — there will be tears. A lot of them. You will find yourself feeling so much sadness about the goodness, and evilness in people. You will find that love is found in the most unusual places, and in the most unusual circumstances.
To give you a glimpse into the moment that made me cry the most, I will leave you this one quote:
“‘Don’t worry,” he whispered. “It doesn’t hurt.” His eyes lost focus and looped around some more. “I feel amazing, actually. Remember that guy who tried to kill himself with a crossbow? I think I hit the same spot…This is incredible…My brain feels…wider than the sky.” He let out another laugh, fainter this time. “I feel…connected to everything. There’s no anger. I forgive all of us.” (361-362)
I give this book a HUGE recommendation – 5/5. Check out more reviews on Goodreads.
Please grab a copy for yourself and let me know what you think!