I need to preface this review by stating that I was unaware that this was based off of a podcast (The Bright Sessions) before starting this book. I have not listened to any episodes and probably never will.
This book had me all up in my feels...which may have been the purpose since this story revolves around an Empath and lots and lots of emotions. Since I had no knowledge of this book being based off of a podcast, I enjoyed the relationship building of the story. I'm not saying that people who have listened to the podcast won't enjoy it but I was unaware of the supernatural elements of the story until much later into the story. This allowed me the opportunity to get to know and love the characters before diving into what I'm assuming the podcast is about (supernatural elements). *Correct me if I'm wrong*
*Possible spoilers below*
I have to give so much praise to Lauren Shippen for the way Adam and Caleb were portrayed. Often, it seems that women who write gay characters into their stories make them over-the-top or stereotypical. That was not the case here. Adam and Caleb were people. They were not defined by being gay and there was so much depth to them. These characters also didn't "come out." Adam's parents already knew and when Caleb realized he was interested in Adam as more than a friend it was just like, "Okay...I like him." There wasn't any dramatic dialogue about masculinity and blah blah blah...it was perfect!
There was one time near the beginning when Caleb is talking to his mom about not showering at school he mentions that guys think about "stuff" in the shower and didn't want to be around that. I thought to myself, "Wait...do guys think about that sort of....stuff in the shower??" Maybe....but why mention it?? Then I realized later on that, sure, not all guys think like that in the shower but if there are some, Caleb can feel those emotions and would definitely want to avoid any *ahem* issues.
*Definite Spoilers Below*
The only issue that I had (and I wouldn't even define it as an issue) was that it was glaringly obvious of the "twist" that was going to play out near the end. Adams parents were soo secretive about what they do for a living that when it was first mentioned that there are people looking for Atypicals, I knew it was going to be them. I wish it was written in a way that made it more surprising.
Overall, I enjoyed the connection between Adam and Caleb more than anything and definitely would read more about them. The supernatural elements were a nice added touch but I found myself more interested in the relationships than anything else.
This book had me all up in my feels...which may have been the purpose since this story revolves around an Empath and lots and lots of emotions. Since I had no knowledge of this book being based off of a podcast, I enjoyed the relationship building of the story. I'm not saying that people who have listened to the podcast won't enjoy it but I was unaware of the supernatural elements of the story until much later into the story. This allowed me the opportunity to get to know and love the characters before diving into what I'm assuming the podcast is about (supernatural elements). *Correct me if I'm wrong*
*Possible spoilers below*
I have to give so much praise to Lauren Shippen for the way Adam and Caleb were portrayed. Often, it seems that women who write gay characters into their stories make them over-the-top or stereotypical. That was not the case here. Adam and Caleb were people. They were not defined by being gay and there was so much depth to them. These characters also didn't "come out." Adam's parents already knew and when Caleb realized he was interested in Adam as more than a friend it was just like, "Okay...I like him." There wasn't any dramatic dialogue about masculinity and blah blah blah...it was perfect!
There was one time near the beginning when Caleb is talking to his mom about not showering at school he mentions that guys think about "stuff" in the shower and didn't want to be around that. I thought to myself, "Wait...do guys think about that sort of....stuff in the shower??" Maybe....but why mention it?? Then I realized later on that, sure, not all guys think like that in the shower but if there are some, Caleb can feel those emotions and would definitely want to avoid any *ahem* issues.
*Definite Spoilers Below*
The only issue that I had (and I wouldn't even define it as an issue) was that it was glaringly obvious of the "twist" that was going to play out near the end. Adams parents were soo secretive about what they do for a living that when it was first mentioned that there are people looking for Atypicals, I knew it was going to be them. I wish it was written in a way that made it more surprising.
Overall, I enjoyed the connection between Adam and Caleb more than anything and definitely would read more about them. The supernatural elements were a nice added touch but I found myself more interested in the relationships than anything else.