Positives

• The two timelines weaving the book together helped create a sense of mystery and intrigue. As the timelines started to converge, the intensity heightened, which was very fun, but also nerve-wracking to read.
• Kya’s characterization was done so expertly, you couldn’t help but rooting for her even when she is a murder trial suspect! Owens writes Kya with plenty of heart and empathy, while also emphasizing her flaws and quirks, making her feel extremely authentic. Kya is definitely one of my favorite protagonists I’ve read this year.
• The romances were so frustrating but ultimately satisfying. Owens skillfully captures the feelings of first love between Kya and Tate and the trepidation that results from a relationship gone sour (like Kya and Chase’s). Obviously I was rooting for Tate the whole book, even when he sorely disappointed me (and Kya), but I do feel like Chase was a good foil for Tate and although his relationship with Kya left her jaded at first, it ultimately led her back to Tate, leaving me screaming victoriously on my couch.
• The ending of this novel was absolutely heartbreaking, but in a good way. In my opinion, the true plot twist is not the identity of Chase’s murderer, but rather the identity of the local poet, Amanda Hamilton. I developed quite a few theories about Hamilton’s identity, but the answer was shocking and fitting all at once (and made me want to reread the novel for all the clues I missed!).