Hey, guys! As many of you know, I am a huge fan of Patrick Ness (links to my reviews of his books at the bottom of this post). When I heard about Release, I was super excited. A new Patrick Ness book? Count me in!
The only problem was that it's been released for a month or so in the UK but wasn't supposed to be released in the US until September. I've been jealous to say the least. Thankfully, Edelweiss and the publishers provided me an ARC of the US version to read and give you guys an honest review.
The Cover:
The Cover:
It shows Adam desperately holding on while the world turns upside down. It's simple and still communicates a lot of the feeling behind this book. A+ cover
Official Description:
Adam Thorn doesn’t know it yet, but today will change his life.
Between his religious family, a deeply unpleasant ultimatum from his boss, and his own unrequited love for his sort-of ex, Enzo, it seems as though Adam’s life is falling apart. At least he has two people to keep him sane: his new boyfriend (he does love Linus, doesn’t he?) and his best friend, Angela.
But all day long, old memories and new heartaches come crashing together, throwing Adam’s life into chaos. The bindings of his world are coming untied one by one; yet in spite of everything he has to let go, he may also find freedom in the release.
My Review:
Release tells the story of the day that Adam Thorn's life seems to fall apart. It is a deeply captivating, character-driven story that blew me away, mostly. I read this book in a day and loved it.
If I was just reviewing the main storyline, I would give it 5 stars, no questions asked. However, in every chapter, there was a page or two revolving around a different, supernatural storyline. In a gist, it was about a dead girl in the town who got to roam the earth for one night. She is accompanied by a faun who is making sure she doesn't cause too much trouble. This storyline is almost entirely unrelated to the rest of the book (barely any tie-in to Adam's story) and is just distracting. You can just skim over it pretty easily and ignore it, so it doesn't ruin the book. However, it seemed completely unnecessary. (I suspect it's only added as a nod to Septimus in Mrs. Dalloway, which Ness claimed to model Release after.)
Ignoring the supernatural subplot, Release was spectacular. The characters were complex and realistic. Adam was easy to root for and likable, in part, because of his flaws. He was a character that you could get behind and relate to. The supporting characters had depth to them as well, and their relationships felt natural.
The writing skill in this book is what really brings it to life. While the story is simply a day in a teenager's life where he gets in an avalanche of bad news and tough situations, it feels riveting. I was on the edge of my seat, heart aching on behalf of Adam. Release sucks you into its world.
Overall, I would recommend reading Release. It was an amazing book with memorable characters and writing. You'll love it. Just don't get your hopes up for a tie-in with the supernatural plot.
Phrase:
Sexual Harassment Claim
Other Books by Patrick Ness:
The Rest of Us Just Live Here
The Knife of Never Letting Go (book 1) / The Ask and the Answer (2) / Monsters of Men (3)
More Than This
A Monster Calls
If you're looking for a good book, check out my Suggestions Page!
Happy Reading!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BookshelfSecret
The only problem was that it's been released for a month or so in the UK but wasn't supposed to be released in the US until September. I've been jealous to say the least. Thankfully, Edelweiss and the publishers provided me an ARC of the US version to read and give you guys an honest review.
The Cover:
It shows Adam desperately holding on while the world turns upside down. It's simple and still communicates a lot of the feeling behind this book. A+ cover
Official Description:
Adam Thorn doesn’t know it yet, but today will change his life.
Between his religious family, a deeply unpleasant ultimatum from his boss, and his own unrequited love for his sort-of ex, Enzo, it seems as though Adam’s life is falling apart. At least he has two people to keep him sane: his new boyfriend (he does love Linus, doesn’t he?) and his best friend, Angela.
But all day long, old memories and new heartaches come crashing together, throwing Adam’s life into chaos. The bindings of his world are coming untied one by one; yet in spite of everything he has to let go, he may also find freedom in the release.
My Review:
Release tells the story of the day that Adam Thorn's life seems to fall apart. It is a deeply captivating, character-driven story that blew me away, mostly. I read this book in a day and loved it.
If I was just reviewing the main storyline, I would give it 5 stars, no questions asked. However, in every chapter, there was a page or two revolving around a different, supernatural storyline. In a gist, it was about a dead girl in the town who got to roam the earth for one night. She is accompanied by a faun who is making sure she doesn't cause too much trouble. This storyline is almost entirely unrelated to the rest of the book (barely any tie-in to Adam's story) and is just distracting. You can just skim over it pretty easily and ignore it, so it doesn't ruin the book. However, it seemed completely unnecessary. (I suspect it's only added as a nod to Septimus in Mrs. Dalloway, which Ness claimed to model Release after.)
Ignoring the supernatural subplot, Release was spectacular. The characters were complex and realistic. Adam was easy to root for and likable, in part, because of his flaws. He was a character that you could get behind and relate to. The supporting characters had depth to them as well, and their relationships felt natural.
The writing skill in this book is what really brings it to life. While the story is simply a day in a teenager's life where he gets in an avalanche of bad news and tough situations, it feels riveting. I was on the edge of my seat, heart aching on behalf of Adam. Release sucks you into its world.
Overall, I would recommend reading Release. It was an amazing book with memorable characters and writing. You'll love it. Just don't get your hopes up for a tie-in with the supernatural plot.
Phrase:
Sexual Harassment Claim
Other Books by Patrick Ness:
The Rest of Us Just Live Here
The Knife of Never Letting Go (book 1) / The Ask and the Answer (2) / Monsters of Men (3)
More Than This
A Monster Calls
If you're looking for a good book, check out my Suggestions Page!
Happy Reading!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BookshelfSecret
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