Even If We Break

To see a neurodiverse character - Autistic, traumatised - like me (even if I am much older) had an impact on me that I did not expect. I was assigned this text as part of a University course - and I went in with an open mind, even though I know I'm not the market (my children read YAL). Turns out I was the market after all. The romance, the thrilling parts, the horror, the semi-jump scare, the plot twists - they didn't have me turning pages, I made more than a few accurate predictions about the text (see, not the market). And that's okay- it doesn't diminish from the enjoyment I gained from the book. What kept me turning pages was a portrayal clearly driven by lived experience. I wish this book had existed when I was a kid, for so many reasons. I saw myself in a lot of these kids, not just Maddy - and it was a very comforting read, despite the dangerous circumstances.

Marieke Nijkamp is a new author to me and Even If We Break has been a great introduction to her work. I was immediately drawn to the story and was definitely intrigued after reading the blurb so I couldn’t wait to get stuck into it and be transported into the world she has created. The story centres around five friends who decide to have one last get together before they graduate high school and head off on their seperate ways. The trip to a remote cabin is to bring closure to a murder mystery game that they have been playing for the last three years, as well as to try and repair the trust that they have lost in each other due to recent events that have lead to cracks in their relationships. The plot has been very well executed and I really enjoyed how the story is told from five points of view. I loved the concept of LARP (live action role playing), which I found to be quite fascinating having not been really exposed to this world. The setting in a remote area is so perfect and provides a great back drop located on the top of a haunted mountain which adds to the eeriness of the story. The characters are well developed, diverse and realistic which I loved. Marieke Nijkamp paints a perfect picture of each and the challenges that are going through, which I’m sure that any teenager who reads this will be able to relate to. I loved how Marieke Nijkamp nurtured each of them and it really showed through her writing that she cares very deeply for them. I really enjoyed Marieke Nijkamp’s writing style and how she brought this story to life. She has done a superb job of creating a haunting atmosphere that is carried throughout the whole book and this just adds to the ambience of it. I am really glad that she is now on my radar and I hope to go back and read her other work when I can. I did find that the story did move at a slightly slower pace to begin with, but it does pick up momentum as the tension and suspense also increases making for a more thrilling second half. Put it this way, it did keep me wanting to turn the pages which is a big plus! I also did pick where it was heading and who was involved, so there was no surprises, but this in no way hindered my enjoyment of the book in any way. Even If We Break is a book perfect for teenagers who enjoy a good murder mystery, but it is not just for this age group. As an older woman, I still do love to read YA books and this one certainly fits the bill and Marieke Nijkamp has really delivered with this book. I look forward to reading what she comes up with next. It was a pleasure to read and review Even If We Break which I recommend. Thank you to Marieke Nijkamp, Amber Choudhary and SourceBooks Fire for allowing me to read an advance copy of Even If We Break which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Good