I read this when it was just a little story on Wattpad. Ever since, it has always stuck with me and I think about it quite a lot. It has always been a part of my heart, and I was sad (as I wasn’t able to re-read it) but also proud when it was announced in Wattpad that it was going to be published. I’ve kept my eyes out all these years, and so being able to get a hold of an arc copy is something that I will forever be grateful for, and I will obviously buy a physical copy.

I accidentally read this in a whole day, and I think that tells you exactly what kind of book this is. It’s funny, yet deals with a serious issue in a way that really hasn’t been explored before. There’s something so beautiful and captivating about this book, which I feel like the YA community, and those who want a story which will forever stick with them will love. And as if it couldn’t get as beautiful, there’s this twisted supernatural element which will have you gripping at the copy in your hands.

Realising how quickly I had read this, and how close I was reaching the end – I didn’t want it to come. Not only do you not want to find out if he will commit suicide again, but you also don’t want to leave the characters which you fall so easily in love with. There’s Carlos – the ever so funny and cheeky cousin, as well as the beautiful dynamic between Archer and Hadley. Gervais created such a strong bond between the character and the reader so quickly, as soon as you realise you’re in the last 100 or so pages you instantly start putting it down only to then pick it up instantly. It’s an internal battle: wanting to finish it and be with the characters or potentially losing Archer again and being away from the quirky family.

Each character has been created with expertise. Ask me who my favourite character is? I couldn’t tell you. I have so much respect for all of them. They are so well crafted, each with their own quirks and strengths that really shine through. It’s impossible to choose your favourite out of Archer’s family. Except quite possibly his cousin… or cute little sister… or his caring mother. It’s hard.

But even the other characters, such as Death himself, is solidly built. He’s the sassy addition that every book needs. Hadley is hilarious. She’s stubborn and doesn’t take no as an answer. And that’s why it’s so funny seeing the first interactions between her and Archer, the quiet one. The interactions that start to begin with (especially to start with) have this weird magical element to it, that whilst there’s humour and sarcasm, you can just feel the magical element.

Overall,
It gets the 5 stars. A contemporary style book but with this twisted supernatural element is just fantastic. It’s a top recommend for those who want a read that will make them sit and reflect, as well as it be a quick read. But that does come down to the fact that you cannot put it down. At all. I cannot recommend this enough, especially if you don’t read too often. Or even if you read ten books a month. This book is open to everyone. It will haunt you for the rest of your life, but in a way that you enjoy it. And then you will never be able to look at penguins in the same way… So once again, a massive thank you to the publishers. And I can’t wait to buy a physical copy to re-read all the time. Save the date for 25th July, because you need this one!

Compelling and engrossing story. In 27 Days completely surprised me and swept me off my feet. Couldn't put it down. Bittersweet yet heartwarming, the book is a reminder of the power in kindness and compassion for one another.

After one of her classmates, Archer Morales, commits suicide, Hadley makes a deal with Death: she goes 27 days into the past for a chance to save his life. Death's motivations for this bargain are never explored. Hadley reads as an overly naive, simpering poor-little-rich-girl -- she's lived these 27 days before, but she doesn't remember that it was an unusually cold November or that her parents went on a surprise business trip and left her by herself on Thanksgiving (though she later says she's used to spending the holiday alone, she makes a big fuss about it being the first time this has happened). She doesn't know what flashbacks are, nor does she understand what PTSD stands for. The writing leans heavily on cliches, and the romance itself is both predictable and unbelievable. The tired, borderline-stereotypical depictions of Archer's Italian family further drag down an already unremarkable book.

Hadley Jamison attends the funeral of her classmate Archer Morales, who has committed suicide. Hadley's not really sure why she felt the need to attend the funeral and meet Archer's family, because it's not like they were friends. They had a class together freshman year, but Hadley was too shy to ever talk to Archer. After the funeral, Hadley is approached by a man who calls himself Death, and he offers her an interesting proposition--the ability to go back in time 27 days to try to prevent Archer's suicide.

An interesting premise and well developed plot makes for a great read!

There are a lot of YA books out there about suicide. Most writers have no clue what they are taking on when choosing this topic. Most writers are careless and wallow in excess drama. Their characters as deep as a raindrop. Hadley is totally different. Nothing typical about this girl. She actually has a heart (that in itself is refreshing for a YA book!). Sure, her family is rich but she has absent parents who seem to care about their careers than parenting. The fact that money doesn't buy everything is one of the messages here. Archer's life is totally different from hers including a big loving family. The friendship that grows between these two is easy to believe. I can't recommend this book enough. It's so well done - this author (Alison Gervais) is one that I will continue to watch. Will be recommended to both adults & young adults!

I've read stories with this premise before. That said, I've never read any that have lingered with me afterwards so profoundly.

I raced through the first 70% of this book in one sitting. Gobbled it. Ignored people. Stayed up until the early hours. The last 30%, however, I stretched over a week.

Why?

I was scared to finish the book.

Gervais has created such tangible characters that as Hadley fell in love with the Incitti family, I found myself falling wholeheartedly for Hadley and Archer's family. I couldn't bring myself to finish the book because I was terrified about what was going to happen to them.

Now I have read the last page, I miss them and I want them back. Only two other writers have made me feel quite like this: JK Rowling and Suzanne Collins. That isn't to say this book is like a wizarding world or dystopian future but Gervais has the same skilled command of her pen, creating real, flawed characters with whom the reader has an inexplicable connection.

I wish I hadn't read it just so I could have the pleasure of reading it for the first time, again.