Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

When I saw this book for request on NetGalley, I think I audibly gasped. I read and loved "The Break" when I read it this year, and I was eager to read more by Katherena Vermette. I had to read "The Strangers" first, but as soon as I finished, I wanted to dive into this.

Vermette's stories are layered and told from multiple POVs. They are raw and emotional and the storyline is weaved together through all of these characters who are connected, both closely and distantly. There's a lot, but it is incredibly written and powerful

CW: violence, death, drug use/abuse, parental abandonment

3.5 stars

At times really beautiful and poignant, this was a powerful read. There is no denying that Vermette is an exceptional writer. In this book, she introduced us to so many worlds, so many people, so many stories, and the way they connected together was beautiful and vivid. I felt that the various characters didn't always seem to progress the story along in a linear narrative, which was a bit distracting, but overall I did like the way it showed the ways we interact with each other and the ways we shape each other's lives. Some of the POVs were more interesting or compelling than others, but overall this was an well designed web of connectivity. I was so frustrated and devastated by the ending though. It just made me so deeply upset. I do think you need to have read books 1 and 2 (& possibly recently) to get the full weight and magic of the book, and I unfortunately found myself a little confused at times.

DNF - I was really excited about getting the chance to read this book. I had had it on my list for quite some time but, unfortunately, we were not a match. I don't think I'm the target reader. I found the story jumbled & the writing style was not inviting - i.e. difficult to become immersed in. That being said, I know many readers will not have my same issues & will adore this story for all that it's worth. I leave off here for them to get their hands on this & to enjoy.