This was a very different take on special powers and how they not only affect the person with them, but those around them. I really enjoyed this book, it was very well written.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

An interesting story about two member of the Family that shouln't be separated, the author has a nice way with words and allows them to flow and aid the story to move, it feels like a natural flow of the story and an enjoyable concept.
The character were interesting to know more about and readers shoud definetly give this story a chance

Joan and Sabrina are a great duo to follow in this book, both part of the Family (yes with a capital F) they were born into powers out of their control. Joan and sabrina wind up very codependent as Joan makes people bleed and Sabrina dampens powers so it is all they can do to keep others safe.

Within this tale we have secrets riddled throughout, both having to keep them from the outside world but also the Family having some dark ones of their own we see getting outed as the tale goes on.

The queer love between Joan and Ellie too was just amazing, the depth of their trust, that for ellie especially was just so unwavering was just so heartwarming and made you feel for them both too.

Navigating all the unknowns of their powers its an interesting path that we follow as we read along but i am glad nonetheless that it is an overall happy ending of freedom and away from so many lies.

Proximity is a YA story following the unconventional story of Joan and Sabrina - Two cousins with unusual powers and an unconventional family.
The author has the most incredible writing talent, this book is so unique.
I loved every page of this story and adored the characters.

Thankyou for allowing me an ARC of this book.

* I received this book from Netgally & the Publisher in return for a honest review *

Have you ever started reading a book and knew instantly that it wasn't for you? This was one of those for me.

I did not finish this book because I could not get into it, but I don't want to discredit the fact that I think this book could be good for others, it just wasn't good for me.

I feel like the way to describe this book is if My Sister's Keeper met The Book Eaters met superpowers, basically. It has all the important things, codependent cousin relationships, superpowers, cults, identity crises, lesbians, romance. I thought this was a quick, incisive read with a lot to say with just enough time. The characters were well-written, matching their age and maturity. The struggle was fierce, and I loved how the teenagers came together to fight the autocratic adults!

The only thing keeping Joan’s dangerous powers under control is her cousin Sabrina’s rare ability to counteract them.

Oh, I got SO sucked into this book. Found family, sapphic relationships, fighting against the cultlike behaviour of the Family? This is amazing.

Joan and Ellie are perfect for each other. The only question that this has left me with is - what about Paul?

I am so, so happy with the ending, for everyone except Sabrina and Isabella. More so Sabrina, who’s entire life has been upended, whereas Isabella has a positive from the impact, that being Sabrina’s power working on her. And what, Sabrina gets saddled with a child, who can’t be ten yet.

While reading this, I definitely, maybe, snuck into the toilet at work to read a few pages - because I was so wrapped up!!

FIVE STARS.

i will be posting this review on instagram on release day: my username is originsofstars

Jordan Meadows has a great writing style for the young adult novel. The use of powers worked in this story and I was engaged with everything that I was looking for. The characters were perfectly written and I’m glad they had everything that I needed.

Proximity, by Jordan Meadows
2.5-3/5⭐️⭐️⭐️

Joan and Sabrina are cousins and best friends with powers, who literally spend every second together because if they don't then Joan will cause harm to people with her powers. But as long as Sabrina's close by her powers can counteract Joan's and make it safe for her to be around the public.
Joan meets her love interest, Ellie, and desperately wants to learn to control her powers so that she can have a chance with Ellie and have a some what normal life without always having to have her cousin nearby. Her forthcomings with Ellie about their powers cause some strain within the family and Joan worries it will all be too much for Joan to handle and that she'll bail.

I was a bit confused as to what age target the audience was because it seems a bit juvenile at times but then had some curse words and Fbombs. I found it to be a bit over descriptive with basic, simple writing which made it difficult to read. The concept was interesting but I felt there was not much of a plot and it took a long time to get to some kind of point. I love that the characters were inclusive and accepting of the LGBTQ+ characters and this book had some positive characters to represent the community and it would be great for teens to see themselves represented in literature, esp where their sexuality isn't the main focal point to the plot.

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books, Inc and NetGalley for giving me an E-ARC in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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YA teen fantasy. Sabrina and Joan are cousins, both 17 and are part of a Family group where everyone has special powers. Some are precognitive, others can read minds, manipulate moods or physical elements. Some powers like Joan’s are more destructive. She makes people around her bleed. But Sabrina ability is more unique, dampening the powers of people she is around. So she becomes the constant lifelong sidekick of Joan. They have learned to live no more than 15 feet apart.

The book does well at explaining the abilities and powers and how the family lives almost communally so the powers are used for everyones benefits. The cousins are walking the High Line one day when Joan meets Ellie. She is a junior in HS, curvy and femme. It takes a lot of effort to figure out how the two can meet up to go on a date. Another obstacle is a younger family member has need of Sabrina’s powers which may mean breaking up the twosome they’ve always been. It is race to figure out if Joan can control her abilities, also giving her a chance for love, before the family takes options away from her.

This is an engaging premise, and a fast paced read. I liked teens working together to solve their own problems and uncovering a bit of the dark side of the family along the way. Easily appropriate for older middle schoolers and up. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I’m leaving a voluntary review.