Scars Like Wings

I absolutely loved this realistic and heartfelt look into the life of a teenage burn survivor, this is a raw, moving story that deals extremely well with hard, often taboo subjects.

The fire burns in the novel, it burns for Ava, it burns for those who are shunned due to difference. It burns for change. The harsh reality of school for those who stand out, and for some, stand out for what some believe are the wrong reasons. Well, cue Ava and Piper. These young women will make you revel in the power of unity, the power of friendship. A triumph against adversity is an understatement. Scars like Wings will soar you through a tale of survival, hope and future promise. This is a must read, must have, must share book. It will inspire one an all.

When Ava returns to school after months of recovering from a house fire-which claimed her parents and her cousin Sara, she embarks on a journey of finding her 'new normal'. Weaving through the tough social network that is her new school, she meets new friends in Asad, and Piper through her support group.

Written from Ava's point of view, her story is heartbreaking and you can easily connect and imagine what she went and still is going through. Initially signing up for 10 school days to try, she starts to enjoy her 'new normal' with her friends by her side. Rediscovering her joy for musicals and her passion for singing.

Strong and brave Ava takes you with her on her path of self-rediscovery, of grieving for her parents and her cousin, of dealing with the aftermath of a house fire, of finding new routines living with her aunt and uncle (Sara's parents), and of starring in the school's upcoming musical. With Piper by her side she deals with cruel peers, high school drama and mental health issues that go deeper than expected. Their shared experience makes Ava stronger and more resilient to it all, wishing it could be the same for Piper.

A wonderful read that hooked me in from the beginning, well researched by writer Erin Stewart.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!

You guys. This book was great. It's beautifully written and gives me Wonder-esque vibes at certain points but for YA. The book follows Ava who, after a year at home, returns to school following her house burning down. Ava has not only lost both her parents but also her beloved cousin. Living in the shadow of her cousin, with her aunt and uncle, Ava's life is nothing but normal. Her new normal involves hospital visits, stinky lotion, and compression garments. Through a support group and her new friends at school, however, Ava may be able to come to terms with her new normal...

Front cover: I love the front cover. It's simple and does its job (and again, Wonder-esque). The hot pink wig on the white background is jarring but effective.

Tone: I love the style of writing. It's pretty but simple - it's not too flowery but there are seeds of elegant sentences sprinkled throughout.

Characters: Piper is such an amazing character. She's got such depth to her that I almost wish we saw things through her POV. Asad is a cute character who defies expectations and stereotypes. Ava is relatable but frustrating at times. Kenzie is one of those villains you hate but want to know more about and I don't think we got enough of her, to be honest, but I'm fine with that.

Plot: This is a quiet YA. It's not driven by mystery or some major event but the characters and I think it's amazing at keeping you hooked through its snappy dialogue, believable characters, and realistic scenarios.

I absolutely loved this book. The characters were incredibly well written and I really empathised with the story. Definitely recommended.

The story of Ava is emotional and raw and despite her not liking it very inspiring.

The friendship between her and Piper was hilarious and heartbreaking all at once dealing with school bullies and their mental health issues.

It is the novel any person with any type of scars needs to read as it explores the bad and how to accept whats happened and the need to start a new normal.

Its insight into burn survivors lives and the impact of words is portrayed amazingly.

I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend everyone pick it up.

Scars Like Wings is the compelling story of Ava, the survivor who tragically lost both her best friend cousin and her parents in a house fire. Ava has been left with burn scars on 60% of her body. After 19 operations she feels inferior, alone and, the character's own words, "hideous". Scars Like Wings picks up the story a year after the house fire with Ava preparing to return to school life for the first time.

The story is well written and well research (Stewart notes the names of burn survivors she spoke to when crafting the novel. Whilst this is a great and easy to read story, where it is best is in its ability to provoke and challenge the reader. I found it convicting when thinking about how I treat other people who may look visibly different to me - was I the sort of person that looks past things like scars when I was at school or would I have treated Ava in the same way many of her peers do in the novel? More importantly, how do I treat people now? So often we make people feel as though they are less, rather than valuing them for who they really are. The story is moving and, although Ava would hate for me to use this word, inspiring too.

At its core, this story is about friendship and life together. It reverberates with a vital sentiment that all must hear: we need each other. I love how the story unfolds and how Ava and the people around her discover and rediscover the true and authentic meaning of that reality. It's aimed mainly at teenagers and definitely fits into the Young Adult category, but I definitely enjoyed it. This is a brilliant book and I am pleased to recommend it.

I very much enjoyed (and cried at) this beautifully touching story of Ava, a girl who suffered horrendous burn injuries in a fire a year previously that claimed the lives of her parents and her cousin. Left behind as the sole survivor, she's trying to find her new normal in her new life with her aunt and uncle as parental figures, as all three of them try to navigate their terrible loss and forge a new path in life.
Thematically, this book reminded me a lot of Faceless, by Alyssa Sheinmel, which I also loved (I swear I'm not sadistic). This differed in that it starts quite a while after the fire, and Ava's physical recovery is at quite an advanced stage. We come into her story as she begins to reintegrate into society, which takes the form of her starting at a new school. Her facial disfigurement makes her an instant target for attention, which is her worst nightmare, as she wants nothing but to blend in.
There are two very major characters in this book - Ava and Piper. Both scarred, damaged girls recovering from accidents that left them with burns, their friendship is really beautifully written as they help each other along the road to recovery, but with all the usual angst of teenage girls thrown in for good measure. A cast of backing characters in the form of school friends (and enemies) and Ava's aunt and uncle add a little depth to the tale of these two girls, but it's definitely the friendship between Piper and Ava that takes centre stage.
And yes, that pun is meant literally, as Ava is also trying to rediscover who she is as she tries to find out what parts of her life Before the Fire - like her love of musical theatre and identity as a drama geek - will transfer into her new life of Ava After the Fire.

There were elements of this book that I might have liked to see a little more of - of Ava's connections with her past life, which she seems to have sloughed off like so much skin, and actually I would've liked to see more of Piper too, because while we discover some things about her, she's certainly not given the same priority as Ava. I guess that's understandable as it's really Ava's story, but I did feel a little bit like Piper deserved a tiny bit more attention. Still though. This is a beautifully written, lyrical, heartfelt story of a teenage girl finding out who she is, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will definitely look for more from Erin Stewart.

It’s not often I thank people for reducing me to tears. In this case, it’s thoroughly deserved. So, thank you to Erin Stewart via NetGalley for making me sniffle in public in a way I wasn’t expecting to.
I went into this story expecting it to be a very earnest read about how we treat survivors, expecting to find it all too much. What I got was a brutally honest exploration coming-of-age story that just happened to have a burns survivor as its main character.
Ava has not had it easy. Caught in a house fire a year before the book opens, she has had countless surgeries and has endured numerous grafts to help her recovery. She can just about bear to look in the mirror, but misses the fact that all anyone sees when they look at her is her scars. Having lost her parents and cousin in the fire, Ava now lives with her aunt and uncle. All of them are struggling to adjust to their new reality.
There’s a line quite late on in the book that is used on the cover. It reminds us that everyone has scars, some are just easier to see and that really sums up the message of this book for me. As teenagers the characters in this book are finding out who they are, feeling their way in life and trying to work out how to move on from their own individual shortcomings. Just some of them have more obvious barriers to this process.
I’m not a particular fan of musicals but the part these play in Ava’s development make perfect sense. It’s only a small thing, but having the courage to get up on stage and reclaim something she loved so much shows how much she’s moved on during the story.
The friendships in the book are crucial to its success. Ava and Ashad develop a bond that hints at more, but he sees her for who she is. Her friendship with fellow burns survivor Piper isn’t always positive, but its honesty was really encouraging. On occasion I was concerned it was rather mentally and emotionally unhealthy, but I don’t know how much of this was down to the situation these characters were in. There were plenty of ups and downs in their friendship, but they are good together.

This is the story of how a young girl who survives a house fire that kills her parents and cousin moves on with her life after the fire. I got so involved in the story that I read it in a night.

The story line was easy to follow and the emotions felt real and raw. a very good piece of YA writing that I would recommend to friends. It also opened my eyes as to how we treat people with visual disfigurements and has made me more aware of what approaches are preferred.

Thanks to net galley for the copy in exchange for review

Scars like Wings by Erin Stewart a five-star read that will change you. Ava has a story that you need to hear, she has such a powerful story, her loss and bravery through this will shock you. I don’t know what to write as I can’t do justice to this story, the fact that its inspired by a real person just makes this so much more compelling. Piper brings a lightness to the story that it needs, this is a great story and one everyone needs in their lives.

Highly recommended. Delicately and sympathetically written but doesn’t skirt around the issues affecting Ava - not just living with her new normal but also dealing with bereavement, bullying and a new school. Hilariously brutal gallows humour is interspersed with heartbreaking narrative that will have you catching your breath and sobbing at the cruelty of the situation and Ava’s ultimate strength.

I think this will go down a storm with YA readers. It's about loss, struggle, love, friendship, family, identity and all those things that worry teens - plus all the dramas of school. There is also the element of 'what if that happened to me, how would I cope?' so lots of questions to be asked and answered as well.

Scars like Wings is the story of Ava who has been left severely disfigured after a house fire, which took the lives of her parents. She is now living with her aunt and uncle, who lost their own daughter in the same fire.

This is very much a heartfelt and unflinching look at the reality of being a burn survivor with all the obstacles that come with that.

The writing is so well done and feels very authentic. I felt Ava's pain, frustrations and grief when reading the story and beyond. It really is a fabulous debut novel.

This was such a beautiful book! I have to admit I've moved away from YA novels a bit over the last few years, and now only really go for books that really stand out. This one did, and I am so so glad I read it.

The characters are so so well written - Ava and Piper are both so real, and so well formed. The plot was good, a teeny bit predictable but I think given the subject matter a predictable plot was almost a good thing, as there were times that were quite hard to read.

Ava had such a light about her. Such beauty, and depth, and it was great to see a character who is actually flawed - who isn't just strong all the time, a poster girl for survival.

I've never lived through anything like this, but it doesn't matter. It still moved me, and it is still a wonderful, beautiful book.

Wow what an amazing uplifting book.
As someone who has undergone many surgeries and is covered in scars I totally related to this book , people look at your scars first and then eventually at you the person
It takes tremendous courage to stand up and face people and this is what this book is about a young girl burned beyond recognition in a terrible fire
She is bored and annoyed at being an inspiration which you truly don't feel like, you mostly wonder why you got to live like this
She has an amazing voice which is not affected and meets a new friend at a new high school who helps her realise she can sing again and live a normal life especially if she finds someone who can love her and see beyond her scars
Everyone should read this book to give them a tiny understanding of what those victims/survivors go through every day

This was a beautiful story about survival and loss. Ava lost both her parents and her cousin Sara in a house fire. She’s the only survivor and 60% of her body has been burned. This is her story of learning to find a new normal and herself. It’s beautifully told and the writing is excellent. I laughed and cried (mostly cried) as I delved into Ava’s world as she rejoined life and went back to school. The cast of characters in this story are amazing. Asad, the broadway fan, doesn’t see Ava as different and he’s brilliant in the story. Piper is another burn survivor and becomes Ava’s new best friend. She’s funny and encourages Ava to find her new normal. This story will pull you in from the first page and when you end on the last sentence, you’ll probably feel as I did, that the ending was perfect. I’m sad to say goodbye to Ava’s world and look forward to seeing this book soar in the charts when it’s released.

A big thank you to the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this beautiful book.

Scars Like Wings, wow, I don't know that my words in this review can show just how much I loved this book! This was a book that I kept thinking about when I'd seen it mentioned around but was never really sure if it was the kind of book I'd like. It was most definitely the kind of book I like, I loved it so much that although I could have finished it within the day, I decided to only read a chapter or two a day as I really wanted it to last and was gutted when the book ended!

The story is about a girl, Ava, who is a burn survivor after a house fire that killed her parents and changed her whole life. Now living with her aunt and uncle, who also lost their daughter in the fire, she is struggling to get back to normality until she meets a new friend Piper.

Even from the first page of this book I was gripped. Despite the difficult pages initially regarding the scars Ava has she brings a light to the situation with her attitude and perspective of the situation that is unlike I have seen any character react before. I liked that the story with Ava started here as it gave more of an insight into what Ava was feeling before we see her start school and although we don't really get to find out the cause of the scars in detail it works well and leaves intrigue into what really happened and allows the focus to be on Ava and getting to know her.

I didn't expect for the story of the house fire and Ava's feelings after (but before the start of the book) to be spread out across the book but I think it was a really effective way to feed the information to the reader at relevant parts of the story. Although I thought this a little strange from the beginning when you get nearer to the end it makes sense.

I think Ava as a character is incredible. She is such a strong and independent girl even if she can't always see it herself and I like that she doesn't want to be seen as an inspiration. Although she is a burn survivor, she is still a regular teenager and whilst she may not be relatable for the burns she definitely has many relatable qualities as a teenager for anybody who doesn't want to stand out for one reason or another. I also love how we get to see both sides to Ava, even when she grows in confidence and think she's coping we still get to see that maybe she's not and some feelings will be hidden away from the outside world and this goes for all the characters which gives a real depth to the story and makes you think about what else people might be hiding.

As Piper was introduced to the story I knew I was going to like her as a character as whilst she may have been very outgoing for the group she was the perfect match for Ava's friend and I loved seeing them grow in confidence and help each other through together. I liked that Piper really tried to encourage Ava to try new things and get back to being herself and enjoying life again. I think Piper is just the friend we all need and added in with the honesty and sarcasm both the girls have they are the best pair of characters.

Asad is a character that surprised me throughout the book. I thought he would be pretty predictable as his type of characters can be but I was wrong and found that at times he was the one who surprised me the most. I love how he encouraged Ava's love of musical theatre and as a big musical theatre fan myself I found certain moments very relatable. I loved the quotes throughout the book and trying to work out what shows it was from and I was as shocked as Asad that Ava had never seen Wicked!

As with all reviews of books I love, this reviews getting a bit lengthy, I think I could write about this book for days but I'll skip to the end! I absolutely loved this book, more than I can explain. The story is incredible and so beautifully written and it is full of heart, sarcasm, musical theatre (all the things I love most!) and all whilst making you rethink the way people are treated and judged. Even if she may not like me to say, I think Ava is such an inspiring character and the way she reacts to others judgements is amazing and quite a journey to see throughout the book. The book is full of twists and turns that I never saw coming and I'm so sad that I've finished the book. This is by far best book I have ever read! I hope we get more books with Ava and Piper in the future but regardless, I can't wait to read whatever Erin Stewart brings out next!

I had got this book without realising it was a YA book but OMG was I blown away!!!!

The story in this was absolutely phenomenal! Ava gained my respect and adoration for her bravery and then later on her realisations about herself.

I would highly recommend this to anyone no matter the age.

*4.5 stars!

This was such an incredible but heavy read. I laughed, I cried.. I actually don’t know what to say right now, except for: go read this!! It’s a story that I’ll surely won’t forget anytime soon. It gripped me so much, I just couldn’t stop reading!

I'm going to keep this review short and sweet because I literally still can't find the right words to describe this absolutely amazing book! I literally don't even think my review will do the justice this book needs.

It was an amazing, thought provoking and emotional read, that I couldn't put down. I just adored this book so much. It was an emotional rollercoaster, there were amazing highs and devastating lows! I laughed and I cried, It is so heartfelt and just saying that crying for me is unheard of, I think this book has broken me haha! I absolutely loved Ava’s character, as much as she didn't want to be an inspiration she really was!

Scars Like Wings is the perfect YA equivalent to Wonder, which I absolutely loved as well!

I would & will recommend this book to every single person, I definitely think everyone should read this book at some point in their lives!

Scars Like Wings will be out on the 3rd October 2019, I would suggest you get it ordered as soon as it comes out!!

Thank you to Netgalley, Simon and Schuster UK and Erin Stewart for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It took me a while to actually get to this book but as soon as I started reading I was kicking myself that I had left it so long! I read it in a day and a half because as soon as I had a break from work I had to find out what happened in Ava's journey next! You can tell Erin Stewart has done an immense amount of research into burn survivors and their stories. It is definitely a book that you need to come to armed with tissues but I always think they are the best type of ones!

Thank you for sending me an eBook copy to review!

Badly burned in the house fire that killed her parents and beloved cousin, Ava is determined to keep herself and her scars away from both well-meaning strangers and unkind comments. But when her aunt forces her to return to school, Ava is thrust into confronting her fears head on. 

When she meets a fellow burns survivor named Piper, Ava starts to feel like she's not alone. Encouraged by her new friend, Ava starts to reclaim a little of the girl she was before the fire - a girl who loved musicals and drama, and wanted nothing more to stand under a spotlight and sing. 

It seems the old Ava didn't die in the fire after all. And like a phoenix, she's ready to rise from the flames...
I loved this book. Everything about it drew me in - Ava's struggle, the realistic friendships she develops, particularly with Piper and Asad, the issues with the school's 'mean girls', and the overcoming of personal trauma. The author writes beautifully, and I found myself welling up more than once. I loved that the relationships Ava develops are both wonderful and flawed, and I loved that not everything goes her way in the end - I think that it was both hopeful and realistic, and I was so pleased the author chose to do that rather than just end on a syrupy note where everything was fine and she had triumphed over adversity through sheer persistence - we do see a stronger and hardier Ava, but also she's not just magically back to her former self, and we're well aware that she'll continue to face challenges and prejudice in the future, it's just that she has the tools to deal with problems now. 

I honestly can't rate this book highly enough. I do find a lot of YA novels talk down to their readers or try and fail to assume a 'young' voice for their narrator. The teenagers in this book were wicked smart, and the author got the tone spot on, with some very difficult themes. A full five stars from me, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what this author does next. 

Thank you to NetGalley, who provided me with a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am blown away by this powerful book, it starts with an emotional letter from the author expressing her amazement at the determination and bravery of a young burn survivor she once met. The author is a survivor of heart failure and I think her true emotions as someone who has recovered from such a setback are evident in the writing of this book.

Our main character, Ava, is the sole survivor of a house fire that not only killed her parents but also her cousin. She now lives with her aunt and uncle, in the bedroom of her deceased cousin. Each character is tiptoeing around the others as they attempt to come to terms with the tragedy on their own.

This book solidifies the belief that to overcome such heartbreaking tragedies, friends are needed, someone you trust, someone who believes in you and your recovery. Without that daily positive encouragement we can so easily lose ourselves to the darkness.

Scars like Wings is such a beautifully written novel, divided up between scattered diary entries of Ava's personal experiences during her recovery. This is a novel of pure character development as Ava learns to believe in herself and see her true self again when she looks in the mirror.

I hope that readers will take in the information this book readily gives out, to be there for your friends now, to look past scars at the person within, to be kind at all times and to remember that you don't know someone's story just by looking at them.

I cannot say enough good things about this amazing book. Life -affirming and heartwarming, Scars Like Wings is the story of Ava. After a tragic house fire that kills her parents and cousin Sara, Ava is left with severe burns over most of her body. Taken in by her Aunt Cora and Uncle Glenn who are also grieving for the loss of their daughter, they become a family united in their grief. Cora and Glenn want nothing more than to see Ava get back to school and living as normal a life as she can. Ava wants only to hide from the world as she can't even bear to look at herself in the mirror. She agrees to try a new school for two weeks and her first day is as bad as she imagines, with stares, sniggers and bullying. However, another wounded soul Piper, soon becomes her friend along with Asad who encourages and supports them both. This trio are so awesome and take on the bullies in epic style. Ava has always loved drama, and has an amazing voice. But having lost all her confidence she needs a massive push to find her voice again - with the help of her friends she auditions and is given a part in the school play, The Wizard of Oz. Scars Like Wings, is a powerful story of friendship, survival, depression and finding the good in the world when all seems lost. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll cheer at the final chapter.

I really enjoyed this tale of Ava, a burns survivor, trying to find her new normal after being the only one of her family to survive a fire. Living with her aunt and uncle, she risks becoming a recluse, too afraid of other people's opinions of her when she goes outside. However, when her aunt and surgeon persuade her to take a 2 week trial of high school, she meets Piper and Asad and her life starts to change.

I loved following Ava's evolution throughout the book, and how the dramas of teenage life played out with the added difficulty of standing out for 'all the wrong reasons'. There are plenty of emotional ups and downs, laugh out loud moments, but a few tearjerkers too. I'd definitely recommend it.

I have just finished this book and I have goosebumps... such an emotional and powerful read, that follows the story of Ava and her journey after a house fire leaves her whole life destroyed, her body covered in burns, scars and pain and her parents and cousin dead, she has to learn how to truly live again and not just survive. This book is heartbreaking but mostly it's a story of strength and hope. The support around Ava is incredible and the friends she makes during her toughest moments just fills your heart. It's a long hard road for Ava but she is a Phoenix rising from the ashes. My favourite quote from this book is "She conquered her demons and wore her scars like wings." This book is such an important and brilliant YA read. Thank you netgalley for my review copy and the publishers and Erin stewart. My opinion and review as always is my own and has not been influenced in any way. 5/5 stars for Scars Like wings.

What an amazing read, a young girls story on how she deals with the hand she's been dealt after a devastating fire leaves her an orphan, how she deals with her injuries, and even though Ava doesn't like to hear it, she truly is an inspiration, can't recommend this book enough, I loved it

Pretty, raw and well crafted, this YA novel joins ‘Perks’ in being another I wish I’d read in my own teens. Prose flows beautifully and the story unfolds well. Profound without being “in your face”. Recommended.

Wow! This book is AMAZING!

Burn-survivor Ava has scars – physical, emotional, psychological… the full set. The accident that took her parents also took her carefree teenage life from her. Her aunt and uncle, and her doctors, are determined that she can pick up where she left off – thankful for her survival against the odds, but is it really that easy?

School life is hard enough, without having to wear your differences right out there on your face for all to see.

Ava is convinced that her real life ended in the fire, and just wants to get through this ‘bonus time’ as unobtrusively as possible: hiding in corners and shadows, and under the covers. But life, and some schoolmates, has other plans for Ava. And it turns out that the scars we can see are only part of our story… it’s the ones that we can’t see that can kill us.

Ava tells her story with real heart and humour. There is sadness, anger and angst, but also hope, smiles and the occasional song. This isn’t about a tragedy turning someone into a hero or a saint. It is about how everyone has to learn to live with the hand they’re dealt and make the best of it; however good or bad it may be. I particularly love that there are no easy romantic ‘fixes’ but instead real relationships, that are messy and complicated, and take work.

In short: I cried buckets; smiled some; held my breath at times. I put the book down feeling drained, but content, and – I’m so sorry, Ava! – inspired.





One year after the fire, my doctor removed my mask and tells me to get a life.

He doesn’t use those exact words, of course, because he’s paid to flash around lots of medical-degree terms like reintegration and isolation, but basically, the Committee on Ava’s Life had a big meeting and decided I have wallowed long enough.

My postburn pity party is over.

– Erin Stewart, Scars Like Wings


Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog

I really enjoyed this book. Such a raw and powerful novel about a girl adjusting to her life after a house fire that leaves her with burns. In some ways, made me think of the book 'Wonder'. Loved the MC and really enjoyed going along on her road of self-discovery. Highly recommend.

I have no words to describe this book apart from simply fantastic.
Thank you Erin Stewart for writing this unforgettable book.

I did not realise until halfway through this book that it is in fact a YA title. I am as far removed from the target readership as it’s possible to be, being retired for some time. It’s testament to just how good this book is, that it is one of the best books I have read in a long while, and utterly unforgettable. A full week after I’ve finished it, it’s still in my head.

To begin with, I wasn’t sure I could continue reading, as it has painfully graphic descriptions of 15 year old Ava’s burn injuries from the fire which claimed the lives of both her parents and her beloved cousin.
Then I became completely immersed in the story, and I am filled with admiration that the author had the ability to get inside the mind of a young burn survivor, and other damaged young people and describe it so well. I was at one stage, convinced the author must have been a burn survivor herself, till I read the acknowledgements.

The book is beautifully written, with amazing characterisation. Ava, Piper and Asad, and Ava’s aunt and uncle were so well portrayed, and the challenges they faced so convincing, it could have been a true story. It illustrates above all the redemptive powers of love and friendship, without ever being mawkish or overly sentimental.

It is warm, witty and heartbreaking in equal measure. The ending brought me to tears, (to the consternation of the young man sitting next to me on the plane I was travelling in at the time.)

I will look for more of this author’s work as this is outstanding.

My thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this book. I could so easily have missed reading this title.

This is a beautiful book, written for the teen market, but there to be enjoyed by all ages. The main characters were believable, going through the different stages of grief for what could have been – a life without scars. The full range of reactions to the scars from outsiders make the reader question how they react to someone with disfigurements. Despite the scars, the main characters go through the same teenage angst as everyone else of that age. This is an easy 5 stars from me. I wish I could read sequel after sequel on how the lives of Ava and Piper continue.

I really enjoyed this book and will be recommending it to pupils.

It is an unflinching look at being a burns survivor and the scars both physical and mental which remain with the individual. It also examines the issue of disability and the feeling of having no validity in the able world - being ‘in valid’. I empathised with Ava who lost everything in a house fire and who has to rebuild her life wondering why she alone survived. She is found by Piper who is fighting her own demons.

This is a really life affirming book - to be heartily recommended.

What a story. I lived this tale with Ava it felt so realistic. I'm planning on buying the book for my teenage granddaughter.

Thank you to Netgalley for a digital copy of this book

I got through this book very quickly because it's easy to read and absorbing. I fully related to the main character, Ava, as she was so well written, and the themes of not being at peace with the way you look are universal to everyone, even though in Ava's case it was a lot more exacerbated due to her extensive burns. It was odd that no one had siblings except her mother though. This was an issues book that ties everything up perfectly but not in an unrealistic fairy tale way. I liked her aunt Cora. I didn't like Piper as much as I felt I was supposed to, but her presence wasn't an annoyance. I liked Asad and his love of musical theatre.

A good, fast read that delves into self-worth, perception and friendship.

O WOW I was bowled over by this book. It made me cry quite a few times but by the end I felt educated, informed and hopeful. The writing is early good with a real feel for a teenage generation. All the characters were likeable and three dimensional. I think this book will appeal to not only the YA market but to all. If you liked Wonder, then you’ll love this

An absolutely beautifully written heartfelt book. This book had me in tears pretty much from the off.
The book focuses on Ava the sole survivor of a house fire that claimed her parents, her cousin and her body. She is a teenage girl trying to live her life covered in scars from that horrific night whilst dealing with the loss of her family.
I can't even begin to imagine how you would feel if you were in her shoes. This book gave me all the feels. It felt so raw and honest it left me a total mess. It was so well written I became absorbed in the story and kept having to stop to really process what had happened. It covers aspects of bullying, judgement, depression and of course trauma and made me really think about how people could all be a bit kinder if they read books like this.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this book. I think this is one that will stay with me for a long time

This book is a story of two girls who meet under unusual circumstances and make a lasting friendship.I have given it 5 stars because of its fantastic cover, because everything inside it is so true. And the characters are brilliant, I will be buying this when it comes out!

This is different to the majority of YA books coming out at the moment, there’s no murder or massive mystery going on, it’s a story of coming to terms with massive trauma and life changing events, with friendship at its core. I loved it,

The subject of this book is a difficult one to read in places, and the reactions of some of the kids at school are absolutely awful, but this is real life. The author's research and time spent on this book is clear, and comes across with how realistic it all is. You will love Ava and be completely rooting for her pretty much immediately.

I’d have loved to have seen more from these characters and spent more time with them, which is the indicator of a good book!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a well done book in terms of dealing with Ava and her life after surviving a house fire that killed her parents and cousin. Ava’s relationship with Pippa helps her remember who she was before she was the girl who was in the fire. This book was really well written.

Amazing voice and characterisation. Beautifully balanced between the dark and difficult subject matter, the loss and grief, and hope, and the idea that we are stronger together. Life-affirming. One that will linger long after reading. Issue-driven, character-driven, contemporary YA at its best.