Gods & Monsters

I went into this book sort of blind. I had a general idea of the plot but was not expecting the directions the book took and was quite surprised. Looking deeper, we get a book with an unconventional coming of age story but also a book about people dealing and overcoming judgements, perceptions and expectations. It's also about faith whether in yourself, in a higher power or in someone else. Just faith in general.

I especially loved the last quarter of the book where both Evie and Abel had to find their own path of acceptance. They needed to find out who they were first individually before committing to each other. I especially loved that this was all in Abel's POV since I feel he was the one that struggled the most with his past and what other thought of him and his family. The point of his realization that he needed to forgive, learn from it and move on was very satisfying.

The book felt fresh and different. It didn't feel like SAK's other work and I really enjoyed the originality in it but at the same time it had that dreamy quality to it that I love in her writing. It's a familiar feeling and I love it. Her standalones always hit differently for me some reason and I find them extra special. This one was no exception

This book ended up being so much more than I was expecting, but really I shouldn't have been surprised because Saffron hasn't disappointed me yet. I'm only pointing that out because this book has a ton of mixed reviews, but I'm not sure why. Evie and Abel's story was soooo beautiful. Their love is of the purest form.

Evie lived a very sheltered life. Her parents and town were very religious.
Abel was born from people who disappointed said town so their love was not allowed.

They snuck around for years. My heart broke for Abel many times. People were so so cruel. My heart broke for them both not being able to love openly.

But they eventually took matters into their own hands.
It's beautiful at first, but lines get blurred which causes pain and heartbreak for awhile.

I loved the character growth, I loved that I could feel their love genuinely.
I LOVED this story!! The only thing I would love more is an epilogue.

This review is messy but its all good! Give this book a chance!

"Because they have what we never did. Freedom to be in love." I think this quote from the book explains so much about how the characters feel and what they are going through.

A book about choosing love & forgiveness over anger.
A book about loving yourself.

This book will not be for everyone and I understand some of the negative comments about this book but I see the actions of these characters from a different perspective.

Abel and Evie met when he was 14 and she was 12. From the moment they met there was something between them but their friendship and then love had to develop in secret. The town only saw Abel through the sins of his parents and never gave him a chance. He was a monster since birth according to them. The only light in his life was Evie, his little Pixie. Evie was seen as the town princess but was ruled by an abusive mother and a father who never stood up for her. Abel was her safe place and knew she was meant to be his. When she is forced to choose she chooses him. However both are haunted by anger at having to hid their love for six years and how the town made them feel that loving each other was wrong.

Yes at times their relationship is toxic but that is because they were not able to let go of their anger or confront those who thought being together was wrong. They need to put aside that anger and focus on their love if they are going to make it.

This is a journey of two kids turned adults who are struggling to find themselves and fight for their love.

One of this things i loved about Abel and Pixie is that is was always about their love for each other. They were never tempted by other love interests and they grew together. All their firsts were together. This is not a perfect fairy tale relationship but their love is true and intense.