August 15, 2013

Review: When the World Was Flat (And We Were in Love) by Ingrid Jonach

When the World Was Flat (And We Were in Love)

Author: Ingrid Jonach
Genre: YA Science Fiction/Fantasy/Romance
Release Date: September 3, 2013
Publisher: Strange Chemistry

Description:

Looking back, I wonder if I had an inkling that my life was about to go from ordinary to extraordinary.

When sixteen-year-old Lillie Hart meets the gorgeous and mysterious Tom Windsor-Smith for the first time, it’s like fireworks — for her, anyway. Tom looks as if he would be more interested in watching paint dry; as if he is bored by her and by her small Nebraskan town in general.

But as Lillie begins to break down the walls of his seemingly impenetrable exterior, she starts to suspect that he holds the answers to her reoccurring nightmares and to the impossible memories which keep bubbling to the surface of her mind — memories of the two of them, together and in love.

When she at last learns the truth about their connection, Lillie discovers that Tom has been hiding an earth-shattering secret; a secret that is bigger — and much more terrifying and beautiful — than the both of them. She also discovers that once you finally understand that the world is round, there is no way to make it flat again.

An epic and deeply original sci-fi romance, taking inspiration from Albert Einstein’s theories and the world-bending wonder of true love itself.
  



When the World Was Flat (And We Were in Love) is a mesmerizing and completely beautiful novel. It follows Lillie Hart in her small hometown, where nothing new ever happens - except when news of a new guy hits the school. Lillie isn't sure what to expect, but Tom Windsor-Smith definitely isn't it. He's gorgeous, mysterious, rich and apparently interested in nothing but himself. Lillie begins to have vivid nightmares of dying almost every night and soon she fears that her reality and her dreams have become one. On top of this, Tom begins to open up to her - revealing a side of him that she never thought possible. Lillie thinks that Tom might know more than he lets on about her nightmares and memories that are invading every moment of her life - memories of Tom and herself in love and together - only in different times. Tom finally tells Lillie the truth about himself, herself, and their history and Lillie's entire world is turned upside down. Will things ever be normal again? Does she even want them to be?

I finished this book nearly a week ago and I'm still reeling from it. I've never had such a powerful impact from a book before - I can't stop thinking about the story and the characters - just wondering about it all. It's really hard to attempt to put my thoughts and feelings about his book down in writing, but I'll try my hardest. Every time I think about the book and what happens in it - I experience visceral reactions. I feel like I might cry or like I want to hold it close to my heart and keep it there. This almost never happens to me with a book, so I know that it's had a huge affect on me. This book is unlike anything I've ever read before. There are so many complex and mind-bending elements to it - not to mention the mystery, action, and the romance. I don't want to have any spoilers in this review, so I'll just say that the big secret behind the plot is wholly original and unique - it will leave you thinking and questioning and thinking some more long after you've finished. At least that's the case with me. It was hard to wrap my mind around the premise that the story provides, but in an amazing way.

The characters were all well written - especially Lillie and Tom. Lillie is a great main character, although she definitely has her flaws like the rest of us. Tom seems like the typical gorgeous, mysterious, rich new guy at school - until you see underneath that facade to the real Tom. I instantly loved him after that. The connection and relationship that Lillie and Tom share is beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. Full of hope, fear, excitement, and tragedy all at once. Their love makes me wish for something like it in my own life - if such a thing does exist. There were definitely some twists and turns in the book that had me guessing what was really going on and what would happen next - it definitely kept me on my toes. The writing itself was nothing less than exceptional and shows the extreme talent the author has. I was immediately drawn into the story from the first page and I literally couldn't put the book down. I ended up reading the entire thing in one sitting - and I'm still thinking about it almost a week later. The book had a fast pace, vivid details and descriptions that had me feeling like I was experiencing everything alongside the characters. There were definitely some big questions left unanswered at the end - so I'm hoping and praying (and begging!) that there will be a sequel. I must know more - have more of this story and of Tom and Lillie. Overall, this is one of the best books I've ever read - one that is truly inventive and takes your imagination to the next level. I highly recommend that you at least give this one a try - and I hope that you find it as enchanting as I did.



One of my new favorites!




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