Blog Tour & Book Sketch: But Then I Came Back by Estelle Laure

BUT THEN I CAME BACK
By: Estelle Laure
Published By: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers
Release Date: April 4, 2017
Series: None
Pages: 288
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Publisher
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Eden Jones, a 17-year-old girl, feels lost after surviving a near fatal accident. Unable to connect with her family and friends, Eden forms an unlikely relationship with Joe, a boy who comes to the hospital to visit Jasmine, a friend who may soon be gone forever. Eden is the only person who can get through to Jasmine, but is she brave enough to face a world that’s bigger and more magical than she ever would have allowed?



First Thought After Finishing: As Tolkien wrote, not all who wander are lost…

After you’ve been in a coma, can life ever be the same? Is there life after death, and how can we know? These are some of the questions that Eden struggles with in the new novel by Estelle Laure. But Then I Came Back explores themes as well as self-discovery and new love. This novel is a companion story to This Raging Light, but it can be read as a standalone novel.

"I know better now than to believe in real endings. Things only change. They become something else. We adapt. And sometimes we grow wings."

After an accident, Eden slips into a coma. When she finally wakes up again, she starts to realize that she cannot just slip comfortably back into her life from before. Not only has her body changed, keeping her from doing ballet that has always been her life, but also she cannot quite shake images and dreams from her time in the coma. She feels a mysterious connection to another coma patient whom she dubs Vasquez, and because of her, she comes to know Joe, the one solid and steady visitor. As Eden finds herself drawing closer to Joe, the mystery surrounding Vasquez intensifies, and the lines between the living and the dead become more blurred. In Eden’s new life, who will she be and what will she do?

From the beginning, this book drew me in because of Estelle Laure’s writing style. The opening pages are slightly disjunct and a bit confusing, matching Eden’s state of mind. As she becomes stronger and more self-aware, the writing changes, telling a story woven with beautiful poetry and quotes from Shakespeare and other famous authors. I also loved the connection between worlds that is explored here. Eden refers to the “in-between,” and she seems to be commented there because of Vasquez. I would have loved to see this explored more—I find that concept fascinating.

"This is between me and whatever mighty forces are at work. I spread my arms wide to the sky, and I let go. I am not afraid anymore."

Beyond the mysteries of life and death, Eden struggles to regain her life as she deals with physical restrictions and a missing chunk of time. I enjoyed watching her relationship with Joe progress; it was just the right mix of awkward and sweet. Joe is a character who could have a story in his own right, and it always makes me happy to think that the characters weren’t designed for each other but instead fit together so well because of who they are separately. Joe gives Eden moments of happiness during her recovery, and these prompted Eden to do the hard work of deciding who she wanted to be in her future.

Most Memorable Aspect: The imagery with the black flowers was very vivid, and I keep seeing the scenes in my mind.






~ ~ ~ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~ ~ ~


Estelle Laure is a Vonnegut worshipper who believes in love and magic and the power of facing hard truths. She has a BA in Theater Arts from New Mexico State University and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and thinks everyone should have to wait tables or work in a kitchen at least once in their lives. She lives in Taos, New Mexico with her children.

Find Her Online: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

~ SEE THE FULL TOUR SCHEDULE ~
Week One:
3/27/2017 - Literary Dust - Interview
3/28/2017 - The Best Books Ever - Review
3/29/2017 - Novel Novice - Guest Post
3/30/2017 - Portrait of a Book - Review
3/31/2017 - Literary Meanderings - Excerpt

Week Two:
4/3/2017 - YA Book Madness - Review
4/4/2017 - Don't Judge, Read - Review
4/5/2017 - Tales of the Ravenous Reader - Interview
4/6/2017 - Just Commonly - Review
4/7/2017 - Wandering Bark Books - Excerpt


~ DON'T MISS THIS GIVEAWAY! ~
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Review: Never Eighteen by Megan Bostic

NEVER EIGHTEEN
By: Megan Bostic
Published By: HMH Children's Books
Release Date: Jan. 17, 2012
Series: None
Pages: 204
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Publisher
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary:
Austin Parker is on a journey to bring truth, beauty, and meaning to his life.

Austin Parker is never going to see his eighteenth birthday. At the rate he’s going, he probably won’t even see the end of the year. The doctors say his chances of surviving are slim to none even with treatment, so he’s decided it’s time to let go.

But before he goes, Austin wants to mend the broken fences in his life. So with the help of his best friend, Kaylee, Austin visits every person in his life who touched him in a special way. He journeys to places he’s loved and those he’s never seen. And what starts as a way to say goodbye turns into a personal journey that brings love, acceptance, and meaning to Austin’s life.



I knew this book would be moving and emotional just from the synopsis, and it certainly was. In Never Eighteen, Megan Bostic takes the reader on a physical and emotional journey right along with Austin, leaving us, like those he visited, changed at its conclusion.

Austin is sure that he won't live to see his eighteenth birthday because of the cancer. However, he also knows that many of the people around him have virtually stopped living even though they still have life. And so Austin decides that, before he dies, he wants to help others redirect their lives...he wants them to truly live even though he can't. Austin recruits Kaylee, his best friend, to be his chauffeur for the weekend, and they even visit a variety of people and even some places together. Somehow, during the course of the weekend, Austin's visits to say goodbye turn into so much more than that. It becomes a journey for everyone involved...and every journey begins with a single step...

Let me just say: Wow. For a book that is on the short side, Never Eighteen sure packs a LOT of emotion. With the exception of Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma, I don't remember the last time my heart broke for so many characters in a single book. Every stop on Austin's journey yielded a new story for him or for his friend, stories that were by turns painful, touching, and beautiful. In addition to the depth of this book, I loved the way in which it was told. The writing was a unique blend of conversation, quasi-stream of consciousness, and narrative, and I truly felt everything that Austin did. Everything flowed well together, even the moments that were difficult or awkward. And yes, I will admit that I did have tears in my eyes at the end of this book...and I know that I wasn't the only one.

The only thing I did want from this book was more. I would love to know how Austin's visits affected everyone in the long run. Even without that, I've found myself thinking about this book long after it was over. Never Eighteen has a powerful message and one that I think readers of all ages can appreciate.

Never Eighteen is a compelling debut by Megan Bostic, one that is full of more poignant moments than many books I've read. I cannot wait to see what this author writes next!

Review: In the Forests of the Night by Kersten Hamilton

IN THE FORESTS OF THE NIGHT
By: Kersten Hamilton
Published By: Clarion Books
Release Date: Oct. 22, 2011
Series: Goblin Wars (#2)
Pages: 288
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: ALA
Buy the Book: Amazon

Disclaimer: This summary may contain spoilers if you have not read Tyger, Tyger. To read that review, please click here.

Goodreads Summary: The battle against goblinkind continues . . . but which side will Teagan be on?

Teagan, Finn, and Aiden have made it out of Mag Mell alive, but the Dark Man’s forces are hot on their heels. Back in Chicago, Tea’s goblin cousins show up at her school, sure she will come back to Mag Mell, as goblin blood is never passive once awoken. Soon she will belong to Fear Doirich and join them. In the meantime, they are happy to entertain themselves by trying to seduce, kidnap, or kill Tea’s family and friends. Tea knows she doesn’t have much time left, and she refuses to leave Finn or her family to be tortured and killed. A wild Stormrider, born to rule and reign, is growing stronger inside her. But as long as she can hold on, she’s still Teagan Wylltson, who plans to be a veterinarian and who heals the sick and hurting. The disease that’s destroying her—that’s destroying them all—has a name: Fear Doirich. And Teagan Wylltson is not going to let him win.



I really loved the first book in this trilogy, Tyger Tyger, not only because of the story but also because of the inclusion of poetry and musical references. I was very excited to be back in this Celtic-infused world and revisit some great characters.

In the Forests of the Night picks up shortly after Tyger, Tyger. Teagan is still trying to adjust to the news that she learned before, and this causes her to be much more cautious. Finn, however, is insistent that nothing has changed, and he wants to be with her as much as ever. But the problems associated with Mag Mell and Fear Doirich have not simply disappeared. Tea and especially Aiden are in as much danger as ever, but this time, they know exactly what they're up against. But Tea can only do so much to keep the goblins away from her family and friends, and soon she realizes that if she is going to defeat Fear Doirich she will have to take even more drastic action. In fact, she may have to give into the side of herself that she swore she never would...

So much of this book focused on the characters themselves and developing their relationships. Teagan and Finn had some incredibly sweet moments, as did Thomas and Roisin. I also enjoyed the dialogue between Abby and Finn. Abby and especially her Turtle cousins did a great job of adding humor to the story. Once again, Aiden has to be one of the most adorable younger brothers there is. I wanted to reach into the book and hug him more than once. Aside from the characters, the danger and suspense were quite palpable in this book, as was Teagen's internal conflict. I really appreciated as she grew into her own and did what was needed to take care of those she cared about, including the chimps at the zoo (yes, even Cindy and Oscar are back). Throughout this book there were plenty of twists and turns that kept me reading right until the end.

While I loved getting to know the characters better, I have to admit that I missed some of the world-building as well as the inclusion of poetry and music that was in the first book. In addition, I wished that there had been a bit more of a reminder about what had happened at the end of the first book; it took me some time to remember all of the details when I wanted to be immersed in the story instead.

Both books of the Goblin Wars have to be two of the most inventive stories in YA right now, and they are both rich with folklore, magic, poetry, and romance. I cannot wait to see how everything comes together in the next book!