I have to admit that I'm rather intimidated by this review. The main reason for the intimidation is that I feel like I'm going to struggle with how to express how EPICALLY incredible these books are. Let's just say that the keyword of this review is EPIC. That word kept running through my mind as I read these books.
A little history... I discovered Ms. Sheridan earlier this year and I read everything I could get my hands and I FELL IN LOVE. One thing I noted from Leo to Archer's Voice was the amount growth that Ms. Sheridan demonstrated in each book she wrote. When I heard that was writing Calder and Eden, I have to admit that I wondered, "Can she get even better?"
Yes. She can.
I started Finding Calder on a Friday evening and I finished it a little over 24 hours later. I finished it at 11:30pm Saturday night and I immediately started Finding Eden. I shit you not, I laid in bed and cried as I read these books. If my husband had woken up, he would've thought I was in pain or had lost my ever lovin' mind. I haven't cried like that in a while where a book is concerned and the list of authors that can do that to me is extremely short.
I'll admit that when I started Calder, I went in as blind on the plot as possible. I read the synopsis once or twice and have stayed away from all reviews. I just didn't want to know and I'm glad I did. I'll admit that I had to push my brain into "being patient" gear. There was "world building" being done as Ms. Sheridan introduces us to Calder, Eden and life in Acadia. Acadia is a secluded community of people living off of the land. Acadia is somewhat primitive and simple.
And then, Eden and Calder discover each other and I was HOOKED. I"m writing this review from the emotional side of my brain, because if go back and start looking through my notes and highlights, I'll start sniffling and getting all emotional. (I'm in a dance studio right now, getting emotional here could be quite entertaining.) Alas, I will quote anyway and hope for the best.
There is no denying Eden and Calder's destiny is totally and completely wrapped up in each other, there is no doubt that these two characters were meant for each other. *Sigh* Ms. Sheridan has crafted a beautiful love story that stretches throughout their adolescence, as they discover each other physically and as they become adults. It's simply lovely to experience a love story that starts so early in their lives and watch it's evolution.
He cleared his throat. "If I were just a boy, and you were just a girl, I wouldn't kiss you once like you asked."
He paused and my heart dropped. Oh.
"Eden, I'd kiss you long, and I'd kiss you often."
OMG the emotions I felt during these books. Love, sadness, rage, did I mention heartbreaking sadness? Yep, all of those.
Ms. Sheridan takes us on a journey that I will not forget.
The obstacles that Eden and Calder have to overcome just to be together on their own terms are HUGE and they kept the faith, somehow. To experience them loving each other as teenagers and then as adults was so special. To see them come into themselves physically and explore each other sexually was also something that I won't forget anytime soon.
Yes, my childish crush had disappeared, but I knew him now. I knew his kindness, and his protective nature. I knew his patient spirit and his sharp wit. Simply put, I was in love with him. As if my love for Calder could ever be simple.
I won't forget these books anytime soon. They've taken up residence in my brain and my heart since I've finished them and I figure I'm suffering from a bit of a book hangover.
A couple of things to know:
- You will go on a journey with these books, prepare yourself...gird your emotional loins.
- Clear your schedule. I know that this releases on a Sunday, but if you nap on Saturday and start as soon as both books hit your Kindle, you can finish them before Monday.
- BUY BOTH BOOKS. You do not want to buy the first one without having the second one to slide right into.
- Have tissues ready.
Becoming Calder : Amazon //Goodreads
Finding Eden: Amazon // Goodreads
Copy for review generously provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.