Review: This series is in one word- IMPECCABLE
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 26, 2014
Let me start off by first saying that this review probably stands out the most to me for a couple of reasons.1) These books were not gifted to me nor did I read an ARC in exchange for an honest review; but rather I felt the need to review it because of what this series has done to both my literary life and life in general2) These books and the author I believe are unfairly and undeservingly underrated which leaves both Michelle and I (and I’m sure many other fans) bewildered and quite frankly, angrySo this review means a great deal to me and honestly very unnerving because I hope that I am able to express in my own words for you all the wonder that is Emi Lost and Found.When Michelle and I first became acquainted at a book signing event in Los Angeles, we immediately clicked through our love for books and our quirky personalities. We quickly started exchanging authors/series/books that we both loved, and the very first one to come out of her mouth was an author by the name of Lori Otto and her series called Emi Lost and Found. I had never heard of them but immediately jotted it down on my phone to add on to my TBR list (granted I didn't even know what the hell a TBR or Goodreads was at this point— all I cared about was getting lost in my new found obsession to read). It took me quite a while to finally pick up the first of the three.My first thoughts when I picked up Lost & Found were; “wow this author has a knack for details” and “this is going to be an interesting ride.” Little did I know that the ride she would take me on would leave me in a heaping mess of uncharted emotions and ultimately gifting me with an unworldly sense of peace.In Lost and Found, we are introduced to Emi Hennigan and Nate Wilson. From the get go, Lori makes sure that her readers know the profound friendship that these two have with each other- the kind that puts “Facebook friends” to shame and something that one would hold on to until their very last breath. Emi and Nate have been friends since high school, both drawn to one another’s painful life experiences. As years passed, both lives; primarily Nate’s, consist of many unsuccessful romantic relationships. Through the tribulations that each encounter over the span of 13 years, Emi and Nate remain the only constant in each other’s lives.There were many times in this book where I felt utter and sheer frustration. Pages and pages where I wanted to slap some sense into Nate- “Just tell her how you feel!!” I would find myself mentally yelling at him. Then chapter after chapter I wanted shake the hell out of Emi to make her see that Nate was worth taking a chance on. These emotions are what makes a great book so gratifying. It is when as a reader, you truly feel invested enough to believe that these characters could hear you. There is no feeling quite like it.The turning point of this series is when Nate and Emi's love for each other is realized.... Realize a verb, defined as- become fully aware of (something) as a fact; understand clearly. I want to point this out because I feel that this truly represents their love. It's the kind of love that had always existed but was unfulfilled. It is the most comforting and gratifying of kinds- to finally be able to act on the emotion and accept entirely must have felt like heaven to both. I was all different types of giddy. To have journeyed through the entire book with these two, I celebrated their triumph. A triumph that would eventually fall in the hands of destiny.. of fate.. of the unfairness of life.This is where Lori takes me on a taxing, emotional experience. In Time Stands Still, Emi finds herself completely shattered and unable to put her entire life back together. Every single page of this second book was heavy. I felt completely for Emi- my tear ducts suffered entirely too much. The author does a sensational job drawing out every adjective in the English dictionary- anger, despair, empathy, remorse, and happiness. It was overload central in my head. I fought with every fiber of my being as a reader for Emi Hennigan. She grows so much in this book. She does not succumb or surrender to life's indiscretions which I was in awe of. Most regular readers would probably be rolling their eyes at that comment (how could you be in awe of a fictional character?!) Well, I did and I could because of how ridiculously masterful the author wrote this book. The words on the digital pages gave me an out of body experience. I felt each and every weight of Emi's emotions and found myself choked up page after page.. They were unbelievably real, too real that it may have been a bit unhealthy. *LOL*. This is where we also meet the swoon worthy, Jack Holland. A modern day white knight, ready to slay all sorts of dragons to save his one true love. There were times where I had to put down the book over the guilt I felt about loving Jack. This is one of the best things about a book; crying your eyeballs out an hour before and then cheekly smiling another couple of hours later. Everyone who is good in this world needs and deserves a Jack Holland in their lifetime. His patience and devotion could put him in the running for Sainthood. It is this man and his love for Emi who revives her. He is the man who stops her from bleeding out life, the man who will eventually captivate her entire being.In Never Look Back, Emi and Jack undergo a tragedy of their own. Yes, you heard right; just when you finally settle into a happy place, Lori Otto throws another one right smack in the middle of your face. Without a doubt, the word "cruel" best describes the hurdle both our characters have to endure. In this final book of the series, it will further magnify the strength of Emi's and Jack's love for each other. As I had intentionally mentioned prior, Nate's and Emi's love was realized.. Much different from Jack's and Emi's love which is finally found. A love that was already encaptulized but lost along the way. It is the kind of love that transcends and survives. This was the perfect ending to the series; vindication to life's unfairness and true acceptance of the reasons behind life's plans.I am absolutely relieved to finally be able to share my heartfelt thoughts and have finally forgiven myself for taking so long to continue Emi's journey from Lost and Found to the final book, Never Look Back. If I could give you all some advice, it is-- buy the books which are bundled together. The first book alone is so emotionally driven that you will find yourself afraid to pick up the second.. Well, from experience, I am telling you now.. Don't be. This series is in one word- IMPECCABLE. Thank you, Lori Otto for your talent and for bringing us.. Emi Lost and Found.For our entire review: [...]