Review: Cute, dramatic and so sad
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 12, 2014
I decided to read Full Measures after several bloggers had recommended it to me - I'm really glad I made the time! From the very beginning Full Measures is really sad, we are instantly introduced to the potential tragedy of war. December 'Ember' Howard's Dad is killed working as a US army doctor.The heartache of the Howard's loss is so convincing and well written I was engrossed in Ember's story and wasn't surprised to find Rebecca Yarros is an army wife. For a lot of the book Ember is on autopilot and is left with the responsibility of caring for her mother and younger siblings. There's one scene in particular involving a mishap with a birthday cake which was particularly devastating and showed how Ember always puts the needs of others before her own.Ember's little brother Gus's hockey coach turns out to be the swoon-tastic Josh. Josh happened to be Ember's high school obsession. He's a wonderful character, who helps bring Ember back, helping her find her way after losing her dad.I worked out Josh's big secret fairly early on but was still surprised out how things played out. I really wanted Ember to see sense and work out what was best for her, but I guess she needed to discover things for herself. I do think Josh should have explained things to her earlier but I understood his reasoning; he is genuinely trying to do what's best for Ember.Don't get me started on Riley and her Uni friends (I use the word 'friends' lightly because they were horrible), he really was a terrible boyfriend.The secondary characters, mainly, her little brother Gus, sister April and Josh's best friend Jagger were great. I'd like to see Jagger or April get their own books (Jagger in particular) as I think there is definite more story to be told there.I would have liked to see Josh and Ember have more time together without the drama and see them develop further as a couple, but I was happy with the ending.4 Stars in my Sky!