Review: A Dark, Emotional & Gritty Story!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 6, 2014
Lindy's Thoughts:I am a huge fan of J.A. Redmerski's, The Edge of Never Series.  What I learned from reading that series was that Ms. Redmerski was a beautiful writer, who made me "feel" with her story telling ability.  She created very complex, and real characters with real issues.  She knew how to pull me completely in to the story, and hook me.  She made me smile, and she made me cry.  When I got the opportunity to review, The Song of the Fireflies, I was so excited!  I absolutely love the book cover, and think that it is beautiful.  Once I read the story, I found that the book cover matched perfectly.Song of the Fireflies, by J.A. Redmerski, was a very intriguing story.  It was told from the dual perspectives of the main characters, Elias, and Brayelle (Bray). Elias and Bray meet as young children and become instant best friends.  Elias is more of a serious and introverted personality.  He comes from a stable family life, and has two very loving parents.  Bray on the other hand is a wild child. She is always taking huge risks, getting in to trouble, and dragging Elias along for the ride.  She pretty much does what she wants, when she wants it.  Her parents don't really pay much attention to her, and she is constantly being compared to her older, "perfect" sister, Rian.Elias and Bray had a very interesting friendship.  There was attraction, love, and they both understood one another on the deepest level possible.  They were each other's first kiss, and as they grew older, they did the whole "friends with benefits."  Elias always loved Bray and wanted a serious relationship with her, but she was scared that things wouldn't work out, and she'd lose him forever. Eventually, years later, Bray realizes that she needs Elias in her life, and she tells him she loves him.  He lets her know that he feels the same way, and they decide to try a relationship for the second time.  However, before they can give their relationship a try, a tragic accident occurs, and Bray's mind is set on leaving the state, and running away from her current problem.  Elias doesn't want to ever live without Bray again, and decides to run away with her.  While Elias and Bray are on the run, secrets will be revealed, danger will abound, new friendships will be formed, and their relationship will hit many high-highs, and low-lows.Song of the Fireflies was an emotional story.  Bray was a difficult character to like, because she came off as very selfish, moody, and unstable.  However, we learn the reasons for her behavior, and realize that she is not completely in control of her actions and mental state.  It doesn't help that her parents were not nurturing, caring, and compassionate towards her.  Elias is very selfless.  He is completely loyal, devoted, protective, and in love with Bray.  He is the only person in her life that shows that he cares about her, and he would do anything for her.  I enjoyed the colorful cast of secondary characters that Bray and Elias met while on the run.  Tate, Jen, and Grace were my favorites, and I hope to get their stories in future installments.  I really got excited when Bray and Elias met and hit it off with Camryn and Andrew.  I recognized the scene, and it was such a treat getting the scene from Elias and Bray's perspectives.  I was really happy with the ending of the story.  It was full of hope, and happiness, and brought a huge smile to my face.My Rating:Song of the Fireflies was an interesting story.  It was filled with friendship, first love, excitement, danger, suspense, and was a realistic portrayal of mental illness.  It had elements of darkness, depression, destruction, desperation, and co-dependence.  At the same time, it showed us the healing properties of love, perseverance, and commitment to getting well.  I give Song of the Fireflies, by J.A. Redmerski, 4 Dark, Emotional, Gritty, and Unconditional Love Filled Stars!My Favorite Quote:"Everyone deserves someone who loves and cares for them enough to see them through life's obstacles."  (eARC, 4182)~Elias*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape!