Book Review: The Same Backward as Forward (The Inheritance Games, #0) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with The Same Backward as Forward? As a huge fan of Jennifer Lynn Barnes and her incredible ability to craft intricate plots and unforgettable characters, I was beyond excited to dive into this prequel. After reading Hannah’s story in The Games Untold novella, I felt like I was stepping into familiar territory but also embarking on a brand new adventure. Little did I know, my emotions were about to be swept away like autumn leaves in a tempest.
In this prequel, we delve into the heart and mind of Toby Hawthorne, and let me tell you—my expectations went through the roof. Every page seemed to echo the essence of Jameson Hawthorne. Reading Toby’s perspective was an exercise in emotional whiplash; every single word hurt, every memory hit hard, and I found myself stopping mid-page just to process the emotional revelations. It’s almost unfair how Barnes knows just where to hit you—as if she’s been privy to your innermost thoughts and feelings.
Toby and Hannah’s relationship dances beautifully between joy and pain, sweetness and heartache. They are like the fairytale couple of dreams, threading their stories together in ways that feel both magical and achingly real. Between Hannah’s fierce spirit and Toby’s brooding persona, you can’t help but root for them. Hannah Rooney, in particular, stands out as the model of resilience and strength; if I could reincarnate in this universe, she would be the first person I’d reach for. She embodies everything I strive to be and more!
The writing in this book is a raw finesse that captures both the beauty and complexity of their emotions. The pacing felt just right, allowing the tension to simmer before boiling over into gut-wrenching revelations. Barnes’ ability to blend prose and emotion is unmatched, and the way she weaves together the intricate relationships between characters left me in awe. I was particularly struck by the haunting line about life before Hannah—an idea that once everything was dark, and pain was all that existed. What a beautifully poetic and heartbreaking sentiment!
Shoutout to the art of the book itself, which reflects this emotional journey with its evocative illustrations of the key players—Avery, Hannah, and Toby—reminding us that they are, indeed, sentimental treasures. How I wish I could encapsulate this experience and share it with the world!
If you are a fan of deeply emotional love stories that entwine happiness with heartbreak, then The Same Backward as Forward is for you. It rewired my brain and heart, and I found myself utterly entranced by the complexities of love, identity, and familial bonds. For those who adore richly developed characters and stories that provoke both tears of joy and sorrow, get ready to scream, cry, and throw up in the best way possible.
In closing, this book isn’t just a prequel; it’s a journey into the very heart of love, loss, and self-discovery, all through the lens of two beautifully flawed characters. I’m still sitting in my library, somewhat dazed, soaking it all in and reflecting on how the love story of Toby and Hannah isn’t just a tale for fairy tales, but a standard for my heart. 🌊
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