Monday, March 10, 2025

I Will Never Leave You by Kara A. Kennedy - OPTIONAL

I Will Never Leave You by Kara A. Kennedy, 343 pages. Delacorte Press (RandomHouse), 2024. $20

Language: R (17 swears, 19 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (Lesbian relationship, drinking); Violence: PG-13 (death, verbal abuse)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

18yo Maya finally decides to end her toxic relationship with her manipulative girlfriend, Alana, during a hike in California's Antelope Valley.  Soon after, Alana goes missing and Maya becomes the prime suspect while battling guilt over what happened.  But when Alana's ghost begins haunting her, Maya realizes their connection is far from over.  The vengeful spirit demands Maya's help in possessing their friend Rowan, or face terrifying consequences.  As Maya fights to break free from Alana's grip, she must confront the lingering effects of abuse and trauma.  

Kennedy explores love, control and the struggle to reclaim one's identity. This book was very frustrating and compelling to read.  Maya and Alana's relationship was extremely toxic, and it was frustrating to see Maya remain trapped in Alana's influence, even after her death. The novel definitely portrays the type of relationship to avoid. I really enjoyed the supernatural elements as well as the bond Maya eventually develops with her sister. The mystery kept me engaged and the twist at the end genuinely caught me by surprise.

The characters in this book are white.

Jessica Nelson Librarian

No comments: