This Expanse of Eventually

by Ryan Jones

When Lainie’s twin brother Leslie dies, her world implodes and grief drowns her. She wonders what she’ll do without her brother, but when she’s able to still see him and is able to talk to him, her anxiety and grief subside. Leslie is stuck on Earth as a ghost because both twins need to learn to overcome their grief.

When Greyson, a childhood friend, rekindles a friendship with Lainie, she realizes she doesn’t need to steep in grief alone, that there are still moments and people worth living for.

But will it be too late for Leslie to move on?

A struggle of grief, loss, and moving forward, This Expanse of Eventually teaches you that it may not be easy to overcome grief, that the pain may be there for a long while, but in the end you are strong enough to conquer it.

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2024

Reviews

[kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could rate this book even higher! It was a quick and easy read, but the meaning behind it was incredibly powerful. The emotions in this story hit me hard, and at times, I found myself deeply moved. It’s a beautiful reminder that grief is different for everyone, and there’s no “right” way to navigate loss.

One of my favorite parts was the quote: “We don’t get to pick and choose who lives or dies. Some people may leave Earth before others, and no one knows why. It’s just the way it is, and we need to accept it.” That line resonated with me so much, and it couldn’t be more true. I really enjoyed this book, highly recommend!

[Hailey Sreetharan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Grief can be a monster”

And this book shows the reader as such. Grief can come in many forms for a family. It can be ugly and cruel. But somehow in the end the dust settles and everyone is able to find their new normal.

A beautiful coming of age story where teens have to endure some of the hardest challenges at that age. In the end, Lainie chooses to overcome her grief and keep living life authentically for both her and Leslie.

Ryan wrote a quick easy read with important themes to be addressed. The book flew by and my only wish is that there was more!

[Rya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a hard one to put down. Really enjoyed the characters and it got me teary eyed at one point. It was a nice reminder, to me, that it’s ok to grieve in my own way and it’s different for everyone. And a good reminder that there’s always someone to talk to.

Happy I read this and thank you to Ryan for trusting me with the cover art 💞

[Amanda Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story sucked me right in. I needed to know what happened in Lainie and Leslie's stories. It's an easy read that takes you on such an emotional adventure. I ended up devouring this book in nearly one sitting!

[taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

[3.0]

[Julie]

**Thank you to the author for an advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

This book primarily deals with grief and familial relationships. It has a lot of good points and could be very helpful for teenagers who have had similar experiences or are working through grief.

I think I was not the audience for this in terms of my experiences with grief, and when I read this I had recently lost someone in our family. As someone who lost someone and experienced grief as a teenager, I often find my experiences are not reflected in YA novels and have a hard time connecting to the stories of grief. 

But on top of that, I struggled with some aspects of this story. Everything happened with the characters quickly, so there was no development when the driving force of the story happened. And there were some reveals that were trying to make some parallels that just didn't work for me. 

I think this book could definitely be helpful and a great read for people! I just wasn't the audience for it. 

TW: death, death of a child, grief, alcohol, vomit, car accident, medical content, injury/ injury detail

[Genia Kuypers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible coming of age book that deals with loss, grief and the reality of moving on without someone you love. You feel how important their bond is throughout the book without taking away from Lainie being the focus. I loved the back and forth chapters it gave such an interesting view into both siblings without being distracting.

[Devin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an advanced e-copy in exchange for a review.

I’ve had the pleasure of reading Ryan’s work before and there’s no doubt about how talented of a writer she is. This Expanse of Eventually is a story that focuses on Lainie and her family’s grief and the rollercoaster they all experience as they process, heal and learn to live again. It’s very clear how personable this story is to the author and it showed within the pages of this story.

I was drawn to this story due to my own experiences of grief and I truly appreciated how Ryan showed the anger and resentment that manifested for the characters in this story. It was incredibly relatable how they felt and processed their grief as I saw quite a bit of my own journey within them. It isn’t always discussed in media so I appreciate that multiple expressions of grief were shown throughout the book as they all grappled with the sudden change in their life. That being said, I wish moments and dialogue between character had been expanded upon. This story was incredibly fast paced and with such a poignant plot, I wish it had slowed down to truly been delve into how Lainie and Leslie felt more. I often felt like I was told how they felt and their thoughts were continually placed at the forefront without me, as the reader, drawing those conclusions from interactions with others and their environments.

Additionally, I struggled to connect with the characters which could have been due to the fact that the main characters were still in high school. Even though this wasn’t a story that hooked me in from the start, I feel it is such an important story and I hope that the person who needs it most finds it. Stories like this that discuss grief, anxiety, loss and healing are so so important and I hope that it finds a person that needs it most.

Edit: was clarified that this book is targeted for teens not young adults!

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 full review on thegraduatedbookworm.com

First, I'd like to thank Ryan Jones for sending me an ARC copy in exchange for a review. I feel like this is probably the perfect type of book to give someone who is still grieving the loss of someone. To showcase that there's not definite timeline to get over something, or that it goes away completely.

I think that this is definitely a deep story and should be read at a time where you do feel like you're more stable from dealing with death, but one that is so important in order to heal. Lainie went through such growth from beginning to end, navigating her ways to move on without completely forgetting her brother, which can be a hard thing to do.

While I know this wasn't revolved around romance, you do see her start to open up towards Greyson, talk to him about things she's not comfortable discussing with her parents right away, as well as finally have someone to lean on. Someone who understands her grief, but also is there for her and is checking in on her when she actually needs it most. I think their love blossoms perfectly in line with Lainie learning that she can still grieve but move on with her life at the same time.

Overall, This Expanse of Eventually was a powerful, emotional, and deep story that sticks with you. It held so many different levels of grief, but in a way that also made you think about yourself while reading a fictional story. It was a page-turner, and I seriously could not put it down!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Expanse of Eventually by Ryan Jones is an emotional YA novel that explores grief, healing, and the importance of connection. It follows Lainie, a young girl grieving the death of her twin brother, Leslie. When Leslie’s spirit appears to Lainie, it’s clear that both siblings have unfinished emotional journeys. Through her friendship with Greyson, Lainie learns that grieving doesn’t mean losing hope or joy forever.

I was deeply moved by how sensitively this book addresses themes of loss, domestic violence, and personal healing. The portrayal of grief was raw and relatable, reminding readers that even in the darkest times, there’s room for connection and growth. The friends-to-lovers element added warmth and a sense of support, a lovely contrast to the heavier themes. This book handles difficult emotions beautifully, making it a perfect read for anyone, especially young adults, facing or learning about loss.

[Book Girly · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the moment I started this book through till the end when I finished I was captivated by this book. I really love the authors writing style, its not overwhelming if you get what I mean. I really enjoyed the story, storyline and as well as the characters. I am a really emotional person so I kinda had some teary moments in the book, but I genuinely really enjoyed this book. Even though I have never experienced grief before, but with how this author writes this book and how she deeply portrays and represents the storyline, plot and characters of this book I really enjoyed it. It was really amazing seeing the bond of Laine and her brother Leslie, it was really heart warming and I loved reading how the bond develops between Greyson (Leslie best friend, her brother) and Laine. Will definitely be reading more of this authors work. I went into this book with high expectations based on the blurb/synopsis and it did not disappoint.

[Fireplace.Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Ryan asked me to read her book, I couldn’t not say yes. It sounded like a good cry and sometimes that’s what we readers need.

The Expanse of Eventually follows Lainie a year after the death of her twin Leslie whom is a ghost in the story. She is still struggling with her grief and lacks everything a normal senior in high school has. The coming of age novel tackles subjects like grief and survivors guilt head on.

I enjoyed this story but I wish it had more. Parts felt rushed, others lacked depth, and honestly I just wanted more. I wanted more about the parents. I wanted more about Lainie and Leslie’s relationship prior to the accident. I wanted more Lainie and Greyson. I think more showing and less telling would have added a lot of depth to this book. I really enjoyed the scenes with Greyson and the setting of the lake.

Rating: 3.5 rounded to 4 for Goodreads

[Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan Jones’ This Expanse of Eventually is a masterclass in high-octane storytelling. From the opening chapters, the narrative barrels forward with relentless energy, immersing readers in a world where every moment feels urgent, yet every character remains vivid and deeply human.

The lightning-quick pace is one of the book’s most impressive feats, especially since it deals with the heavy and emotional topics of loss and grief. Jones has written a story that refuses to linger unnecessarily, yet it never sacrifices emotional resonance. Even as the plot hurtles through the agony and suffering experienced through the eyes and souls of several characters, every character feels fully realized. Their motivations, fears, and desires leap off the page, creating an emotional tether that grounds the pacing.

There is no white space in this novel. That is to say each scene is meticulously crafted to serve both the plot and the characters, moving everything forward to a satisfying conclusion. Whether it’s a heart-pounding confrontation or a quiet moment of introspection, Jones ensures readers feel the entirety of each character’s thoughts and decisions. This careful balance makes This Expanse of Eventually an emotionally fulfilling read.

For readers who crave a fast-paced story without losing the heart of its characters, This Expanse of Eventually is an absolute triumph. Ryan Jones proves that speed and substance can coexist beautifully, delivering a novel that leaves you breathless and deeply connected long after the final page.

[Miriam Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan Jones’ This Expanse of Eventually is a remarkable coming-of-age novel that delves into themes of loss and grief. This book is mesmerizing, with Lainie and Leslie's tales weaving together. It had me hooked from the first page with each twist and turn urging me to keep reading. Jones’ writing style is a seamless blend of ease and depth, making it easy to get lost in the story. I was swept away by the complexity of the character experiences, the diversity of emotions they felt, and the depth of their personal growth.

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book! I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. all opinions are my own.​​​​​​​​

[Jonesy.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a bittersweet novel. This Expanse of Eventually deals heavily with the subject of grief, so there is a lot of sadness with some humour and hope sprinkled in. I love Lainie's focus on her art; it's known to be an effective form of therapy and that really shines though. I'm not a crier, but this one had me on the verge of tears. I feel like it is an important read perfect for those in the middle school and young adult age groups. That said, I think we can all, regardless of age, learn something from Lainie's story. I'm so grateful to have been given the opportunity to read this.
A quick, easy, and engaging read.

[Cody Pelletier · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author, Ryan Jones, kindly sent me an advanced reader copy (ARC). This Expanse of Eventually is a brilliant, well written read. I loved the characters, Leslie and Lainie. Each alternating chapter is told from their point of view, so I kept turning pages well into the night (‘Just one more chapter…’).