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Decadence
Driven by love. Haunted by shame. Consumed by desire. Indulge in something you can sink your teeth into.
An unexpected text from her ex-girlfriend shatters the fragile peace of Elise’s delicate life. Standing at the crossroads of her future, Elise succumbs to the dark desires of her heart, stumbling through the fog of uncertainty toward a past she had long since forsaken.
What will she find in the bittersweet nostalgia of a town she hasn’t seen for a decade? How will she survive the impossible decisions that await her?
Decadence is a raw and devastating exploration of love in its many forms: the burning wrath of eros, the gentle kiss of agape, and everything in between. It explores the multifaceted beauty and pain of human connection.
Step into a story that dares you to sit with the haunting bliss and existential discomfort of what it means to be human.
Decadence is unapologetic and non-conforming:
• Character-driven: The story of Decadence is fully driven by the agency of its characters, written in a way to minimize the author's influence on the story, resulting in a uniquely human and emotionally resonate narrative.
• Queer, but not queer-focused: The characters of Decadence span a wide spectrum of sexuality and gender, but it's rarely a focus of the narrative. Written in a world where homophobia, transphobia, and misogyny are non-factors, characters are allowed to simply be their authentic selves--defined solely by their personality and agency, rather than their "otherness". i>Decadence accepts its characters as they are, focusing on who they are rather than what they are.
• The moments inbetween: Rather than focusing on grand gestures and indulgent spectacles, Decadence instead asks you to sit in the quiet discomfort of the moments inbetween: of introspection, of small feelings, of intrusive thoughts, and of the melancholy of human experience.
• No hand-holding: Decadence respects the intelligence of the reader and forgoes over-explaining in favor of streamlined storytelling. It allows you to immerse yourself in the narrative and experience things first-hand, rather than having things explained to you like a child.
• Your story to experience: The writing of Decadence is dreamlike and surreal at times, painting in some details while leaving others to the reader's imagination. This style of writing allows the reader to become a part of the story, filling in details from their own lives and experiences into the world of Decadence, resulting in a one-of-one reader experience.
An unexpected text from her ex-girlfriend shatters the fragile peace of Elise’s delicate life. Standing at the crossroads of her future, Elise succumbs to the dark desires of her heart, stumbling through the fog of uncertainty toward a past she had long since forsaken.
What will she find in the bittersweet nostalgia of a town she hasn’t seen for a decade? How will she survive the impossible decisions that await her?
Decadence is a raw and devastating exploration of love in its many forms: the burning wrath of eros, the gentle kiss of agape, and everything in between. It explores the multifaceted beauty and pain of human connection.
Step into a story that dares you to sit with the haunting bliss and existential discomfort of what it means to be human.
Decadence is unapologetic and non-conforming:
• Character-driven: The story of Decadence is fully driven by the agency of its characters, written in a way to minimize the author's influence on the story, resulting in a uniquely human and emotionally resonate narrative.
• Queer, but not queer-focused: The characters of Decadence span a wide spectrum of sexuality and gender, but it's rarely a focus of the narrative. Written in a world where homophobia, transphobia, and misogyny are non-factors, characters are allowed to simply be their authentic selves--defined solely by their personality and agency, rather than their "otherness". i>Decadence accepts its characters as they are, focusing on who they are rather than what they are.
• The moments inbetween: Rather than focusing on grand gestures and indulgent spectacles, Decadence instead asks you to sit in the quiet discomfort of the moments inbetween: of introspection, of small feelings, of intrusive thoughts, and of the melancholy of human experience.
• No hand-holding: Decadence respects the intelligence of the reader and forgoes over-explaining in favor of streamlined storytelling. It allows you to immerse yourself in the narrative and experience things first-hand, rather than having things explained to you like a child.
• Your story to experience: The writing of Decadence is dreamlike and surreal at times, painting in some details while leaving others to the reader's imagination. This style of writing allows the reader to become a part of the story, filling in details from their own lives and experiences into the world of Decadence, resulting in a one-of-one reader experience.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2025
6 people are currently reading
1901 people want to read
About the author
Soph Tang
5 books40 followersSoph Tang is a queer author based in the American PNW. She used to publish esteemed cognitive science research, but after the Great 2020 Collapse of Everything™, she embraced a new dream: becoming an independent author with absolutely no marketing skills and a flair for melodrama.
Now, she publishes emotionally devastating fiction because it's more fun–and somehow less soul-crushing?
Her debut story, Osea (2024), is a dark fantasy full of love, trauma, and vengeance. Her second novel, Decadence (2025), is a queer literary spiral into shame, indulgence, and, well, lesbians. Her latest project, black&white (2025), is a serialized psychological thriller that drags you like a frayed brush across the canvas of a broken heart.
In her free time, Soph also enjoys painting, her electric guitar (Nessie), and occasionally screaming into the void.
Now, she publishes emotionally devastating fiction because it's more fun–and somehow less soul-crushing?
Her debut story, Osea (2024), is a dark fantasy full of love, trauma, and vengeance. Her second novel, Decadence (2025), is a queer literary spiral into shame, indulgence, and, well, lesbians. Her latest project, black&white (2025), is a serialized psychological thriller that drags you like a frayed brush across the canvas of a broken heart.
In her free time, Soph also enjoys painting, her electric guitar (Nessie), and occasionally screaming into the void.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 13, 2025
I know this book came out before B&W. It has the same cast and is set several years into the future of B&W. The similarities end there. I cannot reconcile this future with that of B&W, so I will assume it is a standalone of an alternate reality.
This book has also made me realize how much I dislike Elise. It would be hard to think favorably when the MC feels like the villain. She's older but a lot more immature and childish, always not saying what she wants or needs to say.
It's sad that Elise and Lily were never really together (in any story) even though it's obvious how madly in love they were with each other. It's always been the miscommunications that keeps them apart.
Throughout B&W and also here, I've always been on Lily's side. I don't know, my heart aches so much more for Lily than for Elise. Elise has always been selfish, inconsiderate and immature; Indecisive but also impulsive. I know Lily is the same in a sense, but from my perspective, Lily was always willing to sacrifice far more than Elise ever would have. And Elise also being such a coward, running away from confrontation and never saying what she needs to say.
The chapter 32 ending I felt was kind of an easy way out, to remove her altogether from the equation and perhaps it would have been for the best. There was no resolution all thanks to Elise's cowardice. Not that I'm against such endings, it just doesn't feel much of an ending, it's just a "the end" kind of ending.
I understand Viri's love. I understand the willingness to compromise, to overlook another's faults and the self-sacrifice. Elise is right, she doesn't deserve Viri.
It's also very weird and unsettling how Theo can appear in the most inappropriate of places and everyone can see him yet no one really talks to him. And this was never explained. From how he reacts and is portrayed, I imagine him to be Elise's talking pet dog lol.
I hope the Elise in B&W will be a much better person than the one here.
I have a little less respect for Elise in this book. It's not because of the storyline or the ending but because of how frustrating and idiotic she is. Also for a standalone, so much of the story is unexplained and of course unresolved as well as poor Viri, always ever the doormat.
I received this free copy from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book has also made me realize how much I dislike Elise. It would be hard to think favorably when the MC feels like the villain. She's older but a lot more immature and childish, always not saying what she wants or needs to say.
It's sad that Elise and Lily were never really together (in any story) even though it's obvious how madly in love they were with each other. It's always been the miscommunications that keeps them apart.
Throughout B&W and also here, I've always been on Lily's side. I don't know, my heart aches so much more for Lily than for Elise. Elise has always been selfish, inconsiderate and immature; Indecisive but also impulsive. I know Lily is the same in a sense, but from my perspective, Lily was always willing to sacrifice far more than Elise ever would have. And Elise also being such a coward, running away from confrontation and never saying what she needs to say.
The chapter 32 ending I felt was kind of an easy way out, to remove her altogether from the equation and perhaps it would have been for the best. There was no resolution all thanks to Elise's cowardice. Not that I'm against such endings, it just doesn't feel much of an ending, it's just a "the end" kind of ending.
I understand Viri's love. I understand the willingness to compromise, to overlook another's faults and the self-sacrifice. Elise is right, she doesn't deserve Viri.
It's also very weird and unsettling how Theo can appear in the most inappropriate of places and everyone can see him yet no one really talks to him. And this was never explained. From how he reacts and is portrayed, I imagine him to be Elise's talking pet dog lol.
I hope the Elise in B&W will be a much better person than the one here.
I have a little less respect for Elise in this book. It's not because of the storyline or the ending but because of how frustrating and idiotic she is. Also for a standalone, so much of the story is unexplained and of course unresolved as well as poor Viri, always ever the doormat.
I received this free copy from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 6, 2025
loved it! Decadence is the best rendition of the "disaster gays" trope i have ever read. the pacing is exceptional and Soph has a knack for giving juuuust enough details to keep you engaged without showing their whole hand until the very end of the book. this is one of those books that plucks you out of the real world and fully immerses you in the story being told. it's fitting that the release date is Valentines Day because it touches on many different kinds of love without skirting around the wounds love (or lack thereof) sometimes leaves us with.
it's not often a book leaves me completely satisfied with the ending, but this one did. well worth the read, worth the buy, and worth the hype even if i am the only person hyped about it right now. when you read this (because you're going to), you'll be left wondering why you didn't read it sooner.
Decadence is for anyone who has ever wondered if they're actually loved and for those of us haunted by "what ifs".
it's not often a book leaves me completely satisfied with the ending, but this one did. well worth the read, worth the buy, and worth the hype even if i am the only person hyped about it right now. when you read this (because you're going to), you'll be left wondering why you didn't read it sooner.
Decadence is for anyone who has ever wondered if they're actually loved and for those of us haunted by "what ifs".
February 4, 2025
This book. Where do I even begin? It’s a horrendously beautiful and heart wrenching read. The sheer humanity in the way it’s written alone makes for a story you lose yourself in and can relate to even if you’ve never had the same experience. The art of the way it’s written alone is carefully crafted and beautifully written in a way that makes sense for the character. I love this book. I can’t put into words the rawness this book made me feel while reading it. The confusing and chaotic nature of the character expressing and handling emotions just feels so real and true. LOVE.
November 20, 2025
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. The story was difficult to follow. The characters were unlikeable. The ending was unsatisfying. Read like tween fiction.
February 14, 2025
A very interesting introduction to the characters of the Across Space & Time series, I have many questions still and I am hoping they will be answered in future books as we continue to get more of the characters and world. I really enjoyed the chapter titles and little excerpts prior to most of the chapters. Having the story be nonlinear took a second to get used to but it definitely helped to spice up the story as all the pieces came together into one timeline. Despite dealing with some potentially heavy topics the story still managed to stay light and was a wonderfully messy break in-between other larger or heavier books.
February 13, 2025
I was intrigued with Decadence the moment I saw the cover, reading the excerpt of the first chapter sold me. Decadence is a heartbreaking and beautiful tale of love, heartbreak, friendship, and trauma. Elise and Lily’s story is so beautifully woven in between Viri and Elise’s story. I also really enjoyed the mystery behind Theo. Overall Decadence was a solid book and I am really excited to see where the rest of the series goes!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 13, 2025
This book was so heartbreaking beautiful.
It reminded me of 5 feet apart, but sapphic and only one is sick. I wouldn't have been able to be Elise with figuring out how to love and lose Lily and leave Viri to go deal with life and then go back? Wild.
It reminded me of 5 feet apart, but sapphic and only one is sick. I wouldn't have been able to be Elise with figuring out how to love and lose Lily and leave Viri to go deal with life and then go back? Wild.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2025
Soph's writing is some of the best in this new era of novels. Decadence is a very real and emotional aspect of the conditions of love in all the ways it exists, and the conditions of being human. This one hit close to home for me, and the way that this story was executed felt almost cathartic—like I was the one living through these scenes and experiencing these feelings. Beautiful from beginning to end, and here is a thank you to Soph for sharing something so close to your own heart and allowing us to share it with you.
February 4, 2025
Second best book I ever wrote.
March 8, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
My love for Lily isn't a betrayal of anything, but my denial of it is a betrayal to everyone.
3.5
Decadence holds merit as being a great example of complex human emotions and circumstances and how that affects relationships with others. The character dynamics in this novel is what initially hooked me at the beginning, they were solid and overall likable in a I enjoyed disliking them kind of way. The characters were well-built and rounded which made their reactions and interactions with each other feel much more natural within the story. Elise's overall character arc saved the story for me as I was a little dubious at times.
The general structure and flow of the novel, however, is where it failed to hold my attention. I enjoy being confused when reading a novel, but I enjoy being confused about the plot, not where we are in the story or why it's laid out the way it is. It removed me from the story and I found myself frustrated. Decadence isn't linear, which is fine, overall it serves the story well in the building of characters but the lack of clarity to where we are in time was jarring. It took me half the novel to realise that the numbers between chapters was an indicator of time but I still couldn't figure out what that indicator was. Through reading the Author's Note at the end, it became clear, but it shouldn't have taken till that point. I felt there was likely an easier way this could have been executed while still evading spoilers as the author wished. I also felt some of the breaks where in odd positions, some were in the middle of scenes which threw me. The chapter introductions/quotes were a nice touch stylistically and I could see that they gave a little overall snapshot of what was going to be addressed in that chapter, having two felt unnecessary to the story, they weren't serving the plot or the characters in any way, but as I said, a nice touch stylistically.
The Epilogue is another part of the structure that confused me. Generally, the shift in point of view was interesting, it gave an external view to Elise that we hadn't gotten as we had seen everything from her eyes thus far. But I had no idea who was narrating until midway through when I was told, and even then I found myself asking - who? It was jarring. Then it didn't end. We switched back to Elise for the actual final chapter which felt odd. It was an interesting choice by the author, especially when she explained her thought process behind it in her author's note, so I'm not saying it was a bad thing - I think had the story just ended without any direct note from Elise would have annoyed me more.
Besides the few instances throughout where I had to backtrack and reread to figure out where we were in the story, or what was going on (internal interaction that Elise has with Viri I'm looking at you, I genuinely spent a good five minutes trying to figure out where Viri came from only to eventually figure out that Elise was imagining it) I enjoyed the story well enough. Characters make or break a novel for me, plot is more of an afterthought, so Soph Tang's ability to create complex likeable (and dislikable) characters with solid relationships, will have me returning to her work despite a few qualms I had with the overall transition through the novel.
My love for Lily isn't a betrayal of anything, but my denial of it is a betrayal to everyone.
3.5
Decadence holds merit as being a great example of complex human emotions and circumstances and how that affects relationships with others. The character dynamics in this novel is what initially hooked me at the beginning, they were solid and overall likable in a I enjoyed disliking them kind of way. The characters were well-built and rounded which made their reactions and interactions with each other feel much more natural within the story. Elise's overall character arc saved the story for me as I was a little dubious at times.
The general structure and flow of the novel, however, is where it failed to hold my attention. I enjoy being confused when reading a novel, but I enjoy being confused about the plot, not where we are in the story or why it's laid out the way it is. It removed me from the story and I found myself frustrated. Decadence isn't linear, which is fine, overall it serves the story well in the building of characters but the lack of clarity to where we are in time was jarring. It took me half the novel to realise that the numbers between chapters was an indicator of time but I still couldn't figure out what that indicator was. Through reading the Author's Note at the end, it became clear, but it shouldn't have taken till that point. I felt there was likely an easier way this could have been executed while still evading spoilers as the author wished. I also felt some of the breaks where in odd positions, some were in the middle of scenes which threw me. The chapter introductions/quotes were a nice touch stylistically and I could see that they gave a little overall snapshot of what was going to be addressed in that chapter, having two felt unnecessary to the story, they weren't serving the plot or the characters in any way, but as I said, a nice touch stylistically.
The Epilogue is another part of the structure that confused me. Generally, the shift in point of view was interesting, it gave an external view to Elise that we hadn't gotten as we had seen everything from her eyes thus far. But I had no idea who was narrating until midway through when I was told, and even then I found myself asking - who? It was jarring. Then it didn't end. We switched back to Elise for the actual final chapter which felt odd. It was an interesting choice by the author, especially when she explained her thought process behind it in her author's note, so I'm not saying it was a bad thing - I think had the story just ended without any direct note from Elise would have annoyed me more.
Besides the few instances throughout where I had to backtrack and reread to figure out where we were in the story, or what was going on (internal interaction that Elise has with Viri I'm looking at you, I genuinely spent a good five minutes trying to figure out where Viri came from only to eventually figure out that Elise was imagining it) I enjoyed the story well enough. Characters make or break a novel for me, plot is more of an afterthought, so Soph Tang's ability to create complex likeable (and dislikable) characters with solid relationships, will have me returning to her work despite a few qualms I had with the overall transition through the novel.
March 1, 2025
This was an amazing and emotional read! The author wrote a work of magic that really did make me fall in love with all of the characters. Each character, including Elise, plays such an important role in each of their lives in their group. I took the time to read the author’s letter at the end of the book and to my surprise, I already ended the book where they suggested and I took a day to process. Then I completed the rest of it. Parts of this story had me putting the book down, reliving past experiences and working through the emotions that I felt during them, just as my previous therapist(s) suggested at those times. It was definitely a story that made me look back on what I’ve been through and realize how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown over time. This story is moving, raw, emotional, and beautiful! I am so thankful that I was given the opportunity to read this book and I will recommend it to those that I know would appreciate it! For anyone who is interested, please read it and don’t just add it to your TBR list!
March 18, 2025
Reading this book... it completely immersed me into this world and when books do that for me they are honestly some of the best reads ive had. This book definitely had me in my feelings relating to situations and feelings and the characters I feel almost everyone can relate in some way to what is going on In the book. This book definitely brought out emotions and feelings I tried to push down and it brought me outta my comfort zone and felt them again. It was amazing that this beautifully written book did that. Honestly it's a 10/10 read the flow of the words and the story were perfectly written i couldn't have asked for more. And the ending didn't leave me unsatisfied it left me pleased and that I got what I was meant to get from the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 17, 2025
A story of love, loss and all those what if moments, not done in a romcom kind of way though - this is about those raw, guttural, messy feelings - there's some heavy topics so check your trigger warnings if necessary.
The story isn't told in a linear way either - which can be confusing, but also adds to the chaos of all those feels.
Personally I prefer the authors chosen ending - not the additional extra - I think it's more fitting with the vibes.
*Possible spoilerish* I had thoughts on Theo early on - but this book doesn't tell us - then I read the final chapter on the authors website - that wasn't where I'd thought it would go! And honestly that kinda ruined it a bit for me.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc ebook.
The story isn't told in a linear way either - which can be confusing, but also adds to the chaos of all those feels.
Personally I prefer the authors chosen ending - not the additional extra - I think it's more fitting with the vibes.
*Possible spoilerish* I had thoughts on Theo early on - but this book doesn't tell us - then I read the final chapter on the authors website - that wasn't where I'd thought it would go! And honestly that kinda ruined it a bit for me.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc ebook.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2025
I enjoyed the book of Elise and Lily along with all of thr other characters. This book was giving me all the feels. Especially the sad ones. It was a little hard to read for me. The times of the chapters and the in between were hard for me to get through. Other than that it was a book filled with heart. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
March 2, 2025
Omgosh this was amazing. I had to devour it. I was annoyed with Elise at first but that end came around for her. I loved Viri. It was such a fun book and I cried some. I loved it.
Arc from Edelwiess. Thank you!
Arc from Edelwiess. Thank you!
May 2, 2025
I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
So, this book got me crying. I knew it was gonna rip my heart from the first pages.
The amount of emotions that flow throughout is like nothing I’ve ever experienced.
I felt a little bit bad for Viri at occasion but it was so refreshing to see all of the characters being there for Elise and giving her support.
If you are up for a bittersweet love story this is definitely the way to go.
So, this book got me crying. I knew it was gonna rip my heart from the first pages.
The amount of emotions that flow throughout is like nothing I’ve ever experienced.
I felt a little bit bad for Viri at occasion but it was so refreshing to see all of the characters being there for Elise and giving her support.
If you are up for a bittersweet love story this is definitely the way to go.
March 19, 2025
I ate this up in like 24 hours and honestly, I’m pretty broken now. Gut wrenching and painful but so beautiful.
February 28, 2025
So beautiful, so sad, so well written! This was one of the rare books that made me want to cry. The topics are handled beautifully.
Thank you Soph Tang and Book Sirens for this ARC.
Thank you Soph Tang and Book Sirens for this ARC.
February 23, 2025
Decadence is at its simplest most emotionally charged, introspective novel regarding the intricacies of love, loss, and self-discovery. The novel traces the lives of Elise, a woman struggling with her own demons and, more particularly, her unresolved past with Lily, an old lover who re-enters her life with a life-shattering revelation. Set against the backdrop of urban loneliness, the novel delves into the turmoil in Elise as she re-establishes contact with Lily while trying to stay in a monogamous relationship with Viri.
In poetic language and in moments of restrained melancholic introspection, Decadence presents us with a woman who is caught between the love she lost and the love she will lose. Through the novel, we realize that love has less to do with desire and passion but with what we do in between.
Elise
Elise is an uncooked, introspective heroine. Her emotional nakedness manifests in the way she deals with past traumas, with relationships, and with self-acceptance. She's passionately flawed and woefully human—torn between past and present, hungry for closure yet recoiling from its consequences. Her inner turmoil maps the emotional landscape of the novel, making her a riveting and frustratingly human heroine.
Elise is driven by open-ended feelings, in this case for Lily, but cannot help being in love with Viri. Guilt and shame drive her choices, and she ultimately kills herself in the process.
Elise's internal battle with her past and her inner battle with Lily drive much of the conflict in the novel. Her battle is not so much deciding between two individuals as much as she is deciding on herself.
Elise's internal dialogues are those of a mind in a constant state of war with itself. She romanticizes the past but knows on some level that nostalgia is not to be trusted. That she is so self-aware makes her journey one of painful but necessary growth.
Lily
Lily is enigmatic, turbulent, and carries a silent grief that makes her presence in Elise's life a seductive and dangerous thing. Her passion burned fierce and all-consuming in the past, and it never fully burned out. With news of her illness, Lily forces Elise to confront feelings she's drowned for years.
Lily is captivating but evasive. She's adept at teasing Elise back into old tendencies, and while she never pushes Elise into doing anything, being with her is sufficient to loosen her inhibitions.
There is fate between Elise and Lily, but theirs is a one-sided love. Lily's sickness is an emotional draw that Elise cannot help but be drawn to, and which threatens to get her into moral complications that test her loyalty to Viri.
Viri
Viri is Elise's rock, anchor and home, and sanctuary. She is constant and stable in her loving, unlike Lily who is so temperamental. She's not a fool, however—she realizes Elise's distress and waits patiently but not forever.
Viri and Elise’s relationship is built on love, trust, and small, everyday moments of intimacy. Yet, the weight of Elise’s unresolved past strains their connection. There is a quiet sadness in Viri’s acceptance, but she never stops hoping Elise will choose their present over a past that no longer exists.
Side Characters
Jen (Lily's stepmother) is a straight-talking but affectionate presence, a mother figure to Lily and Elise alike. She gives us some humour and some wisdom.
Matty (Elise's friend) is the voice of reason, grounding Elise with humour and honesty. The friendship is a pleasant counterbalance to the emotional melodrama of the main action.
The book delves into various forms of love—the passionate and wild, the stable and secure, the healing and the destructive. It asks: Is it possible to love more than one person simultaneously? And if so, then what is that love?
Elise's journey is one of discovery that the past is not quite as beautiful as we remember. Nostalgia is tempting, but it is most often a misrepresentation of the truth. Decadence is presenting readers with the danger of idealizing what is lost.
Elise is beset by guilt—guilt for staying, for leaving, for being so fragile, for not being sensitive enough. The novel heart-wrenchingly illustrates self-forgiveness as a more difficult feat than forgiving others.
Lily's illness casts a shadow over the novel, forcing Elise to confront the finality of death. But Decadence is not merely a novel about grieving a person; it's grieving those persons we've lost.
Soph Tang's prose is lovely. It's lyrical without being navel-gazing, poetic without being effusive. It's an emotional journey every sentence of the way, and the imagery and symbolism at work give even the everyday moments multiplicities of meaning.
The non-linearity of the novel's narration is indicative of the untidiness of Elise's emotions. The novel flows continuously from the past to the present, carrying with it the reader into a life that's as close as a reader can get to experiencing Elise's memories.
The book is suffused with nostalgia. There's a dreaminess to Elise's tale, where past and present merge. The cityscape, late-night phone calls, and reflective moments of silence fill the book with a melancholic but comforting atmosphere.
Decadence is a novel's lingerer. It is not only a novel about love and heartbreak—it is a novel about being human, desiring, regretting, and recovering. Soph Tang has crafted a novel that is both profoundly personal and also universally relatable. It is raw, truthful, and filled with moments that will leave you surprised and gasping for breath.
Fans of books like Sally Rooney's Normal People or André Aciman's Call Me By Your Name will be acquainted and at home with the same sensations of yearning and intensity. Decadence stands out, however, in its unusual form and very self-analytical prose.
Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Writing Style: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Characters: ★★★★★ (5/5)
World-Building: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
In poetic language and in moments of restrained melancholic introspection, Decadence presents us with a woman who is caught between the love she lost and the love she will lose. Through the novel, we realize that love has less to do with desire and passion but with what we do in between.
Elise
Elise is an uncooked, introspective heroine. Her emotional nakedness manifests in the way she deals with past traumas, with relationships, and with self-acceptance. She's passionately flawed and woefully human—torn between past and present, hungry for closure yet recoiling from its consequences. Her inner turmoil maps the emotional landscape of the novel, making her a riveting and frustratingly human heroine.
Elise is driven by open-ended feelings, in this case for Lily, but cannot help being in love with Viri. Guilt and shame drive her choices, and she ultimately kills herself in the process.
Elise's internal battle with her past and her inner battle with Lily drive much of the conflict in the novel. Her battle is not so much deciding between two individuals as much as she is deciding on herself.
Elise's internal dialogues are those of a mind in a constant state of war with itself. She romanticizes the past but knows on some level that nostalgia is not to be trusted. That she is so self-aware makes her journey one of painful but necessary growth.
Lily
Lily is enigmatic, turbulent, and carries a silent grief that makes her presence in Elise's life a seductive and dangerous thing. Her passion burned fierce and all-consuming in the past, and it never fully burned out. With news of her illness, Lily forces Elise to confront feelings she's drowned for years.
Lily is captivating but evasive. She's adept at teasing Elise back into old tendencies, and while she never pushes Elise into doing anything, being with her is sufficient to loosen her inhibitions.
There is fate between Elise and Lily, but theirs is a one-sided love. Lily's sickness is an emotional draw that Elise cannot help but be drawn to, and which threatens to get her into moral complications that test her loyalty to Viri.
Viri
Viri is Elise's rock, anchor and home, and sanctuary. She is constant and stable in her loving, unlike Lily who is so temperamental. She's not a fool, however—she realizes Elise's distress and waits patiently but not forever.
Viri and Elise’s relationship is built on love, trust, and small, everyday moments of intimacy. Yet, the weight of Elise’s unresolved past strains their connection. There is a quiet sadness in Viri’s acceptance, but she never stops hoping Elise will choose their present over a past that no longer exists.
Side Characters
Jen (Lily's stepmother) is a straight-talking but affectionate presence, a mother figure to Lily and Elise alike. She gives us some humour and some wisdom.
Matty (Elise's friend) is the voice of reason, grounding Elise with humour and honesty. The friendship is a pleasant counterbalance to the emotional melodrama of the main action.
The book delves into various forms of love—the passionate and wild, the stable and secure, the healing and the destructive. It asks: Is it possible to love more than one person simultaneously? And if so, then what is that love?
Elise's journey is one of discovery that the past is not quite as beautiful as we remember. Nostalgia is tempting, but it is most often a misrepresentation of the truth. Decadence is presenting readers with the danger of idealizing what is lost.
Elise is beset by guilt—guilt for staying, for leaving, for being so fragile, for not being sensitive enough. The novel heart-wrenchingly illustrates self-forgiveness as a more difficult feat than forgiving others.
Lily's illness casts a shadow over the novel, forcing Elise to confront the finality of death. But Decadence is not merely a novel about grieving a person; it's grieving those persons we've lost.
Soph Tang's prose is lovely. It's lyrical without being navel-gazing, poetic without being effusive. It's an emotional journey every sentence of the way, and the imagery and symbolism at work give even the everyday moments multiplicities of meaning.
The non-linearity of the novel's narration is indicative of the untidiness of Elise's emotions. The novel flows continuously from the past to the present, carrying with it the reader into a life that's as close as a reader can get to experiencing Elise's memories.
The book is suffused with nostalgia. There's a dreaminess to Elise's tale, where past and present merge. The cityscape, late-night phone calls, and reflective moments of silence fill the book with a melancholic but comforting atmosphere.
Decadence is a novel's lingerer. It is not only a novel about love and heartbreak—it is a novel about being human, desiring, regretting, and recovering. Soph Tang has crafted a novel that is both profoundly personal and also universally relatable. It is raw, truthful, and filled with moments that will leave you surprised and gasping for breath.
Fans of books like Sally Rooney's Normal People or André Aciman's Call Me By Your Name will be acquainted and at home with the same sensations of yearning and intensity. Decadence stands out, however, in its unusual form and very self-analytical prose.
Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Writing Style: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Characters: ★★★★★ (5/5)
World-Building: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
March 17, 2025
𝘿𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“𝙑𝙞𝙧𝙞’𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙢 𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚. 𝙄𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚,” 𝙄 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙. “𝘽𝙪𝙩… 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙇𝙞𝙡𝙮… 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚. 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙣, 𝙞𝙩 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 𝙢𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙚𝙛𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚.”
I fear I can’t quite articulate and write a review worthy of what I’ve just read; which is an absolute masterpiece. I’m still dipping my toes into the beautiful art that is lit fic and I am so glad I chose to add this to that journey. The art and beauty alone in this book is the writing. Soph makes every page and word bleed with such intensity and depth that I couldn’t help but read this in one sitting. I wanted to get to the end and have a moment of either relief, healing or simply “yep, that’s just the way life is”; and I feel as though I got all of that.
This book follows Elise, where one day she receives an unexpected text from her ex-girlfriend. This text causes chaos and disturbs the peace Elise has tried to form since moving forward from her ex, yet she’s caught between nostalgia and “what if’s” as well as desire, shame and anger. She’s reminded of pain and trauma, and caught between the crossroads of her love she could have had and the love she does have now.
Honestly, I wish I had read this book when I was in high school, it would’ve helped me navigate and feel seen in what I went through. However, I feel like reading it now as a 23 year old it holds even more power and weight. I’m able to see myself clearly in the shoes of Elise (although she is much stronger than I, I fear) I think there’s something so powerful and vulnerable in seeing yourself in a character created. I felt that way a lot in this book. It takes a special person to understand and be patient with someone who struggles to identify and express what they’re truely going through, when they themselves still struggle to comprehend it half the time. It takes a strong and tenacious person to keep fighting for what they love and the will to simply live. At times I felt the anger and hurt that would have come being in Viri’s position but I love that this book challenged my mindset and altered my brain chemistry. It made me take a pause and go, no now wait, if I were in Elise’ position I too would be battling the exact same feelings and emotions she would. I’d want someone like Viri to give me that chance.
The ending also, the epilogue was written flawlessly, I loved and appreciated that. I want and am curious as to knowing Theo more though. I need to see and understand his character better. I think her coming back home and finally achieving what she wanted/ needed was the push and inspiration I needed.
Thank you Soph x
Favourite quotes;
🖤 𝙃𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣, 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙞𝙜, 𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨. 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙪𝙥 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨, 𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛: 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙝𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙤𝙪𝙨, 𝙖 𝙬𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙠, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚.
🖤 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠. 𝙄𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙪𝙣 𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙛 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙬𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜. 𝙄𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙖𝙡, 𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙬 𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙟𝙤𝙗, 𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙧𝙚. 𝙄𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙖𝙡 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨.
🖤 𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚; 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙣. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣, 𝙖 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙜𝙖𝙯𝙚𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡.
🖤 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩, 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙤𝙠𝙖𝙮.
🖤 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚, 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙥𝙪𝙯𝙯𝙡𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚, 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙘𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩. 𝘼 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙘𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙨. 𝙊𝙧 𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙛, 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩.
🖤 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡, 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮, 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙖𝙥𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙙, 𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙮. 𝙄𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙢𝙮 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡.
🖤 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙪𝙡𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡, 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨, 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙚 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙛𝙖𝙪𝙡𝙩.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“𝙑𝙞𝙧𝙞’𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙢 𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚. 𝙄𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚,” 𝙄 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙. “𝘽𝙪𝙩… 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙇𝙞𝙡𝙮… 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚. 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙣, 𝙞𝙩 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 𝙢𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙚𝙛𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚.”
I fear I can’t quite articulate and write a review worthy of what I’ve just read; which is an absolute masterpiece. I’m still dipping my toes into the beautiful art that is lit fic and I am so glad I chose to add this to that journey. The art and beauty alone in this book is the writing. Soph makes every page and word bleed with such intensity and depth that I couldn’t help but read this in one sitting. I wanted to get to the end and have a moment of either relief, healing or simply “yep, that’s just the way life is”; and I feel as though I got all of that.
This book follows Elise, where one day she receives an unexpected text from her ex-girlfriend. This text causes chaos and disturbs the peace Elise has tried to form since moving forward from her ex, yet she’s caught between nostalgia and “what if’s” as well as desire, shame and anger. She’s reminded of pain and trauma, and caught between the crossroads of her love she could have had and the love she does have now.
Honestly, I wish I had read this book when I was in high school, it would’ve helped me navigate and feel seen in what I went through. However, I feel like reading it now as a 23 year old it holds even more power and weight. I’m able to see myself clearly in the shoes of Elise (although she is much stronger than I, I fear) I think there’s something so powerful and vulnerable in seeing yourself in a character created. I felt that way a lot in this book. It takes a special person to understand and be patient with someone who struggles to identify and express what they’re truely going through, when they themselves still struggle to comprehend it half the time. It takes a strong and tenacious person to keep fighting for what they love and the will to simply live. At times I felt the anger and hurt that would have come being in Viri’s position but I love that this book challenged my mindset and altered my brain chemistry. It made me take a pause and go, no now wait, if I were in Elise’ position I too would be battling the exact same feelings and emotions she would. I’d want someone like Viri to give me that chance.
The ending also, the epilogue was written flawlessly, I loved and appreciated that. I want and am curious as to knowing Theo more though. I need to see and understand his character better. I think her coming back home and finally achieving what she wanted/ needed was the push and inspiration I needed.
Thank you Soph x
Favourite quotes;
🖤 𝙃𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣, 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙞𝙜, 𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨. 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙪𝙥 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨, 𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛: 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙝𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙤𝙪𝙨, 𝙖 𝙬𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙠, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚.
🖤 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠. 𝙄𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙪𝙣 𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙛 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙬𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜. 𝙄𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙖𝙡, 𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙬 𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙟𝙤𝙗, 𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙧𝙚. 𝙄𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙖𝙡 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨.
🖤 𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚; 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙣. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣, 𝙖 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙜𝙖𝙯𝙚𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡.
🖤 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩, 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙤𝙠𝙖𝙮.
🖤 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚, 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙥𝙪𝙯𝙯𝙡𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚, 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙘𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩. 𝘼 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙘𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙨. 𝙊𝙧 𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙛, 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩.
🖤 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡, 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮, 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙖𝙥𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙙, 𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙮. 𝙄𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙢𝙮 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡.
🖤 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙪𝙡𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡, 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨, 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙚 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙛𝙖𝙪𝙡𝙩.
February 11, 2025
I’m a big fan of Soph’s writing and it’s especially lovely in Decadence. There were a few times where I had to stop and reread lines just to bask in their beauty. Or reread them because they spoke to me so clearly, especially when it came to Elise’s relationship with Viri. Elise has had a lot of the same feelings I’ve had about my own relationship, and it was nice to see them reflected in such a relatable way.
The story was great, with plenty of background info on Elise and Lily’s relationship to help you understand why receiving a text from Lily disrupts her life so severely. Elise spends a lot of time asking herself “what if?” and feeling A LOT of feelings. I saw another review mention “disaster gays” and honestly… yes.
A couple times, I was a little confused while reading but I found that I liked it (especially since it didn’t happen often/didn’t take away from the story). I can’t give specific examples (because spoilers!), but I enjoyed coming up with my own ideas for why they happened and I wonder if certain character behaviors will be further explained in future books.
I’m really intrigued by the concept of the Across Space and Time series. It sounds kind of like a multiverse kind of thing but… a little different, and I like that the books will be different genres. I’m looking forward to reading and learning more about these characters, especially Theo. I need to know more about Theo!
Thank you, Soph, for letting me read an early copy!
The story was great, with plenty of background info on Elise and Lily’s relationship to help you understand why receiving a text from Lily disrupts her life so severely. Elise spends a lot of time asking herself “what if?” and feeling A LOT of feelings. I saw another review mention “disaster gays” and honestly… yes.
A couple times, I was a little confused while reading but I found that I liked it (especially since it didn’t happen often/didn’t take away from the story). I can’t give specific examples (because spoilers!), but I enjoyed coming up with my own ideas for why they happened and I wonder if certain character behaviors will be further explained in future books.
I’m really intrigued by the concept of the Across Space and Time series. It sounds kind of like a multiverse kind of thing but… a little different, and I like that the books will be different genres. I’m looking forward to reading and learning more about these characters, especially Theo. I need to know more about Theo!
Thank you, Soph, for letting me read an early copy!
February 19, 2025
I found this to be angsty and spectacularly well done. I know that in part, this is because the story touches very closely on high school/college-era experiences of my own, and it brought back such incredible memories of the challenges and struggles, I just want to stand up and shout "Yes, that!" But also, it was a well-written, compelling, and enjoyable story -- if heavy at times.
I thought the author did a wonderful job of putting Elise into a situation that had no clear solution, but letting her work through it all in a way that felt honest and authentic. I never thought she was doing the "wrong" thing, though it wasn't always obvious that it was (or that there existed) the "right" thing, either. Though any number of characters could have objected to something or other, they never did just for the sake of stirring up extra drama; any conflicts again felt heartbreakingly natural. It was just an incredible ride.
There are, of course, some answers I'm going to require in future books -- Nathan? Theo? -- but I'm content to wait and see on those, lol.
Anyway, I'm perhaps a little biased by the personal reaction I had to the story, but I've found this to be the best book of 2025 so far.
Discussion with Maria: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGNvwjaumdn/
I thought the author did a wonderful job of putting Elise into a situation that had no clear solution, but letting her work through it all in a way that felt honest and authentic. I never thought she was doing the "wrong" thing, though it wasn't always obvious that it was (or that there existed) the "right" thing, either. Though any number of characters could have objected to something or other, they never did just for the sake of stirring up extra drama; any conflicts again felt heartbreakingly natural. It was just an incredible ride.
There are, of course, some answers I'm going to require in future books -- Nathan? Theo? -- but I'm content to wait and see on those, lol.
Anyway, I'm perhaps a little biased by the personal reaction I had to the story, but I've found this to be the best book of 2025 so far.
Discussion with Maria: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGNvwjaumdn/
February 5, 2025
What a heartrending yet uplifting story about making choices and dealing with the repercussions; about how you see yourself despite how others see you; about guilt and forgiveness and what comes after. Everyone should read this book. It will defy your expectations and shake you up, but it will also put you back lovingly and give you a little kiss on the forehead. It's funny and tragic in equal measure. It's filled with queer characters who are full of life--who love, fight, give, take, and come together to break boundaries across time and space.
All of which to say, this is a lightning fast read and while the subject matter might be tough, it's worth it to the end. There's also plenty of value in multiple readthroughs just to see this nonlinear story come together with a little bit more context than before. The author has put care into the details and infused every line with the love they have for these characters.
All of which to say, this is a lightning fast read and while the subject matter might be tough, it's worth it to the end. There's also plenty of value in multiple readthroughs just to see this nonlinear story come together with a little bit more context than before. The author has put care into the details and infused every line with the love they have for these characters.
February 7, 2025
I absolutely adored this book. I can't even claim bias because this book truly leaves you craving more. As soon as I started I knew I'd be hooked, Soph knows exactly how to pull you into every character they write, making you feel you yourself have lived these experiences. Decadence is a quick read but so rich, it pulls at your heart in so many directions. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it. The love and pain, friendship and acceptance, grief and reconciliation had me raw but soothed by the end of it. I don't always cry when reading but I teared up multiple times. The words I'm using here don't do it justice. I have finished the book and I still feel like I'm carrying Elise and Lily and all of their friends in my heart. I can't recommend it enough!
February 13, 2025
Decadence is the kind of book that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page. Elise’s journey back to a past she thought she had left behind is both deeply personal and painfully universal, exploring love in all its messy, complicated forms. The writing is stunning—sometimes poetic, sometimes gut-wrenchingly raw—but always honest. What I loved most was how real Elise felt; her struggles, her desires, and even her self-doubt made her one of the most human characters I’ve read in a long time. If you like character-driven stories that make you feel everything, this is a great read.
February 12, 2025
isten, if you’ve ever made a terrible life decision because of a single text message, Decadence is about to call you all the way out. 📱💔 Elise’s story is messy, emotional, and so real it hurts—in the best way. The writing is stunning, the emotions are a rollercoaster, and the exploration of love (the good, the bad, and the downright destructive) is hauntingly beautiful. I devoured this book in one sitting, then immediately needed to stare at a wall and process my entire existence. Read it. You’ll thank me. 🖤📖
March 4, 2025
Absolutely incredible book - super engaging and deeply emotional throughout. It’s both hard to put down and thought provoking; this book will stick with you in the best of ways. The narrative takes you back and forth through time perfectly to maintain suspense and slowly reveal the devastating history. A beautiful, honest look at difficult emotions and what it takes to process them, with a mischievous sense of humor to add charm. Highly recommend!!!
April 4, 2025
A tour-de-force, everything I want in a bildungsroman (I would understand somebody disagreeing with this classification, but that's how I read it). Soph once again shows her range and adaptability–the command of prose, dialogue, and scene make this urban drama feel somehow like a rich fantasy world. You can read this book on so many levels: as YA, as a steamy steamfest, as a deeply personal meditation on youth and intimacy. The pages turned themselves, when's the next one coming?
March 30, 2025
The way the author describes emotions is incredibly raw and it’s so easy to find oneself mirrored in the writing. I found that my reaction to some of the main character’s emotions said so much about me ahahah this was such an experience. I found myself sad but also inspired and that’s a hard combination to provoke in someone! Recommend this book 100%.
April 18, 2025
As a trans person, this story conveyed so many emotions that I was able to identify with. So many gut punches delivered through vibrant writing. Definitely an author to keep an eye on as she is able to play with your emotions. 5 stars.
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