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The Same Water
Empathy is power.
For two years, Shaye Devereaux’s anxiety has consumed her life. Friends have drifted away, she’s given up on boys, and she’s failed her junior year. But an unbelievable offer gives Shaye hope of a fresh start.
Pathos Conservatory, an elite prep school founded on the business of empathy, believes Shaye is the perfect fit for their summer program. Pathos is building up a force of influencers, training them on the power of understanding human emotions. Guiding her on her journey is her nineteen-year-old mentor, Ephram. Irritatingly handsome, Ephram is flirty yet distant… until he isn’t.
While navigating her complicated feelings about Ephram, Pathos exposes Shaye and her new friends to the power of empathy. Delving into memories of others is just the beginning of their training. For Shaye, however, some memories should never be experienced twice.
But when Shaye’s awakened abilities catch the attention of leadership, it soon becomes clear there is much more going on with Pathos—and Ephram—than she knows. One choice could alter Shaye’s life forever – will she be ready to make it?
If you love the romantic chemistry and futuristic technology of Divergent and the provocative vibes of Delirium and The Darkest Minds, then you’ll be captivated by The Same Water.
For two years, Shaye Devereaux’s anxiety has consumed her life. Friends have drifted away, she’s given up on boys, and she’s failed her junior year. But an unbelievable offer gives Shaye hope of a fresh start.
Pathos Conservatory, an elite prep school founded on the business of empathy, believes Shaye is the perfect fit for their summer program. Pathos is building up a force of influencers, training them on the power of understanding human emotions. Guiding her on her journey is her nineteen-year-old mentor, Ephram. Irritatingly handsome, Ephram is flirty yet distant… until he isn’t.
While navigating her complicated feelings about Ephram, Pathos exposes Shaye and her new friends to the power of empathy. Delving into memories of others is just the beginning of their training. For Shaye, however, some memories should never be experienced twice.
But when Shaye’s awakened abilities catch the attention of leadership, it soon becomes clear there is much more going on with Pathos—and Ephram—than she knows. One choice could alter Shaye’s life forever – will she be ready to make it?
If you love the romantic chemistry and futuristic technology of Divergent and the provocative vibes of Delirium and The Darkest Minds, then you’ll be captivated by The Same Water.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2025
About the author
Nori Larkspur
1 book8 followersNori Larkspur grew up in Michigan, and still dips her pizza in ranch. She started writing young adult science-fantasy romance in 2013. What started as checking off a bucket list item, turned into a passion. She loves writing relatable characters that make you laugh, cry, and melt into an actual puddle. As a teacher and self-proclaimed binge-reader, Nori believes that everyone is a reader, but some just haven’t found the right book yet. She enjoys memes, gifs, Oreo shakes, and any book with a swoony male main character written by a woman. She currently lives in Colorado with her husband, two kids, and garden of perennials.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 15, 2026
This was really good. It felt a little young at points (I'm just not a YA reader anymore! It's so sad!) but I loved it as a dystopian and a pseudo magical school story. I thought it did a really good job handling difficult themes for this age group, too.
May 26, 2025
I loved this so much. It's a contemporary sci-fi set in the near future with a Divergent vibe. Shaye is a fantastic character and her growth during this book is phenomenal. The MMC and side characters are all really great as well. I honestly can't think of a single character I didnt like. They were all so well rounded and fit the story perfectly.
This did a great job of getting the whole story in one book, but I would love to see a sequel with Shaye taking control of her anxiety and her future.
This did a great job of getting the whole story in one book, but I would love to see a sequel with Shaye taking control of her anxiety and her future.
June 4, 2025
I wasn't sure how this was going to play out, if it would involve actually powers or just the power of a mentality change and what that can do but surprisingly it was both and I'm still wondering how they really wanted Shaye to enact their "plan" and continue with the program cuz I mean she already saw what they were thinking if she failed, there's no way she could trust really anyone in the that program.
I kept going back and forth on whether I thought Ephram was good and well he was, I just thought he'd honestly be more mad at her about a thing she did but honestly that got swept under the rug quick. Then again their feelings probably were the reason for that and the whole "get Shaye where she needs to be" plan was probably also a factor. He ended up good though, I was just honestly thinking he would be bad and have some weird loyalty to the company with how wishy washy he was but so glad he didn't.
Shaye was good. She definitely was a fish out of water and did need that connection to her friends to really help her go through the program, besides Oliver, this is no longer an Oliver household 😤. She was still able to develop on her own though and with some slight guidance did become who she needed to be. It just all felt like it happened quick and with very little push back in her own mind that it feels like the anxiety attacks are something entirely and not totally fueled on self sought and worry, but I might be wrong.
Overall this was good and I really want to know how her family has been during this and how they will continue to be because enough stuff happened that I don't think they're safe.
I kept going back and forth on whether I thought Ephram was good and well he was, I just thought he'd honestly be more mad at her about a thing she did but honestly that got swept under the rug quick. Then again their feelings probably were the reason for that and the whole "get Shaye where she needs to be" plan was probably also a factor. He ended up good though, I was just honestly thinking he would be bad and have some weird loyalty to the company with how wishy washy he was but so glad he didn't.
Shaye was good. She definitely was a fish out of water and did need that connection to her friends to really help her go through the program, besides Oliver, this is no longer an Oliver household 😤. She was still able to develop on her own though and with some slight guidance did become who she needed to be. It just all felt like it happened quick and with very little push back in her own mind that it feels like the anxiety attacks are something entirely and not totally fueled on self sought and worry, but I might be wrong.
Overall this was good and I really want to know how her family has been during this and how they will continue to be because enough stuff happened that I don't think they're safe.
September 28, 2025
The Same Water completely pulled me in from the start. Shaye’s struggle with anxiety felt raw and real, and I loved how the author wove that into the bigger, almost sci-fi concept of empathy as a powerful tool. The idea of Pathos Conservatory, training teens to tap into human emotions was fascinating and a little unsettling at the same time. And then there’s Ephram… the flirty, complicated mentor who kept me guessing about his true intentions.
This book had that perfect mix of romance, suspense, and futuristic intrigue. The twists kept me turning the pages, and by the end, I was both satisfied and hungry for more. Fans of Divergent and Delirium will definitely find something to love here.
This book had that perfect mix of romance, suspense, and futuristic intrigue. The twists kept me turning the pages, and by the end, I was both satisfied and hungry for more. Fans of Divergent and Delirium will definitely find something to love here.
May 22, 2025
Thank you to Hidden Hollow Book Tours for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Following the onset of debilitating anxiety, seventeen-year-old Shaye Devereaux’s life isn’t what she thought it would be. After failing her junior year in high school, she’s gifted an opportunity she can’t say no to - the chance to attend Pathos Observatory’s summer intensive, possibly earn a spot for the fall semester, and get her younger brother’s expensive therapy paid for. But when the training at Pathos awakens powerful abilities in Shaye, she realizes Pathos, and her mentor there, might not be what they seem.
I loved the premise of this one, and the story definitely had a lot of potential. After spending time at Pathos Conservatory and participating in a research project, Shaye begins to manifest telepathic powers of empathy - namely, being able to absorb other's emotions and influence them with her own. Shaye also suffers from anxiety and anxiety attacks, and I loved seeing how she deals with this and develops as a character throughout the book.
However, there were a few things that kept me from loving this book. I read a lot of YA so I'm used to characters acting immaturely, but I felt like it was a little over the top at times with Shaye. Also, it's hinted early on in the story that Shaye had a traumatic experience with a boy (possibly sexual assault or rape), which is the cause of her anxiety. Because of this, she's supposedly sworn off boys. And yet, she's immediately smitten with her mentor, Ephram, acts ridiculously jealous anytime Gia (one of the female mentors) is around, and somehow lands herself in the middle of a love triangle.
I also feel like the pacing on this one could have been better. This isn't a long book (less than 400 pages), but we don't see Shaye's powers starting to manifest until about 65%. I would have loved to spend less time on the day-to-day happenings at the conservatory (how many times do we need to see them eat?) and more time exploring Shaye's powers.
Overall, I loved the unique premise of the story and I felt like, although Shaye was initially annoying to me, she did show a lot of growth. I think this author has a lot of potential, and I'd love to see what other books she puts out in the future.
Read if you like:
Young adult
Mutual pining
Love triangle
Anxiety rep
Portal technology
Empathy as power
Following the onset of debilitating anxiety, seventeen-year-old Shaye Devereaux’s life isn’t what she thought it would be. After failing her junior year in high school, she’s gifted an opportunity she can’t say no to - the chance to attend Pathos Observatory’s summer intensive, possibly earn a spot for the fall semester, and get her younger brother’s expensive therapy paid for. But when the training at Pathos awakens powerful abilities in Shaye, she realizes Pathos, and her mentor there, might not be what they seem.
I loved the premise of this one, and the story definitely had a lot of potential. After spending time at Pathos Conservatory and participating in a research project, Shaye begins to manifest telepathic powers of empathy - namely, being able to absorb other's emotions and influence them with her own. Shaye also suffers from anxiety and anxiety attacks, and I loved seeing how she deals with this and develops as a character throughout the book.
However, there were a few things that kept me from loving this book. I read a lot of YA so I'm used to characters acting immaturely, but I felt like it was a little over the top at times with Shaye. Also, it's hinted early on in the story that Shaye had a traumatic experience with a boy (possibly sexual assault or rape), which is the cause of her anxiety. Because of this, she's supposedly sworn off boys. And yet, she's immediately smitten with her mentor, Ephram, acts ridiculously jealous anytime Gia (one of the female mentors) is around, and somehow lands herself in the middle of a love triangle.
I also feel like the pacing on this one could have been better. This isn't a long book (less than 400 pages), but we don't see Shaye's powers starting to manifest until about 65%. I would have loved to spend less time on the day-to-day happenings at the conservatory (how many times do we need to see them eat?) and more time exploring Shaye's powers.
Overall, I loved the unique premise of the story and I felt like, although Shaye was initially annoying to me, she did show a lot of growth. I think this author has a lot of potential, and I'd love to see what other books she puts out in the future.
Read if you like:
Young adult
Mutual pining
Love triangle
Anxiety rep
Portal technology
Empathy as power
May 20, 2025
Empathy is power! Imagine being an empath but taking it a step further and having the ability to influence human emotions or changing emotions. This book is about our FMC Shaye who suffers from crippling anxiety after a traumatic experience and has now failed her junior year of high school. Then a great opportunity is presented to her at a prep school where their specialty is empathy. She joins their summer program where she meets Ephram, our recent graduate turned mentor who is devastatingly handsome. Through the process they learn about the power of empathy while diving into the memories of their classmates and strangers. This book was a breathe of fresh air. So unique and captivating. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down. As someone who has a lot of empathy, I found this unique story to be very intriguing, I kept wanting to know more. More about their character, their feelings and memories. The way anxiety and empathy is displayed in the book is so well written and very relatable. Kudos to the author for the accurate information. This story leaves you wanting more and all I can think about when I finished is that this needs a second book. I need to know what happens next. Though this book is YA, the story will capture teen and adults alike. There is heartbreak, action, adventure, love interests, friends, difficult topics and past experiences. I couldn’t recommend this book more. Definitely a great read. Thank you to the author for this ARC, the unique story and relatability gives this book an easy 5 stars.
June 2, 2025
The Same Water took me by surprise in the best way. Set in a near future world where being empathetic is an actual power, this book blends emotional depth with a touch of sci fi and dark academia vibes.
Shaye, the main character, is struggling with anxiety and academic burnout when she’s offered a second chance at the exclusive and mysterious Pathos Conservatory. This is a school that teaches students to persuade, manipulate and control through emotional awareness and empathy. As Shaye dives deeper into the school’s intense training and complicated social dynamics, she starts to question her own boundaries and who she can trust, including her enigmatic mentor; Ephram, who is both unsettling and fascinating. The line between emotional intelligence and manipulation starts to blur, and the consequences are way more dangerous than she could have imagined.
The writing is lyrical and immersive, and the way it explores mental health and emotional connection felt really authentic. Shaye’s journey is personal, powerful, and full of tension and growth. I was hooked from beginning to end. I enjoyed the pacing of the book, it wasn’t too fast, there was a nice build up to the finale.
If you like books with layered characters, a bit of romance, and an eerie, emotional twist on dystopian tropes, The Same Water is perfect for your next read!
Shaye, the main character, is struggling with anxiety and academic burnout when she’s offered a second chance at the exclusive and mysterious Pathos Conservatory. This is a school that teaches students to persuade, manipulate and control through emotional awareness and empathy. As Shaye dives deeper into the school’s intense training and complicated social dynamics, she starts to question her own boundaries and who she can trust, including her enigmatic mentor; Ephram, who is both unsettling and fascinating. The line between emotional intelligence and manipulation starts to blur, and the consequences are way more dangerous than she could have imagined.
The writing is lyrical and immersive, and the way it explores mental health and emotional connection felt really authentic. Shaye’s journey is personal, powerful, and full of tension and growth. I was hooked from beginning to end. I enjoyed the pacing of the book, it wasn’t too fast, there was a nice build up to the finale.
If you like books with layered characters, a bit of romance, and an eerie, emotional twist on dystopian tropes, The Same Water is perfect for your next read!
May 12, 2025
Sequel. That was my first thought after reading the last words. I wanted more. What great adventure now awaits? I won’t give you any spoilers, though. Suffice it to say, you will be left wanting more, as I did.
Empathy. That was my first thought after chapter 5. I can only imagine being in that position as both parent and child. By chapter 8, I wanted to give Shaye a big hug and tell her it’s going to be all right.
It’s an eloquently written fictional biopic that appeals to both teens and adults. The sub-current of anxiety, and its origin, is deftly handled and isn’t the distraction it could have been. It’s not a heavy-handed treatment of a delicate subject, there is plenty of levity, intellect, love, and joy to go around.
I particularly enjoyed the use of Schrödinger's Cat, the house metaphor, and the potato and egg. That last one I had to write down for myself to remember, as I think we all should.
Shaye is a sympathetic character, she’s tough but compassionate, strong, yet vulnerable. She’s well written and developed, as are the other main characters; none are superfluous, everyone has a part to play.
Overall, it was delightful and I can recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, yet reflective ride from chaos to order, loss to restoration.
Empathy. That was my first thought after chapter 5. I can only imagine being in that position as both parent and child. By chapter 8, I wanted to give Shaye a big hug and tell her it’s going to be all right.
It’s an eloquently written fictional biopic that appeals to both teens and adults. The sub-current of anxiety, and its origin, is deftly handled and isn’t the distraction it could have been. It’s not a heavy-handed treatment of a delicate subject, there is plenty of levity, intellect, love, and joy to go around.
I particularly enjoyed the use of Schrödinger's Cat, the house metaphor, and the potato and egg. That last one I had to write down for myself to remember, as I think we all should.
Shaye is a sympathetic character, she’s tough but compassionate, strong, yet vulnerable. She’s well written and developed, as are the other main characters; none are superfluous, everyone has a part to play.
Overall, it was delightful and I can recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, yet reflective ride from chaos to order, loss to restoration.
June 8, 2025
Not the typical scifi/ fantasy I’ve read before. There’s a lot of advancement with cars and technology, from androids doing manual labor to smart programs. There’s even a portal used for long distance travel (think Stargate but only for Earth).
Shaye is such a felt character for me because she suffered a trauma that resulted in her have panic attacks whenever any smells or things remind her of that day. It was almost palpable to me and, as I kept reading, I wondered if she was going to get triggered again. Ephram, her mentor at The Pathos Conservatory and recent graduate of the institution, does his best to keep her afloat and focused. He also has a bit of a haunted past that he refuses to talk about so they seem to really work out in the end. The pace is slow, but in a good way as things start to build up and turn about half way in. There’s a nice balance of high school drama, teen hormones and self discovery in this while having suspense among the students wondering what is going on with the programming at Pathos.
I really enjoyed this book and love how different it was from other books I’ve read. I would definitely read it again.
Thank you to the author and @hiddenhollowbooktours for the gifted copy.
Shaye is such a felt character for me because she suffered a trauma that resulted in her have panic attacks whenever any smells or things remind her of that day. It was almost palpable to me and, as I kept reading, I wondered if she was going to get triggered again. Ephram, her mentor at The Pathos Conservatory and recent graduate of the institution, does his best to keep her afloat and focused. He also has a bit of a haunted past that he refuses to talk about so they seem to really work out in the end. The pace is slow, but in a good way as things start to build up and turn about half way in. There’s a nice balance of high school drama, teen hormones and self discovery in this while having suspense among the students wondering what is going on with the programming at Pathos.
I really enjoyed this book and love how different it was from other books I’ve read. I would definitely read it again.
Thank you to the author and @hiddenhollowbooktours for the gifted copy.
June 2, 2025
What a great Science Fiction Young Adult book.
The story follows Shaye, who is struggling after an event changes her life. She goes from being an A* Student to one who is basically failing school.
In walks a mysterious Doctor with an offer she really shouldn't refuse...
I really enjoyed meeting Shaye and also the build-up to the event that caused her issues. She is an incredible person and has empathy but is also willing to self-sacrifice to support her family.
The position Shaye finds herself in a unique one, with special abilities, and was was really well thought out overall. Building up to the reveal of Shaye's past was very clever and ultimately helped the reader to understand her more.
Of course, we also meet Ephram... the dark horse. He is someone who has his own problems, and there was definitely a game of 'will they, won't they' going on 😆.
The cover artwork is brilliant and incredibly eye-catching, too!
If you love Sci-Fi and you love Young Adult, then this one is for you!
The story follows Shaye, who is struggling after an event changes her life. She goes from being an A* Student to one who is basically failing school.
In walks a mysterious Doctor with an offer she really shouldn't refuse...
I really enjoyed meeting Shaye and also the build-up to the event that caused her issues. She is an incredible person and has empathy but is also willing to self-sacrifice to support her family.
The position Shaye finds herself in a unique one, with special abilities, and was was really well thought out overall. Building up to the reveal of Shaye's past was very clever and ultimately helped the reader to understand her more.
Of course, we also meet Ephram... the dark horse. He is someone who has his own problems, and there was definitely a game of 'will they, won't they' going on 😆.
The cover artwork is brilliant and incredibly eye-catching, too!
If you love Sci-Fi and you love Young Adult, then this one is for you!
June 8, 2025
I read THE SAME WATER by Nori Larkspur for a review tour hosted by the author and Hidden Hollow Book Tours. Thank you to both for inviting me along and for the gifted book box.
This book hit me. I deal with severe anxiety and it was good to see a main character working through those issues as well. Shaye tries to keep her past locked in a mental box. But, when she enters Pathos Conservatory, a prep school for empaths, things start rearing their heads and won't leave them lie.
Ephram is Shaye's mentor at Pathos. He tries to keep his distance but there were sparks from the beginning. I love a slow-burn romance that is also in forbidden territory. Ephram has his own past that he wants locked away, which is hard in a place that uses memories for its training.
This was such a unique story for me. It was brutal in some of the memory situations. I felt every one of Shaye's anxiety attacks as if I was having it myself. It was a little unnerving how similar her experiences were.
There is a sinister mystery behind the school. I really enjoyed the journey in trying to put pieces together. It turned out nothing like I thought it would. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I recommend THE SAME WATER to fans of academy settings, unique magic, unique abilities, slow-burn romance, forbidden romance, portals, and Dystopian-type stories.
This book hit me. I deal with severe anxiety and it was good to see a main character working through those issues as well. Shaye tries to keep her past locked in a mental box. But, when she enters Pathos Conservatory, a prep school for empaths, things start rearing their heads and won't leave them lie.
Ephram is Shaye's mentor at Pathos. He tries to keep his distance but there were sparks from the beginning. I love a slow-burn romance that is also in forbidden territory. Ephram has his own past that he wants locked away, which is hard in a place that uses memories for its training.
This was such a unique story for me. It was brutal in some of the memory situations. I felt every one of Shaye's anxiety attacks as if I was having it myself. It was a little unnerving how similar her experiences were.
There is a sinister mystery behind the school. I really enjoyed the journey in trying to put pieces together. It turned out nothing like I thought it would. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I recommend THE SAME WATER to fans of academy settings, unique magic, unique abilities, slow-burn romance, forbidden romance, portals, and Dystopian-type stories.
May 25, 2025
This was such an interesting read!
There is so much that we unpack for the characters, our FMC has bad anxiety (I feel like this undersells it a little) and ends up getting an opportunity to go to a unique private school
Ephram is our MMC who is a recent grad turned mentor and he works with Shaye to uncover and discover all the things that come with empathy
They uncover more about her classmates through their memories. While this does showcase ONE way anxiety can impact someone (it affects everyone differently) I enjoyed the overall explanation and the way the author explained anxiety.
This is a more YA read but it’s definitely something that people of all ages would enjoy if they want a different and unique story.
✨Mutual pining
✨FMC with anxiety
✨First kiss
✨Special abilities
✨Portals
✨Exclusive school
✨Empaths
✨Jumping into memories
I was part of a review tour with Hiddenhollowbooktours
There is so much that we unpack for the characters, our FMC has bad anxiety (I feel like this undersells it a little) and ends up getting an opportunity to go to a unique private school
Ephram is our MMC who is a recent grad turned mentor and he works with Shaye to uncover and discover all the things that come with empathy
They uncover more about her classmates through their memories. While this does showcase ONE way anxiety can impact someone (it affects everyone differently) I enjoyed the overall explanation and the way the author explained anxiety.
This is a more YA read but it’s definitely something that people of all ages would enjoy if they want a different and unique story.
✨Mutual pining
✨FMC with anxiety
✨First kiss
✨Special abilities
✨Portals
✨Exclusive school
✨Empaths
✨Jumping into memories
I was part of a review tour with Hiddenhollowbooktours
May 26, 2025
Larkspur has spun a compelling story, I loved the world-building, the mix of technology and magic, and the characters. I do appreciate how well anxiety and anxiety was represented. As someone who struggles with anxiety, it meant a lot. I’m a little torn on how Shaye reacted to Ephram so soon after meeting him, and the feelings she starts to develop so quickly, while this is fiction, it just feels a little forced to speed up the romance side of the plot. (I admit I’d be a little less hard on this point if I hadn’t been in a similar position when younger, minus magic powers manifesting from my empathy and futuristic tech, at least). That’s really my biggest complaint, outside that the story moves fairly smoothly, and at a good pace. The idea of empathy being such a unique and important talent, especially with the state of the world today and how it seems to be something lacking, really hit home.
July 1, 2025
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book, as the premise is a unique one, but wow, it’s so good and it was great to see this fresh concept in the world of YA books!
The story is well developed, unique, and kept me guessing as to how it would unfold. It kept me engaged from the get go, and once I was a few chapters in, I couldn’t put it down.
The author does a wonderful job of exploring the concept of empathy, and how feelings and emotions can be potentially “weaponized.” I loved how the author wove together the work being done at Pathos with the main character’s emotional development and growth.
The main character is relatable, and the author does a great job of capturing the mindset of a 17/18 year old girl on the cusp of adulthood, in the best way possible.
The author both neatly wraps up the first part of this story and leaves the reader anxiously anticipating what will happen next. I can’t wait for book two!
The story is well developed, unique, and kept me guessing as to how it would unfold. It kept me engaged from the get go, and once I was a few chapters in, I couldn’t put it down.
The author does a wonderful job of exploring the concept of empathy, and how feelings and emotions can be potentially “weaponized.” I loved how the author wove together the work being done at Pathos with the main character’s emotional development and growth.
The main character is relatable, and the author does a great job of capturing the mindset of a 17/18 year old girl on the cusp of adulthood, in the best way possible.
The author both neatly wraps up the first part of this story and leaves the reader anxiously anticipating what will happen next. I can’t wait for book two!
May 18, 2025
Imagine having the power to truly understand and influence human emotion. The Same Water by Nori Larkspur follows an anxiety-ridden teenage girl who enrolls in a school founded on the principle of empathy. But when her newly awakened abilities draw the attention of the school’s leadership, she’s forced to make an impossible choice…
Larkspur does an incredible job of capturing what it feels like to live with anxiety. As a parent of a teen with GAD, I found this deeply relatable. The idea of transforming something as debilitating as anxiety into a source of strength felt both refreshing and hopeful. What stood out most was how the author skillfully got inside the protagonist’s head, using her thoughts, actions, and interactions to vividly express how she experienced the world around her.
Thank you for the ARC Hidden Hollows Book Tours
Larkspur does an incredible job of capturing what it feels like to live with anxiety. As a parent of a teen with GAD, I found this deeply relatable. The idea of transforming something as debilitating as anxiety into a source of strength felt both refreshing and hopeful. What stood out most was how the author skillfully got inside the protagonist’s head, using her thoughts, actions, and interactions to vividly express how she experienced the world around her.
Thank you for the ARC Hidden Hollows Book Tours
May 30, 2025
Empathy is Power. We learn in a sci-fi futuristic way that empathy can be more that what it is. That it can be used for good and also used against you.
Shaye and Ephram's story is different, and reading about anxiety and how others might deal with it, including her cohort and mentor through this journey with futuristic technology and some deception, is not something I usually read. This was a different read for me and opened my eyes to how an empath deals with emotions, their own, and others, especially when they're not aware that it could even be happening.
This was a good first read from Nori, and I hope there is a sequel because I really do want to see where Shaye and Ephram's story leads.
Shaye and Ephram's story is different, and reading about anxiety and how others might deal with it, including her cohort and mentor through this journey with futuristic technology and some deception, is not something I usually read. This was a different read for me and opened my eyes to how an empath deals with emotions, their own, and others, especially when they're not aware that it could even be happening.
This was a good first read from Nori, and I hope there is a sequel because I really do want to see where Shaye and Ephram's story leads.
June 2, 2025
The thing that struck me the most was how empathy was treated, which is power. In a sci-fi, futuristic way, we see how empathy is much more than it may seem. What happens if it can be used for good but also against us? It is rare to find books that deal with anxiety and obviously also how to deal with it. Perhaps I found myself very close to the story of Shaye and Ephram that makes it different and original. This was a unique reading for me and made me feel inside the story and understand how an empathetic person manages all their emotions but also those of others. I really hope there will be a sequel to this book because I want to find out where the story of Shaye and Ephram will take us. Rating 4.5
June 3, 2025
I enjoyed reading about Shaye’s journey and personal growth. I don't know if it was just me, but the moment the doctor stepped into the story, I started to find almost everything as suspicious (not everything looks as it seems). As the story progressed, I felt connected with Shaye’s character as I also sometimes suffer anxiety during certain situations. It opened my eyes more to see how different we are from one another. Nori did a fantastic job explaining what goes through Shaye’s head when she feels vulnerable and how she works through it. Allowing her to become more attuned to herself and others around her. This story has definitely made a lasting impression on me, and I hope there's more to come.
June 5, 2025
Pathos is in the business of influencers to help others understand human emotions. It exposes the FMC and her friends to empathy. Exploring/ processing past memories; though some shouldn't be experienced twice.
Once I started reading this book, I loved the story premise. Though the character growth/ story development really hit around 50% in. I would definietly recommend, and probably read again at some point.
This book features anxiety/panic attacks/trauma. Specifically possible triggers of: sexual assault, drug overdose, car accident, suicide, and euthanizing a dog. As a therapist i loved seeing healthy coping skills, and as well as appropriate depiction of mental health symptoms. Please read with care, and take care of your emotional health 🫶🏽
Once I started reading this book, I loved the story premise. Though the character growth/ story development really hit around 50% in. I would definietly recommend, and probably read again at some point.
This book features anxiety/panic attacks/trauma. Specifically possible triggers of: sexual assault, drug overdose, car accident, suicide, and euthanizing a dog. As a therapist i loved seeing healthy coping skills, and as well as appropriate depiction of mental health symptoms. Please read with care, and take care of your emotional health 🫶🏽
June 2, 2025
I'm both in love with Shaye’s healing journey and on guard by the complete possibility this could truly be happening (think Divergent meets military psychic research vibes). Larkspur does a wonderful job of capturing the nuances of trauma and anxiety while providing balance and hope to both the FMC and readers. The romance was sweet and yearning without overpowering the story, and the story hits a crescendo when motives are revealed and red flags are confirmed, upping the excitement and suspense. The final chapters will leave you on the edge of your seat, holding your breath, and begging for more. A great debut perfect for fans of clean fantasy romance who enjoy a conspiratorial twist!
June 13, 2025
This story is raw, real, and a little bit scary—in the best way. Empathy training never looked so good… or dangerous. This should be a manual for how to turn your emotional spiral into a power move. 🌀💪
📚 If Divergent’s tech, Delirium’s forbidden feelings, and The Darkest Minds’ edge had a slightly anxious, deeply relatable bookish baby—you’d get this.
All my thoughts (and feelings!) are on the blog 👇
Blog | Linktree | Bookstagram Review
📚 If Divergent’s tech, Delirium’s forbidden feelings, and The Darkest Minds’ edge had a slightly anxious, deeply relatable bookish baby—you’d get this.
All my thoughts (and feelings!) are on the blog 👇
Blog | Linktree | Bookstagram Review
May 8, 2026
I couldn’t put this book down. I had to know why Shaye, who was struggling in her neighborhood high school, was selected to attend an intensive summer program designed around understanding empathy. Once she was there, Shaye had to figure out who to trust while navigating her own past. There were lots of twists and turns, and the author was good at building the tension on every page. I felt satisfied with the ending, but I also hope there is a sequel—I’m not ready to leave these characters. I highly recommend this book.
June 12, 2025
I'll be honest, I wasn't sure l'd like this story, but I really enjoyed it! The premise is so unique and Shaye developing telepathic empathy powers, absorbing and influencing emotions, hooked me instantly. Her struggle with anxiety and panic attacks felt real and it was interesting. The pacing was a little slow but overall I enjoyed it.
June 3, 2025
great debut
This was a great debut novel! I quite enjoyed the slow burn between Shaye and Ephram. I look forward to finding out what they step out into. It was an engaging read and the TW wad appreciated, even though events weren’t detailed.
This was a great debut novel! I quite enjoyed the slow burn between Shaye and Ephram. I look forward to finding out what they step out into. It was an engaging read and the TW wad appreciated, even though events weren’t detailed.
June 22, 2025
Excellent debut book!! Loved all the characters and the story line! It was all portrayed so amazingly! Definitely recommend everyone to read it, I LOVED IT! Can’t wait for upcoming books!!
July 8, 2025
Loved this book. It was a quick read. It kept my interest...I couldn't put it down! Im hoping for more from these characters.
May 24, 2025
The Same Water by. @nori.larkspur.author has created a story full with a really interesting premise. Empathy is power. The main female character Shaye has had trauma in her past which is written about with care. Shaye also suffers from anxiety which is also handled well within the story. There is character growth which I think is very important in stories such as this otherwise it can become irritating and very much a one note. Shaye has plenty thrown at her within this packed out plot. She grows from strength to strength. The secondary characters are equally interesting and all have a part to play. All in all well worth a read.
June 2, 2025
This was a great debut book for Nori Larkspur. The characters were likeable, the concept was unique, and I found myself wondering what was really going on with this company.
I did feel like a bit more overall tension could have been added, such as with the program Shaye was in, with slightly less interpersonal tension. Overall p, I really enjoyed this book and with that ending (not really a cliffhanger) that there will be more coming.
I did feel like a bit more overall tension could have been added, such as with the program Shaye was in, with slightly less interpersonal tension. Overall p, I really enjoyed this book and with that ending (not really a cliffhanger) that there will be more coming.
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