Living Through the Epilogue

by Julia Passini

Five years ago, star athlete Bran Sykes had great grades, great friends, and one foot out the door of his abusive home. Now, Bran is seen as a waste of potential. Leaving would have meant abandoning his younger brother, Harry, to the same neglect Bran had wanted to flee. As inseparable siblings, the two plan their futures together. But when Harry turns eighteen and gets a scholarship across the country, Bran is suddenly devastated and directionless. Without his role supporting Harry, what’s left?
Forcing a smile, insisting he’s fine, Bran is at odds with his deep-seated secrets while losing all he’s known. However, in a whirlwind summer, he connects with an aspiring artist with her own mysterious past. With her, Bran acts helpful and happy like people want him to be. But hiding behind his optimistic façade may be what lets his inner battles win. In a journey of self-acceptance and overcoming grief, Bran explores the complications in learning how to love and how to be loved in turn.

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2025

Reviews

[E.P. Stavs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a moving story that really delves into how we see ourselves, and the extent that we will give and give to others without taking care of ourselves. I loved Bran, and hated how some people made him loathe himself. Getting to see his heal was truly a gift. Really well done. 5 stars, no notes. ❤️

[Emily Ringenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t have enough good things to say, there’s something in this for everyone. I’d experienced a similar parent to Eleanor and reading the character arcs through this book helped me put it into perspective. Bran and Harry are so amazing with each other, Bran and Maya even cuter.

Can’t wait to see more by this author!

[Jesse Farnsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible characters and love at its sweetest

This book has been an incredible journey for me. I feel like I've known or been all the characters at some point or other in my life. Seeing how they all interact to lift each other and themselves up brought tears to my eyes so many times. Seeing the love grow between Bran and Maya set my heart racing and made me feel butterflies in my stomach. Brilliant work. I can't thank the author enough for showing me a path for what could be my own growth, my own love story. It gives me hope.

[Destiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve ever fallen in love with characters more than I have with the ones in this book. I felt both so comforted by this book while also having gentle moments that felt like looking in the mirror. I’ve been/am Bran. I’ve been/am Maya. I’ve been/am Harry. And thankfully, I’m not alone in that and have other Brans, Mayas, and Harrys to carry me when the world is too much to stand. I wish I could read this book for the first time all over again.