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Tom Burne Has Left the Chat
'Touching, beautiful and wholly unique.' Margaret McDonald, Carnegie Award winning author of Glasgow Boys
A stunning new voice in YA, exploring grief and loneliness. Perfect for fans of Kathleen Glasgow and John Green.
This wasn't my phone. This was real. Tom had died today, literally died, and here I was, picking through the digital carrion like some sort of virtual vulture.
What happens to your phone when you die and who has access to your online legacy? When micro-influencer Tom Burne takes his own life, he leaves behind his phone, its password and a cryptic message that needs decoding.
Seventeen-year-old Jamie doesn't intend to take the phone, but once he does, he knows it was meant for him. Fuelled by his own sense of isolation and the recent passing of his father, Jamie loses himself in uncovering the truth. The more he investigates the digital fragments contained within the phone, the deeper into Tom's dark world he falls.
As his own grief resurfaces and with his mother pushing for them to move to a different country for a fresh start, Jamie has very little time to find out the harsh reality that led to Tom's tragic end.
Can he clear Tom's name before it is too late?
A stunning new voice in YA, exploring grief and loneliness. Perfect for fans of Kathleen Glasgow and John Green.
This wasn't my phone. This was real. Tom had died today, literally died, and here I was, picking through the digital carrion like some sort of virtual vulture.
What happens to your phone when you die and who has access to your online legacy? When micro-influencer Tom Burne takes his own life, he leaves behind his phone, its password and a cryptic message that needs decoding.
Seventeen-year-old Jamie doesn't intend to take the phone, but once he does, he knows it was meant for him. Fuelled by his own sense of isolation and the recent passing of his father, Jamie loses himself in uncovering the truth. The more he investigates the digital fragments contained within the phone, the deeper into Tom's dark world he falls.
As his own grief resurfaces and with his mother pushing for them to move to a different country for a fresh start, Jamie has very little time to find out the harsh reality that led to Tom's tragic end.
Can he clear Tom's name before it is too late?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 26, 2026
Take the grief from History is All You Left Me, mix it with the parasocial relationships in Amelia, If Only, set the story in Dublin, and Tom Burne Has Left the Chat is born.
This story is not about Tom. Or actually it is, but he’s not the main character. Jamie is, a seventeen-year-old who lost his dad a couple of months ago, and arrives at the scene where Tom just has committed suicide. And then Jamie finds his phone.
Tom Burne Has Left the Chat is a story about grief, so I expected it to be sad. At first I didn’t feel much though. But the more I read, the more I realized the author wanted it that way, because Jamie doesn’t feel much either. He’s numb. His dad passed away a few months ago, he’s been skipping school, neglecting his friends, and now he suddenly has a purpose again: finding out who Tom was and why he jumped off that cliff. He develops a parasocial relationship with Tom, and slowly his grief for his dad surfaces.
This story shows what people do when they lose someone: actions others might not understand or might even disapprove of. It also shows how one‑sided a parasocial relationship can be.
The more I read, the more I started to love the story. I think it’s perfect for readers who like heavier themes but don’t want a book that feels overwhelmingly heavy. Margareth McDonald blurbed this one, and her Glasgow Boys is a great example of a comparable story.
Thank you, Faber US and NetGalley, for this great ARC!
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This story is not about Tom. Or actually it is, but he’s not the main character. Jamie is, a seventeen-year-old who lost his dad a couple of months ago, and arrives at the scene where Tom just has committed suicide. And then Jamie finds his phone.
Tom Burne Has Left the Chat is a story about grief, so I expected it to be sad. At first I didn’t feel much though. But the more I read, the more I realized the author wanted it that way, because Jamie doesn’t feel much either. He’s numb. His dad passed away a few months ago, he’s been skipping school, neglecting his friends, and now he suddenly has a purpose again: finding out who Tom was and why he jumped off that cliff. He develops a parasocial relationship with Tom, and slowly his grief for his dad surfaces.
This story shows what people do when they lose someone: actions others might not understand or might even disapprove of. It also shows how one‑sided a parasocial relationship can be.
The more I read, the more I started to love the story. I think it’s perfect for readers who like heavier themes but don’t want a book that feels overwhelmingly heavy. Margareth McDonald blurbed this one, and her Glasgow Boys is a great example of a comparable story.
Thank you, Faber US and NetGalley, for this great ARC!
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Review of advance copy
There's never enough time...
Characters:
Jamie is a very sympathetic and relatable main character. Everyone struggles with grief, with love, and with all other emotions that course through your system as a teenager - and Jamie juggles all of these whilst still trying to please people and make sure he stays on two feet. He is gutsy and brave, as well as very clever and empathic. Jamie's Mam is a wonderful sounding board for his story, and she is nothing but raw heart and affection for her son (she made me cry so many times). Tom is the third main character, even though he doesn't actually appear in the present - yet a picture of him is built up spectacularly. The Nerd Herd, Emme, and Ms. Chance add colour and shade to the story which is needed to dampen some of the strong moments of loss.
Storyline:
A beautifully strong story that gets the point across from the start. Jamie has recently lost his dad suddenly and he is struggling to come to terms with it, along with his mam. The way in which he takes on the role of Tom's storyteller is a brilliant way in which we can lose ourselves in Jamie's mindset and see how much he is struggling, wanting to reach out and help. The progression of grief, anger, and pure sadness is overwhelming at times; but the build-up is done to a perfect degree. The secondary storylines surrounding school, friends, sexuality, and family are incredibly well-balanced. I do wish we had another few flashback chapters with his dad, but that is minor and probably greedy.
Pacing/writing:
The pacing for me was perfect. At no point was I dragging myself through parts of the book, nor did I feel at any point the narration was too much. I would say at times the way Jamie spoke did not sync up with how a 17-year-old would, but then it would not have been as compelling.
Ending:
The ending was well-done and closed off everything that needed to be. It was as touching as it was funny. I do wish I knew more about Jamie's current life, but maybe there would be a second book or spinoff (fingers crossed).
Emotional impact:
I welled up quite a few times throughout this book, and laughed out loud on occasion. I love a book that can portray the emotion so easily without being over the top.
As far as debut novels go, I am thoroughly impressed.
9/10.
Characters:
Jamie is a very sympathetic and relatable main character. Everyone struggles with grief, with love, and with all other emotions that course through your system as a teenager - and Jamie juggles all of these whilst still trying to please people and make sure he stays on two feet. He is gutsy and brave, as well as very clever and empathic. Jamie's Mam is a wonderful sounding board for his story, and she is nothing but raw heart and affection for her son (she made me cry so many times). Tom is the third main character, even though he doesn't actually appear in the present - yet a picture of him is built up spectacularly. The Nerd Herd, Emme, and Ms. Chance add colour and shade to the story which is needed to dampen some of the strong moments of loss.
Storyline:
A beautifully strong story that gets the point across from the start. Jamie has recently lost his dad suddenly and he is struggling to come to terms with it, along with his mam. The way in which he takes on the role of Tom's storyteller is a brilliant way in which we can lose ourselves in Jamie's mindset and see how much he is struggling, wanting to reach out and help. The progression of grief, anger, and pure sadness is overwhelming at times; but the build-up is done to a perfect degree. The secondary storylines surrounding school, friends, sexuality, and family are incredibly well-balanced. I do wish we had another few flashback chapters with his dad, but that is minor and probably greedy.
Pacing/writing:
The pacing for me was perfect. At no point was I dragging myself through parts of the book, nor did I feel at any point the narration was too much. I would say at times the way Jamie spoke did not sync up with how a 17-year-old would, but then it would not have been as compelling.
Ending:
The ending was well-done and closed off everything that needed to be. It was as touching as it was funny. I do wish I knew more about Jamie's current life, but maybe there would be a second book or spinoff (fingers crossed).
Emotional impact:
I welled up quite a few times throughout this book, and laughed out loud on occasion. I love a book that can portray the emotion so easily without being over the top.
As far as debut novels go, I am thoroughly impressed.
9/10.
Review of advance copy
This was a cute but heavy little book. I get that I'm a little outside the intended YA age range, but that didn't stop me really relating to Jamie. I could see 17-year-old Philip in him from the very first page and honestly, so many of his existential worries and spirals still affect me now, especially after I lost my dad in 2020.
It's got the Tom Burne mystery alongside Jamie coping with his grief and the two go hand in hand quite well. The mystery never gets fully solved, because it can't. Tom isn't here to tell us, so Jamie can only theorise. Again, an issue that plagued me after losing my dad.
I did wonder how on earth Jamie was getting away with keeping the phone for as long as he did, but that concern was eventually addressed. I was less convinced by the "I'll not bore you with the details" approach to the therapy sessions, though I understand why that choice was made. It felt very in character for Jamie. The important thing is that he went. Sometimes, you have to just take artistic liberties to tell the story you want to tell, and I'm not the target audience here.
I think this is a really important book for teenagers and YAs to read in an age of social media, AI & mental health crisis. It shows the many facets of grief and Jamie taking accountability for his own behaviours with his friends, despite grieving. It's also very validating for people who feel things very deeply and are sometimes embarrassed or ashamed to admit how they feel e.g. how Jamie feels about Tom.
One thing I really loved here was it being set in Dublin. The locations were familiar and the dialogue was really funny because it was so Dublin. That made the book all the more real. It's lovely to read a queer YA book set in Ireland. I loved that it wasn't coming of age too. This isn't about Jamie's sexuality. He's gay but he just... is and it's not up for discussion. That was important.
Congratulations on a really lovely and IMPORTANT debut, Seán. Doing us struggling, queer, bereaved Irish guys proud!
It's got the Tom Burne mystery alongside Jamie coping with his grief and the two go hand in hand quite well. The mystery never gets fully solved, because it can't. Tom isn't here to tell us, so Jamie can only theorise. Again, an issue that plagued me after losing my dad.
I did wonder how on earth Jamie was getting away with keeping the phone for as long as he did, but that concern was eventually addressed. I was less convinced by the "I'll not bore you with the details" approach to the therapy sessions, though I understand why that choice was made. It felt very in character for Jamie. The important thing is that he went. Sometimes, you have to just take artistic liberties to tell the story you want to tell, and I'm not the target audience here.
I think this is a really important book for teenagers and YAs to read in an age of social media, AI & mental health crisis. It shows the many facets of grief and Jamie taking accountability for his own behaviours with his friends, despite grieving. It's also very validating for people who feel things very deeply and are sometimes embarrassed or ashamed to admit how they feel e.g. how Jamie feels about Tom.
One thing I really loved here was it being set in Dublin. The locations were familiar and the dialogue was really funny because it was so Dublin. That made the book all the more real. It's lovely to read a queer YA book set in Ireland. I loved that it wasn't coming of age too. This isn't about Jamie's sexuality. He's gay but he just... is and it's not up for discussion. That was important.
Congratulations on a really lovely and IMPORTANT debut, Seán. Doing us struggling, queer, bereaved Irish guys proud!
June 28, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4/5
Thank you Faber YA for sending me a proof of this!
Tom Burne Has Left the Chat was one of those books that completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. I kept telling myself I’d read “just one more chapter,” and before I knew it, I was flying through it. It’s an incredibly addictive read with a mystery at its core that constantly kept me wanting answers.
At its heart, this is a story about grief, social media, mental health, and the digital footprints we leave behind. The premise is so relevant and thought-provoking, exploring what happens to someone’s online life after they’re gone and how much of a person can really be understood through their phone. It made for a compelling mystery that unfolded at a great pace.
Jamie was an easy protagonist to root for, and I really enjoyed following him as he tried to piece together the truth behind Tom’s final days. While there were plenty of twists along the way, the emotional core of the story never got lost beneath the mystery.
That said, this is definitely a darker YA novel than I expected. It tackles some incredibly heavy themes with honesty, so I’d strongly recommend checking the trigger warnings before picking it up.
Overall, this was a gripping, emotional, and surprisingly timely read that kept me hooked from beginning to end. If you’re looking for a YA mystery that blends suspense with meaningful conversations around grief, identity, and the impact of social media, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a go.
Thank you Faber YA for sending me a proof of this!
Tom Burne Has Left the Chat was one of those books that completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. I kept telling myself I’d read “just one more chapter,” and before I knew it, I was flying through it. It’s an incredibly addictive read with a mystery at its core that constantly kept me wanting answers.
At its heart, this is a story about grief, social media, mental health, and the digital footprints we leave behind. The premise is so relevant and thought-provoking, exploring what happens to someone’s online life after they’re gone and how much of a person can really be understood through their phone. It made for a compelling mystery that unfolded at a great pace.
Jamie was an easy protagonist to root for, and I really enjoyed following him as he tried to piece together the truth behind Tom’s final days. While there were plenty of twists along the way, the emotional core of the story never got lost beneath the mystery.
That said, this is definitely a darker YA novel than I expected. It tackles some incredibly heavy themes with honesty, so I’d strongly recommend checking the trigger warnings before picking it up.
Overall, this was a gripping, emotional, and surprisingly timely read that kept me hooked from beginning to end. If you’re looking for a YA mystery that blends suspense with meaningful conversations around grief, identity, and the impact of social media, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a go.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a weird one to rate/review. I'm not sure what I expected going into Tom Burne Has Left the Chat, I knew that parasocial relationships would likely be a strong theme because of the title and grief, obviously.
I'm surprised by how much I DIDN'T feel with this book. It's a sad story, about a boy who lost his father and finds the phone of a semi-famous local influencer after he commits suicide. It should be sad, but it isn't. I don't know if that was the intention of the author, to go by the "numb" feeling characteristic to grief, but it was puzzling to me.
I'm someone that has a lot of feelings about parasocial relationships because of how online I was growing up. My teen years were all spent on fandoms and with friendships with people all around the world, and to this day I'm still in those circles to some extent. That part of the story was lacking to me, probably because of how connected I feel to it and what I view as the correct portrayal of a fandom/parasocial relationship.
The grief part though, was interesting. If you were ever a fan of someone that died you know how viscerally you feel that loss even if you didn't know that person personally, because in your head you did. Jaime is experiencing something similar, but in a way I never saw or read about before. His mourning for his father on the other hand is something most people can relate to, but it was somewhat subdued.
I don't think someone that hasn't read this book can understand what I'm saying, but there is a "lack", an unfeeling-feeling to it and there's no better way to describe it. If you have read it I would love to hear what you thought of it, because I'm genuinely at a loss for words here.
Thank you Netgalley and Faber for this ARC.
I'm surprised by how much I DIDN'T feel with this book. It's a sad story, about a boy who lost his father and finds the phone of a semi-famous local influencer after he commits suicide. It should be sad, but it isn't. I don't know if that was the intention of the author, to go by the "numb" feeling characteristic to grief, but it was puzzling to me.
I'm someone that has a lot of feelings about parasocial relationships because of how online I was growing up. My teen years were all spent on fandoms and with friendships with people all around the world, and to this day I'm still in those circles to some extent. That part of the story was lacking to me, probably because of how connected I feel to it and what I view as the correct portrayal of a fandom/parasocial relationship.
The grief part though, was interesting. If you were ever a fan of someone that died you know how viscerally you feel that loss even if you didn't know that person personally, because in your head you did. Jaime is experiencing something similar, but in a way I never saw or read about before. His mourning for his father on the other hand is something most people can relate to, but it was somewhat subdued.
I don't think someone that hasn't read this book can understand what I'm saying, but there is a "lack", an unfeeling-feeling to it and there's no better way to describe it. If you have read it I would love to hear what you thought of it, because I'm genuinely at a loss for words here.
Thank you Netgalley and Faber for this ARC.
Review of advance copy
(Not read as advanced copy, simply borrowed from my library/libby, no idea why it says the book hasn't been published yet.)
wtf was THAT
Wanted to DNF when the main character logged into character.ai - don't get me wrong, that was the last straw, there was PLENTY to criticise even before that.
Because the author tries SO BAD to be relatable - I can't with all these references to smart tech.
Shut up with your "hey Google", your "bed rotting", your apparently shitty attention span FUCKING CHATGPT REFERENCE IN A BOOK IN 2026???
I can't believe even gen alpha would find this stuff entertaining??
The story is also so random, a guy sees another commit suicide and steals his phone, snooping through this DEAD GUYSʼ STUFF to find out why, clue is he never finds out, that plot is simply abandoned by three quarters?
And yes, it's about grief and friendship but at one point the main character pinches some fucking writing on a glass to zoom in on it I CAN'T.
wtf was THAT
Wanted to DNF when the main character logged into character.ai - don't get me wrong, that was the last straw, there was PLENTY to criticise even before that.
Because the author tries SO BAD to be relatable - I can't with all these references to smart tech.
Shut up with your "hey Google", your "bed rotting", your apparently shitty attention span FUCKING CHATGPT REFERENCE IN A BOOK IN 2026???
I can't believe even gen alpha would find this stuff entertaining??
The story is also so random, a guy sees another commit suicide and steals his phone, snooping through this DEAD GUYSʼ STUFF to find out why, clue is he never finds out, that plot is simply abandoned by three quarters?
And yes, it's about grief and friendship but at one point the main character pinches some fucking writing on a glass to zoom in on it I CAN'T.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I read this book in one sitting. I won it at YALC and I'll be honest, it's not my typical genre but I wanted to give it a chance.
It was gripping and I couldn't put it down. As someone who used to live in Dublin, it was amazing seeing the Irish culture come alive in this book and the places I so dearly miss be mentioned. There is a lot of humanity and complex emotions being explored, reminding us that we are all flawed and yet worthy of love.
This book touches heavily on depression and mental health struggles, parasocial relationships and the lines we should not cross, friendships and the value of them in times of need, the struggle of openly grieving after the loss of a loved one...
But it also reminds us that there is hope as long as we don't give up. Climb up that cliff, no matter how much you don't believe you will make it. And ask for help.
It was gripping and I couldn't put it down. As someone who used to live in Dublin, it was amazing seeing the Irish culture come alive in this book and the places I so dearly miss be mentioned. There is a lot of humanity and complex emotions being explored, reminding us that we are all flawed and yet worthy of love.
This book touches heavily on depression and mental health struggles, parasocial relationships and the lines we should not cross, friendships and the value of them in times of need, the struggle of openly grieving after the loss of a loved one...
But it also reminds us that there is hope as long as we don't give up. Climb up that cliff, no matter how much you don't believe you will make it. And ask for help.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 Stars
I liked this!
It was a very sweet and sad and adorable and emotional coming of age YA/NA story.
We're dealing with grief and depression and everything that happens while we're trying to more or less survive that time as a somewhat still functioning teenager.
School. Friends. Social Media. Sexuality. Family. Ireland. The past. The future. Hopelessness and hope.
I really enjoyed reading this. I wouldn't have minded a few more pages - or a few hundred. I wanted more of Jamie. I also wouldn't mind seeing this on TV one day!
To buy the book - click ► HERE!
I liked this!
It was a very sweet and sad and adorable and emotional coming of age YA/NA story.
We're dealing with grief and depression and everything that happens while we're trying to more or less survive that time as a somewhat still functioning teenager.
School. Friends. Social Media. Sexuality. Family. Ireland. The past. The future. Hopelessness and hope.
I really enjoyed reading this. I wouldn't have minded a few more pages - or a few hundred. I wanted more of Jamie. I also wouldn't mind seeing this on TV one day!
To buy the book - click ► HERE!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 ⭐️
How a book with such a heavy plot could also have cute moments is beyond me. This book was a bit of a wild concept and I was really interested to see where it went. Taking a phone from a dead person basically was what started everything off.
Jamie was such a well written character though and I managed to enjoy reading this book even though it was rather dark with the main character dealing with grief but also other characters dealing with mental health and the fear to be honest about it.
(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher/author for the opportunity.)
POV: First Person
Sad Level: 💧💧💧💧💧
Would I Recommend? Maybe
Favorite Character(s): Jamie
Emojis Based on Vibes: 📱🌈🇮🇪
⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS
Moderate: Cancer, Death, Suicide, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
How a book with such a heavy plot could also have cute moments is beyond me. This book was a bit of a wild concept and I was really interested to see where it went. Taking a phone from a dead person basically was what started everything off.
Jamie was such a well written character though and I managed to enjoy reading this book even though it was rather dark with the main character dealing with grief but also other characters dealing with mental health and the fear to be honest about it.
(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher/author for the opportunity.)
POV: First Person
Sad Level: 💧💧💧💧💧
Would I Recommend? Maybe
Favorite Character(s): Jamie
Emojis Based on Vibes: 📱🌈🇮🇪
⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS
Moderate: Cancer, Death, Suicide, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
2.5 ⭐️! An exploration of a young adult dealing with the grief of losing his father.
Jamie is a teenager that lost his father. He isolated himself from friends, family, and school. Now exams are coming up and he is struggling. Until he finds the phone of micro-influencer Tom Burne, now he has a new purpose. Figure out why Tom Burne committed suicide.
During this journey he comes to terms with the fact that the online persona that people present online is not always the most honest reflection of themselves. He is also able to deal with and understand the effects that his father’s death has had on him and find his way back to his old life, this time without his dad.
Overall it was a fine book, but there were some issues that could have been resolved better and some characters that needed to be developed more.
Jamie is a teenager that lost his father. He isolated himself from friends, family, and school. Now exams are coming up and he is struggling. Until he finds the phone of micro-influencer Tom Burne, now he has a new purpose. Figure out why Tom Burne committed suicide.
During this journey he comes to terms with the fact that the online persona that people present online is not always the most honest reflection of themselves. He is also able to deal with and understand the effects that his father’s death has had on him and find his way back to his old life, this time without his dad.
Overall it was a fine book, but there were some issues that could have been resolved better and some characters that needed to be developed more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2026
This YA novel spirals out of one irrational act: Jamie keeps the phone that micro-influencer Tom Burne leaves behind after killing himself. And this book is as much about Jamie learning why he took the phone as much as it is about understanding Tom’s death.
This book is richer for its acceptance that there’s no simple answers to suicide. Instead it uses this and Jamie’s own grief for the loss of his father as a jumping off point for a broad exploration of how phones and technology change how we grieve.
We walk a moving and powerful journey from darkness to light with Jamie in this book. And while the themes and tech may be modern, the places where Jamie ultimately finds healing are timeless: friendship and communication, family and community.
This book is richer for its acceptance that there’s no simple answers to suicide. Instead it uses this and Jamie’s own grief for the loss of his father as a jumping off point for a broad exploration of how phones and technology change how we grieve.
We walk a moving and powerful journey from darkness to light with Jamie in this book. And while the themes and tech may be modern, the places where Jamie ultimately finds healing are timeless: friendship and communication, family and community.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A strong, somewhat disturbing realistic YA novel that explores the depths of grief, the mysteries of depression and suicide, and the remarkable reach and enduring life of social media. Jamie happens to be nearby when Tom commits suicide, and Jamie finds Tom's phone. He impulsively takes the phone away with him, and as he explores the content, becomes obsessed with figuring out what made Tom decide to end his life.
A fascinating look at the whole social media age. Not always likeable, but a compelling read.
A fascinating look at the whole social media age. Not always likeable, but a compelling read.
Review of advance copy
A wonderful debut novel from Sean Farrelly, portraying a mature outlook on the painful wonder of youth, with none of the cynicism. This book explores grief, loneliness and the very modern experience of how one’s online presence can linger on even after we’re gone.
Once I got my hands on it, I could not put it down and devoured it in one evening.
Anxiously anticipating this authors next work!
Once I got my hands on it, I could not put it down and devoured it in one evening.
Anxiously anticipating this authors next work!
May 19, 2026
Jamie took me back in time and made me relive what life was like as a 17 year old. I loved the character development the thrill of finishing out about Tom and would Jamie stay in Ireland or make the big move?
This book had me in my feels quite a lot. I found it heavy here and there but in the best way possible.
This book had me in my feels quite a lot. I found it heavy here and there but in the best way possible.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A complex subject tackled with sensitivity and nuance. It made me think about the way I perceive others, the way I present myself, and how the online world complicates relationships with others - and with ourselves. This novel feels relevant and grounded, and doesn't present easy resolutions. Dark but ultimately hopeful.
July 1, 2026
I absolutely loved this book.
For someone who suffers from depression knows what it’s like to feel the way that Jamie does in this book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is in a book slump
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For someone who suffers from depression knows what it’s like to feel the way that Jamie does in this book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is in a book slump
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy
I loved how this book started. Loved the Irish turns of phrase used and the main character’s internal voice. The humour in this is cleverly done. But it just kinda fizzled out a bit for me about halfway through and it didn’t sustain my initial interest.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
An emotional coming of age read, with themes of grief, suicide, depression, the effects of social media on young people and friendship but ultimately hopeful.
Review of advance copy
This book really highlights how dangerous social media can be to teenagers lives. It also shows how even if you went through a tough time, you can still accomplish anything you want.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
A fascinating take on parasocial relationships and how we deal with grief. Jamie is a deeply relatable character, and I loved the way his relationships changed and grew throughout the novel.
June 30, 2026
Brilliant, moving, intriguing, couldn’t put it down :)
Review of advance copy
What a journey from start to finish.. this is a book that has something in it for anyone really. Every person who reads this will get something beautiful out of it. 10/10 recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 Stars
I liked this!
It was a very sweet and sad and adorable and emotional coming of age YA/NA story.
We're dealing with grief and depression and everything that happens while we're trying to more or less survive that time as a somewhat still functioning teenager.
School. Friends. Social Media. Sexuality. Family. Ireland. The past. The future. Hopelessness and hope.
I really enjoyed reading this. I wouldn't have minded a few more pages - or a few hundred. I wanted more of Jamie. I also wouldn't mind seeing this on TV one day!
To buy the book - click ► HERE!
I liked this!
It was a very sweet and sad and adorable and emotional coming of age YA/NA story.
We're dealing with grief and depression and everything that happens while we're trying to more or less survive that time as a somewhat still functioning teenager.
School. Friends. Social Media. Sexuality. Family. Ireland. The past. The future. Hopelessness and hope.
I really enjoyed reading this. I wouldn't have minded a few more pages - or a few hundred. I wanted more of Jamie. I also wouldn't mind seeing this on TV one day!
To buy the book - click ► HERE!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews