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The End of the World
A desperate boy. A damaged girl. And a dark house filled with secrets.
For Cameron Tate, being shuffled from foster home to foster home is just a normal way of life. Until the year he turns fourteen. That’s when he’s sent to the home of seventeen-year-old Shaye McCormick—a fellow foster kid counting the days until she’s released from the system.
For good reason. It doesn’t take long for Cameron to learn that Shaye is shackled to the worst kind of pain...living in a home where nothing seems right. And now he’s joined her with no way out. Their only refuge is a lake, a quiet spot at the edge of the property where they can sit together for a few moments at the end of each day. Alone with their thoughts. Away from prying eyes.
At the lake they become friends. At the lake they begin to talk. At the lake Cameron vows that no matter how deep their secrets are buried, he’ll make it his mission to heal Shaye from a past that makes living in the present nearly impossible. Even if it takes until the end of time to do it.
For Cameron Tate, being shuffled from foster home to foster home is just a normal way of life. Until the year he turns fourteen. That’s when he’s sent to the home of seventeen-year-old Shaye McCormick—a fellow foster kid counting the days until she’s released from the system.
For good reason. It doesn’t take long for Cameron to learn that Shaye is shackled to the worst kind of pain...living in a home where nothing seems right. And now he’s joined her with no way out. Their only refuge is a lake, a quiet spot at the edge of the property where they can sit together for a few moments at the end of each day. Alone with their thoughts. Away from prying eyes.
At the lake they become friends. At the lake they begin to talk. At the lake Cameron vows that no matter how deep their secrets are buried, he’ll make it his mission to heal Shaye from a past that makes living in the present nearly impossible. Even if it takes until the end of time to do it.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2016
193 people are currently reading
629 people want to read
About the author
Amy Matayo
26 books503 followersAmy Matayo is an award winning author of The Wedding Game, Love Gone Wild, Sway, In Tune With Love, A Painted Summer, and The End of the World. She graduated with barely passing grades from John Brown University with a degree in Journalism. But don't feel sorry for her--she's super proud of that degree and all the ways she hasn't put it to good use.
She laughs often, cries easily, feels deeply, and loves hard. She lives in Arkansas with her husband and four kids and is working on her next novel.
www.amymatayo
Twitter: @amymatayo
Instagram: @amymatayo.author
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amymatayo
She laughs often, cries easily, feels deeply, and loves hard. She lives in Arkansas with her husband and four kids and is working on her next novel.
www.amymatayo
Twitter: @amymatayo
Instagram: @amymatayo.author
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amymatayo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
February 2, 2016
Even though I don't usually read fiction, I read this book in just a few sittings because it was that good.
Out of necessity, and for brevity, the author skips ahead in a few places where I only wish the book had been a little longer so those years could have been covered! There was so much more about the characters that I would love to know!
The subject matter is a difficult one to tackle, and therefore I recommend this book for more mature readers. It is also for anyone you feel would benefit from knowing they are not alone, if they have experienced abuse. Amy Matayo did such a thoughtful and tender job with the subject matter, the characters and the stories they told. The horrors that Shaye and Cameron experienced was conveyed without any unnecessary graphic details. For that I was grateful.
If you start reading this book just make sure you finish it! The ending and the epilogue was so worth the emotional ride the rest of the book took me on.
I received an Advance Reader Copy as part of the book launch team.
Out of necessity, and for brevity, the author skips ahead in a few places where I only wish the book had been a little longer so those years could have been covered! There was so much more about the characters that I would love to know!
The subject matter is a difficult one to tackle, and therefore I recommend this book for more mature readers. It is also for anyone you feel would benefit from knowing they are not alone, if they have experienced abuse. Amy Matayo did such a thoughtful and tender job with the subject matter, the characters and the stories they told. The horrors that Shaye and Cameron experienced was conveyed without any unnecessary graphic details. For that I was grateful.
If you start reading this book just make sure you finish it! The ending and the epilogue was so worth the emotional ride the rest of the book took me on.
I received an Advance Reader Copy as part of the book launch team.
January 9, 2016
This book... amazingly insightful and heartfelt. I fell in love with the characters, the story, the mystery of the house, the plot... all of it. It's great when you find a book that really gets you emotionally invested and this one did. I wanted to scream at a character or I'd find myself really understanding Shaye's motives. I laughed out loud, I got frustrated, I cried a bit, I felt.... stuff...
I admit that I've read most of Amy's books and I've really enjoyed them, but this book... it's just on a different level. It goes deeper, it hit me harder emotionally, and there were times I would have like to have had Amy beside me so I could ask her what the heck did she think she was doing making me feel these feelings! ;) It was a great read - the best I've read from this author so far. Highly recommend!
I admit that I've read most of Amy's books and I've really enjoyed them, but this book... it's just on a different level. It goes deeper, it hit me harder emotionally, and there were times I would have like to have had Amy beside me so I could ask her what the heck did she think she was doing making me feel these feelings! ;) It was a great read - the best I've read from this author so far. Highly recommend!
January 30, 2016
Although this book was beautifully written, it was a hard topic to read. I'm not going to lie. At the beginning, I worried that I wasn't going to be able to finish. However, Amy wove her story of these two fragile souls into a fabric of deep unconditional love. She showed that lives no matter how hard or tragic can overcome their past. Even though that love had been spun from horrifying circumstances it had become a beautiful tapestry of hope and a future. I encourage you as a reader to stay with this story because you won't regret it. I know, because I'm so glad I did.
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
February 1, 2016
Okay...truth...I stopped reading. I am at a point in the book that I do not want to know what happens. I am so afraid that the people I have grown to love are not going to have a "happily ever after". My Sanguine, ENFP, helper, fixer, people person cannot bear that. Two days have gone by....I see others finishing the book. Amy Matayo...your words are powerful...they have set me down in this story and I am afraid to walk through the next door. I'll get back...but for now...I rest. Emotional desperation has taken a toll. ...Thank you for bringing me to this place.
Finished the book. I have walked every step with the characters...some easy, some hard; some laughing, some crying; some angry, some excited...the emotions raged throughout. Thank you Amy Matayo. Thank you.
Finished the book. I have walked every step with the characters...some easy, some hard; some laughing, some crying; some angry, some excited...the emotions raged throughout. Thank you Amy Matayo. Thank you.
February 2, 2016
I am always in awe how Matayo can string words together that make you feel, see, and almost smell what is happening in her stories. She keeps the story moving along by going back and forth between viewpoints of the main characters. Once you start reading, it is really hard to stop. This story is a hard read, it's not light-hearted. I'm afraid it covers topics that we don't want to admit happen way too often in our world. But it is a love story - a story of unconditional love. I really enjoyed the emotional roller coaster this story took me on. I was honored and excited to receive an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review.
January 30, 2016
This is a beautiful story that will break your heart in the beginning and take you on a journey of healing in Shaye and Cameron's lives! Amy has a way of developing the characters in her books that I really enjoy. She makes you love them, and hurt for them.
Amy's other books are light hearted and fun, but this one tells a real life story that happens all too often and that some people would rather not read about. But they will miss out on a read well worth their time, and one I highly recommend.
I was given a copy for my honest review.
Amy's other books are light hearted and fun, but this one tells a real life story that happens all too often and that some people would rather not read about. But they will miss out on a read well worth their time, and one I highly recommend.
I was given a copy for my honest review.
February 3, 2016
I’m going to be blunt: I was so excited for the opportunity to review this book, without realizing that it isn’t Christian based. There is a bit of mild cursing, the characters don’t believe in God and live their lives as such, though there are no graphic details. This being the case, the rating and my review reflect my opinions of this book, with the focus on the author’s talent and the book’s merits, rather than the fact that its characters don’t share my personal beliefs.
I’ve read a couple of Ms. Matayo’s books and finished both of them with the assurance of what a fantastic writer she is and as this book ended, I’ve not been more sure of that. I honestly have no idea how Amy ever finished writing this book. Her writing is as beautiful as the tale this book tells is dark and painful. She drew me in from the very first page and I literally read almost all day, immersed in this story of brokenness and pain, but also light and hope. Both Shaye and Cameron have horrifying stories to tell. But even in the midst of their pain, there is hope in unexpected places.
The story follows Shaye and Cameron as they work to survive abuse and neglect as teenagers, then as they try to pick up the broken pieces as young adults. Amy’s writing is so bold and straightforward. She pulls few punches with this book, but rather lets them fly right at your heart. Mine broke more than once as I read and just kept reading, hoping for the characters to find healing and peace, amidst all of the heartbreak. Amy’s unique writing style allowed me to connect with both and Shaye and Cameron, which I loved, but also hated just a bit. Because I felt their pain, too. I hurt when they hurt and this book brought me close to tears more than once. I felt as though I knew both of them almost inside and out. Their story came to life in vivid color and I oftentimes felt as though I was right there with them, living through the worst life has to offer. Despite their heartache and the darkness we are shown, at it’s heart, this is a story of redemption and healing. There is the reminder that even the midst of shattered lives and hearts, there is light and hope. That’s why I continued reading and kept cheering the characters on. Because of that little light of hope that never went out, even when all seemed lost.
I would not recommend this book to someone who is looking for a light read to pass the time. This book shines a light on very difficult topics and your heart will probably break for the characters, but regardless I don’t regret reading it and I imagine it’ll be sticking in my mind for quite a while. The best books do.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
I’ve read a couple of Ms. Matayo’s books and finished both of them with the assurance of what a fantastic writer she is and as this book ended, I’ve not been more sure of that. I honestly have no idea how Amy ever finished writing this book. Her writing is as beautiful as the tale this book tells is dark and painful. She drew me in from the very first page and I literally read almost all day, immersed in this story of brokenness and pain, but also light and hope. Both Shaye and Cameron have horrifying stories to tell. But even in the midst of their pain, there is hope in unexpected places.
The story follows Shaye and Cameron as they work to survive abuse and neglect as teenagers, then as they try to pick up the broken pieces as young adults. Amy’s writing is so bold and straightforward. She pulls few punches with this book, but rather lets them fly right at your heart. Mine broke more than once as I read and just kept reading, hoping for the characters to find healing and peace, amidst all of the heartbreak. Amy’s unique writing style allowed me to connect with both and Shaye and Cameron, which I loved, but also hated just a bit. Because I felt their pain, too. I hurt when they hurt and this book brought me close to tears more than once. I felt as though I knew both of them almost inside and out. Their story came to life in vivid color and I oftentimes felt as though I was right there with them, living through the worst life has to offer. Despite their heartache and the darkness we are shown, at it’s heart, this is a story of redemption and healing. There is the reminder that even the midst of shattered lives and hearts, there is light and hope. That’s why I continued reading and kept cheering the characters on. Because of that little light of hope that never went out, even when all seemed lost.
I would not recommend this book to someone who is looking for a light read to pass the time. This book shines a light on very difficult topics and your heart will probably break for the characters, but regardless I don’t regret reading it and I imagine it’ll be sticking in my mind for quite a while. The best books do.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 13, 2016
Amy Matayo takes you on journey with Shaye and Cameron through their experience with the foster care system, some of the darkest parts of that system, and what it looks like to live life after the fact. From the introduction that leaves you hanging and guessing where the story is headed as you read the rest of the story, all the way to the epilogue, Matayo draws you into their lives and leaves you wanting to know more of the story. Shaye and Cameron form a bond of friendship that is so strong that no matter what happens in their lives, they are always drawn to one another and always seek the best for the other person, sometimes to the detriment of their own happiness.
This story is not for the faint of heart. Matayo writes about real things that happen in the foster care system, and doesn't shy away from the hardest things. But through it all, this story shows how strongly love can bring healing and hope and happiness for the future.
This story is not for the faint of heart. Matayo writes about real things that happen in the foster care system, and doesn't shy away from the hardest things. But through it all, this story shows how strongly love can bring healing and hope and happiness for the future.
July 14, 2016
I am absolutely blown away by this story Amy Matayo has crafted. When a piece of fiction grabs your attention, pulls you alongside the characters, and entrenches you in their story, you know the author has done her job.
This is a very difficult story to read. It addresses some traumatic subjects. But it is a powerful illustration of redemption, of unconditional love, of raw vulnerability, and deep healing.
If you start it, finish it. You will want to stop reading. Don't.
Well done, Amy. Well done.
This is a very difficult story to read. It addresses some traumatic subjects. But it is a powerful illustration of redemption, of unconditional love, of raw vulnerability, and deep healing.
If you start it, finish it. You will want to stop reading. Don't.
Well done, Amy. Well done.
February 2, 2016
This book is just so beautiful. It's tragic, gripping, emotional and wastes not a minute on fluff or glossy moments. It's immediately deep and to the point, and the characters keep the reader glued to it's pages until the very end. The content contains some potential triggers for survivors of abuse, but each moment is handled with grace and sensitivity rather than gratuitous detail and indifference. I'm off to go devour another Amy Matayo book!
February 1, 2016
Amy Matayo’s book, The End of The World, is a heart breaking yet compassionate read of two teens who grew up in the foster care system. Amy does a wonderful job of weaving two main characters into one succinct story. Cameron and Shaye have two distinct voices and through Amy’s writing you identify with each character and understand their circumstances, emotions and actions.
Cameron and Shaye develop a connection after Cameron is placed in a foster home where Shaye is living as a foster child and is seemingly the sole care taker of the three younger foster kids. The two develop a long term friendship that withstand tough circumstances that most of us have never had to experience. Their love and friendship for each other is evident. There are questions and answers that open up even more questions.
The story is a tough one to read and process and not for everyone. Amy has thoughtfully created two character to tell Cameron and Shaye’s story, mysteries, dark histories and their special bond that encourages you to continue reading through some very tough events.
I know I will have more to say after I process, one thing in certain, this book will stay with you for a long time.
Cameron and Shaye develop a connection after Cameron is placed in a foster home where Shaye is living as a foster child and is seemingly the sole care taker of the three younger foster kids. The two develop a long term friendship that withstand tough circumstances that most of us have never had to experience. Their love and friendship for each other is evident. There are questions and answers that open up even more questions.
The story is a tough one to read and process and not for everyone. Amy has thoughtfully created two character to tell Cameron and Shaye’s story, mysteries, dark histories and their special bond that encourages you to continue reading through some very tough events.
I know I will have more to say after I process, one thing in certain, this book will stay with you for a long time.
January 31, 2016
This story starts out in heartbreak. Immediately you are feeling deeply for the main characters. Then, heartbreak becomes horror. These two teens live through hell yet through it their own hope, love, and humanity is kept alive. Amy weaves a heartwarming story of redemption, human love, and triumphing over circumstances that is highly emotional and attention grabbing. I read this book in one sitting over a couple of hours. I could not put it down. I had to know what happened. I cried and laughed- got angry and had a pit in my stomach right along with Cameron and Shaye. Amy masterfully took a very very hard topic and showed the beauty that can come from the ashes. It is a must read.
*I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review*
*I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review*
March 8, 2016
I was intrigued by the characters in the very beginning but lost my way a bit in the transition from section to section but it picked back up in the 3rd section and I was hooked again. I love the overall story and felt very invested in the characters. This book makes me want to do something, change something, be there for someone. I hugged my kids a little extra.
February 4, 2016
An engaging, but hard read about healing, pain, love and commitment. Amy writes the difficult scenes with a love and care for the characters and watching the characters self-realization about what love is kept me interested the entire book. I'll admit, I correctly guessed the outcome of several situations as I was reading, but I still didn't want to put the book down.
February 1, 2016
I had the honor of reading and advanced copy of this book. Honestly, I wasn't too sure what to expect. I'm not a huge fan of YA lit or of romance {I confess I've NEVER read a Nicholas Sparks novel & I don't want to.} This book was so much more than it's categories may lead you to believe. I personally am an adoptive Momma, and this book spoke volumes to my heart about the lives that many young people are living right here in our own country. I only gave it 4 stars because it tackles the difficult subject of abuse. Amy does an amazing job of bringing the characters of Cameron and Shaye to life and honestly as I read it, I kept picturing it as a movie. No spoilers in this review, but I want to say that I'm a huge fan of the ending. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends.
February 5, 2016
The End of the World in so many ways is different from any of Ms. Matayo’s other books; however I believe this one to be her best.
Best in writing.
Best in storytelling.
Best in character development.
There’s no question that The End of the World is a mainstream book. One that has the feel of a Colleen Hoover story. Except in my opinion it’s better because it’s cleaner. (No graphic scenes and milder language.)
Oh so many feels—that’s the perfect way to explain Shaye and Cameron’s story. You’re pulled into their lives from the beginning. The good, the bad, and the oh so deep and painful. Their journey starts with them being teenagers and then moves to when they’re in their twenties. But it’s definitely the ending that makes this story worth reading in one sitting.
Best in writing.
Best in storytelling.
Best in character development.
There’s no question that The End of the World is a mainstream book. One that has the feel of a Colleen Hoover story. Except in my opinion it’s better because it’s cleaner. (No graphic scenes and milder language.)
Oh so many feels—that’s the perfect way to explain Shaye and Cameron’s story. You’re pulled into their lives from the beginning. The good, the bad, and the oh so deep and painful. Their journey starts with them being teenagers and then moves to when they’re in their twenties. But it’s definitely the ending that makes this story worth reading in one sitting.
February 3, 2016
I so loved this book and didn't want it to end. I was rooting for Cameron and Shaye throughout and I want to know more of their story.
February 9, 2016
I could not put it down. It was raw and real. It was painful and beautiful. It was heartbreaking and heartwarming. The story flows seamlessly and the characters came to life. Some of the events are brutally gut-wrenching, but told tenderly.
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February 27, 2016
Sometimes you read a book and it impacts you so much that you know you'll never forget it. The End of the World is that one for me.
From paragraph one I was hooked. The writing was incredible to where you feel like you're sitting right next to Shaye and Cameron on that dock. A truly talented author can take away a reader and make them forget they're reading at all. I felt all the emotions Shaye and Cameron were feeling; sad, lonely, angry, hopeful. It was all there on the pages of this incredible story.
Shaye was such a heartbreaking character to read about. This poor girl gets dealt a crap hand time and time again. She's endured so much in such a short amount of time it's a wonder she hasn't drowned from it all. My heart physically hurt for her and the life she had to live. I wanted to reach into the pages and rescue her. She has those she loved but had no one to really love and protect her until a stranger shows up on her porch.
Cameron, oh my. What can I say about this unique, old soul? These are the kind of heroes authors need to write. No need for an alpha or one who can't keep it on his pants. Line them all up and I would choose Cameron every time, hands down. We first meet him when he's 14. He's scared of the unknown and sad to be leaving the only home he's known in a long time. You can tell from the first meeting that Shaye and Cameron will form a very strong bond. Two lost, broken souls that have been missing their halves their whole lives. Cameron was the perfect ying to Shaye's yang. Despite their circumstances he was funny, sweet, tender and would do anything to make her happy. Their friendship was such a joy to read. Every word between those two were precious and I couldn't get enough. Cameron was such a goof but endearing and I loved seeing his silly side. It made the hard parts a little more bearable. Their journey isn't easy and has many ups and down but it's so beauftul in its chaos that you can't help but fall in love.
The manner in which Ms. Matayo handles very real and horrindous situations was done with respect and care. She didn't just throw it all out that for shock value but took her time to set the scene and make the reader take a step back and really think about what we're reading. For me it hit a nerve and had me reaching for the tissues. I applaud the author though for the way this story was written and in my opinion couldn't have been done better.
This story is not just about a boy and a girl but about trying to survive a life that isn't in your control, making the best out of any situation and to love and be loved as hard as you can. Shaye and Cameron's story has been with me since I reach the last page and I know that this story will stay with me for the rest of my life. 5 Stars!
From paragraph one I was hooked. The writing was incredible to where you feel like you're sitting right next to Shaye and Cameron on that dock. A truly talented author can take away a reader and make them forget they're reading at all. I felt all the emotions Shaye and Cameron were feeling; sad, lonely, angry, hopeful. It was all there on the pages of this incredible story.
Shaye was such a heartbreaking character to read about. This poor girl gets dealt a crap hand time and time again. She's endured so much in such a short amount of time it's a wonder she hasn't drowned from it all. My heart physically hurt for her and the life she had to live. I wanted to reach into the pages and rescue her. She has those she loved but had no one to really love and protect her until a stranger shows up on her porch.
Cameron, oh my. What can I say about this unique, old soul? These are the kind of heroes authors need to write. No need for an alpha or one who can't keep it on his pants. Line them all up and I would choose Cameron every time, hands down. We first meet him when he's 14. He's scared of the unknown and sad to be leaving the only home he's known in a long time. You can tell from the first meeting that Shaye and Cameron will form a very strong bond. Two lost, broken souls that have been missing their halves their whole lives. Cameron was the perfect ying to Shaye's yang. Despite their circumstances he was funny, sweet, tender and would do anything to make her happy. Their friendship was such a joy to read. Every word between those two were precious and I couldn't get enough. Cameron was such a goof but endearing and I loved seeing his silly side. It made the hard parts a little more bearable. Their journey isn't easy and has many ups and down but it's so beauftul in its chaos that you can't help but fall in love.
The manner in which Ms. Matayo handles very real and horrindous situations was done with respect and care. She didn't just throw it all out that for shock value but took her time to set the scene and make the reader take a step back and really think about what we're reading. For me it hit a nerve and had me reaching for the tissues. I applaud the author though for the way this story was written and in my opinion couldn't have been done better.
This story is not just about a boy and a girl but about trying to survive a life that isn't in your control, making the best out of any situation and to love and be loved as hard as you can. Shaye and Cameron's story has been with me since I reach the last page and I know that this story will stay with me for the rest of my life. 5 Stars!
January 2, 2018
What a way to start the new year. I have read 3 other books by Amy Matayo and have thoroughly enjoyed each of them. The End of the World is also a great book and is very well written but I'm not sure "enjoyed" is a word I would attach to the reading of this book. It deals with abuse in the foster care system and I'm not sure anyone can enjoy reading about that.
The End of the World kept me up until 1:30 in the morning finishing it because I wanted/needed to find out how the story ended. I just couldn't put it down and go to sleep because I was so involved in the story. (Shot my resolution to get to bed early and wake up early out the window on the first day of the New Year) I loved the characters and was drawn into their world. And despite the fact that this deals with heavy subject matter the tone is not depressing... Ultimately it is a romance with a happily ever after ending. I recommend it selectively realizing that the subject matter isn't for everyone.
Content: abuse, sexual relationships (not detailed), an instance or two of mild language... and other topics that could trigger some readers but to share would be a spoiler.
The End of the World kept me up until 1:30 in the morning finishing it because I wanted/needed to find out how the story ended. I just couldn't put it down and go to sleep because I was so involved in the story. (Shot my resolution to get to bed early and wake up early out the window on the first day of the New Year) I loved the characters and was drawn into their world. And despite the fact that this deals with heavy subject matter the tone is not depressing... Ultimately it is a romance with a happily ever after ending. I recommend it selectively realizing that the subject matter isn't for everyone.
Content: abuse, sexual relationships (not detailed), an instance or two of mild language... and other topics that could trigger some readers but to share would be a spoiler.
February 10, 2016
Ouch. Oh my heart. This story is hard, friends. It's painful, it wounds, and it hurts. It is so far from easy and happy, and y'all know I love my happy, funny books! But what an incredible story it is. In spite of the hard, the emotions don't stop! Because I ended this book with so many FEELINGS. Ones that I'm struggling to put into words. It's not often a story will do that to me, but this one....Ms. Matayo, you are a superb writer! I have no other words for your skill with the pen and this story is the perfect proof of your ability. I'm in awe of these characters you've created! :)
It was clear from the very first page that this story was going to be different. I was a bit unsure of what I would think of it, to be honest, yet it didn't take long at all for me to get drawn into Shaye and Cameron's world and then the raw emotions began! Their lives are difficult to put it mildly. I wanted so badly to reach into the pages and wrap my arms around those two characters and just hug them as tight and as long as I could. Or as long as they'd let me anyway. Because their story is one that isn't easy to read about. (I still wanted to hold them tight at the end because they need more people to love them! And oh how I love them now.)
But! For all the pain involved (a fact which would make it seem like there's nothing happy about this story at all), the idea that these two broken souls could somehow find a glimmer of hope in their darkness.....well, that just makes it worth delving into. Because hope is there, my friends! The flame is small and hiding in the grime and dirt (it seems almost nonexistent really), but it's still there. And the fact that Shaye and Cameron were somehow able to find it and cling to it, despite all that life threw in their paths, that gave me hope that their story would somehow find a good ending. And I'm so glad I had the privilege to journey with them to that beautiful ending!
This book is not for the faint of heart because the issues involved are serious. But the characters are so very resilient and every single time you think they'll be unable to get through another moment, up they stand and forward they go! Shaye and Cameron are so worth getting to know. For as hard as their journey is, that makes their bits of happy shine ever so much brighter! And their story is amazing, just you read it and see! :)
**I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
It was clear from the very first page that this story was going to be different. I was a bit unsure of what I would think of it, to be honest, yet it didn't take long at all for me to get drawn into Shaye and Cameron's world and then the raw emotions began! Their lives are difficult to put it mildly. I wanted so badly to reach into the pages and wrap my arms around those two characters and just hug them as tight and as long as I could. Or as long as they'd let me anyway. Because their story is one that isn't easy to read about. (I still wanted to hold them tight at the end because they need more people to love them! And oh how I love them now.)
But! For all the pain involved (a fact which would make it seem like there's nothing happy about this story at all), the idea that these two broken souls could somehow find a glimmer of hope in their darkness.....well, that just makes it worth delving into. Because hope is there, my friends! The flame is small and hiding in the grime and dirt (it seems almost nonexistent really), but it's still there. And the fact that Shaye and Cameron were somehow able to find it and cling to it, despite all that life threw in their paths, that gave me hope that their story would somehow find a good ending. And I'm so glad I had the privilege to journey with them to that beautiful ending!
This book is not for the faint of heart because the issues involved are serious. But the characters are so very resilient and every single time you think they'll be unable to get through another moment, up they stand and forward they go! Shaye and Cameron are so worth getting to know. For as hard as their journey is, that makes their bits of happy shine ever so much brighter! And their story is amazing, just you read it and see! :)
**I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
February 9, 2016
*mild spoilers*
I read this book in a single sitting. I grew up in small town Oklahoma, and I frequently traveled up to Tulsa, so I felt an immediate connection to the setting. It was hard to read this without tears lightly falling down my face, as I wanted to hold each and every child in this book and take them into care. Amy Matayo did an excellent job of developing both Shaye and Cameron, of expressing our basic needs as children and how those needs never fully diminish. I saw myself in Cameron's optimism and hope, in Shaye's resilience and strength, and I know first hand how raising children of your own can dull some of your own childhood pain while propelling you to become a better version of yourself. A good book should connect you to your characters, challenge you, and leave you feeling like you're saying goodbye to a real person at the end of it. This book does all of that and then some. It's serious and moving, but hopeful, with good romantic tension and chemistry.
I received this in advance to read and review, and now I'm going to go back and purchase Amy Matayo's previous novels! I'm a big fiction fan and this did NOT disappoint.
I read this book in a single sitting. I grew up in small town Oklahoma, and I frequently traveled up to Tulsa, so I felt an immediate connection to the setting. It was hard to read this without tears lightly falling down my face, as I wanted to hold each and every child in this book and take them into care. Amy Matayo did an excellent job of developing both Shaye and Cameron, of expressing our basic needs as children and how those needs never fully diminish. I saw myself in Cameron's optimism and hope, in Shaye's resilience and strength, and I know first hand how raising children of your own can dull some of your own childhood pain while propelling you to become a better version of yourself. A good book should connect you to your characters, challenge you, and leave you feeling like you're saying goodbye to a real person at the end of it. This book does all of that and then some. It's serious and moving, but hopeful, with good romantic tension and chemistry.
I received this in advance to read and review, and now I'm going to go back and purchase Amy Matayo's previous novels! I'm a big fiction fan and this did NOT disappoint.
February 22, 2016
This book packs a powerful, emotional punch. There is some beautiful writing within this book but the subject matter is just so difficult. I finished this book last night and I had dreams about it and those things are still in my head this morning. Obviously the book affected me in more ways than one. The characters are so endearing. So broken at the hands of others. What makes this so awful is things like this are happening in life and not just in books. It's sickening and disturbing.
So, if you are looking for an emotional read, this is your book. It will pull you in and you won't be able to put it down. But be warned, it won't be easy.
Content: Rape, physical abuse, mental and verbal abuse, sexual abuse, murder, many sexual relations but nothing described in any detail, abortion
So, if you are looking for an emotional read, this is your book. It will pull you in and you won't be able to put it down. But be warned, it won't be easy.
Content: Rape, physical abuse, mental and verbal abuse, sexual abuse, murder, many sexual relations but nothing described in any detail, abortion
February 8, 2016
This is the first book of Amy's that I read and won't be the last. It's also one that I know my reader friends will be gifted and that I will press my copy into their hands so they can also experience the story Amy shares.
Amy Matayo's story of Cameron and Shaye stays with you long after the last sentence. The two meet as teens in the same foster home where they bond with a friendship that is stronger than their circumstances - both within that home and once they leave the foster care system.
Matayo shows the dark side of the foster care system and this is not for the faint of heart. But, the story also shows how love can bring healing and hope if we allow it in.
Amy Matayo's story of Cameron and Shaye stays with you long after the last sentence. The two meet as teens in the same foster home where they bond with a friendship that is stronger than their circumstances - both within that home and once they leave the foster care system.
Matayo shows the dark side of the foster care system and this is not for the faint of heart. But, the story also shows how love can bring healing and hope if we allow it in.
February 8, 2016
I didn't know what to expect when I started this book, having not even read a synopsis, but Amy Matayo did an excellent job drawing the reader into _The End of the World_ . A few pages in, and I couldn't stop reading to find out what happens to the characters. I found myself excited for them, heartbroken for them, and and ultimately not wanting to leave them behind. I highly recommend this book. It deals with some heavy material (abuse), but in a very appropriate way (although not for young readers). Even through the intense subject matter, it was a quick read. My only wish is that the book didn't end so quickly and I could live in this world a while longer.
February 9, 2016
"Sometimes you have to lose your heart completely to begin to really thrive."
Powerful, right? The minute I read this quote in the book, I wrote it down as a reminder in finding the light in the darkness. I didn't expect this book to touch me in the way that it did. A beautiful story of loss and love, heartbreak and hope. Main characters that live to find happiness within their broken lives. Amy Matayo has a beautiful way of making you feel like you are right there learning the lessons her characters are, almost as if they're your own close friends.
A quick, engaging read that has you easily turning pages to see how the characters find their way through the darkness to the light.
Powerful, right? The minute I read this quote in the book, I wrote it down as a reminder in finding the light in the darkness. I didn't expect this book to touch me in the way that it did. A beautiful story of loss and love, heartbreak and hope. Main characters that live to find happiness within their broken lives. Amy Matayo has a beautiful way of making you feel like you are right there learning the lessons her characters are, almost as if they're your own close friends.
A quick, engaging read that has you easily turning pages to see how the characters find their way through the darkness to the light.
February 3, 2016
Good story but I feel like it just scratched the surface of what could have been. I would have happily read a few hundred more pages if the characters could have been developed further and some of the elements of the the story were more fleshed out.
For such serious, heavy, themes I felt the story was over too quickly. Just as I felt I was starting to get to know the characters the book was over.
For such serious, heavy, themes I felt the story was over too quickly. Just as I felt I was starting to get to know the characters the book was over.
February 18, 2016
I'd never read anything by this author (or honestly even heard tell of her until a friend recruited me to be part of the launch team for this book), but now I need to get my hands on more. The passion and authenticity with which she writes is incredible. These characters were so real, painfully so. The story was so skillfully crafted. Many parts were difficult to read, yet so beautiful at the same time. I'm so privileged to have read this story. Thank you, Ms. Matayo.
February 7, 2016
This book seriously became the best book I've ever read. I cried a lot while reading. I cried when it was over because I didn't want it to end. Such a great book!
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