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Future Leaders #2
All the Ways to Here
In this sequel to Future Leaders of Nowhere, Finn and Willa come home from camp to find everything is different. Even as they grow more sure of their feelings for each other, everything around them feels less certain.
When Finn gets involved in a new community project, she’s forced to question where her priorities lie at school. Meanwhile, her dad has moved interstate, her mother is miserable, and her home feels like a ghost town.
Willa’s discovering how to negotiate the new terrains of romance and school friendships when an accident at home reminds her just how tenuous her family situation is. Suddenly, even with her dad in town, she’s shouldering more responsibility than ever.
As they try to navigate these new worlds together, Finn’s learning she has to figure out what she wants, and Willa how to ask for what she needs.
When Finn gets involved in a new community project, she’s forced to question where her priorities lie at school. Meanwhile, her dad has moved interstate, her mother is miserable, and her home feels like a ghost town.
Willa’s discovering how to negotiate the new terrains of romance and school friendships when an accident at home reminds her just how tenuous her family situation is. Suddenly, even with her dad in town, she’s shouldering more responsibility than ever.
As they try to navigate these new worlds together, Finn’s learning she has to figure out what she wants, and Willa how to ask for what she needs.
305 pages, ebook
First published November 1, 2017
12 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 6, 2017
I didn’t love this as much as Future Leaders of Nowhere, but it was still a very enjoyable, well written sequel. Do you have to read Future Leaders of Nowhere first? I would absolutely recommend it. I just don’t see how this book would be the same if you didn’t. It picks up where the first left off. These are YA romance books, and for someone who doesn’t love YA (me), these books really are excellent.
Willa and Finn are now home from camp and finding out quickly how much harder real life can be. Willa is dealing with new responsibilities and Finn is struggling with her parent’s separation. Can Willa and Finn deal with the stress of being at home while still keeping their relationship strong?
What I’m really impressed with, in both these books, is how well O’Beirne writes teenagers. The way they talk, what they think about, worries, and their reactions, is just so damn realistic to me. Sometimes I find YA writers write teenagers like children or adults, O’Beirne gets it right on, but still makes the story enjoyable for adults. O’Beirne is a pretty impressive writer.
I absolutely fell in love with Willa and Finn in the first book. I’m so happy O’Beirne was able to stay true to the characters and keep them just as wonderful. The romance kicked up a little and went from G to PG. And it was still just as sweet as the first book.
It is not too often I recommend YA books. I think maybe only 5 this whole year. This series is really wonderful and I absolutely recommend it. Just make sure you read them in order to truly enjoy these books.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review.
Willa and Finn are now home from camp and finding out quickly how much harder real life can be. Willa is dealing with new responsibilities and Finn is struggling with her parent’s separation. Can Willa and Finn deal with the stress of being at home while still keeping their relationship strong?
What I’m really impressed with, in both these books, is how well O’Beirne writes teenagers. The way they talk, what they think about, worries, and their reactions, is just so damn realistic to me. Sometimes I find YA writers write teenagers like children or adults, O’Beirne gets it right on, but still makes the story enjoyable for adults. O’Beirne is a pretty impressive writer.
I absolutely fell in love with Willa and Finn in the first book. I’m so happy O’Beirne was able to stay true to the characters and keep them just as wonderful. The romance kicked up a little and went from G to PG. And it was still just as sweet as the first book.
It is not too often I recommend YA books. I think maybe only 5 this whole year. This series is really wonderful and I absolutely recommend it. Just make sure you read them in order to truly enjoy these books.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review.
October 30, 2017
Every time I pick up an Emily O'Beirne book I am spellbound on how she delivers amazing storylines, dazzling dialogue, and characters that you treasure long after the last page is turned.
Emily O'Beirne is the very best at what she does for a variety of reasons. Each book captivates me. Her characters are so developed you feel as if you personally know them. Their dialogue sounds and feels real. To me, dialogue is the make it or break it for a book. You can either write it or you can't. To make it flow and feel real the whole way through, that takes a mega amount of skill, and this is a skill O'Beirne has in spades.
There are two authors that stand at the very top of this genre. Every single one of their books is fabulous. O'Beirne is one of the two. Am I biased? Yeah, I guess I am for the fact that I know when I open one of her books that I am going to be blown away by its awesomeness. I could read one of her books every single month and it still wouldn't be enough. She writes the kind of books that you want to finish just so you can re-read it. Finish that baby and start right back at it again.
If you read Future Leaders of Nowhere and adored it as much as I did, this one is for you. Willa and Finn are back navigating the waters of demanding school work, home life, and their new relationship. What a great read, but even more so what amazing characters. Once again Emily O'Beirne steals your heart with another beautiful read.
Emily O'Beirne is the very best at what she does for a variety of reasons. Each book captivates me. Her characters are so developed you feel as if you personally know them. Their dialogue sounds and feels real. To me, dialogue is the make it or break it for a book. You can either write it or you can't. To make it flow and feel real the whole way through, that takes a mega amount of skill, and this is a skill O'Beirne has in spades.
There are two authors that stand at the very top of this genre. Every single one of their books is fabulous. O'Beirne is one of the two. Am I biased? Yeah, I guess I am for the fact that I know when I open one of her books that I am going to be blown away by its awesomeness. I could read one of her books every single month and it still wouldn't be enough. She writes the kind of books that you want to finish just so you can re-read it. Finish that baby and start right back at it again.
If you read Future Leaders of Nowhere and adored it as much as I did, this one is for you. Willa and Finn are back navigating the waters of demanding school work, home life, and their new relationship. What a great read, but even more so what amazing characters. Once again Emily O'Beirne steals your heart with another beautiful read.
August 29, 2018
So good. This book and it's predecessor "Future Leaders of Nowhere" makes me love teenagers more than adults. The MC's are compassionate, tremendously thoughtful, very intelligent and highly mature. Are these realistic traits for most teenagers? Probably not, but I did not let that thought bog me down for long while reading these books. Why? Because the author's writing is so darn believable. And let's face it, many, many adults lack most of these traits.
The angst in both books is minimal and resolved quickly. Diversity abounds in these two books. A myriad of races, religions, and sexual orientation can be found in the various characters. And I love to see that, especially in YA books. For example, MC Finn is white and identifies as bisexual and MC Willia is mixed(white and Indian but physically her appearance is more Indian) and identifies as lesbian. This author also does a really nice job covering some of the prejudices around bisexuality.
Please read Lex's and lov2's reviews for a more thorough outline of the 2 books.
How I feel after reading this author's books: like Snoopy in "Snoopy, Come Home" when he is perusing the books in the library and comes to a book about bunnies and grabs and hugs it to his chest excitedly while making a high pitched little weeeeeee! sound. (So yes, please watch Snoopy, Come Home as well)
f/f, no sex(they're 16, i'm glad they did not have sex!), lots of kissing, some pretty tame-like petting.
The angst in both books is minimal and resolved quickly. Diversity abounds in these two books. A myriad of races, religions, and sexual orientation can be found in the various characters. And I love to see that, especially in YA books. For example, MC Finn is white and identifies as bisexual and MC Willia is mixed(white and Indian but physically her appearance is more Indian) and identifies as lesbian. This author also does a really nice job covering some of the prejudices around bisexuality.
Please read Lex's and lov2's reviews for a more thorough outline of the 2 books.
How I feel after reading this author's books: like Snoopy in "Snoopy, Come Home" when he is perusing the books in the library and comes to a book about bunnies and grabs and hugs it to his chest excitedly while making a high pitched little weeeeeee! sound. (So yes, please watch Snoopy, Come Home as well)
f/f, no sex(they're 16, i'm glad they did not have sex!), lots of kissing, some pretty tame-like petting.
October 29, 2017
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased, fair review
This is going to be a difficult book review to write as I enjoyed the experience of reading this book so much if I try to analyze or critique I will sound like I am under the employ of the author. She describes the emotions and thoughts of the characters so well one feels them to be friends or at the very least known. This includes the minor characters to a lesser degree as well. The two young women's joy is our joy and their individual issues of being intelligent people, learned but without the years of wisdom orf knowing all of the rules of 'adult society' are keenly felt.
The story is a continuation of the author's "Future Leaders of Nowhere" which had Finn meet Willa as rivals who fell for each other. In "All the Ways to Here" there is a continuation and emotional deepening of the relationship. Both girls have to contend with wrenching family issues at the same time being stellar students and 'leaders of somewhere'. Willa and Finn meet each other's friends and family and seemed so perfect in their way of an introvert being paired with an extrovert, both quite intelligent and quick. What is interesting, to me at least, is how I identified with Willa throughout the story.
Minor spoilers:
So normally I don't enjoy sequels. I loved this one and could follow this couple, Willa and Finn, on until they were my age. It could be an entire set like a shelf full of Nancy Drew mysteries. Read this book.
This is going to be a difficult book review to write as I enjoyed the experience of reading this book so much if I try to analyze or critique I will sound like I am under the employ of the author. She describes the emotions and thoughts of the characters so well one feels them to be friends or at the very least known. This includes the minor characters to a lesser degree as well. The two young women's joy is our joy and their individual issues of being intelligent people, learned but without the years of wisdom orf knowing all of the rules of 'adult society' are keenly felt.
The story is a continuation of the author's "Future Leaders of Nowhere" which had Finn meet Willa as rivals who fell for each other. In "All the Ways to Here" there is a continuation and emotional deepening of the relationship. Both girls have to contend with wrenching family issues at the same time being stellar students and 'leaders of somewhere'. Willa and Finn meet each other's friends and family and seemed so perfect in their way of an introvert being paired with an extrovert, both quite intelligent and quick. What is interesting, to me at least, is how I identified with Willa throughout the story.
Minor spoilers:
So normally I don't enjoy sequels. I loved this one and could follow this couple, Willa and Finn, on until they were my age. It could be an entire set like a shelf full of Nancy Drew mysteries. Read this book.
April 28, 2018
Solidly written coming of age story that follows Willa and Finn in their everyday home life after they return from Camp Nowhere. There's not a terrible amount of drama but O'Beirne captures teenage life really well.
This is not a standalone at all and I suffered a bit trying to remember the details from the first book since I read it so long ago. Do yourself a favor and revisit book one before starting this.
Willa and Finn continue the f/f romance they started with each other from book one and it's a wonderful depiction of an angst free and healthy relationship. It's a sad comment that Willa and Finn showed more maturity and good feels than about 95% of adult lesbian fiction couples. The story isn't about coming out and both Willa and Finn are well behaved high achieving teenagers which is refreshing to read.
I was surprised to find there were quite a few editorial issues in the book but the story itself was strong.
If you liked book one then definitely read this.
This is not a standalone at all and I suffered a bit trying to remember the details from the first book since I read it so long ago. Do yourself a favor and revisit book one before starting this.
Willa and Finn continue the f/f romance they started with each other from book one and it's a wonderful depiction of an angst free and healthy relationship. It's a sad comment that Willa and Finn showed more maturity and good feels than about 95% of adult lesbian fiction couples. The story isn't about coming out and both Willa and Finn are well behaved high achieving teenagers which is refreshing to read.
I was surprised to find there were quite a few editorial issues in the book but the story itself was strong.
If you liked book one then definitely read this.
November 17, 2017
This is a great sequel riddled with amazing dialogues, interesting characters and a very realistic storyline. In All the ways to here you are not going to find a nice and romantic story, but instead very realistic lives where Finn and Willa have to deal with their problems. The starting point is from the end of Future Leaders, where both characters, Finn and Willa, have to come back to their lives, lives that in Willa’s case can be hard and sometimes navigating the waters of the desperation and the pressure of the responsibility. Once time Emily o’Beirne create a world with very credible characters perfectly enriched by amazing dialogues.
December 2, 2017
I have been really looking forward to this sequel. I guess I got my hopes a little too high as I felt it wasn't as good as the first one. But it was still good and worth waiting for.
Both Willa and Finn have returned home from camp and now have to face up to the events of real life. Willa with new responsibilities and Finn with her impending parents separation. A lot to deal with for kids anywhere. But the question is can they maintain there budding relationship amongst all that is going on.
I like O'Beirne a lot. She definitely talks the talk of teenagers. she appears to get them. Which in my opinion makes the book more authentic. Teenagers aren't predictable in life but O'Beirne seems to capture them on paper. Somehow I don't think our journey with Willa and Finn is finished. There are some unfinished issues that I would not want to guess the outcome. It is a good read, one that will make you ask a few questions. These two girls are extremely intelligent which to me adds to the mix of teenagers. Seems intelligence brings a lot of issues too.
If you do read this I would strongly advise you read book 1 first. If you don't a lot will not make sense. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via Ylva Publishing*
Both Willa and Finn have returned home from camp and now have to face up to the events of real life. Willa with new responsibilities and Finn with her impending parents separation. A lot to deal with for kids anywhere. But the question is can they maintain there budding relationship amongst all that is going on.
I like O'Beirne a lot. She definitely talks the talk of teenagers. she appears to get them. Which in my opinion makes the book more authentic. Teenagers aren't predictable in life but O'Beirne seems to capture them on paper. Somehow I don't think our journey with Willa and Finn is finished. There are some unfinished issues that I would not want to guess the outcome. It is a good read, one that will make you ask a few questions. These two girls are extremely intelligent which to me adds to the mix of teenagers. Seems intelligence brings a lot of issues too.
If you do read this I would strongly advise you read book 1 first. If you don't a lot will not make sense. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via Ylva Publishing*
January 8, 2018
Just before starting this review I found out there won't be more books in the series and I'm honestly heartbroken. Finn and Willa are two characters whom I'd read so many more stories about, I was really hoping there'd be at least one more book. But anyway, if this is the last one, at least I can say it was a great ending.
Future Leaders of Nowhere was one of my favorite reads last year. (I'd say for sure that it would make no sense to read this one without reading the first book; it picks up where the first left off and the story isn't meant to be understood and fully appreciated by readers who skipped it.) I just loved everything about it, and I can't say this one is as good as the first, but that's only because of the camp plot. I fell in love with the story about the game they played during camp in the first book and it was one of the coolest YA stories I've read. This one was still amazing, though. The story is more focused on family, which allowed for character development in a different way than we saw in book one, which was a bit more focused on their leadership traits, although family issues were still a major plot point.
This sequel allows us to see what Willa and Finn are like when they're back to their normal lives after camp. They are two very responsible characters, Finn because she just is mature like that, and Willa because she has to take care of her little brother and sister alongside their grandmother. Now, with characters like that, it would've been even easier for the author to make a mistake often seen in YA books, where the characters are written just like mini-adults instead of actual teenagers. Not Emily O'Beirne, though. She is a writer I can 100% trust to write teenagers well and make their characterization and dialogue feel genuine.
Especially Willa, who has such great responsibility in her hands at such a young age, and in addition to being really shy, she was painted a little bit as a 16-year-old ice queen since the beginning of the first book. She's still very much a 16-year-old though, and we see that even more in this book. Having to play adult at home as she cares for her younger siblings, in addition to her normal teenage responsibilities like school work, becomes an even harder task with the emotional roller coaster she goes through. She doesn't have to go through it alone, though.
Finn also had her awesome character development moments as she tried to figure out what her priorities are in relation to the responsibilities she takes on, and dealt with the confusion of her parents's separation. In addition to that, it was really nice to see her in the role of supportive girlfriend. She genuinely is a character who loves to help people out and her personality was very realistically written.
Overall, this was just great. I'm still sad this was the last of Finn and Willa's adventures but I'm sure whatever new characters and stories Emily O'Beirne has come up with for her next works are going to be amazing too, and I'm definitely going to check them out.
Future Leaders of Nowhere was one of my favorite reads last year. (I'd say for sure that it would make no sense to read this one without reading the first book; it picks up where the first left off and the story isn't meant to be understood and fully appreciated by readers who skipped it.) I just loved everything about it, and I can't say this one is as good as the first, but that's only because of the camp plot. I fell in love with the story about the game they played during camp in the first book and it was one of the coolest YA stories I've read. This one was still amazing, though. The story is more focused on family, which allowed for character development in a different way than we saw in book one, which was a bit more focused on their leadership traits, although family issues were still a major plot point.
This sequel allows us to see what Willa and Finn are like when they're back to their normal lives after camp. They are two very responsible characters, Finn because she just is mature like that, and Willa because she has to take care of her little brother and sister alongside their grandmother. Now, with characters like that, it would've been even easier for the author to make a mistake often seen in YA books, where the characters are written just like mini-adults instead of actual teenagers. Not Emily O'Beirne, though. She is a writer I can 100% trust to write teenagers well and make their characterization and dialogue feel genuine.
Especially Willa, who has such great responsibility in her hands at such a young age, and in addition to being really shy, she was painted a little bit as a 16-year-old ice queen since the beginning of the first book. She's still very much a 16-year-old though, and we see that even more in this book. Having to play adult at home as she cares for her younger siblings, in addition to her normal teenage responsibilities like school work, becomes an even harder task with the emotional roller coaster she goes through. She doesn't have to go through it alone, though.
Finn also had her awesome character development moments as she tried to figure out what her priorities are in relation to the responsibilities she takes on, and dealt with the confusion of her parents's separation. In addition to that, it was really nice to see her in the role of supportive girlfriend. She genuinely is a character who loves to help people out and her personality was very realistically written.
Overall, this was just great. I'm still sad this was the last of Finn and Willa's adventures but I'm sure whatever new characters and stories Emily O'Beirne has come up with for her next works are going to be amazing too, and I'm definitely going to check them out.
January 8, 2018
Emily O’Beirne’s characters are always amazing. They are well written, engaging, and representations of good humans, probably people you would like to know in real life. Her characters are distinct and solid, and she knows them really well, which is what allows here to write about them so well. Everything feels natural. Reading O’Beirne’s books is soft and warm, like curling up on a couch with the best blanket and having a conversation with your best friend. At least two of O’Beirne’s books, including this one, are sequels about a couple the reader already knows, but neither of those sequels feels stale, and there’s no relying on unnecessary drama to break them up and put them back together again. It’s just walking farther down the path with the characters on their journey, knowing them more and loving them more. This is such good writing.
June 30, 2018
I’ve read this few months ago. And I’m kind of confused why I didn’t write a review. Hmmm!
Goodness! This is from Emily O’beirne!
But still, Without a doubt a solid 5 from me. ;)
Goodness! This is from Emily O’beirne!
But still, Without a doubt a solid 5 from me. ;)
November 8, 2017
Book received from Ylva Publishing for an honest review
I am in the unfortunate situation wherein I enjoyed the book I read but am unsure what to actually write about said book. Edited to add: Oh, and yes you need to read the first book in the series before reading this book here.
Well, as I noted somewhere, I think in my status updates, this book, like the prior book in the series, has two point of views – Finn and Willa. Unlike in the prior book – which had the book split roughly evenly in half with the first half of the book seen through one point of view, and the second half seen through the other, this book alternated. Though not every other chapter – occasionally the reader would go from one chapter seen through Finn’s (or Willa’s) eyes to another chapter through their eyes. Other than my initial issue of trying to remember which character was which, and which personalities went with each character – which wasn’t helped by seeing the characters in a new setting – I much prefer the alternating POV instead of the half-and-half approach.
In the first book, Future Leaders of Nowhere, various teenagers, roughly around the age of 15 to … some age over 15, 18? I am not sure if there was just one age level or multiple, I forget now, and if multiple what the cut-off age was. Right, sorry, a group of teenagers, roughly around the age of 15, from various schools in Australia ended up at a leadership camp called ‘Camp Nowhere’. At that camp two young women from different schools, but the same city, meet and fell into . . . deep liking (which may or may not have been love).
In the second book their story, Willa and Finn’s story, continues. But now they are back in Melbourne, back amongst their fella school students, back among their families and are only able to see each other at certain times.
The second book is much more about family, and friends, and individual people’s places in the world, and what they actually wish to prioritize (is the almost thankless task of being student/school captain (what would be called student president in the USA), really worth it for the bit it adds to their resume and college admissions? Should an absentee father be given more of your time? How about a mother who works so much that she never seems to be home? Or a sister who gets on your nerves, or a brother who rarely talks, or … etc.). While, at the same time, the relationship/romance between Finn and Willa continues. Now that they are 16 . . . or 17. I’ve lost track of how old they were in book one and two; and book two picks up immediately after book one so it’s not like their age could advance massively, though time seems to fly in book two, and birthdays do occur.
This was a quite enjoyable slice of life, romance, young adult novel. Those looking for sex should look elsewhere, except for heavy passionate kissing.
Wow, I’ve not really said anything, eh? Well, as I said, I enjoyed the book but do not have much to say about it. I didn’t hate the book, nor love the book so deeply that I wish to immediately move to Australia and become a 16 year old living under the fear of whatever VCE is. (That comes up a lot – almost as much as ‘semi’s’ came up on Glee. Okay, it came up like three times, much less than semi’s on Glee.)
(“The Victorian Certificate of Education or VCE is the credential awarded to secondary school students who successfully complete high school level studies (year 11 and 12 or equivalent) in the Australian state of Victoria.” – hmm, so not only is it an Australian thing, it’s a local state thing. Heh. Though judging from a quick glance and seeing a QCE (for Queensland Certificate of Education, this is probably something nationwide. Must complicate moving between states, though. Potentially. I suppose. I really have no idea how ‘stuff’ like that works, though I know the UK has something also that pops up in British young adult books; also know there’s something like it in New York specifically, since I hear people talk about it occasionally – the closest I had to anything like whatever this ‘thing’ is would be AP classes, which you take, then take a test, if you pass the test you get college credit – which I did; though I think some of these ‘things’ are more geared to ‘pass or you don’t get a high school diploma’ type of thing. I prefer it being geared to possible college credit instead of having one bad day and not being able to graduate high school due to fucking up some tests – see, I’ve no clue what this VCE thing is about, I don’t even know if there are, in fact, tests – heh, I just gazed blankly at a website for the VCE thing and I still don’t know what it is about. I think I might be dim. http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Pages/vce/...).
Rating: 4.68
November 8 2017
I am in the unfortunate situation wherein I enjoyed the book I read but am unsure what to actually write about said book. Edited to add: Oh, and yes you need to read the first book in the series before reading this book here.
Well, as I noted somewhere, I think in my status updates, this book, like the prior book in the series, has two point of views – Finn and Willa. Unlike in the prior book – which had the book split roughly evenly in half with the first half of the book seen through one point of view, and the second half seen through the other, this book alternated. Though not every other chapter – occasionally the reader would go from one chapter seen through Finn’s (or Willa’s) eyes to another chapter through their eyes. Other than my initial issue of trying to remember which character was which, and which personalities went with each character – which wasn’t helped by seeing the characters in a new setting – I much prefer the alternating POV instead of the half-and-half approach.
In the first book, Future Leaders of Nowhere, various teenagers, roughly around the age of 15 to … some age over 15, 18? I am not sure if there was just one age level or multiple, I forget now, and if multiple what the cut-off age was. Right, sorry, a group of teenagers, roughly around the age of 15, from various schools in Australia ended up at a leadership camp called ‘Camp Nowhere’. At that camp two young women from different schools, but the same city, meet and fell into . . . deep liking (which may or may not have been love).
In the second book their story, Willa and Finn’s story, continues. But now they are back in Melbourne, back amongst their fella school students, back among their families and are only able to see each other at certain times.
The second book is much more about family, and friends, and individual people’s places in the world, and what they actually wish to prioritize (is the almost thankless task of being student/school captain (what would be called student president in the USA), really worth it for the bit it adds to their resume and college admissions? Should an absentee father be given more of your time? How about a mother who works so much that she never seems to be home? Or a sister who gets on your nerves, or a brother who rarely talks, or … etc.). While, at the same time, the relationship/romance between Finn and Willa continues. Now that they are 16 . . . or 17. I’ve lost track of how old they were in book one and two; and book two picks up immediately after book one so it’s not like their age could advance massively, though time seems to fly in book two, and birthdays do occur.
This was a quite enjoyable slice of life, romance, young adult novel. Those looking for sex should look elsewhere, except for heavy passionate kissing.
Wow, I’ve not really said anything, eh? Well, as I said, I enjoyed the book but do not have much to say about it. I didn’t hate the book, nor love the book so deeply that I wish to immediately move to Australia and become a 16 year old living under the fear of whatever VCE is. (That comes up a lot – almost as much as ‘semi’s’ came up on Glee. Okay, it came up like three times, much less than semi’s on Glee.)
(“The Victorian Certificate of Education or VCE is the credential awarded to secondary school students who successfully complete high school level studies (year 11 and 12 or equivalent) in the Australian state of Victoria.” – hmm, so not only is it an Australian thing, it’s a local state thing. Heh. Though judging from a quick glance and seeing a QCE (for Queensland Certificate of Education, this is probably something nationwide. Must complicate moving between states, though. Potentially. I suppose. I really have no idea how ‘stuff’ like that works, though I know the UK has something also that pops up in British young adult books; also know there’s something like it in New York specifically, since I hear people talk about it occasionally – the closest I had to anything like whatever this ‘thing’ is would be AP classes, which you take, then take a test, if you pass the test you get college credit – which I did; though I think some of these ‘things’ are more geared to ‘pass or you don’t get a high school diploma’ type of thing. I prefer it being geared to possible college credit instead of having one bad day and not being able to graduate high school due to fucking up some tests – see, I’ve no clue what this VCE thing is about, I don’t even know if there are, in fact, tests – heh, I just gazed blankly at a website for the VCE thing and I still don’t know what it is about. I think I might be dim. http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Pages/vce/...).
Rating: 4.68
November 8 2017
November 25, 2017
It was ok. I have no idea what this book is even about. Besides from life outside of Future Leaders of Nowhere. I literally spent 3 days with this book and after reading it I cannot tell you, dear reader, what to expect when you read this.
Finn's intimacy issues? Willa and Finn's father issues? Cause there's no end of that, even it doesn't completely get resolved. For that matter neither does Finn's intimacy hesitancy. Nothing really happens. It's a complete grind.
I think the best part about this book for me at least was the bit about the LGBT community center. Even so, you don't find out if it's sorted out or not.
It's all a bit of dangling plot arc's really.
Weird.
Finn's intimacy issues? Willa and Finn's father issues? Cause there's no end of that, even it doesn't completely get resolved. For that matter neither does Finn's intimacy hesitancy. Nothing really happens. It's a complete grind.
I think the best part about this book for me at least was the bit about the LGBT community center. Even so, you don't find out if it's sorted out or not.
It's all a bit of dangling plot arc's really.
Weird.
December 1, 2017
What I mentioned in my review of Future Leaders of Nowhere, and I will mention again, is how amazing the characters are. They feel so realistic and well-developed and I feel like I really know them now. Again there is a lot of character development in the story. Both characters are incredibly smart and dedicated to their studies (definitely Huffleclaws), but they also deal with family issues and relationship problems.
"It’s so unfair, she thinks, the way Willa’s life seems to hang on ifs and maybes. No matter how hard she works to keep it steady and afloat."
In the first book, you got to see a lot of minor characters and it was mainly about the camp they were going to. Now, a few of those characters return but the setting is completely different. Formerly, family was a bit of a background thing, now it really took main stage. I adored Willa’s Nan and Finn’s siblings were adorable. They were just such a nice addition to the story! I loved seeing Willa and Finn interact with their family and deal with problems in their own ways. But they also help each other.
“People are gay. Always have been. Including your daughter. Now, kindly get over it, and join us in this century. I’m halfway through seventy. If I can handle it, so can you.”
In the first book Will and Finn get together and in the second book, they go steady. The first book was very sweet when it came to romance, and the second still was very sweet, but it also takes things a bit further. It’s no longer just kisses. What I loved most about this book was that there was no unnecessary romance trouble. Very often I feel like when there is already an established relationship, there is a lot of tension and problems between the two characters in the relationship. This was not at all the case here. There were some problems in the relationship, but I think every couple has some problems, but it never felt forced or unnecessary.
"A girl like Finn doesn’t need to be school captain to prove herself. She proves herself just by being who she is, brave and believing. That’s what Willa will tell her. Maybe some people don’t know the full wonder of her yet, but they will one day. And right now, Willa’s smitten with being one of those who do."
I am giving this book 4 stars because it was an adorable f/f romance with wonderful characters! I loved how there were little news things sprinkled throughout the story about current affairs, such as the Australian referendum on same-sex marriage. It made the story even more realistic! The romance was so cute and I loved how it continued on from the former book. I would highly recommend this book if you like diverse romance with a focus on family! But definitely read Future Leaders of Nowhere first!
"It’s so unfair, she thinks, the way Willa’s life seems to hang on ifs and maybes. No matter how hard she works to keep it steady and afloat."
In the first book, you got to see a lot of minor characters and it was mainly about the camp they were going to. Now, a few of those characters return but the setting is completely different. Formerly, family was a bit of a background thing, now it really took main stage. I adored Willa’s Nan and Finn’s siblings were adorable. They were just such a nice addition to the story! I loved seeing Willa and Finn interact with their family and deal with problems in their own ways. But they also help each other.
“People are gay. Always have been. Including your daughter. Now, kindly get over it, and join us in this century. I’m halfway through seventy. If I can handle it, so can you.”
In the first book Will and Finn get together and in the second book, they go steady. The first book was very sweet when it came to romance, and the second still was very sweet, but it also takes things a bit further. It’s no longer just kisses. What I loved most about this book was that there was no unnecessary romance trouble. Very often I feel like when there is already an established relationship, there is a lot of tension and problems between the two characters in the relationship. This was not at all the case here. There were some problems in the relationship, but I think every couple has some problems, but it never felt forced or unnecessary.
"A girl like Finn doesn’t need to be school captain to prove herself. She proves herself just by being who she is, brave and believing. That’s what Willa will tell her. Maybe some people don’t know the full wonder of her yet, but they will one day. And right now, Willa’s smitten with being one of those who do."
I am giving this book 4 stars because it was an adorable f/f romance with wonderful characters! I loved how there were little news things sprinkled throughout the story about current affairs, such as the Australian referendum on same-sex marriage. It made the story even more realistic! The romance was so cute and I loved how it continued on from the former book. I would highly recommend this book if you like diverse romance with a focus on family! But definitely read Future Leaders of Nowhere first!
December 8, 2017
All the Ways to Here is a lovely Sequel to a beautiful book.
We get to meet a lot of great characters we’ve heard of in the first book and I continue to adore Finn and Willa through and through.
Then there’s the overall amazing writing style, especially in the dialogues. Even the ones when they only say a few singular words or send a text just feel so natural. I love a good dialogue that's natural and casual, without it feeling like the author's trying too hard to achieve that.
In camp Finn and Willa have been in an isolated environment, away from the people they love and their homes and routines. All that counted there was getting through the camp time and playing the game, which gave Future Leaders a very special aesthetic.
It's now interesting to see how they adapt to being back in their reality, being confronted with their own problems and responsibilities and still making space in their lives for this new person.
Both of them mostly go their own path in this, with consulting the other person regarding their doubts when they manage to be together, which is fine and understandable, even tho I missed the close proximity the camp put them under a bit.
There were a few moments when the stress they’re both put under could have crashed their new-found relationship, but they stayed rational and in character and worked through it – thank god. Communication, that’s what it looks like!
We get to meet a lot of great characters we’ve heard of in the first book and I continue to adore Finn and Willa through and through.
Then there’s the overall amazing writing style, especially in the dialogues. Even the ones when they only say a few singular words or send a text just feel so natural. I love a good dialogue that's natural and casual, without it feeling like the author's trying too hard to achieve that.
In camp Finn and Willa have been in an isolated environment, away from the people they love and their homes and routines. All that counted there was getting through the camp time and playing the game, which gave Future Leaders a very special aesthetic.
It's now interesting to see how they adapt to being back in their reality, being confronted with their own problems and responsibilities and still making space in their lives for this new person.
Both of them mostly go their own path in this, with consulting the other person regarding their doubts when they manage to be together, which is fine and understandable, even tho I missed the close proximity the camp put them under a bit.
There were a few moments when the stress they’re both put under could have crashed their new-found relationship, but they stayed rational and in character and worked through it – thank god. Communication, that’s what it looks like!
December 27, 2017
In this book, Finn and Willa find themselfs navigating throw normal life again, after camp. Trying to understand life as it was before. Finn with her struglers about her busy school life and Willa trying to survive to family issues. Neither of them having much time to each other.
Like always Ms O'Beirne writes a marvelous book. A book about feelings. About family and friends and about dealing with the choices you make in life. Everytime I open a book by this author I know I'm reading a good book that would left me speechless (I've been trying to do this review for three days).
Five of five stars. More than a recomended book.
*An ARC was given to me from YLVA for a honest review.
Like always Ms O'Beirne writes a marvelous book. A book about feelings. About family and friends and about dealing with the choices you make in life. Everytime I open a book by this author I know I'm reading a good book that would left me speechless (I've been trying to do this review for three days).
Five of five stars. More than a recomended book.
*An ARC was given to me from YLVA for a honest review.
November 5, 2017
I NEED MORE
November 5, 2017
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I love this sequel almost as much as I love the first book! Emily O'Beirne's writing is deliciously exquisite and danm near perfect, IMHO.
This novel has Willa and Finn home from leadership camp; back to the realities of life with family, friends, and school. Although Willa is immersed in the day-to-day concerns of her younger siblings, Riley and Jack, and the overall health and well-being of her grandmother, whom they all live with, she is very glad to be home. This comes through very early in the novel where Willa expresses the thought, It’s so good to be home, back in the radius of the handful of people life has doled out to Willa. Everyone’s on the map again, placed within reach: Nan’s down the side, wrangling her grapevine into submission. Willa’s brother, Jack, is over the road, killing digital baddies with Tyler. Her sister, Riley, is inside, supposedly cleaning her side of their room. And Kelly and Maida have her surrounded on the slip of a lawn. Even though it’s interrogation time, it’s blissful to lie here again in the slick of protective coating that is her nosy, beautiful best friends. Finn is also glad to be home, though she is worried about her parents separation and how strange it is to come home to a dad-less house.
In the course of the novel Willa's grandmother has an accident and the only thing standing between Willa and her siblings going into foster care is the absentee father she barely knows. On top of her worry for her grandmother, Willa must navigate the additional responsibilities of taking care of her younger siblings, her father's presence in the household, her friends, school responsibilities, and her relationship with Finn. While Finn's life is somewhat less dramatic she too must navigate a change in her relationship with her father due to his absence, prioritize her responsibilities to her friends, community activism, school responsibilities, and her relationship with Willa.
This sequel is less about the Willa-Finn romance and more about Willa and Finn's lives after leadership camp.
Ms. O'Beirne has given us a novel in which the main characters feel so very real and every supporting character has a depth and back story equal to that. Ms. O'Briene didn't just write a story she built a world as rich, complex, and diverse as the one in which we live. I am gratified that the wait for this novel was a short as it was, though I would've waited as long as necessary to read it.
I love this sequel almost as much as I love the first book! Emily O'Beirne's writing is deliciously exquisite and danm near perfect, IMHO.
This novel has Willa and Finn home from leadership camp; back to the realities of life with family, friends, and school. Although Willa is immersed in the day-to-day concerns of her younger siblings, Riley and Jack, and the overall health and well-being of her grandmother, whom they all live with, she is very glad to be home. This comes through very early in the novel where Willa expresses the thought, It’s so good to be home, back in the radius of the handful of people life has doled out to Willa. Everyone’s on the map again, placed within reach: Nan’s down the side, wrangling her grapevine into submission. Willa’s brother, Jack, is over the road, killing digital baddies with Tyler. Her sister, Riley, is inside, supposedly cleaning her side of their room. And Kelly and Maida have her surrounded on the slip of a lawn. Even though it’s interrogation time, it’s blissful to lie here again in the slick of protective coating that is her nosy, beautiful best friends. Finn is also glad to be home, though she is worried about her parents separation and how strange it is to come home to a dad-less house.
In the course of the novel Willa's grandmother has an accident and the only thing standing between Willa and her siblings going into foster care is the absentee father she barely knows. On top of her worry for her grandmother, Willa must navigate the additional responsibilities of taking care of her younger siblings, her father's presence in the household, her friends, school responsibilities, and her relationship with Finn. While Finn's life is somewhat less dramatic she too must navigate a change in her relationship with her father due to his absence, prioritize her responsibilities to her friends, community activism, school responsibilities, and her relationship with Willa.
This sequel is less about the Willa-Finn romance and more about Willa and Finn's lives after leadership camp.
Ms. O'Beirne has given us a novel in which the main characters feel so very real and every supporting character has a depth and back story equal to that. Ms. O'Briene didn't just write a story she built a world as rich, complex, and diverse as the one in which we live. I am gratified that the wait for this novel was a short as it was, though I would've waited as long as necessary to read it.
November 4, 2017
All the Ways to Here is the second book in the Future Leaders series. I recommend reading this series in proper order for continuity. I enjoyed this read as it filled out the main characters Finn and Willa in their natural habitat.
After the in depth game of Future Leaders in the first book we are seeing both characters at home and interacting with family, friends and school.
There is plenty of teenage angst and the budding relationship to keep you turning the pages.
Ms O’Beirne is a talented writer who understands and manoeuvres easily within the teenage culture.
I highly recommend this novel.
After the in depth game of Future Leaders in the first book we are seeing both characters at home and interacting with family, friends and school.
There is plenty of teenage angst and the budding relationship to keep you turning the pages.
Ms O’Beirne is a talented writer who understands and manoeuvres easily within the teenage culture.
I highly recommend this novel.
March 19, 2018
UGHHHHHHHHHHH I need so much more of the cuteness WHY
December 13, 2017
It seems like every new Emily O'Beirne book is better than the last, which is saying a lot considering how much I liked the first ones I read. This book follows on from Future Leaders of Nowhere and shows how Finn and Willa's relationship continues to develop after they leave camp and return to the real world. They both have a lot going on - family issues, responsibilities at school, concerns about their friends, a campaign to save a local queer community centre - but, far from becoming strained, their relationship is a great source of strength and stability for them both. They're the kindest, most supportive girlfriends ever. I love the way Willa reacted when someone suggested she should be insecure about Finn's bisexuality, just refusing to dignify that nonsense with a response. I love the fact that their choice not to have sex yet is presented positively: they enjoy kissing and touching without pressure, their solid boundaries make them feel safe, and when Finn worries Willa might be getting impatient, she assures her "I don't feel like I'm waiting for anything. I just want to be with you, and I am." I wish I'd had a book like this when I was a teenager. It's wholesome, heartfelt and engaging, and reflects my own high school experience more closely than any other YA book I remember reading.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)
December 23, 2017
I love how Emily O'Beirne writes sequels to her books that actually are about the characters from the previous book.
I enjoyed Willa's and Finn's story in the first - I actually reread it to refresh my memory before I read this one - and liked to see where there story went.
The characters were well developed in the first part but since I already knew them it helped to give them another layer of depth. I really enjoyed this book but I don't think it would work well as a standalone story.
I enjoyed Willa's and Finn's story in the first - I actually reread it to refresh my memory before I read this one - and liked to see where there story went.
The characters were well developed in the first part but since I already knew them it helped to give them another layer of depth. I really enjoyed this book but I don't think it would work well as a standalone story.
March 8, 2018
All the Ways to Here was as great as Future Leaders of Nowhere and I'm really sad to be leaving this universe behind, but it was a great adventure and I'll definitely read them again.
November 12, 2017
I previously reviewed Future Leaders of Nowhere (here) and fell in love with Finn & Willa and co, so imagine my excitement when the author contacted me to offer a digital copy of its sequel for review. :D My only concern was whether or not All The Ways To Here would live up to my high expectations, and I'm so relieved and thrilled to report that it did indeed! <3
For me, sequels after the couple have gotten together are a tricky thing - it's easy to lose interest once the unresolved sexual tension becomes resolved and they're all schmoopy and in love. I find that a lot of writers tend to make up for this by throwing in numerous obstacles like new love interests, stupid misunderstandings and manufactured drama to avoid the relationship becoming stagnant, but that just makes it worse!
Fortunately, All The Ways To Here expertly avoids those common pitfalls and actually manages to make me all the MORE invested in Finn/Willa, even when they spend chapters apart! The obstacles to true love running smoothly are perfectly in character and were set up in the first book - they have to juggle being at different schools, various leadership responsibilities and extracurricular activities, Willa's duty to her younger siblings and Finn visiting her father interstate, among other issues that crop up. But there was never any question of their desire to be a couple and it was simply a matter of how they would work through the problems in their way so they could be together.
I don't think I've ever loved a YA couple more than these girls, they are just simply the best. It's so endearing to see Finn easily take Willa's brother and sister under her wing, unquestioning that they had to be Willa's first priority and making playdates for all of them to spend time as a group instead of being sullen about not coming first. And watching Willa work to overcome her shyness so she could get to know Finn's parents and friends was heartwarming, considering how hard she finds socializing!
Teens in YA can sometimes be complete brats and prone to making asinine decisions - a defense I hear all too often is something along the lines of 'well, the story would be over if they didn't make this stupid choice'. This book shows how you can depict a teen couple with realistic struggles, who don't have it all together and are still trying to figure their lives out, with interesting dilemmas and dramatic developments, who actually possess common sense and maturity! PRAISE BE TO THE WRITING GODS.
Of course, Finn and Willa aren't perfect - I wouldn't be so fond of them if they were! The former is working through hangups from her first relationship and the latter is prone to bottling up her emotions and then lashing out when she can't contain it anymore. But these flaws are so well-written and understandable, I completely sympathized even as I winced and crossed my fingers for the girls to work it out.
I've talked a lot about the main two girls, but another thing I enjoy about theFuture Leaders books is the vibrant and lively cast of supporting characters. Everyone is so well-drawn and believable, no matter how small their role! A lot of times, I admit that my main investment is in the couple we're meant to be rooting for, but I ended up being interested in Finn's interaction with her teachers (lol, Mr Granger), and fellow students (especially the rivalry with Zehra) as well as Willa navigating the strange new world of friends at Gandry and having her erstwhile father coming back into her life, with all the heartache and complications that entails.
In short: I can't recommend this highly enough (although note that you do need to read the first book in order to properly enjoy this one). Emily O'Beirne has an amazing ability to create realistic teenage characters with relatable issues, an easy-to-read writing style filled with warmth and humor, and incorporates topical issues like the marriage equality vote and need to protect LGBTQ safe spaces without crossing the line into preachy after-school special. The only downside is that it had to end!
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
For me, sequels after the couple have gotten together are a tricky thing - it's easy to lose interest once the unresolved sexual tension becomes resolved and they're all schmoopy and in love. I find that a lot of writers tend to make up for this by throwing in numerous obstacles like new love interests, stupid misunderstandings and manufactured drama to avoid the relationship becoming stagnant, but that just makes it worse!
Fortunately, All The Ways To Here expertly avoids those common pitfalls and actually manages to make me all the MORE invested in Finn/Willa, even when they spend chapters apart! The obstacles to true love running smoothly are perfectly in character and were set up in the first book - they have to juggle being at different schools, various leadership responsibilities and extracurricular activities, Willa's duty to her younger siblings and Finn visiting her father interstate, among other issues that crop up. But there was never any question of their desire to be a couple and it was simply a matter of how they would work through the problems in their way so they could be together.
I don't think I've ever loved a YA couple more than these girls, they are just simply the best. It's so endearing to see Finn easily take Willa's brother and sister under her wing, unquestioning that they had to be Willa's first priority and making playdates for all of them to spend time as a group instead of being sullen about not coming first. And watching Willa work to overcome her shyness so she could get to know Finn's parents and friends was heartwarming, considering how hard she finds socializing!
Teens in YA can sometimes be complete brats and prone to making asinine decisions - a defense I hear all too often is something along the lines of 'well, the story would be over if they didn't make this stupid choice'. This book shows how you can depict a teen couple with realistic struggles, who don't have it all together and are still trying to figure their lives out, with interesting dilemmas and dramatic developments, who actually possess common sense and maturity! PRAISE BE TO THE WRITING GODS.
Of course, Finn and Willa aren't perfect - I wouldn't be so fond of them if they were! The former is working through hangups from her first relationship and the latter is prone to bottling up her emotions and then lashing out when she can't contain it anymore. But these flaws are so well-written and understandable, I completely sympathized even as I winced and crossed my fingers for the girls to work it out.
I've talked a lot about the main two girls, but another thing I enjoy about theFuture Leaders books is the vibrant and lively cast of supporting characters. Everyone is so well-drawn and believable, no matter how small their role! A lot of times, I admit that my main investment is in the couple we're meant to be rooting for, but I ended up being interested in Finn's interaction with her teachers (lol, Mr Granger), and fellow students (especially the rivalry with Zehra) as well as Willa navigating the strange new world of friends at Gandry and having her erstwhile father coming back into her life, with all the heartache and complications that entails.
In short: I can't recommend this highly enough (although note that you do need to read the first book in order to properly enjoy this one). Emily O'Beirne has an amazing ability to create realistic teenage characters with relatable issues, an easy-to-read writing style filled with warmth and humor, and incorporates topical issues like the marriage equality vote and need to protect LGBTQ safe spaces without crossing the line into preachy after-school special. The only downside is that it had to end!
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2018
First reviewed on: Books to get lost in
So worth the wait!
I think I may have a new second favourite book by Emily O’Beirne (Here’s the Thing will probably stay forever in first place)!
You know those romances where the whole book is about the romance and the (mostly) two people involved in it? Whenever something not-relationship-y happens it’s only so relationship-y stuff can come out of it? Not here! Of course not here.
Instead Finn and Willa still have their separate lives. Just because you’re in love with someone doesn’t mean there isn’t any everyday stuff to do and that you can’t think about anything different than your partner. And Finn and Willa do have a lot on their plate.
All the Ways to Here picks off where Future Leaders to Nowhere ended and I really love how there isn’t a big time jump between the two books. There was a rather big time jump between me reading the first and then the second book but it didn’t feel like it because I was back in the story from page 1.
I can’t tell you about everything I love about this book, because I’d spoiler the whole book and I really want you to experience it on your own…
I still want to talk about two themes: friendships and expectations.
I love the friendships that are portrayed in All the Ways to Here! They are not without complications and they’re not interchangeable with each other, because guess what? People are different so the relationship you’ve got with one person will be different from that with another person. I especially enjoyed the worry of one character about one of their friend’s eating disorder, because it is well done. I can imagine having the same thoughts and fears about it being true and how to talk to one person about them having an ED.
But the thing that really hit home were expectations. There is a lot of pressure on Finn and Willa about who they should be, what they should do, how they should be. I myself lived my life according to other people’s expectations and I wasn’t happy that way. I wasn’t exactly miserable either (most of the time at least) but that really is no way to live your life. The characters have to deal with different expectations and the way that stress shapes them. I love Emily for not portraying them ‘sweetly’ stressed but have them lashing out if it gets too much.
Okay, I lied… there’s a third theme I want to mention: talking in relationships
Relationships are about communication. Your partner can’t read your mind, so you have to talk to them. Finn and Willa give a great example about how to talk to your partner about the things that are on your mind and what will happen if you do not talk about it.
I really love how healthily their relationship is portrayed. Like really. So often in YA it I roll my eyes or worse have to yell about abusive patterns but this YA book? You won’t see me doing any of this. Instead I’ll yell about how there’s an example on how to deal with your partner when they’re being moody. Spoiler: the answer’s not to extort them!
This book will end up as one of my rare double copies! I already own the ebook on my fictional shelf but I HAVE to have the print book on my actual bookshelf as well. This alone should tell you how much I love All the Ways to Here.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy through the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
So worth the wait!
I think I may have a new second favourite book by Emily O’Beirne (Here’s the Thing will probably stay forever in first place)!
You know those romances where the whole book is about the romance and the (mostly) two people involved in it? Whenever something not-relationship-y happens it’s only so relationship-y stuff can come out of it? Not here! Of course not here.
Instead Finn and Willa still have their separate lives. Just because you’re in love with someone doesn’t mean there isn’t any everyday stuff to do and that you can’t think about anything different than your partner. And Finn and Willa do have a lot on their plate.
All the Ways to Here picks off where Future Leaders to Nowhere ended and I really love how there isn’t a big time jump between the two books. There was a rather big time jump between me reading the first and then the second book but it didn’t feel like it because I was back in the story from page 1.
I can’t tell you about everything I love about this book, because I’d spoiler the whole book and I really want you to experience it on your own…
I still want to talk about two themes: friendships and expectations.
I love the friendships that are portrayed in All the Ways to Here! They are not without complications and they’re not interchangeable with each other, because guess what? People are different so the relationship you’ve got with one person will be different from that with another person. I especially enjoyed the worry of one character about one of their friend’s eating disorder, because it is well done. I can imagine having the same thoughts and fears about it being true and how to talk to one person about them having an ED.
But the thing that really hit home were expectations. There is a lot of pressure on Finn and Willa about who they should be, what they should do, how they should be. I myself lived my life according to other people’s expectations and I wasn’t happy that way. I wasn’t exactly miserable either (most of the time at least) but that really is no way to live your life. The characters have to deal with different expectations and the way that stress shapes them. I love Emily for not portraying them ‘sweetly’ stressed but have them lashing out if it gets too much.
Okay, I lied… there’s a third theme I want to mention: talking in relationships
Relationships are about communication. Your partner can’t read your mind, so you have to talk to them. Finn and Willa give a great example about how to talk to your partner about the things that are on your mind and what will happen if you do not talk about it.
I really love how healthily their relationship is portrayed. Like really. So often in YA it I roll my eyes or worse have to yell about abusive patterns but this YA book? You won’t see me doing any of this. Instead I’ll yell about how there’s an example on how to deal with your partner when they’re being moody. Spoiler: the answer’s not to extort them!
This book will end up as one of my rare double copies! I already own the ebook on my fictional shelf but I HAVE to have the print book on my actual bookshelf as well. This alone should tell you how much I love All the Ways to Here.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy through the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
November 21, 2017
O’Beirne is a wonderful writer whose major talent lies in finding the beauty in the small details of everyday life. She is also skilled in creating a distinct voice for each of her characters through their dialogue. Most of the time it was clear who was speaking, even without attribution. This is the sequel to Future Leaders of Nowhere, one of my favourite books this year. If you haven’t read it, then this book will not be as enjoyable, and may not even make complete sense.
Willa and Finn have returned home from camp and are trying to find the room to develop their relationship in between the other demands on their time. They are still the same sweet couple that we grew to love in the first book. O’Beirne doesn’t manufacture a crisis from nowhere in order to perpetuate the sexual tension in their as yet unconsummated relationship, everything that happens follows more less organically from what we already know of their lives.
In spite of this, and in spite of O’Beirne’s undoubted talent, this books feels like the second book in a trilogy (but, apparently it is not). It feels a bit like treading water until we get into the really interesting stuff.
I enjoyed All the Ways to Here but I also have to admit to feeling a bit disappointed – there were so many things I wanted to know.
If leaving your readers wanting more is a sign of success, then O’Beirne has been very successful here. I want more.
Note: I was given an advance copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Willa and Finn have returned home from camp and are trying to find the room to develop their relationship in between the other demands on their time. They are still the same sweet couple that we grew to love in the first book. O’Beirne doesn’t manufacture a crisis from nowhere in order to perpetuate the sexual tension in their as yet unconsummated relationship, everything that happens follows more less organically from what we already know of their lives.
In spite of this, and in spite of O’Beirne’s undoubted talent, this books feels like the second book in a trilogy (but, apparently it is not). It feels a bit like treading water until we get into the really interesting stuff.
I enjoyed All the Ways to Here but I also have to admit to feeling a bit disappointed – there were so many things I wanted to know.
If leaving your readers wanting more is a sign of success, then O’Beirne has been very successful here. I want more.
Note: I was given an advance copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2017
Finn and Willa met at the Future Leaders of Nowhere camp, the first book. This sequel explores their budding relationship as they juggle school and family drama and curfews and their teenage hormones. My favourite part of romance novels is how a couple comes to be, so I was a little worried that I'd find an established relationship dragging. This was absolutely not the case. There is so much drama and relationship development that you can barely keep up with it all. My god, also, Finn and Willa are the sweetest things in the history of the world. The world. Their affection for each other, the way they think the sun rises and sets on each other, it just oozed of the page and put a huge grin on your face. You cannot be sad or stressed reading this book.
While the first book focuses on Willa and Finn, this book explores so many other characters in depth, ones that we've only heard mention of in the first book or ones that we've only briefly met at camp. The relationships are complex and beautiful - Willa's Dad and the kids, Finn's parents. Finn and Willa's relationship was healthy too, not without struggles of course, but it was nice to see teenagers have a nice healthy relationship.
I loved this book! I can't wait to read the next Emily O'Beirne!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2017
Willa and Finn are back in the follow up to this summer's excellent Future Leaders of Nowhere. Everyone is back in school, and the camp has changed their perceptions on what they want from life. Finn begins to see that her life is not necessarily about what she can do in the school, while Willa is learning to ask for things for herself.
On top of the adorable romance between Finn and Willa, All Ways to Here, covers such things as activism, teens who are caretakers, and sexuality. The novel is able to handle Finn's insecurities about sex with grace; it doesn't feel unnatural when Willa tells her that she is willing to wait because she is shown to just be so happy to be with Finn to the point that she's amazed that Finn wants to stay with her. The larger points of the book, like Willa suddenly dealing with the prospect of losing her Grandmother and thus the kids, and Finn's grappling with what she wants her priorities are, are very good and provide just the right amount of tension for the teens.
Overall, this is a feel good story that is left somewhat open-ended. I like that choice as we know that the teens had to work hard to get where they are at the end of the book, but they are ever moving forward. Because that's who Willa and Finn are.
On top of the adorable romance between Finn and Willa, All Ways to Here, covers such things as activism, teens who are caretakers, and sexuality. The novel is able to handle Finn's insecurities about sex with grace; it doesn't feel unnatural when Willa tells her that she is willing to wait because she is shown to just be so happy to be with Finn to the point that she's amazed that Finn wants to stay with her. The larger points of the book, like Willa suddenly dealing with the prospect of losing her Grandmother and thus the kids, and Finn's grappling with what she wants her priorities are, are very good and provide just the right amount of tension for the teens.
Overall, this is a feel good story that is left somewhat open-ended. I like that choice as we know that the teens had to work hard to get where they are at the end of the book, but they are ever moving forward. Because that's who Willa and Finn are.
November 13, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Emily O'Beirne just cannot write a bad novel! I've been a big fan of hers since even before her debut novel. She excels at writing young adult/new adult novels that just feel so real. I normally am not big fan of young adult novels in general because I just cannot relate to most of them. However, Emily is a big exception because I can relate to her writing so much. I don't know how she does that, but kudos!
This novel is actually a sequel to Future Leaders of Nowhere. It pretty much kicks off not long after the ending of the first novel and focus on Finn and Willa dealing with their daily lives of being a student plus difficult situations with their families. This novel is not exactly romantic, even though it does have elements of romance. It's more of a "real life" type of novel where the characters face conflicts hat many people deal with in real life. Nothing too dramatic but easy to relate with.
The best quality of this novel is the dialogue. Emily writes dialogue so well and it doens't feel weird or like it only exists in books. You can easily see the dialogue in the novel happening in life too.
Absolutely recommend for anyone to read. Start with the first novel though!
Emily O'Beirne just cannot write a bad novel! I've been a big fan of hers since even before her debut novel. She excels at writing young adult/new adult novels that just feel so real. I normally am not big fan of young adult novels in general because I just cannot relate to most of them. However, Emily is a big exception because I can relate to her writing so much. I don't know how she does that, but kudos!
This novel is actually a sequel to Future Leaders of Nowhere. It pretty much kicks off not long after the ending of the first novel and focus on Finn and Willa dealing with their daily lives of being a student plus difficult situations with their families. This novel is not exactly romantic, even though it does have elements of romance. It's more of a "real life" type of novel where the characters face conflicts hat many people deal with in real life. Nothing too dramatic but easy to relate with.
The best quality of this novel is the dialogue. Emily writes dialogue so well and it doens't feel weird or like it only exists in books. You can easily see the dialogue in the novel happening in life too.
Absolutely recommend for anyone to read. Start with the first novel though!
November 6, 2017
*ARC for review*
So, Finn, Willa and the others are back to normalcy - and all the family problems we learned about at Camp Nowhere.
Willa has to struggle with all the unexpected chores she has to do because her Nan got injured.
Being bad at expressing emotions herself, she learns that it comes from her dad. Another problem that adds to the stress, as he comes to help out.
I can't remember having that much homework and we definitely hadn't had to write essays as a part of it. Because it occurs also in Harry Potter I think it's the British school system. Not really endearing.
Meanwhile Finn learns that being year captain is way more boring than exciting work. Plus, she worries about her parents: divorce or not?
And then she has the self-imposed task with the survival of the LGBT center that collides with her school captain job. Which leads to the question: what does she want to do? Things that look good on a resume or things that really help.
tl;dr: Emily O'Beirne delivered just another sequel you want immediately a sequel to.
So, Finn, Willa and the others are back to normalcy - and all the family problems we learned about at Camp Nowhere.
Willa has to struggle with all the unexpected chores she has to do because her Nan got injured.
Being bad at expressing emotions herself, she learns that it comes from her dad. Another problem that adds to the stress, as he comes to help out.
I can't remember having that much homework and we definitely hadn't had to write essays as a part of it. Because it occurs also in Harry Potter I think it's the British school system. Not really endearing.
Meanwhile Finn learns that being year captain is way more boring than exciting work. Plus, she worries about her parents: divorce or not?
And then she has the self-imposed task with the survival of the LGBT center that collides with her school captain job. Which leads to the question: what does she want to do? Things that look good on a resume or things that really help.
tl;dr: Emily O'Beirne delivered just another sequel you want immediately a sequel to.
November 28, 2017
I waited for this book right since it was announced. And even though I needed some time to wind my brain around the new surroundings (home living and complications far away from camp) I really loved this book.
I still love Willa and Finn and now I love all other characters as well. Willa's family and friends are so lovely though their life gets a bit complicated when Willa's father arrives. It great to get to know Willa even more, to fall in love with her again and again.
Finn's family was introduces in the first book and we get to know what happens to her mother and father and their relationship.
Everything felt so real. It was so addictive to follow along with them.
First I didn't like the fast changing of PoV because I was used to the first book which was slpitted in half telling us first about Finn then about Willa. This time the PoV changes frequently. But once I got used to it, I really liked it.
All in all this book is just as gorgeous as the first one was. I am really looking to read more of O'Beirnes work.
I still love Willa and Finn and now I love all other characters as well. Willa's family and friends are so lovely though their life gets a bit complicated when Willa's father arrives. It great to get to know Willa even more, to fall in love with her again and again.
Finn's family was introduces in the first book and we get to know what happens to her mother and father and their relationship.
Everything felt so real. It was so addictive to follow along with them.
First I didn't like the fast changing of PoV because I was used to the first book which was slpitted in half telling us first about Finn then about Willa. This time the PoV changes frequently. But once I got used to it, I really liked it.
All in all this book is just as gorgeous as the first one was. I am really looking to read more of O'Beirnes work.
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