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Fireflies Glow Only in the Dark
Even if I knew the deepest secrets of the world, I wouldn’t be any happier.
Growing up in a small town, Lana didn’t expect much from life. After the accident, everything changed. The world she once knew shattered into a thousand pieces. Maybe she was loved once, but now? She was completely lost. And the nightmares didn’t make things any easier.
Max came into her life one cheerless rainy morning. Indifferent and closed off, he was a mystery. One she needed to solve. What was hiding behind his sad smile and the wall of restraint he erected between them? The more she learned about him, the more she wanted to know all of his secrets. She never imagined that Max's truth would start a new chapter in her life, a journey that would tear her away from her past and push her into a different future.
The fight between yourself and your darkest fears is difficult, but necessary to find your freedom. Lana had to decide if she was ready to be free.
Growing up in a small town, Lana didn’t expect much from life. After the accident, everything changed. The world she once knew shattered into a thousand pieces. Maybe she was loved once, but now? She was completely lost. And the nightmares didn’t make things any easier.
Max came into her life one cheerless rainy morning. Indifferent and closed off, he was a mystery. One she needed to solve. What was hiding behind his sad smile and the wall of restraint he erected between them? The more she learned about him, the more she wanted to know all of his secrets. She never imagined that Max's truth would start a new chapter in her life, a journey that would tear her away from her past and push her into a different future.
The fight between yourself and your darkest fears is difficult, but necessary to find your freedom. Lana had to decide if she was ready to be free.
291 pages, Paperback
Published July 17, 2018
9 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Morse
2 books18 followersBorn in former Königsberg, now Russian Kaliningrad, Ruth Morse grew up in a city with a complicated history. Ruth always belonged to cosmopolitans, learning different cultures and seeking beauty in the world. She worked as a model, traveling to completely different corners of the world such as Milan and Dubai. In each country, Ruth met teens her age and soon discovered that wherever you are from, teenagers face similar problems.
For all the latest news about Ruth and her work, you can follow her on:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/ruthnmorse
Instagram: @ruthnmorse
Twitter: @ruthnmorse
Facebook: @iamruthmorse
Ruth would also love to hear from you by e-mail. You can always write her to ruthnmorse@gmail.com
For all the latest news about Ruth and her work, you can follow her on:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/ruthnmorse
Instagram: @ruthnmorse
Twitter: @ruthnmorse
Facebook: @iamruthmorse
Ruth would also love to hear from you by e-mail. You can always write her to ruthnmorse@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 27, 2018
Thank you so much Ruth for sending me your book for honest review
This is such a great debut novel, I enjoy it because the writing style is easy to read and poetical, I also love the idea about this book, its sad and gloomy
However I really wish this book can engage me more with the characters, i don’t feel any emotional connection to any of the characters on this book even tho I really want to care and root for Lana and Max.. maybe it will be better if there are some more background story and more character development about Lana and Max. I also don’t like some of the characters thoughts and decisions like drinking alcohols ( so many alcohols drink moments on this story), using weed, partying until late at night, going out with strangers, lied to your parents ect ect (call me no fun but that’s what I thought). The parents are also horrible with their attitude and decisions I just want to strangled them
The dreams mixed with past story kinda confused me, im okay with dream story inside the book as long as there aren’t much, but when they pop up pretty often I got confused which one is dream and which one is the reality on this book
The romance is sweet even tho Its kinda cringy how Lana and Max met. I also felt they were too fast to fall in love
The epilogue is the best part of this book, i love it
Overall If youre looking for story about broken family and dealing with horrible past, anxiety, lost and trying to find yourself in this world, pick this book up
This is such a great debut novel, I enjoy it because the writing style is easy to read and poetical, I also love the idea about this book, its sad and gloomy
However I really wish this book can engage me more with the characters, i don’t feel any emotional connection to any of the characters on this book even tho I really want to care and root for Lana and Max.. maybe it will be better if there are some more background story and more character development about Lana and Max. I also don’t like some of the characters thoughts and decisions like drinking alcohols ( so many alcohols drink moments on this story), using weed, partying until late at night, going out with strangers, lied to your parents ect ect (call me no fun but that’s what I thought). The parents are also horrible with their attitude and decisions I just want to strangled them
The dreams mixed with past story kinda confused me, im okay with dream story inside the book as long as there aren’t much, but when they pop up pretty often I got confused which one is dream and which one is the reality on this book
The romance is sweet even tho Its kinda cringy how Lana and Max met. I also felt they were too fast to fall in love
The epilogue is the best part of this book, i love it
Overall If youre looking for story about broken family and dealing with horrible past, anxiety, lost and trying to find yourself in this world, pick this book up
July 24, 2018
Fireflies Glow Only in the Dark is a beautifully written book with characters that are relatable and easy to love. This story is about a young woman, Lana, who is struggling to find the passion to write that she once had. Through endeavors with the mysterious Max as well as Lana's loud and exuberant best friend, Mel, Lana learns more about herself and the world, leading her to find her motivation once again.
Throughout the book, the reader learns more about the background of Lana and Max. In intense flashbacks that are gripping and almost poetic, we learn about Lana and her troubling experiences. The reader also learns more about Max and the hardships he has faced, building empathy and compassion for the character. The mysterious back stories of the characters make one anxious to keep reading in order to find out what happened in Lana and Max's life.
Morse's use of the language is engaging and flows well, leading the reader to continue through the book with ease. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a story about young adults that are trying to find out who they are. The characters are easy to relate to and they are a good model of how one can move through life even when facing tragedy.
Throughout the book, the reader learns more about the background of Lana and Max. In intense flashbacks that are gripping and almost poetic, we learn about Lana and her troubling experiences. The reader also learns more about Max and the hardships he has faced, building empathy and compassion for the character. The mysterious back stories of the characters make one anxious to keep reading in order to find out what happened in Lana and Max's life.
Morse's use of the language is engaging and flows well, leading the reader to continue through the book with ease. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a story about young adults that are trying to find out who they are. The characters are easy to relate to and they are a good model of how one can move through life even when facing tragedy.
July 22, 2018
Three words for this book: Honest, Moving, Relatable
Fireflies Glow Only in the Dark is a coming of age novel for the ages. This story follows Lana, a girl just out of high school who, like most people her age, is questioning what to do with her life and struggling to figure it out.
Lana’s family went through a traumatic event that changed their lives and created rifts in their relationships. The way Morse tells the story and portrays loss is very moving. This book tells us that yes, our past makes us who we are, but we are also capable of change and choosing our path. What happened to you does not define who or what you are, nor who or what you can be.
Lana’s character and her dilemmas instantly drew me to her. She’s so natural, as a reader you grow to love her quickly. She isn’t one of those cardboard cutout main characters that plague YA books today. She’s a writer who is shy of her own work and I think that will speak to many talented young artists.
Max is a really interesting character as well. He brings out a certain maturity in Lana that I love to see, yet he’s youthful and fun. He’s probably my favorite character in the book, if I had to choose.
I love how Max and Lana learn from each other in this book and that it isn’t just “boy meets girl, girl changes into a different person because of boy” story. They go through some real stuff and become their true selves, learning what they need to.
The writing style is very unique and I love the way the author describes things. She certainly has her own way of seeing the world and it’s fantastic to see through her eyes.
I’d recommend this book for anyone looking for a great YA contemporary read about growing up.
Fireflies Glow Only in the Dark is a coming of age novel for the ages. This story follows Lana, a girl just out of high school who, like most people her age, is questioning what to do with her life and struggling to figure it out.
Lana’s family went through a traumatic event that changed their lives and created rifts in their relationships. The way Morse tells the story and portrays loss is very moving. This book tells us that yes, our past makes us who we are, but we are also capable of change and choosing our path. What happened to you does not define who or what you are, nor who or what you can be.
Lana’s character and her dilemmas instantly drew me to her. She’s so natural, as a reader you grow to love her quickly. She isn’t one of those cardboard cutout main characters that plague YA books today. She’s a writer who is shy of her own work and I think that will speak to many talented young artists.
Max is a really interesting character as well. He brings out a certain maturity in Lana that I love to see, yet he’s youthful and fun. He’s probably my favorite character in the book, if I had to choose.
I love how Max and Lana learn from each other in this book and that it isn’t just “boy meets girl, girl changes into a different person because of boy” story. They go through some real stuff and become their true selves, learning what they need to.
The writing style is very unique and I love the way the author describes things. She certainly has her own way of seeing the world and it’s fantastic to see through her eyes.
I’d recommend this book for anyone looking for a great YA contemporary read about growing up.
September 4, 2018
This was an interesting read!!
It was an amazing story when you got further into it. I couldn't find myself getting truly involved till maybe around page 70-80, but it was a very good read.
The characters all had there own theme about themselves and that part I loved and I think more people, well 18-25 year olds could themselves in. I found myself really connecting with the two main characters; by the way they are perceived.
I would most definitely recommend this book!
It was an amazing story when you got further into it. I couldn't find myself getting truly involved till maybe around page 70-80, but it was a very good read.
The characters all had there own theme about themselves and that part I loved and I think more people, well 18-25 year olds could themselves in. I found myself really connecting with the two main characters; by the way they are perceived.
I would most definitely recommend this book!
September 3, 2018
I received a copy from the author in exchange for a honest review.
I have never read a book like "fireflies glow only in the dark": it's a contemporary, coming-of-age novel filled with dark and gloomy atmospheres that fascinated me. I really enjoyed the story in general and I was so curious about the ending that I just could not stop reading, and ended up finishing the book in less than two days.
Ruth Morse's writing style is so poetical, it flows effortlessly and always prevents you from closing the book. I appreciated how the author dealt with many important matters such as death, family relationships, cheating and others, but unfortunately I have to give this book 3.5/5 stars (and not a full 4 star rating) because I didn't really felt connected to the characters and felt like the love story was too rushed.
However my favorite aspect of this book is that I found it very inspiring and motivational, especially at the end. It shows that we can always choose our direction and that we don't have to be afraid of change.
If you are looking for a fast-paced, inspiring coming-of-age novel, than this one is for you.
I have never read a book like "fireflies glow only in the dark": it's a contemporary, coming-of-age novel filled with dark and gloomy atmospheres that fascinated me. I really enjoyed the story in general and I was so curious about the ending that I just could not stop reading, and ended up finishing the book in less than two days.
Ruth Morse's writing style is so poetical, it flows effortlessly and always prevents you from closing the book. I appreciated how the author dealt with many important matters such as death, family relationships, cheating and others, but unfortunately I have to give this book 3.5/5 stars (and not a full 4 star rating) because I didn't really felt connected to the characters and felt like the love story was too rushed.
However my favorite aspect of this book is that I found it very inspiring and motivational, especially at the end. It shows that we can always choose our direction and that we don't have to be afraid of change.
Yes, we have no choice in being born. Sometimes it's under the most painful pressure we don't deserve, but we have the freedom of making choices. We can choose our direction and we can choose our path. All that remains it to take a step forward...and just go. And it's not a crime to allow yourself to look back sometimes.
If you are looking for a fast-paced, inspiring coming-of-age novel, than this one is for you.
July 28, 2018
This book is written amazing ,inspiring and relatable,About a girl lana and her struggles...
July 27, 2018
Deep and moving
At first, I will admit, I had a struggle figuring out the draw with the characters.
Lana was a ghost, floating through life
But that was the point. The more I read the more glaring all the real trials and emotions became.
The pain, the loneliness, the need to find who you are.
I believe everyone who is on the cusp of adulthood should sit down and read this book.
It reminded me of not just pain, but of dreaming.
Certain parts called out to the romantic, wild adventurer hidden in all of us new adults.
The sense of being lost but the adventure of finding where you belong.
Lana and Max are the epitome of closing your eyes and wishing for true love and romance.
I can’t explain how many emotions come to the surface: dreaming, loneliness, being lost, love, romance, adventure, grief, sadness, change.
Fireflies glow only in the dark takes all of these and makes you feel.
It’s definitely something everyone can relate to, and in the end.. it just shows that change and finding yourself sometimes is what is needed to revive your soul.
Love can open your eyes and taking chances can light a new path to a destination you’re meant to travel to.
At first, I will admit, I had a struggle figuring out the draw with the characters.
Lana was a ghost, floating through life
But that was the point. The more I read the more glaring all the real trials and emotions became.
The pain, the loneliness, the need to find who you are.
I believe everyone who is on the cusp of adulthood should sit down and read this book.
It reminded me of not just pain, but of dreaming.
Certain parts called out to the romantic, wild adventurer hidden in all of us new adults.
The sense of being lost but the adventure of finding where you belong.
Lana and Max are the epitome of closing your eyes and wishing for true love and romance.
I can’t explain how many emotions come to the surface: dreaming, loneliness, being lost, love, romance, adventure, grief, sadness, change.
Fireflies glow only in the dark takes all of these and makes you feel.
It’s definitely something everyone can relate to, and in the end.. it just shows that change and finding yourself sometimes is what is needed to revive your soul.
Love can open your eyes and taking chances can light a new path to a destination you’re meant to travel to.
August 31, 2018
3,5*
This book was sent to me by the author for an honest review.
"Never close your hearts from the world, even if it's easier. You'll never be able to get that back."
The book follows Lana, an eighteen year old girl who has just graduated high school and has yet to find out which step she will take next in her life. Not feeling completely at ease with her parents since the death of her little brother she seeks for more than her small town life. Things change when she meets Max.
This is a somber and beautifully written coming of age story, including the typical teen confusion, first loves and a road trip.
Firstly I'd like to talk about the main characters. Lana was very easy to get into and therefore was the book. I think she is a good example of everyone in their teens who are clueless of their future. Even though I'm already a bit older than her, she felt very relatable most of the time.
I loved how the author showed parts of herself through the character, like Lana wanting to be a writer and her love for russian books.
I liked Max as well, even though he seemed very vague most of the book, but we do get more background information later on.
Lana's best friend Mel was very likable as well, and in my opinion one of the more complex characters in the book. I'd love to find out more about her story.
The novel was a quick read and while the pacing was okay, plotwise it would have done better with more time passing. Some actions seemed a bit rushed at times, especially the romance, but that is personal taste. There were some loose plot lines which asked for more clarification, but nothing that disturbed the flow of the book.
All in all a great debut novel which definitely came from the heart of the author. It is beautifully written and completely raw at times, which I loved.
I'm sure the author will grow even more with her next books !
This book was sent to me by the author for an honest review.
"Never close your hearts from the world, even if it's easier. You'll never be able to get that back."
The book follows Lana, an eighteen year old girl who has just graduated high school and has yet to find out which step she will take next in her life. Not feeling completely at ease with her parents since the death of her little brother she seeks for more than her small town life. Things change when she meets Max.
This is a somber and beautifully written coming of age story, including the typical teen confusion, first loves and a road trip.
Firstly I'd like to talk about the main characters. Lana was very easy to get into and therefore was the book. I think she is a good example of everyone in their teens who are clueless of their future. Even though I'm already a bit older than her, she felt very relatable most of the time.
I loved how the author showed parts of herself through the character, like Lana wanting to be a writer and her love for russian books.
I liked Max as well, even though he seemed very vague most of the book, but we do get more background information later on.
Lana's best friend Mel was very likable as well, and in my opinion one of the more complex characters in the book. I'd love to find out more about her story.
The novel was a quick read and while the pacing was okay, plotwise it would have done better with more time passing. Some actions seemed a bit rushed at times, especially the romance, but that is personal taste. There were some loose plot lines which asked for more clarification, but nothing that disturbed the flow of the book.
All in all a great debut novel which definitely came from the heart of the author. It is beautifully written and completely raw at times, which I loved.
I'm sure the author will grow even more with her next books !
July 23, 2018
Fireflies Glow Only in the Dark is a wonderful contemporary and coming of age novel. The story is of a girl, Lana, who’s just graduated and is questioning what to do next. Mainly, with her own writing. I identified with her being self-conscious and unsure if she has it in her to write something worth reading.
As the story went out, I fell more in love with Lana. However, Max, the love interest, is my favorite. He’s witty and wise, also mature with a child still inside him.
Lana and her family went through something traumatic—“the accident” and I loved the way Morse gives bits on the issue through beautiful and heartbreaking imagery, not telling too much too fast.
Morse lets us in on two things most of us don’t want to grasp or can’t seem to at all: loss happens, and you are capable of becoming who you want to be if you put in the effort and follow your own voice.
Thanks to Max and her incredibly goofy and free-spirited best friend Mel, Lana grows into herself and finds more belief in herself and her writing. Max and Lana don’t dwell on any of the bad that has happened in their lives, they discuss and learn and learn and learn. I love that, because it can be all too easy to stay stuck in the past.
Morse has a way with words: perfect flow and beautiful imagery, natural dialogue which I struggle to find in a lot of YA books. I was hooked from the start.
So yes, I’d recommend this book. A perfect YA Contemporary novel focused on growing up and accepting your past, present, and letting you run your own future despite it all.
As the story went out, I fell more in love with Lana. However, Max, the love interest, is my favorite. He’s witty and wise, also mature with a child still inside him.
Lana and her family went through something traumatic—“the accident” and I loved the way Morse gives bits on the issue through beautiful and heartbreaking imagery, not telling too much too fast.
Morse lets us in on two things most of us don’t want to grasp or can’t seem to at all: loss happens, and you are capable of becoming who you want to be if you put in the effort and follow your own voice.
Thanks to Max and her incredibly goofy and free-spirited best friend Mel, Lana grows into herself and finds more belief in herself and her writing. Max and Lana don’t dwell on any of the bad that has happened in their lives, they discuss and learn and learn and learn. I love that, because it can be all too easy to stay stuck in the past.
Morse has a way with words: perfect flow and beautiful imagery, natural dialogue which I struggle to find in a lot of YA books. I was hooked from the start.
So yes, I’d recommend this book. A perfect YA Contemporary novel focused on growing up and accepting your past, present, and letting you run your own future despite it all.
July 29, 2018
This is the kind of book that you want to read so fast to see how it will end but at the same time you don’t want it to end!
Lana, the main character, struggles to find herself, to have the passion she used to have for writing, to find her freedom. She lives in a house where she feels lonely, there was an “accident” and all she’s been feeling since then is pain, lonely, and guilty. Until she meets Max.
“𝘗𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘺”
Lana and Max have each their own pain. They are perfect for each other, every moment they share together is so special. Max is honestly my favourite character. The way he deals with things, the way he tries to make Lana feel better, he’s just a sweet boy but very mature!
“𝘋𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘰𝘮”
I love Lana’s best friend, Mel. She is so much fun, and an amazing friend. She believes in Lana, and motivates her to believe that she can write, that her writing is beautiful and she shouldn’t give up on it.
This book broke my heart into pieces :’( I felt so relatable to the characters, how you can feel so lost, how you can lose the passion you used to have for something you loved to do so much!
“𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥, 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴.”
Ruth Morse, you are an amazing writer! You wrote such a motivational book. A book that makes you realize that it doesn’t matter what happened in the past, there are still great things out there waiting for us. We shouldn’t give up on our dreams!
Lana, the main character, struggles to find herself, to have the passion she used to have for writing, to find her freedom. She lives in a house where she feels lonely, there was an “accident” and all she’s been feeling since then is pain, lonely, and guilty. Until she meets Max.
“𝘗𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘺”
Lana and Max have each their own pain. They are perfect for each other, every moment they share together is so special. Max is honestly my favourite character. The way he deals with things, the way he tries to make Lana feel better, he’s just a sweet boy but very mature!
“𝘋𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘰𝘮”
I love Lana’s best friend, Mel. She is so much fun, and an amazing friend. She believes in Lana, and motivates her to believe that she can write, that her writing is beautiful and she shouldn’t give up on it.
This book broke my heart into pieces :’( I felt so relatable to the characters, how you can feel so lost, how you can lose the passion you used to have for something you loved to do so much!
“𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥, 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴.”
Ruth Morse, you are an amazing writer! You wrote such a motivational book. A book that makes you realize that it doesn’t matter what happened in the past, there are still great things out there waiting for us. We shouldn’t give up on our dreams!
August 30, 2018
A stunning and poignant novel. This is Ruth Morse's debut novel, and if this is anything to go by, then she has a bright future as an author ahead of her.
This book had some beautiful characters. They felt like real people, all slightly flawed in some ways, but all wanting to make something of themselves and their lives. The scenery was beautiful, and I thoroughly enjoyed her environmental descriptions. The trees, the lake, the stars .. it was all so well thought out and received.
I don't read a lot of contemporary, as I find that some can be boring or lacking in something. But this book was gentle in just the right way, and it hit me with emotion.
I am SO happy that I took a chance on this book, as I will never forget this beautiful story and these teenagers that are trying to find themselves; as everyone has felt that way at one point in their life.
Great job Ruth, and I can't wait to read more from you!
This book had some beautiful characters. They felt like real people, all slightly flawed in some ways, but all wanting to make something of themselves and their lives. The scenery was beautiful, and I thoroughly enjoyed her environmental descriptions. The trees, the lake, the stars .. it was all so well thought out and received.
I don't read a lot of contemporary, as I find that some can be boring or lacking in something. But this book was gentle in just the right way, and it hit me with emotion.
I am SO happy that I took a chance on this book, as I will never forget this beautiful story and these teenagers that are trying to find themselves; as everyone has felt that way at one point in their life.
Great job Ruth, and I can't wait to read more from you!
September 1, 2018
Thank you so much Ruth for sending me a copy in exchange for a honest review!
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a great debut novel and I think what intrigued me most is the poetic writing style. It’s very easy to lose yourself in this story since the story flows so well. Ruth has a way with words that is envy worthy and it gripped me from the start.
The most important thing for me is that the characters were relatable. As a character based person I found the characters and their backstories very well executed. You don’t know the full story going in and I found myself speeding through this book to find out every single detail.
The characters are also very real. Not your usual ya contemporary characters and I really liked that aspect the most.
If you are looking for a moving and honest contemporary where young adults find themselves and learn how to move through rough times, this book is for you.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a great debut novel and I think what intrigued me most is the poetic writing style. It’s very easy to lose yourself in this story since the story flows so well. Ruth has a way with words that is envy worthy and it gripped me from the start.
The most important thing for me is that the characters were relatable. As a character based person I found the characters and their backstories very well executed. You don’t know the full story going in and I found myself speeding through this book to find out every single detail.
The characters are also very real. Not your usual ya contemporary characters and I really liked that aspect the most.
If you are looking for a moving and honest contemporary where young adults find themselves and learn how to move through rough times, this book is for you.
August 25, 2018
An easy, smooth, yet relatable and beautiful read. As soon as I opened this book, and read only even a few pages in --- I knew this was a book I would be able to enjoy, and that isn’t said so much about books I read. This story follows the journey of Lana and her endeavours with her ecstatic, lively best friend Mel, and an oh-my-god-i’m-already-in-love-with-him-and-its-only-his-first-scene Max. Mel, its safe to say, w/ all her liveliness, is a character I can wholeheartedly relate with. This book reminded me about my own passion, writing, and how its loss can hurt. It taught me how important friends who motivate you to follow your passion are. Those are the true worthy people in your life -- the ones like Mel who drive you to become the best version of yourself doing what you love. AAAND of course the romance was amazing. So soft, real, and empowering. This was an exquisite read.
December 15, 2018
I’m typically more into books of the Fantasy genre, so giving this book a try was like stepping outside of my comfort zone. I’m glad I did. This was a sweet, charming, heartfelt book, that was really fun for me to read! It was a step into a genre I haven’t read in ages, but for this gem, I’m glad I did! I may have nitpicked a little… okay maybe a bit more than that, but I truly encourage you to give this book a shot! This book is beautiful both inside and out!
For the full in-depth review of this lovely story, check out my blog! http://www.literarylightings.com/
For the full in-depth review of this lovely story, check out my blog! http://www.literarylightings.com/
July 29, 2018
Impressive. From the first minute of reading you find yourself in a plot. As if you are there within the picture.
Ruth knows the secret of painting the picture with words.
Most of all I was amazed by the depth of young writer and the questions that Lana poses and then answers.
The book should be definitely read not only by young people, who are in search of their place in life, but also by adults who are trying to understand them.
Many thanks to Ruth and the team for impressive reading.
Ruth knows the secret of painting the picture with words.
Most of all I was amazed by the depth of young writer and the questions that Lana poses and then answers.
The book should be definitely read not only by young people, who are in search of their place in life, but also by adults who are trying to understand them.
Many thanks to Ruth and the team for impressive reading.
July 21, 2018
I helped with some of the editing of this book, and from what I have read so far, Ruth Morse's writing style is amazing. She takes great care in characterization and character growth, which I always love in a book. There are some bestsellers out there that honestly don't have the emotional depth that they should, and I believe that Morse's does.
August 9, 2018
Love this Ruth, it was astounding. It was a reading which I have finished in 3 days. When I was reading this book it was like speaking to me, all the feels and how you describe Lana's journey and her way talking and observing was astonishing. Love this book Ruth and you write impeccably, first book of yours and I am impressed to the core.
August 1, 2018
A solid 5 stars. If you've read the book, I'm sure you'd agree with me.
I've worked with Ruth as a fellow author, and to say she has a talent with words is an understatement. Now give this book a read. seriously.
I've worked with Ruth as a fellow author, and to say she has a talent with words is an understatement. Now give this book a read. seriously.
November 21, 2018
I was given this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Lana's life has changed after an accident, living her lost, with a lot of nightmares and distant parents. She finished high school a couple of months ago but she doesn't know what do now. Then, she meets Max, a beautiful but sad boy who is hiding some secrets. Lena wants to know them and him and later she'll realise that he will change her life.
This a story about finding your place in the world and embracing the past and moving on. Since the terrible accident, which the reader doesn't know about completly, yet, Lena feels empty, her parents don't pay much attention to her and she doesn't feel loved.
At the beggining of the book, she is grounded so she escapes through her window's room and goes to a park, there she meets a misterious and beautiful boy called Max, he's hiding something which Lena will find out later.
Their relationship started as some kind of friendship, the were seeing each other pretty often and later they fell in love. It was a really sweet and heartwarming romance, I couldn't stop myself from smiling because they were so cute together. I really liked this couple.
Max is such a cute, and sometimes shy, guy, who is living in a RV because his father is lost in alcohol. He's carrying a weight that makes him sad at times but he doesn't want to tell Lena about it yet. This mistery is perfect to keep the reader's attention to continue reading.
Later, almost after the half of the novel, we found out what it's about and how it changes both of their lives and also another person's life. It was one of the things I liked the most about the novel, the message about having strength to move on after such a horrible event. There has passed a long time since I cried while reading a book and I almost cried with these chapters. The fact that this book made me feel such a strong emotion shows how well developed the characters and that part of the story are, the author made a great job writing this.
We also get to meet Mel, Lena's best friend, who is a very cheerful and hilarious girl, always making Lena feel better and loved in some way. I really liked their friendship, they were always supporting each other and having their backs.
The reader also gets to know about what happened in that accident that still haunts Lena at days and nights. It has to do with her family. We see her distant and hard relationship with her parents, they don't understand her and leave her behind, like if she was invisible.
A part from all of this, there isn't much more to the plot. I was expecting more and also I wanted to know more about Max and Mel's lives. However, in the end I liked it. It's an easy and interesting read with a simple and nice story with good messages about freedom, growing up, finding your place and love and learning to move on from the past. I recommend it to every reader who loves contemporary YA books.
Lana's life has changed after an accident, living her lost, with a lot of nightmares and distant parents. She finished high school a couple of months ago but she doesn't know what do now. Then, she meets Max, a beautiful but sad boy who is hiding some secrets. Lena wants to know them and him and later she'll realise that he will change her life.
This a story about finding your place in the world and embracing the past and moving on. Since the terrible accident, which the reader doesn't know about completly, yet, Lena feels empty, her parents don't pay much attention to her and she doesn't feel loved.
At the beggining of the book, she is grounded so she escapes through her window's room and goes to a park, there she meets a misterious and beautiful boy called Max, he's hiding something which Lena will find out later.
Their relationship started as some kind of friendship, the were seeing each other pretty often and later they fell in love. It was a really sweet and heartwarming romance, I couldn't stop myself from smiling because they were so cute together. I really liked this couple.
Max is such a cute, and sometimes shy, guy, who is living in a RV because his father is lost in alcohol. He's carrying a weight that makes him sad at times but he doesn't want to tell Lena about it yet. This mistery is perfect to keep the reader's attention to continue reading.
Later, almost after the half of the novel, we found out what it's about and how it changes both of their lives and also another person's life. It was one of the things I liked the most about the novel, the message about having strength to move on after such a horrible event. There has passed a long time since I cried while reading a book and I almost cried with these chapters. The fact that this book made me feel such a strong emotion shows how well developed the characters and that part of the story are, the author made a great job writing this.
We also get to meet Mel, Lena's best friend, who is a very cheerful and hilarious girl, always making Lena feel better and loved in some way. I really liked their friendship, they were always supporting each other and having their backs.
The reader also gets to know about what happened in that accident that still haunts Lena at days and nights. It has to do with her family. We see her distant and hard relationship with her parents, they don't understand her and leave her behind, like if she was invisible.
A part from all of this, there isn't much more to the plot. I was expecting more and also I wanted to know more about Max and Mel's lives. However, in the end I liked it. It's an easy and interesting read with a simple and nice story with good messages about freedom, growing up, finding your place and love and learning to move on from the past. I recommend it to every reader who loves contemporary YA books.
August 4, 2018
First off, I'm a total sucker for books like this. Bring on all of the alt-rock aesthetics and self-discovery storylines! However, FGOITD had some problems I couldn't look past.
There's a lot more romance than was originally promised in the synopsis, so I think that's something everyone should know going in, because I thought the romance was going to be much more of a subplot, rather than it being most of the plot.
FGOITD's biggest problem is it's characters. We just don't delve deep enough into who they are and their lives before the story takes place, leaving them feeling very disconnected from the reader.
That being said, the writing is profound, and the end really saved it for me and solidified my positive feelings about the book.
Check out the full review on my blog at oliviajthewordshaker.blogspot.com!
There's a lot more romance than was originally promised in the synopsis, so I think that's something everyone should know going in, because I thought the romance was going to be much more of a subplot, rather than it being most of the plot.
FGOITD's biggest problem is it's characters. We just don't delve deep enough into who they are and their lives before the story takes place, leaving them feeling very disconnected from the reader.
That being said, the writing is profound, and the end really saved it for me and solidified my positive feelings about the book.
Check out the full review on my blog at oliviajthewordshaker.blogspot.com!
February 2, 2022
**Warning: this text may contain spoilers**
When I started reading Fireflies Glow Only In The Dark I didn't really know what to expect because I usually don't read Coming of Age/YA contemporary books. But eventually I got into it and ended up liking it a lot.
I can relate with Lana and love her character. The relationship between her and Max is beautifully written. Although for me, it seems like they came together a little too fast. (I kind of lost the time feeling in the book or maybe I didn't pay enough attention) Also the city and nature is described in a way that just makes it seem real. I can't explain how Ruth described the stars or the lake or Lakewood itself, but I can always perfectly picture the characters sitting at the lake or driving through the city.
One thing that still confuses me are the dreams. I sometimes don't know if it's a dream or reality and it only shows when you keep on reading.
All in all Ruth's book is a wonderful novel and I'd love to read more of her stuff.
When I started reading Fireflies Glow Only In The Dark I didn't really know what to expect because I usually don't read Coming of Age/YA contemporary books. But eventually I got into it and ended up liking it a lot.
I can relate with Lana and love her character. The relationship between her and Max is beautifully written. Although for me, it seems like they came together a little too fast. (I kind of lost the time feeling in the book or maybe I didn't pay enough attention) Also the city and nature is described in a way that just makes it seem real. I can't explain how Ruth described the stars or the lake or Lakewood itself, but I can always perfectly picture the characters sitting at the lake or driving through the city.
One thing that still confuses me are the dreams. I sometimes don't know if it's a dream or reality and it only shows when you keep on reading.
All in all Ruth's book is a wonderful novel and I'd love to read more of her stuff.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2018
FULL REVIEW ON MY BLOG!!
https://www.chroniclesofawanderer.com...
https://www.chroniclesofawanderer.com...
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