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The Edge of Summer
Fans of Sarah Dessen and Morgan Matson will be swept away by this big-hearted novel about one girl navigating first loss and first love during a summer on Cape Cod. Saving the whales has been Coriander Cabot and her best friend Ella’s dream since elementary school. But when tragedy strikes, Cor is left to complete the list of things they wanted to accomplish before college alone, including a marine biology internship on Cape Cod. Cor's summer of healing and new beginnings turns complicated when she meets Mannix, a local lifeguard who completely takes her breath away. But she knows whatever she has with Mannix might not last, and that her focus should be on rescuing the humpback whales from entanglement. As the tide changes, Cor finds herself distracted and struggling with her priorities. Can she follow her heart and keep her promise to the whales and her best friend?
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2022
42 people are currently reading
6382 people want to read
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July 15, 2022
In a Nutshell: Loved the whales. Liked the location and summery feel. Hated the main character. ONLY FOR OLDER YA READERS.
Story Synopsis:
Where the book worked for me:
👍 I am an animal lover and the reason I requested this book was that huge whale fluke on the cover. (I’ve never read a story set around whales.) The story does complete justice to the whale conservation and safety idea, providing a detailed glimpse of how our habits are damaging the natural world. If you need just one reason to read this book, it ought to be for the whales. I loved every scene related to the whales. The author's note at the end about whale conservation shows her knowledge and passion for the topic.
👍 There is queer representation in the book. It could have been better (a part of it felt very clichéd) but I appreciate the attempt, especially as one character goes by they/them and this pronoun usage is adhered to faithfully.
👍 There are some sweet moments between Cor and Mannix.
👍 Loved the setting of Cape Cod. The small town vibe came across well.
👍 Loved that gorgeous cover!
Where the book could have worked better for me:
👎 A character named ‘Coriander’ - sheesh! I love coriander the herb but to hear it as a character name was not just funny but also distracting.
👎 I just didn’t like Cor. I am still trying to figure out why everyone in the story went gaga over her. She was a liar, self-centred, irresponsible, and took almost everyone around her for granted, be it Ella, Mannix, her uncle with whom she is staying, her colleagues,… Two scenes towards the end irritated the heck out of me but as I don’t want to go into spoilers, let’s just say she wasn’t an ideal lead. (Hearing everything in her first person perspective made it even worse.)
👎 Mannix the character was sketched much better but I have a major issue with his portrayal. He was tall, handsome, kind, caring, a brave lifeguard, a good bartender, a knowledgeable plumber, an extraordinary chef, a home business owner, great with kids. In other words, Mannix is going to single-handedly spoil the expectations of young girls/guys all over the world. Does a character have to be so perfect? Isn’t it better to keep things realistic?
👎 The writing is quite surface-level. No depth to anyone or anything. Mannix’s relationship with his dad and Cor’s guilty conscience over Ella’s death are major topics but these are trivialised and brushed under the carpet. (Yeah okay, this is somewhat expected in a YA book.)
👎 It gets somewhat repetitive in between. (The audiobook helped a lot.)
👎 I hate it when the word “spastic” is used as a derogatory adjective. Some people might speak like this in real life but the usage shouldn’t be propagated through books, especially those meant for younger readers. It's rude.
The audiobook experience:
The audiobook, clocking at almost 9 hours, is narrated brilliantly by Kathryn Lynhurst. She captured the voices and accents of every single character wonderfully and I enjoyed the book far more because of her. 5 stars to her performance.
⚠ Note: Though this is marked as YA, it is not suggested for the younger end of that age segment. Content warnings: Multiple uses of ‘f*ck’ and ‘sh*t’, a sex scene (this fades to black but before it does, it does have some 18+ content), multiple instances of tongue kissing, underage drinking.
Recommended for older YA readers (16+) who are looking for a light and breezy read. YA Romance lovers will enjoy it.
2.5 stars, rounding up as the audiobook made it much better.
My thanks to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for the ALC of “The Edge of Summer”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
Story Synopsis:
Coriander, fondly called ‘Cor’, who is almost eighteen, is spending her summer at Cape Cod, working with the local marine institute to save whales from entanglement. She is also coping with the death of her best friend Ella and still sees her at key moments. Life at Cape Cod is going as expected, but the entry of local guy Mannix shatters Cor’s resolve of not dating anyone during the summer. The story focusses mostly on Cor and her rapport with the others around her, especially the budding relationship with Mannix, and partly on the whale initiatives
The story comes to us in the first person perspective of Cor.
Where the book worked for me:
👍 I am an animal lover and the reason I requested this book was that huge whale fluke on the cover. (I’ve never read a story set around whales.) The story does complete justice to the whale conservation and safety idea, providing a detailed glimpse of how our habits are damaging the natural world. If you need just one reason to read this book, it ought to be for the whales. I loved every scene related to the whales. The author's note at the end about whale conservation shows her knowledge and passion for the topic.
👍 There is queer representation in the book. It could have been better (a part of it felt very clichéd) but I appreciate the attempt, especially as one character goes by they/them and this pronoun usage is adhered to faithfully.
👍 There are some sweet moments between Cor and Mannix.
👍 Loved the setting of Cape Cod. The small town vibe came across well.
👍 Loved that gorgeous cover!
Where the book could have worked better for me:
👎 A character named ‘Coriander’ - sheesh! I love coriander the herb but to hear it as a character name was not just funny but also distracting.
👎 I just didn’t like Cor. I am still trying to figure out why everyone in the story went gaga over her. She was a liar, self-centred, irresponsible, and took almost everyone around her for granted, be it Ella, Mannix, her uncle with whom she is staying, her colleagues,… Two scenes towards the end irritated the heck out of me but as I don’t want to go into spoilers, let’s just say she wasn’t an ideal lead. (Hearing everything in her first person perspective made it even worse.)
👎 Mannix the character was sketched much better but I have a major issue with his portrayal. He was tall, handsome, kind, caring, a brave lifeguard, a good bartender, a knowledgeable plumber, an extraordinary chef, a home business owner, great with kids. In other words, Mannix is going to single-handedly spoil the expectations of young girls/guys all over the world. Does a character have to be so perfect? Isn’t it better to keep things realistic?
👎 The writing is quite surface-level. No depth to anyone or anything. Mannix’s relationship with his dad and Cor’s guilty conscience over Ella’s death are major topics but these are trivialised and brushed under the carpet. (Yeah okay, this is somewhat expected in a YA book.)
👎 It gets somewhat repetitive in between. (The audiobook helped a lot.)
👎 I hate it when the word “spastic” is used as a derogatory adjective. Some people might speak like this in real life but the usage shouldn’t be propagated through books, especially those meant for younger readers. It's rude.
The audiobook experience:
The audiobook, clocking at almost 9 hours, is narrated brilliantly by Kathryn Lynhurst. She captured the voices and accents of every single character wonderfully and I enjoyed the book far more because of her. 5 stars to her performance.
⚠ Note: Though this is marked as YA, it is not suggested for the younger end of that age segment. Content warnings: Multiple uses of ‘f*ck’ and ‘sh*t’, a sex scene (this fades to black but before it does, it does have some 18+ content), multiple instances of tongue kissing, underage drinking.
Recommended for older YA readers (16+) who are looking for a light and breezy read. YA Romance lovers will enjoy it.
2.5 stars, rounding up as the audiobook made it much better.
My thanks to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for the ALC of “The Edge of Summer”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
June 14, 2022
Who knew a book that keeps bringing up whales would be so good? Love the main character. She's gone through alot losing her best friend then tries to keep momentum in her life by checking off her bucket list and plans she had. A crazy mix when she and the other main character are drawn together. I completely loved them though. You can totally feel the chemistry. It's great to see how the story plays out. Loved the author's writing style. The audiobook's narrator really did a great job keeping you interested and mixing up the tone between characters. This was an easy read. Such a beautiful story. And the ending!! Such a flawless book.
This ARC in audiobook format was given to me by NetGalley and the publishers to read and review. All statements above are my true opinion after fully listening to the audiobook.
This ARC in audiobook format was given to me by NetGalley and the publishers to read and review. All statements above are my true opinion after fully listening to the audiobook.
June 12, 2022
After losing her best friend Coriander goes on to complete their bucket list before going off to College. She inters at Cape Cod Marine Biology for the summer. Struggling to overcome some of the guilt and grieve she meets a great new set of friends including Mannix a lifeguard.
You can really feel how these two characters are drawn to each other. Cor's main focus for as long as she can remember is the humpback wales. She soon loses focus on the things that are important.
The Edge of Summer is a quick and enjoyable listen. It gives us loads of character development and a really good storyline. I did like Cor's character and admired how she always tried to put others before her. Nice and hearty, I loved it!
Thank you Netgalley and Tantor Audio for the opportunity to review this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
You can really feel how these two characters are drawn to each other. Cor's main focus for as long as she can remember is the humpback wales. She soon loses focus on the things that are important.
The Edge of Summer is a quick and enjoyable listen. It gives us loads of character development and a really good storyline. I did like Cor's character and admired how she always tried to put others before her. Nice and hearty, I loved it!
Thank you Netgalley and Tantor Audio for the opportunity to review this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
July 18, 2022
Themes & vibes:
• Summer on Cape Cod
• Sweet YA-ish romance
• Ocean and saving whales
• Grief & guilt
Though this was an ok read overall, there were several things that rubbed me the wrong way. The scenes and language dipping into adult content even though the book is advertised as YA would be one of them. The unlikable main character follows closely.
There was also the too-good-to-be-true love interest thrown into the pile. And I didn't like how the heavy topics were handled - those parts didn't feel genuine to me.
There were also some great things about this book. The whales, summer spent on Cape Cod, the ocean, the food, the easy going vibes... Plus, I listened The Edge of Summer as an audiobook, and the narrator did a great job.
But ultimately, I couldn't connect with Cor at all, and that's why I don't think I’ll remember this story for very long. I'll remember the whales, though, they were the best part of this book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of The Edge of Summer by Erica George in exchange for an honest review.
• Summer on Cape Cod
• Sweet YA-ish romance
• Ocean and saving whales
• Grief & guilt
Though this was an ok read overall, there were several things that rubbed me the wrong way. The scenes and language dipping into adult content even though the book is advertised as YA would be one of them. The unlikable main character follows closely.
There was also the too-good-to-be-true love interest thrown into the pile. And I didn't like how the heavy topics were handled - those parts didn't feel genuine to me.
There were also some great things about this book. The whales, summer spent on Cape Cod, the ocean, the food, the easy going vibes... Plus, I listened The Edge of Summer as an audiobook, and the narrator did a great job.
But ultimately, I couldn't connect with Cor at all, and that's why I don't think I’ll remember this story for very long. I'll remember the whales, though, they were the best part of this book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of The Edge of Summer by Erica George in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2022
cor and i share a nickname and both LOVE whales // the ocean… but that’s where our similarities end. cor is a selfish, irresponsible girl. it’s sad that she has a dead best friend, but a dead best friend that she was HORRIBLE too.
and then the whole thing was mannix at the end was kind over the top. mannix was very cute and stuff, he seemed very perfect.
anyways, i kind of went off on cor, but i loved the setting of the book and kyle // mia. and i loved all the whale facts.
and then the whole thing was mannix at the end was kind over the top. mannix was very cute and stuff, he seemed very perfect.
anyways, i kind of went off on cor, but i loved the setting of the book and kyle // mia. and i loved all the whale facts.
May 25, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
this book was so cute. the couple, the drama, the whales, the cape cod experience- it was all so interesting and captivating. I've read one of Erica George's books before and i can confidently say i liked this one a lot better than the other even though they were only published a year apart which is interesting. anyways, the whole setting and friend group was so fun and the whole book felt very realistic. the only problems i had with it is i feel like the main character wasn't for me (idrk how to explain it. i don't not like her but... idk. shes not annoying but for some reason i found her bland compared to the other characters- especially when they were hanging out in a group setting.) and the end was kinda weird idk- i just don't think the ending did the whole book justice. but honestly all the events and fundraisers and the mini-golfing date and all that was super fun! also this book is super summery so it was enjoyable. its not the most memorable book ever but it was definitely fun to read. and plus now i know some weird facts about whales which is cool too lol. also i rlly liked the main love interest at the beginning but toward the end idk he seemed to have some anger issues that i didn't appreciate so LMAO that was annoying but their a rlly cute couple. also the whole dead best friend thing was interesting but idk? i felt like i thought the bucketlist thing would be way more prominent yk?
(i had exams in the middle of reading this so it took me a while to get through)
songs:
lay all ur love on me
g.o.a.t
angeleyes
trouble
why-dom. f
this book was so cute. the couple, the drama, the whales, the cape cod experience- it was all so interesting and captivating. I've read one of Erica George's books before and i can confidently say i liked this one a lot better than the other even though they were only published a year apart which is interesting. anyways, the whole setting and friend group was so fun and the whole book felt very realistic. the only problems i had with it is i feel like the main character wasn't for me (idrk how to explain it. i don't not like her but... idk. shes not annoying but for some reason i found her bland compared to the other characters- especially when they were hanging out in a group setting.) and the end was kinda weird idk- i just don't think the ending did the whole book justice. but honestly all the events and fundraisers and the mini-golfing date and all that was super fun! also this book is super summery so it was enjoyable. its not the most memorable book ever but it was definitely fun to read. and plus now i know some weird facts about whales which is cool too lol. also i rlly liked the main love interest at the beginning but toward the end idk he seemed to have some anger issues that i didn't appreciate so LMAO that was annoying but their a rlly cute couple. also the whole dead best friend thing was interesting but idk? i felt like i thought the bucketlist thing would be way more prominent yk?
(i had exams in the middle of reading this so it took me a while to get through)
songs:
lay all ur love on me
g.o.a.t
angeleyes
trouble
why-dom. f
February 1, 2022
In the midst of this cold and dreary January, I really needed to be taken away to a sun-kissed beach, and THE EDGE OF SUMMER was just the ticket. Erica George’s deep love for Cape Cod just shined on every page, and at the end of each chapter, I found myself saying 'just one more,' until… there I was at the end, a swoony grin on my face. Because there is swoony romance in this gorgeous novel, but that’s not all. This is also a deeply moving and resonant story about friendship, regret, and how to walk the line between the many forces that pull on your heart. And, perhaps most of all, it’s a story about the ways human behavior impacts the natural world – specifically, the majestic whales that make their home off Cape Cod. Erica George’s compassion, commitment, and care for these creatures radiates from THE EDGE OF SUMMER. The book educates and advocates and inspires, without ever for a second feeling preachy or didactic. I found myself getting weepy over Cape Cod’s whales at more than one point in this book, which is a testament to the power of Erica George’s words. Highly recommend. My thanks to Hachette for the eARC.
August 29, 2022
I've read many YA coming of age novels in my time, but I've never experienced one with a focus on marine conservation before! What a unique spin so see more than just a typical romance in these types of stories; you can really feel the passion that Cor has for these whales. I love how the book dives into the topic of how people who give so much of themselves have to discover what it means to take care of their needs in the midst of wanting to help others. If you're looking for a feel good, YA book to end your summer on a high note with, give The Edge of Summer a try.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
May 9, 2022
While spending the summer on Cape Cod saving the whales, Coriander fell in love, came to terms with her guilt, and moved forward towards her future.
I am well known for my love and adoration of grief books. That was the number one reason why I wanted to read this book. I felt that aspect of the story didn’t quite take center stage, but I was happy to discover many other story threads that spoke to my heart.
Cor was definitely grieving her best friend’s death, but the bigger focus was on the guilt she felt. Towards the end, Cor wasn’t being a good friend. The reasons were related to her wanting to be wanted and accepted by others. She was willing to give up pieces of herself to be part of the crowd. Grown-up me was disappointed by Cor, but teen-me totally related. I was pleased with how this part of the story played out and proud of where Cor was at the end of the summer with respect to this aspect of her life.
I also enjoyed the friendship and subsequent romance that grew between Cor and Mannix. I felt those flutters of first love, and it was even more satisfying given Cor’s past romantic experience. I adored Mannix, and I must admit, I was drawn to his storyline. I even feel like I cared more about his outcome than Cor’s at some points, though I was happy for them both in the end.
The setting of this book played a big role in my enjoyment as well. When I was younger, my family vacationed on Cape Cod, and this brought all those summers back to me. George did an amazing job painting Cap Cod in technicolor for me. I could smell the sea and feel the breeze.
Overall, the combination of first love, grief, and marine life conservation resulted in a wonderful story. There were parts that tugged at my heartstrings, brought me to tears, and filled me with happiness.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
I am well known for my love and adoration of grief books. That was the number one reason why I wanted to read this book. I felt that aspect of the story didn’t quite take center stage, but I was happy to discover many other story threads that spoke to my heart.
Cor was definitely grieving her best friend’s death, but the bigger focus was on the guilt she felt. Towards the end, Cor wasn’t being a good friend. The reasons were related to her wanting to be wanted and accepted by others. She was willing to give up pieces of herself to be part of the crowd. Grown-up me was disappointed by Cor, but teen-me totally related. I was pleased with how this part of the story played out and proud of where Cor was at the end of the summer with respect to this aspect of her life.
I also enjoyed the friendship and subsequent romance that grew between Cor and Mannix. I felt those flutters of first love, and it was even more satisfying given Cor’s past romantic experience. I adored Mannix, and I must admit, I was drawn to his storyline. I even feel like I cared more about his outcome than Cor’s at some points, though I was happy for them both in the end.
The setting of this book played a big role in my enjoyment as well. When I was younger, my family vacationed on Cape Cod, and this brought all those summers back to me. George did an amazing job painting Cap Cod in technicolor for me. I could smell the sea and feel the breeze.
Overall, the combination of first love, grief, and marine life conservation resulted in a wonderful story. There were parts that tugged at my heartstrings, brought me to tears, and filled me with happiness.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
July 26, 2023
A gorgeous coming-of-age novel that is perfect to pack in your beach bag. The compassion for whales is just beautifully portrayed; the whale scenes are far and away the best parts of this book. I actually wasn't too much of a fan of the main character, Coriander, "Cor." She wasn't very responsible or considerate. Nevertheless, I was very invested in the story and enjoyed other characters, such as Cor's love interest, Mannix, (who was just perfect) and her uncle and her coworkers/friends, one of whom uses "they/them" pronouns.
Ocean lovers, you'll want to pick this one up. It's a YA romance, true, but older readers will really appreciate the emphasis on nature and conservation.
Ocean lovers, you'll want to pick this one up. It's a YA romance, true, but older readers will really appreciate the emphasis on nature and conservation.
June 21, 2022
Full Review on The Candid Cover
The Edge of Summer by Erica George is a sincere story of first love and first loss, but also of marine conservation. Following a summer marine biology intern, this one contains plenty of descriptions of efforts to save the whales and a realistic main character who comes to learn from her mistakes. I was especially impressed by the way the author raises awareness about entanglements and other threats to marine life, making this a perfect summer read with many impactful moments.
Following the death of her best friend, Cor sets out to complete the list of things they wanted to do together before college, including the marine biology internship of her dreams. Throughout the summer, Cor grapples with grief and guilt, but she also navigates her growing feelings for Mannix, a local lifeguard. However, when romance interferes with responsibility, she must find a way to balance her heart with her commitment to the whales, who tie her to her friend.
❀ INTERESTING MAIN CHARACTER
Cor is an interesting main character, and she grows a lot throughout the book. She isn’t the most likeable at times–the past interspersed with the present reveals the guilt she feels for the way she treated her best friend in their last moments, and she can occasionally be selfish. However, as the story progresses, she starts to learn from her mistakes. I especially enjoyed the way Cor’s passion for whales is written. The story behind her interest is really heartfelt, and I felt her dedication to saving the whales come through in every chapter.
❀ MEANINGFUL STORY
One of this book’s big wow factors for me is the way the whales are woven throughout the narrative. They not only tie Cor to her friend, bringing a lot of emotion to the story, but they also create a message of marine conservation. One of the whales Cor finds herself taken with has been entangled, and Cor is determined to do whatever she can to save her. There are many details about the marine biologists’ efforts to save the whales throughout the story, and I loved the way it raises awareness about entanglements and other threats to marine life. This spotlight on human responsibility for these countless tragedies made the story especially meaningful for me.
❀ A STRONG SUMMER READ
The Edge of Summer by Erica George is a heartfelt story about grief, but it is also one about love and saving the whales. I enjoyed the concept of a marine biology internship, and the main character transforms throughout the book. The whales and the theme of marine conservation add even more depth to the story, making this a strong summer read with greater social messages.
The Edge of Summer by Erica George is a sincere story of first love and first loss, but also of marine conservation. Following a summer marine biology intern, this one contains plenty of descriptions of efforts to save the whales and a realistic main character who comes to learn from her mistakes. I was especially impressed by the way the author raises awareness about entanglements and other threats to marine life, making this a perfect summer read with many impactful moments.
Following the death of her best friend, Cor sets out to complete the list of things they wanted to do together before college, including the marine biology internship of her dreams. Throughout the summer, Cor grapples with grief and guilt, but she also navigates her growing feelings for Mannix, a local lifeguard. However, when romance interferes with responsibility, she must find a way to balance her heart with her commitment to the whales, who tie her to her friend.
❀ INTERESTING MAIN CHARACTER
Cor is an interesting main character, and she grows a lot throughout the book. She isn’t the most likeable at times–the past interspersed with the present reveals the guilt she feels for the way she treated her best friend in their last moments, and she can occasionally be selfish. However, as the story progresses, she starts to learn from her mistakes. I especially enjoyed the way Cor’s passion for whales is written. The story behind her interest is really heartfelt, and I felt her dedication to saving the whales come through in every chapter.
❀ MEANINGFUL STORY
One of this book’s big wow factors for me is the way the whales are woven throughout the narrative. They not only tie Cor to her friend, bringing a lot of emotion to the story, but they also create a message of marine conservation. One of the whales Cor finds herself taken with has been entangled, and Cor is determined to do whatever she can to save her. There are many details about the marine biologists’ efforts to save the whales throughout the story, and I loved the way it raises awareness about entanglements and other threats to marine life. This spotlight on human responsibility for these countless tragedies made the story especially meaningful for me.
❀ A STRONG SUMMER READ
The Edge of Summer by Erica George is a heartfelt story about grief, but it is also one about love and saving the whales. I enjoyed the concept of a marine biology internship, and the main character transforms throughout the book. The whales and the theme of marine conservation add even more depth to the story, making this a strong summer read with greater social messages.
June 9, 2022
Whales are so incredible and I know almost nothing about them, so I appreciated learning about them and seeing people work to educate the public about conservation efforts. The story also made me excited that summer is almost here and maybe I should take a trip to the East Coast, hmm.
Coriander is grieving the loss of her former best friend and in her memory decides to intern with a marine research facility. As she becomes attached to a specific whale and comes to terms with her loss, she also starts dating a cute local Mannix. Cor struggles to balance her commitments and untangle what she wants and move forward.
I struggled with Cor throughout this. She wasn't a good friend, choosing a boy and popularity over Ella. Then she kept treating Mannix poorly, not meeting him because she lost track of time, getting irrationally jealous over nothing, and choosing other things over him. Cor also didn't treat her uncle with respect, especially since he asked so little of her to begin with. I didn't feel like Cor really changed over the course of the story and wanted her to grow up a bit.
Now Mannix I really liked. He's so sweet and caring and trying to help his family make ends meet, even at the cost of what he wants. Mannix was born to be a chef and I hope he realizes that dream someday (and I wish I could try his dressing!) I thought he deserved better, but he and Cor did have some cute moments.
The whale and other marine life parts were fun and probably my favorite part. I can see why people dedicate themselves to protecting these creatures and I hope I get to see a whale in person one day!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Poppy for the copy
Coriander is grieving the loss of her former best friend and in her memory decides to intern with a marine research facility. As she becomes attached to a specific whale and comes to terms with her loss, she also starts dating a cute local Mannix. Cor struggles to balance her commitments and untangle what she wants and move forward.
I struggled with Cor throughout this. She wasn't a good friend, choosing a boy and popularity over Ella. Then she kept treating Mannix poorly, not meeting him because she lost track of time, getting irrationally jealous over nothing, and choosing other things over him. Cor also didn't treat her uncle with respect, especially since he asked so little of her to begin with. I didn't feel like Cor really changed over the course of the story and wanted her to grow up a bit.
Now Mannix I really liked. He's so sweet and caring and trying to help his family make ends meet, even at the cost of what he wants. Mannix was born to be a chef and I hope he realizes that dream someday (and I wish I could try his dressing!) I thought he deserved better, but he and Cor did have some cute moments.
The whale and other marine life parts were fun and probably my favorite part. I can see why people dedicate themselves to protecting these creatures and I hope I get to see a whale in person one day!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Poppy for the copy
June 17, 2022
“And Ella turned to me and said, ‘Cor, I’m crying. Why am I crying?’
Because that’s what happens. Because whales always remind you of how small you are. How insignificant you really are. And that’s even when you’re fifty feet long and forty tons, possessing a physical power no human has ever had, you can still lead the gentlest of lives. It’s why whales are worth dedicating my life to.”
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!
This book had me at saving the whales. I loved all the whale information and Coriander’s passion for the whales. If I had to be nit-picky, I would’ve made the title of the book a whale pun.
I nearly cried at the end for Fraction. I love that whale. I love how Cor’s love for Fraction paralleled her friendship with Ella. I wish we saw more of the before parts with Ella so we could get to know her better and sympathize with Cor more.
I just want to chat with whoever named the main characters. I mean, Coriander and Mannix, really? But I liked the meaning behind her name and it’s poetic to see an aspiring chef in love with a girl named Coriander. Their relationship was pretty cute but, as with many books, the drama at the end felt shoehorned in since it was in the final four chapters.
This story was good in balancing Cor’s romance with her grief, but It leaned more towards the romance. That could’ve been intentional to show her moving on so I’m going with that reasoning.
December 8, 2022
Every time the narrator said 'Cor', I put an 'a' on the end! @MissScott
So, girl loses best friend. Is sad. Meets hot boy. Meets hot whale. (I don't know how to describe woman-whale attraction). Reader figures out that said girl is not perfect. Hot boy continues to be both hot and imperfectly perfect. Drama. Trauma. Resolution. Ending.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Y10 - Y11
CW: Sexy fun times - details. Kissing + details! Mild swearing.
So, girl loses best friend. Is sad. Meets hot boy. Meets hot whale. (I don't know how to describe woman-whale attraction). Reader figures out that said girl is not perfect. Hot boy continues to be both hot and imperfectly perfect. Drama. Trauma. Resolution. Ending.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Y10 - Y11
CW: Sexy fun times - details. Kissing + details! Mild swearing.
October 12, 2022
A big thank you to netgalley for the arc
This book was unfortunately not my favourite. The plot seemed to drag a lot, especially in the middle. The main character really annoyed me too. Besides the fact she had a questionable name (why on earth would you name your child Coriander?!), she was extremely unlikeable, self centered, and lied on every other page. The problems in this book would've all been solved if the main character and love interest just sat down and had a proper discussion for once in their life.
Oh speaking of the love interest. They were perfect. TOO perfect. No flaws whatsoever. Come on, at least make it realistic!
The writing style was nothing special, which worked well for the story. It was simple, fun, and easy to understand. Anything else would not have suited the novel and its themes.
Overall I would recommend if you're looking for a fun, cute-at-times summery YA novel, this book is for you. 4/10
This book was unfortunately not my favourite. The plot seemed to drag a lot, especially in the middle. The main character really annoyed me too. Besides the fact she had a questionable name (why on earth would you name your child Coriander?!), she was extremely unlikeable, self centered, and lied on every other page. The problems in this book would've all been solved if the main character and love interest just sat down and had a proper discussion for once in their life.
Oh speaking of the love interest. They were perfect. TOO perfect. No flaws whatsoever. Come on, at least make it realistic!
The writing style was nothing special, which worked well for the story. It was simple, fun, and easy to understand. Anything else would not have suited the novel and its themes.
Overall I would recommend if you're looking for a fun, cute-at-times summery YA novel, this book is for you. 4/10
June 17, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this audiobook of The Edge of Summer by Erica George.
I enjoyed this one! It was a really entertaining book but I wasn’t able to fully immerse myself in the story after the reference of Tiktok, it sucked me out of it. Other than that, the audiobook was great and I liked the storyline and learning more about whale safety!
However, the main character of this story infuriated me. Choosing to go and see a whale over comforting your boyfriend at the hospital while his dad is dying? And then telling him he expects too much of her and he can’t have everything when he wants it? Insufferable.
3⭐️
I enjoyed this one! It was a really entertaining book but I wasn’t able to fully immerse myself in the story after the reference of Tiktok, it sucked me out of it. Other than that, the audiobook was great and I liked the storyline and learning more about whale safety!
However, the main character of this story infuriated me. Choosing to go and see a whale over comforting your boyfriend at the hospital while his dad is dying? And then telling him he expects too much of her and he can’t have everything when he wants it? Insufferable.
3⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2021
I was a teen on Cape Cod, and this is exactly the sort of adventure, friends, and romance I would have dreamed about having. The sense of place was excellent and readers will feel transported to the Cape. George perfectly captures the desire to be loved and the desire to be known, and all the awkward moments in between.
August 10, 2022
why is there never a good summer romance without the mc always fucking up and then trying to apologize in the most long winded way, it’s annoying. i didnt like cor and tbh… the book had pop culture references so i rated it lower
July 23, 2022
The Edge of Summer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: YA Romance
Format: Audiobook
Date Published: 6/21/22
Author: Erica George
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Narrator: Kathryn Lynhurst
Goodreads Rating: 4.11
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Tantor Audio and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Aspiring marine biologist who must navigate first love and the loss of a friend, all while saving the humpback whales from entanglement during her summer on Cape Cod
My Thoughts: The story is narrated by Cor (Coriander) in her perspective, in a first person POV. First I want to say, the author did her research about whales, the conservation of whales, and how the environment is damaging whales. There is even a note at the end by the author speaking on the same. The scenes and tone was detailed and I could feel I was right there. I also love the author’s usage of appropriate pronouns for one of the characters. The narrator really brought the characters to life and did an amazing job at narrating the story, keeping you engaged. This book had a very important message of how human behavior affects other things in the world. The characters were developed well, had compassion (for the most part), energy, had unique names, and were captivating. I loved the author’s writing style, it flowed flawlessly, was complex, and creative. The story flowed well with building up the characters, their backstories, the friendship, then romance between Cor and Mannix, the plot, and then bringing everything together in the ending. This book released last month and I definitely recommend getting the audiobook.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: YA Romance
Format: Audiobook
Date Published: 6/21/22
Author: Erica George
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Narrator: Kathryn Lynhurst
Goodreads Rating: 4.11
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Tantor Audio and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Aspiring marine biologist who must navigate first love and the loss of a friend, all while saving the humpback whales from entanglement during her summer on Cape Cod
My Thoughts: The story is narrated by Cor (Coriander) in her perspective, in a first person POV. First I want to say, the author did her research about whales, the conservation of whales, and how the environment is damaging whales. There is even a note at the end by the author speaking on the same. The scenes and tone was detailed and I could feel I was right there. I also love the author’s usage of appropriate pronouns for one of the characters. The narrator really brought the characters to life and did an amazing job at narrating the story, keeping you engaged. This book had a very important message of how human behavior affects other things in the world. The characters were developed well, had compassion (for the most part), energy, had unique names, and were captivating. I loved the author’s writing style, it flowed flawlessly, was complex, and creative. The story flowed well with building up the characters, their backstories, the friendship, then romance between Cor and Mannix, the plot, and then bringing everything together in the ending. This book released last month and I definitely recommend getting the audiobook.
July 28, 2023
This book surprised me with its quality and richness.
I expected a casual book, something similar to the hallmark movies type of a book, but it's definitely not it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about the sea world and the whales.
I expected a casual book, something similar to the hallmark movies type of a book, but it's definitely not it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about the sea world and the whales.
July 30, 2025
This was really cute but yk nothing special.
It was a really cool aspect though with all of the whale info and yk seeing how they cared for the whales so much and gave me a new perspective.
It was a really cool aspect though with all of the whale info and yk seeing how they cared for the whales so much and gave me a new perspective.
August 12, 2023
An easy, quick, well-written read that would have benefited from stronger and more complex emotions from the characters.
June 9, 2022
3.5
A sweet YA summer romance between Cor, a young teen grieving the death of her friend and Mannix, the lifeguard she meets while spending the summer on Cape Cod for a marine biology internship. This book was full of heart and had a great focus on helping to save marine wildlife, especially whales who get entangled and need intervention to survive. Great on audio narrated by Kathryn Lynhurst. Recommended for fans of Sarah Dessen or Jenny Han. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy!
A sweet YA summer romance between Cor, a young teen grieving the death of her friend and Mannix, the lifeguard she meets while spending the summer on Cape Cod for a marine biology internship. This book was full of heart and had a great focus on helping to save marine wildlife, especially whales who get entangled and need intervention to survive. Great on audio narrated by Kathryn Lynhurst. Recommended for fans of Sarah Dessen or Jenny Han. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy!
dnf
July 17, 2022DNF
I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I hate to DNF books, especially ARCs, but this one was not for me. I thought this book sounded really interesting, and I loved how whales were such an important part of the book. As much as I wanted to enjoy this book, I couldn't. I'm not a fan of insta-love, and this book was major insta-love. The main character, Cor, got on my nerves. She was very unlikable. I put this book down and debated with myself about finishing it, and I decided to read some other reviews. Based on those, the sexual content gets worse and the main character seems to only get more frustrating. That was what ultimately led to my decision to DNF. It looks like a lot of people enjoyed this book, but it just was not for me. I would also hesitate to hand this to a younger teen due to the language and sexual content. If you love whales, books that deal with grief, and are okay with insta-love, you might love this book. Overall though, I can't really say I recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I hate to DNF books, especially ARCs, but this one was not for me. I thought this book sounded really interesting, and I loved how whales were such an important part of the book. As much as I wanted to enjoy this book, I couldn't. I'm not a fan of insta-love, and this book was major insta-love. The main character, Cor, got on my nerves. She was very unlikable. I put this book down and debated with myself about finishing it, and I decided to read some other reviews. Based on those, the sexual content gets worse and the main character seems to only get more frustrating. That was what ultimately led to my decision to DNF. It looks like a lot of people enjoyed this book, but it just was not for me. I would also hesitate to hand this to a younger teen due to the language and sexual content. If you love whales, books that deal with grief, and are okay with insta-love, you might love this book. Overall though, I can't really say I recommend it.
June 2, 2023
real rating: 2.5 stars
I just picked this back up because i wanted to read a beachy book that i hadn't yet, and this was the only one i had. it was cute to read laying out by the pool, but it wasn't that good. the romance was very fast-paced (like way too fast) and i didn't find a connection to it. the only redeeming factor was the setting and her friendship w/ mia. honestly would not recommend unless you've read literally every single ya beach romance lol
so i'm dnfing this (at least for now) I haven't picked it up since october and now it's not really what i'm in the mood for. also all of the lgbtq+ talk was kinda annoying. i'll probably pick it pack up in january when i miss summer ;)
I just picked this back up because i wanted to read a beachy book that i hadn't yet, and this was the only one i had. it was cute to read laying out by the pool, but it wasn't that good. the romance was very fast-paced (like way too fast) and i didn't find a connection to it. the only redeeming factor was the setting and her friendship w/ mia. honestly would not recommend unless you've read literally every single ya beach romance lol
so i'm dnfing this (at least for now) I haven't picked it up since october and now it's not really what i'm in the mood for. also all of the lgbtq+ talk was kinda annoying. i'll probably pick it pack up in january when i miss summer ;)
September 27, 2025
Honestly, the first thing that drew me to this book was the gorgeous cover. And when I read what it was about, I picked it up right away. But I have mixed feelings about this story. There were some things I loved, but also a few things that didn’t work for me. I didn’t realize it was such a young Young Adult book, so I would have liked a bit more depth in the romance.
Let’s start with what I loved: the whales! The entire storyline around them was beautifully written, and those scenes were so moving. I’ve never read a story that focused on animal activism, and I found it very interesting. In my opinion, the author really did the whale conservation aspect justice.
I also loved the small-town coastal setting of Cape Cod. Combined with the marine conservation element, it honestly made me want to apply for an internship there myself!
Where the book fell a bit short for me was with the characters. Coriander felt self-centred and a little reckless, and Mannix came across as rather bland. I missed some depth in both of them. The side characters, however, were a lot more engaging and fun to read about.
I also wish we had gotten more backstory about Coriander’s friendship with Ella, especially toward the end. We get snippets of their bond throughout the book, but there’s never really a breakthrough in Coriander’s grieving process or a deeper look at their last moments together.
All in all, The Edge of Summer is a sweet and atmospheric YA summer romance with a unique focus on marine conservation. But it lacked just a bit of emotional depth to make it truly unforgettable.
Let’s start with what I loved: the whales! The entire storyline around them was beautifully written, and those scenes were so moving. I’ve never read a story that focused on animal activism, and I found it very interesting. In my opinion, the author really did the whale conservation aspect justice.
I also loved the small-town coastal setting of Cape Cod. Combined with the marine conservation element, it honestly made me want to apply for an internship there myself!
Where the book fell a bit short for me was with the characters. Coriander felt self-centred and a little reckless, and Mannix came across as rather bland. I missed some depth in both of them. The side characters, however, were a lot more engaging and fun to read about.
I also wish we had gotten more backstory about Coriander’s friendship with Ella, especially toward the end. We get snippets of their bond throughout the book, but there’s never really a breakthrough in Coriander’s grieving process or a deeper look at their last moments together.
All in all, The Edge of Summer is a sweet and atmospheric YA summer romance with a unique focus on marine conservation. But it lacked just a bit of emotional depth to make it truly unforgettable.
June 1, 2024
um. well this was something.
first off my biggest ick was girlies name was coriander. yes, like the herb. WTFFFFFFF MATEEEEEEEEEEE
the story was fine and the li was cool but this book just wasn’t it.
the description was so weird and wattpad-ish like she tucked her loose hair behind her ears about 17 million times ugh.
the whales were a bit interesting and the rest of the story was very predictable. it seemed like the author was just jamming every idea she’d ever had in this stupid book which was yuck.
first off my biggest ick was girlies name was coriander. yes, like the herb. WTFFFFFFF MATEEEEEEEEEEE
the story was fine and the li was cool but this book just wasn’t it.
the description was so weird and wattpad-ish like she tucked her loose hair behind her ears about 17 million times ugh.
the whales were a bit interesting and the rest of the story was very predictable. it seemed like the author was just jamming every idea she’d ever had in this stupid book which was yuck.
May 11, 2025
2.5 stars
July 25, 2025
3⭐️ this book was okay, i liked it but at the same time i felt like the girl needed therapy😭
April 30, 2022
This novel was so much more than I expected. It's full of family, friendships, and swoony romance, all packed in layers of deep emotional exploration of what it means to be a true friend, dealing with regrets, human impact on the environment, forgiveness and so much more. The author not only made the characters pop off the pages as 3D people, but I felt as if I were living along the coast for the summer. I will be recommending this novel to everyone.
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