Declan Mc

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Declan is Currently Reading

Declan Mc is currently reading

Oleander: A Great Expectations Reimagining

by Scarlett Drake (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: mm-romance, tragic-romance, enemies-to-lovers, friends-to-lovers, 2nd-chance, currently-reading, forced-proximity, yearning-romance

Reading for the 2nd time

read in April 2025

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Declan Mc said: " Character- 5/5
Plot- 5/5
Pacing- 4.75/5
Entertainment- 5/5
Rating- 5/5

Where on earth do I even begin with this book?

Outstanding, beautifully written, emotionally stirring and endlessly gripping. I felt like this book shook me in a way that so few have do Character- 5/5
Plot- 5/5
Pacing- 4.75/5
Entertainment- 5/5
Rating- 5/5

Where on earth do I even begin with this book?

Outstanding, beautifully written, emotionally stirring and endlessly gripping. I felt like this book shook me in a way that so few have done before. Reading this I felt so deeply for the characters, so deeply for Jude that I wanted to turn my sense of empathy off before it totally consumed me with a fictional characters feeling. The level of storytelling required to get me to that headspace is frankly astonishing, and very rare.

This book is a reimagining of 'A Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens, and it does certainly read like a classic, but with much more accessibility for a modern reader. But I will make it clear, none of that stories potency has been lost in this reimagining, and being a gay man myself, felt it was more relatable, having the story translated for me felt unique and wholly new, similar to the experience I had with 'Song Of Achilles' by Madeline Miller.

This book handles intense themes of loss, abuse and declining mental health, and each subject plays a vital part in the story between Jude and Caspian. Each part is relevant, necessary and thoroughly examined in the context of their ever changing characters, and lends to them a realism that will have your heart in your throat in the same way the characters are experiencing. The end of part one in particular had me in tears and deep frustration. I was so completely enraptured with the story unfolding that I forgot to manage my own feelings, leading to a sleepless night of tossing and turning just thinking about the books events.

Again, a really rare thing for me.

These characters go through so much in this book, often times very difficult to manage, self-destructive things, that will elicit a reaction of concern that you'd usually reserve for a close friend. Cas in particular is seeped in tragedy and equal parts trauma, and Jude's efforts to pull him out of it and express a form of love Cas has never known, always pulls at the heartstrings. But there is light at the end of the tunnel, part three of this book delivers the tender balm and aftercare needed from such a turbulent and emotionally draining story. Its brilliantly paced, and the growth seen in both characters feels incredibly earned and hard fought for.

I'm thinking of the best compliment I can imagine for Scarlett Drake to express how deeply I loved this book and related to its characters journeys, but I'm going to settle for this-

If ever there comes a day where I want to pursue a career in writing, my goal will be to write a book that is as good as this. Phenomenal writing, absolutely well done, you have a new and very dedicated fan. ...more "

progress:

(page 345 of 599)
— Apr 22, 2025 10:54AM

Apr 24, 2025 11:43AM · see review