Previously published as The Resurrection of Aubrey Miller

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Review

4.5 stars and I’m full of feels!

This is a beautifully written, highly emotive book that is both meaningful and profound. The story of Aubrey Miller is an intense read dealing with heavy issues such as death, loss, illness and personal torment, but it’s not all depressing, mixed in with moments of humour, the incredible bonds of friendship, and a gorgeous romance.

The simplicity of living astounds me. But it’s the terror of death that devours me.

In order to avoid dealing with the tragedies of her past, Aubrey has purposely withdrawn from the world, hiding behind a different persona – Raven. As Raven, she has masked her true appearance behind hair die, goth makeup, contacts and scary facial piercings, frightening people away so that nobody gets close.

I am death. And I bring it to all who love me.

We meet Raven on her first day of College, where she is taking her first tentative step out into the real world – with all of her barriers firmly in place. And this is the day that she meets the two people that will change her life forever. The first is her roommate, bouncy, bubbly and pink-loving, Quinn, who is everything that Raven is not, but Quinn is unavoidably loveable and immediately accepting of her. And she is surprisingly insightful.

“I learned a long time ago to never judge a book by its cover. It seems what people try to represent on the outside very rarely mirrors their inside. Beautiful people tend to be ugly, ugly people tend to be beautiful, storms tend to brew below a person’s cool, calm exterior, and tremendously happy people tend to be overcompensating for their own grief. Nothing is ever really what it seems.”

And then there is Kaeleb. Raven recognises Kaeleb as her childhood best friend from before her life fell to pieces, and they soon discover that the bond the two of them shared as children has survived their years apart, with both of them holding onto a place in each other’s hearts. And Kaeleb is determined to help Raven rediscover who she really is.

“You’ve always been my sunshine. Ever since we were kids.” He tightens his gaze. “I know you’re still in there, Bree. And I will find you.”

As they joke, banter and reveal secrets, they grow incredibly close and oh-so-slowly, Quinn and Kaeleb’s presence in Raven’s life, and their unwavering support and encouragement, start to strip away the darkness that she has shrouded herself in. And they (along with an unexpected but fabulous mentor) help her rediscover herself as Aubrey.

“As long as you continue to travel through life in this darkness, you will never know how beautiful your light truly shines when you let yourself love and be loved. Trust me when I say, it a breathtaking sight to see. You burn as bright as the sun.”

And yes! There is romance. Kaeleb and Aubrey’s connection develops beautifully into something incredibly special. Kaeleb is so loving, gentle, patient and understanding. He’s absolutely amazing and I lapped up every single moment of their time together.

“I’ll help you get lost any time, Sunshine. The only deal is you have to promise to come back. I never want to lose you again.”

The book follows the threesome through their four years in College. Through the ups and downs of school, secrets, bullies and family drama, the three of them have many trials to face and the story is, at different times, heartbreaking, rage-inducing and uplifting as we feel every single moment right alongside them. Every. Single. Moment. Seriously, this book gets really dark and my heart broke a number of times. But the strength of their bond, the way they find their healing and learn how to live their lives is really beautiful.

Without heartache, there is no understanding of the true meaning of love. Without anger, passion cannot be comprehended. Without fear, there is nothing gained when overcome. And without sorrow, happiness can never be realised.

I really loved this book. I love the way it’s written, I love the pacing of the story, and I love how deep and meaningful it all is. No words are wasted, and Simmons sucked me in from the very beginning right through to the last page. I did find Aubrey’s actions to be a little extreme at times, but it makes her journey all the more intense, and overall, it’s a beautifully told story.

4.5 stars.

 

Chosen Paths