Title: In 27 Days

Author: Allison Gervais

Blurb:

Hadley Jamison is shocked when she hears that her classmate, Archer Morales, has committed suicide. She didn’t know the quiet, reserved guy very well, but that doesn’t stop her from feeling there was something she could have done to help him. Hoping to find some sense of closure, Hadley attends Archer’s funeral. There, Hadley is approached by a man who calls himself Death and offers her a deal. If Hadley accepts, she will be sent back 27 days in time to prevent Archer from killing himself. But when Hadley agrees to Death’s terms and goes back to right the past, she quickly learns her mission is harder than she ever could have known.

Hadley soon discovers Archer’s reasons for being alone, and Archer realizes that having someone to confide in isn’t as bad as he’d always thought. But when a series of dangerous accidents starts pushing them apart, Hadley must decide whether she is ready to risk everything—including her life—to keep Archer safe.

From award-winning Wattpad author Alison Gervais (HonorInTheRain) comes In 27 Days, a story of redemption, first love, and the strength it takes to change the future.

Review:

The premise of this book caught my attention right away. Go back in time, a chance to save a life? I’m in! Although, from the beginning, we all assume Hadley can persuade Archer not to end his life, this book is anything but predictable.

On pace: So basically, it was hard to put down. Once the contract is signed, you’re sold…Don’t pick it up unless you want to stay up late!

On story plot: The urgency of Hadley’s mission to befriend Archer and the building/development of their relationship was by far the heart of the story and what kept me turning pages and hoping. It was well done, so sweet, and so hard. The backstory and present haps provoked more questions and mystery and depth, and the transformation for Hadley, Archer, and even other characters felt genuine whether a scene was simple or complex.

On Voice: Hadley’s voice seemed authentically teen, which I feel is actually hard to come by! Her insecurities, curiosities, and honesty came through just as genuinely as Archer’s did, who, he had a unique voice and attitude all to himself. Archer is totally a teenage boy! Which means, he didn’t always have the right thing to say and it made his character so real.

On setting: High schools, coffee shops, squishy Italian apartments, extravagant condos, winter New York Streets…Who doesn’t love coffee shops these days? Most of us have probably worked in one… If Gervais wanted this book to feel homey, and familiar, she accomplished it.

On theme: I love that this book makes us think about the people around us, and reach out, be kind, and not give up. That we can be the change we want to see.

Really recommend this read for summer! I’m done with two books on our summer list! Check out our other summer reading list here!

Nova, signing off.