Before I Disappear by Danielle Stinson Published by Feiwel & Friends on July 23, 2019
Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Contemporary Fantasy
Pages: 384
Source: Blog Tour, NetGalley
Cover Artist: David Curtis, Katie Klimowicz
My content rating: YA (Nothing more than kissing; Some violence, including abuse)
My rating:
Rose Montgomery parks her family’s trailer in Fort Glory, Oregon with one goal: to carve out a new life for herself and her little brother, Charlie. They need a fresh start for their family, and she thinks she's finally found it in a town where nobody knows them.
But Rose’s plans come crashing down when, in an instant, Fort Glory disappears and every person in town vanishes into thin air—including Charlie.
Rose and four other teens become trapped in the Fold, a patch of woods caught halfway between the real world and the lost town. In the Fold, a mysterious force suspends the laws of physics, and everyone’s inner darkness has the power to kill.
To survive the Fold, Rose must unravel the clues Charlie sends her from the missing town. And Rose has to find Charlie soon—or he'll be gone forever.
You know how sometimes you start reading a book, and within just a few pages, you’re already saying, “I LOVE this!”? That was Before I Disappear for me. Right away, I could tell there was going to be something special in these pages—I was immediately wrapped up in the intrigue: What’s so odd about Charlie? What’s this music he’s hearing? Why have they had to move so much? What are they running from? What dangers are lurking in Fort Glory?
Well, I’m happy to say that the book never let me down. I was riveted throughout. I don’t want to say too much about what happens because I think it will be more fun to discover on your own, but I will say that a whole lot of craziness ensues when Fort Glory disappears. But I also loved these characters. Both Ian and Rose are obviously broken in many ways, but you can tell that both of them want something more out of life. I was definitely hoping these two would end up together in the end. Then there’s sweet Becca, nerdy Blaine and Jeremy, who has his own role to play, but I don’t want to say much about it. And Charlie. Ah, Charlie: full of mystery and wonder. And poetry! His short sections are written in verse (and I couldn’t have loved them more!!). I will say, I had pretty much figured out Rose’s secret long before the big reveal at the end, but that didn’t ruin the emotional impact of it. Honestly, I can’t think of much to say as far as negatives go. This book was pure perfection!
Perfect for fans of Stranger Things or A Wrinkle in Time (the book distinctly reminded me of both of those at some points—even while it stood very much on its own), this mind-bending sci-fi is sure to set your imagination racing!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley and FFBC blog tours in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
About the Author
Stories were a central part of Danielle Stinson’s childhood. Growing up in a military family meant frequent moves across the US and abroad. She spent many summers in her room surrounded by unpacked boxes and stacks of library books. She currently lives with her husband and four boys in Virginia, where she writes fiction for young adults. Before I Disappear is her debut novel.
Cover Designer Website (Katie Klimowicz):
Cover Artist Website (David Curtis):
Danielle Stinson’s Top Ten Addictions1. My Kindle/ E-reader.I used to be so anti-device. Then I got married and my books took over every inch of space. They were in closets and under beds and mixed in with the canned goods in the pantry. I was given a kindle as a gift, and it changed my life. Read in bed with no light? Buy any book with the click of a button? Take hundreds of books anywhere without breaking your back? Yes, please.
2. Coffee
I’ve survived without it before (while pregnant), but let me tell you, it wasn’t pretty.
3. Sweating
It sounds gross, but I love to sweat and push my body to its limits. Running/weightlifting/ sports. I love it all.
4. Laughter
I love to laugh and hear other people laughing, especially my kids.
5. Romance/ Urban fantasy
Romance and urban fantasy books remind me of why I love to read. When I’m in a slump, this is where I go to get out of it.
6. Chocolate
It’s medicinal.
7. The smell of the forest/mountains/ocean
Nature makes me feel peaceful, and smell is by far my strongest sense.
8. Makeup
Red lip. Cat eye. Full makeup. None. It’s one of my favorite ways to express my mood.
9. Changing seasons
Fall is my favorite season, but I love all four. Also, the energy in the air when one changes into another.
10. Travelling/ New Scenery
I have a wanderer’s spirit. I grew up constantly moving with the military, and my parents were big on showing us as much of the world as they could. Even now, I associate trains, planes and car rides with adventures and infinite possibilities.
Prize: 1 Finished Copy of Before I Disappear (US only)
(I know the Rafflecopter prize title is incorrect right now—I’ve let FFBC know so they can fix it.)
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20 responses to “Before I Disappear by Danielle Stinson: Review, Giveaway, & Stinson’s Top Ten Addictions”
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Glad to hear you really loved this one! And I like the author’s top addictions. I love physical books, but I’m pretty obsessed with my Kindle Paperwhite these days. 🙂
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
I definitely think there are positives and negatives to both the Kindle and physical books—I love both for different reasons!
I love it when I find a book like that. This sounds really good.
Yes, I love it when a book makes an instant impression!
Wow! Sounds like this book made quite an impression. That’s always a fantastic thing!
Yes! I really loved it!
I already REALLY wanted to read this (mostly because I heard it compared to The Society, though it was on my radar before that hah) but honestly hearing your excitement for it makes me a million times more excited too! Because twinsies!
I’m with Danielle on coffee and traveling but I need to know HOW she gave it up while pregnant?! My doctor was like “girl, get you to thee Dunkin” ?
I really loved so much about this book!! I hope you love it too! And, yes, to coffee—luckily I hadn’t started drinking it yet when I was pregnant, but I don’t think I’d be able to give it up now. 🙂
ooooh this sounds really good! I love when there is a bit of a scifi or paranormal mystery involved!! I’m so glad I caught your review Nicole!
There’s definitely sci-fi mystery in this book! There’s also some mysteries when it comes to the characters, so that’s also compelling.
I love when I know within the first few pages that I’m going to love a book! Some of those have become my favorite reads.
I can agree with Stinson’s addiction for the smell of the forest/mountains/ocean. And laughter 🙂
Yes! Loving a book right from the start is the best!! And I so wish I lived near beautiful scenery.
Ahh I’m so happy you loved this book so much, yay! I recently read it and really liked it, even if at times I felt a little confused by the inner workings of it all. I loved the characters though 😀
Lovely review! And I loved reading about the author’s addictions, yay to chocolate haha 🙂
I do think there’s actual science behind the concept that’s way over my head (with a good dose of “fiction”). I tend to read my sci-fi with an attitude of “don’t worry too much about how it would all actually work” as long as the author gives me a plausible scenario that makes me think they know how it all works. LOL!
This sounds like a great read. I love your descriptions of the characters. I love the author’s obsessions too. I used to be anti-device as well but my Kindle Paperwhite has really grown on me in the past year or so.
Before I blogged I never read anything on my Kindle, but once I started reading review copies digitally, I realized the benefits. I still typically read only review books that way, though. Most of my own personal books are physical copies.
This sounds so interesting!! Just in the synopsis it already takes such an unexpected turn, I can’t even imagine how good the book is. Also, I love all of Danielle’s addictions. My kindle, coffee, and chocolate are definitely things I can’t live without.
I agree. I heard just a quick Twitter pitch from Danielle, and I was already hooked on the concept, so I’m glad the actual book lived up to my expectations!
Sounds intriguing. Thanks for the chance.
You’re welcome!