kenzy's Reviews > Waysider

꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ if you think about the people in the world who everyone remembers, the people who actually made something of themselves? They aren’t usually known for sticking to the status quo or following in someone else’s footsteps. Maybe being the black sheep just means we’re supposed to make our own legacies ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱

trigger warnings - scenes or themes of profanity, gore, suicide, murder, and dubious consent.

⌞ thanks again to the author for the arc in exchange of my honest review⌝

Waysider follows the story of Cass Rayn, the girl whose life changed forever after her accident when she was declared dead for four minutes. After Cass's near-death experience (NDE), she begins seeing violent visions that turn out to be real encounters with ghosts (revenants). This newfound ability lands her an invitation to The Else & Bellows Institute, a prestigious school for people with unique powers like hers (vayants), to gain control over her powers.

As Cass navigates her new life and eerie surroundings, she encounters a ghost desperate for justice. Unraveling the mystery of a decades-old murder no one else cares about becomes Cass's true test.

This was my first time reading one of K.J. Sutton's books, and it's safe to say that I'm in love with her writing style. I loved how the writing was so easy to read; it makes you fly through the book, and at the same time, it was full of emotions and so vivid. I also loved that it was in third-person POV.

I felt this book had many plots, not just one, and the best thing is that it didn't feel chaotic. Every one was done in a good way and seamlessly connected to the others. Anyway, the plot was engaging and captivating. I found myself, after every chapter, left with more questions and eager for more answers, and more and more.

I really loved that it had a dual timeline. The difference between the two timelines wasn't really big; it was just months. But for me, I felt that it was a good addition to the story.

Also, this book was set in the '80s, and I was really excited about that, but I didn't really feel that they were in the '80s. I don't know why, but I didn't get the '80s vibes, and that's something I didn't like.

The story follows the two main characters, the twins Cass and Cal, who are the exact opposite of each other. While Cass is known for her recklessness and never following the rules, Cal is known for his politeness, caring nature, and always following the rules.

Despite that, their bond is unbreakable. I loved how they were always there for each other no matter what happened between them. No matter how much they argued or fought, they never strayed away from each other.

I think the thing I loved most about this book was how the characters were written. I could connect so easily to both Cass and Cal. All the time I was reading, I was feeling their raw emotions, not just the good or bad ones, but all of them. I was feeling their personality depth. These two characters were so vividly written.

I loved Cass's character so much. I loved how she was not that weak, helpless girl who fears anything and everything and can't communicate, nor was she the fierce character who doesn't fear anything and never lets herself feel.

Cass was a normal girl who was brave and didn't allow anyone to talk bad about her or bully her. But she also had fears. She's a girl who found herself in a situation she never imagined herself to be in, encountering things she never imagined were real in the first place.

I really hope we get to know the other characters, Michael, Sinister, and Teddy, more vividly in the next book like we knew the twins. I actually loved all of them, but the three of them can't be the love interest at the same time because this will be so hard.



 ┈  18 ≀  mᥲy  ≀ 24  .ᐟ

៹ ࣪  ָ֢  ρrᥱ rᥱᥲd  -  ୭ৎ thank u so much to the author for reaching out and sending the ARC to me! this one seems really good, and I'm so excited to read it and I actually think I'm gonna like it?
so let's hope it's not like my last arc