Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.
SYNC is emotionally-riveting. This novel has so much in it. So much horror and grief, and, well, love. Ellen Hopkins' books are not for the faint of heart. They delve into topics that are hard topics, and SYNC focuses on hard topics...
SYNC is the second book that I've read by Ellen Hopkins. I don't know what I was expecting going into this book, but I know what I got. SYNC is a dual-pov, in-verse novel about Storm and Lake as they navigate the life that was handed to them: foster care, heartbreak, life and death situations...a life that is hard and often-times too much. The reader is took on a journey: an emotional-rollercoaster of sorts. There were times in this book that made my heartbreak. I found myself rooting for Storm and Lake, feeling sorry for Storm and Lake.
This book entails a lot, and it may be too much for some people. Honestly, it was almost too much for me. But, I would recommend this. ( )

All the emotions

This novel gripped me from the start and never let go. In fact, I'm still thinking about the powerful writing and the characters.

The writing brought out all the emotions--I felt fear as both Lake and Storm were removed from their home and placed into foster care and fear every time they were forced into another home. I felt happiness when each found love and a family that truly cared for them. Anger reared up when adults and peers bullied them or committed acts no one deserves to experience.

This novel takes on difficult subjects and does not shy away from the gritty and painful details; violence is an almost daily part of Storm and Lake's life at times and this book is not lighthearted. But even though it was a difficult book to read at times, it also brought hope that there are good people in the world that care about others.

The ending was amazing and perfect for a young adult novel. I can't wait to read more of this author's work. ( )

Trigger Warnings: Child abuse, child neglect, homelessness, mention of drug use, rape, suicide, homophobia, prison/juvie

Twins Storm and Lake have always been in sync growing up - until they get separated within the foster care system. Storm’s been through juvie but his current foster dad and his girlfriend are helping him find a normal life again - until an incident makes him lose control again. Lake likes girls, but her bible loving foster parents would immediately kick her out if they find out - so she and her foster sibling, Parker, must keep their relationship secret. Both twins have rough patches ahead and both fight to come out on the other side.

Sooo, I’ve never read an Ellen Hopkins book - at least that I can remember anyway. I did NOT keep track of books I read until I was in my late 20’s… That being said, I feel like I would remember the emotional damage that probably would have been done with her books, especially with how I feel after finishing this one.

Hopkins didn’t shy away from the hard topics. Doing so allowed me to feel every emotion alongside the twins as they were. I’ve recently really gotten into novel-in-verse books and it absolutely makes me understand how poetry can really hit your gut with just so few words; Hopkins didn’t have to go into detail about what things looked like for you to understand what was going on.

The ending was bittersweet because I didn’t want it to be over, but at the same time, Hopkins finished it beautifully without needing the words. God, this book is going to stay with me for quite some time. I’m going to think of Storm and Lake and hope they’re doing okay.

Overall, this book will grab your heart and twist it tight, absolutely leaving an imprint when it finally releases you on the last page. Even though it’s a 400+ page novel, it reads quickly and one could probably finish it in one setting. The only reason I hadn’t was because I started it super late at night and then had plans the following morning.

*Thank you Nancy Paulsen Books and BookishFirst for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ( )