I’ve enjoyed Ellen Hopkins’ books for the majority of my life. This new title, Sync by Ellen Hopkins brought me just as much enjoyment as her prior books have. Sync follows a set of twins named Storm and Lake both age 17 at the beginning of the novel. The siblings alternate as narrator to tell their story of their experience in the foster care system. From beginning to end this book had me hooked. I could not put this book down. The relatable situations that the main characters find themselves in throughout the book added to the ease of reading. I would highly recommend this book as well as all of Ellen Hopkins other books.

A huge thanks to @PenguinTeen #NetGalley and author Ellen Hopkins for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions. #SyncEllenHopkins

I picked a perfect month to read this because may is mental health awareness month and Sync explores the many different facets of mental health, the complexities of trauma, and how that impacts decisions and lives. Ellen has a unique way with words and a way of weaving and tying everything together is such a beautiful way with dual POVs and terrific and intricate characters! Honestly I don’t think I’ve ever read something by Ellen and didn’t like it- So in true fashion she has yet again blown me away with another incredibly moving story.

Thank you NetGalley and Ellen🖤

I have been an Ellen Hopkins fan for years so I was excited when I saw that there was a book that I haven't read yet. This was so unbelievably good it's unreal. I felt the pain of the twins and my heart ached for them. Hopkins is so good at pulling the raw emotions out of you and this book is no exception. This may be one of my favorite books by her.

I’ve been a fan of Ellen Hopkins since middle school (circa 2008ish) so I knew this book was gonna make me emotional. That’s what I expect from Ellen’s work and that’s exactly what Sync delivered. Tears. So many tears.

Lake and Storm are twins who have been in the foster care system for years. In the beginning they were placed together, which was ideal, but something happened and they were separated. While they had their share of homes, both good and bad, at the beginning of the book it seems like things are in at least a decent place for both of them (Lake is a semi-closeted queer person who was placed in an uber conservative home which was… interesting).

There are so many things that I could talk about for this book. Like the way that Hopkins depicts the harsh realities that some foster youth experience like juvenile detention, homelessness, addiction, etc. but one scene really stuck out in my brain. Mostly because it’s so relatable.

At one point Storm is talking to I think his caseworker and describes a memory that he thinks is just some silly, fun little memory from life before care. Yeah turns out it was abuse which I think resonated with me because there are so many memories I have that I thought were funny until I told another person and they just looked at me like I had lost my mind. That reality check is too relatable.

Anyways. Ellen Hopkins continues to be the goat. Thanks for making me cry. Can I send my therapy bill to your PO Box or something? That’s mostly a joke but 😭😭

CWs: SA, suicide, drug abuse, physical violence, child abuse, discussions of childhood sexual abuse, homophobia

Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group for access to this Digital ARC. Ellen Hopkins does it again! These titles are always a glimpse into a hard reality different from many of our lived experiences. Well done, worth the read! I stayed up all night to finished this one, once I started I couldn’t stop! Complex issues for young adults but so necessary! Lovable characters, fast paced and dynamic!

This was a heart wrenching but inspiring story about twins separated by the system and dealing with their own struggles and challenges, while still having a strong connection wish each other no matter what. It shows that you can always find your way through the light and out of the darkness

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

God, is there ANYTHING Ellen Hopkins writes that’s not a completely amazing, beautiful, devastating masterpiece? The answer to that question would be no. I don’t think it is possible for her to write anything that’s less than perfect.
I’ve been a huge fan of Ellen Hopkins since middle school, and I get sooo excited when new books come out by her.
This book was so REAL. Raw. Heartbreaking. You truly get into it and feel for the characters (Lake and Storm) and the things that they endure.
The ONLY negative is how quick the ending was. I was hoping for it to be a bit… more? I don’t know how to word that. But it felt a bit quick, rushed if you will.
Despite that, 10/10, 100/100. Whatever out of whatever because this book is amazing.

Telling hard stories in a verse format is a great way to focus on the emotions in the story, and Ellen Hopkins has done that with Sync, a story with abuse, belonging, sibling connections, love, revenge, anger, dreams, and possibilities as its main themes.

In Sync, the main characters, twins Lake and Storm, grew up in an abusive and neglectful household before entering the foster system. Being twins, they seem to have that special connection twins often have, with a feeling of being in sync (this is touched upon a couple of times, but I wish it was woven in more deeply throughout). However, it's not long before the twins are separated into different foster homes and, in alternating POV storytelling, we learn these foster homes are depressing, oppressing, and suppressing. It's four long years before Lake and Storm reunite briefly, each struggling in their own way with pressures at school, in relationships, and in life in general. As the twins grow older, their early years seem to set the course for their dim futures: Lake ends up running away from an ultra-religious foster home with her girlfriend and discovers living on the street is scary and life-threatening (a sexual assault occurs, but unfortunately we don't see it's true aftermath in Lake's life), while Storm's anger boils over and finally lands him in Juvie (his girlfriend is raped and he finds revenge through his fists). Along the way, they must dig deep to discover who they want to become and how to break free from their pasts, all while trying to find their way back to each other. In the end, fate intervenes (perhaps a bit coincidentally), and hope becomes the thread that keeps them in sync.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

As always, Ellen Hopkins did it again. This story is real and raw, pulling you in from the start. Lake and Storm are ordinary kids dealing with extraordinary circumstances.

I had a few comments about the book’s composition as a whole:
The ending was rushed. With 10 pages left, I wondered how the story would wrap up. I was hoping we’d get a final scene with them coming together, but I also just felt like things fell into place too soon almost
Rape felt like a plot device in a lot of ways. Jaidyn’s made sense contextually for the whole story, but Lake’s felt glossed over after everything. No therapy? No outbursts? It felt like a one time deal.

Otherwise, this story was strong and impactful. I loved Storm’s story more than anything. I do wonder what happens to Parker, Teddy, and Jim. But I guess that’s the mark of a good story - always wondering about the lives of fictional characters.

Wow! Actually this book deserves two wows!

I saw the summary and requested this book. Once downloaded I realized it was told in verse, which is not my style. But I am so happy I did request it! I am now an Ellen Hopkins convert!

This is the story of twins - Storm and Lake. They were separated and this tells the story of each one via letters.

This was so hard to read at times. I wanted to hug them both.. .I was 100% sucked in and felt like these were real people and I so wanted to help. This was extra painful to read, knowing that although this was fiction, this was realistic and is probably someones story. This book will stay with me for a while.

I cried. This book was heartbreaking, yet I loved it..

5 stars without a doubt..

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. I am so happy I "accidentally" downloaded it..

I was able to read an ARC through NetGalley and I'm so grateful! In my opinion, the story takes a little while to build interest and to become invested in the characters. Once my attention was captured, my heart was filled and broken over again.

I've always appreciated how Hopkins writes about the teen experience— it's gritty and raw but always has a thread of hope. This story is no different; twins Lake and Storm must separately traverse the tumults of the foster system, self discovery, difficult choices, and second chances. Sync deals with difficult themes of assault, loss, homophobia, and religiosity. The verse is beautiful without feeling flowery and the story has a satisfying conclusion that I really appreciated as a reader.

Sync was such an awesome story of brother/ sister twins that have been disappointed their whole life by people. The story is told in alternating views and in her verse style writing. I will say that I hope there is a sequel from the book ended. Hopkins has always tackled difficult topics, but does it with finesse. I have always enjoyed reading her books and this one has not let me down!

Ellen Hopkins has been one of my favorite authors since high school and my teenage heart was so happy when I received the ARC of her new book. Her writing is still beautiful as ever and it left me emotional and raw. Her stories are so real and full of life. She hands heavy topics with a caring hand and teaches us so much. If you know Hopkins books you know, but if you don't please read the trigger warnings.

Sync is about twins separated by the foster care system and their journey back to each other. Storm has a hard time because she's always getting locked up for various reasons. Lake lives with a different family. This is a cautionary tale, but Hopkins books are always worth the read.

First of all, thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book early. I am a huge fan of Ellen Hopkins' books and this one certainly did not disappoint! It had the tragedy I've come to expect from her books but I really enjoyed the aspect of found family in this one as well as self discovery. A great read!

This was really beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. I found myself rooting for Lake and Storm so hard throughout their stories.

The ending was really incredible and I think it wrapped up the story in such an emotional way without saying the words.

The subject matter is really tough, but it’s so worth the read.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

When I saw that Ellen Hopkins wrote another book, I almost fainted. When I found it on NetGalley, my heart dropped to my butt and I called it fate!

The story of twins Storm and Lake tore me open. The fact that they had to be separated and the why made me sick to my stomach. We follow each of them on their separate journeys in the foster system. Lake is with extremely religious and probably racist family and Storm ended up with Jim, who really doesn’t seem that bad. Unfortunately, Storm ruins that when he’s thrown into juvie for assault on a classmate. Lake ends up in her own predicament leading to the streets.

Ellen’s book topics are always heavy, but they never disappoint to get you right where it hurts. They tend to stay with you. I still remember details of Crack, but yet I can’t tell you about a book I read last week. That’s seriously powerful writing. I absolutely cried while reading this book and I’m not the least bit ashamed. What both of the twins went through was a kind of torture and torment. The foster system is absolutely not perfect in any way and I’m glad this brought light to the situation. I don’t understand how horrible people can get approved for taking care of children. The statistic for foster children that end up on the street, especially queer ones, is staggering and heartbreaking.

Overall, this was fast paced, beautifully written and exponentially tragic. None of that surprised me and I continue to be a huge Ellen Hopkins fan. 🖤

I have been a fan of Ellen Hopkins since I was in high school. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her at book signings twice. I’ve read all of her books multiple times. SYNC knocks my favorite ones out the park! For one, this story resonates close to home for me. I was in the foster care system up until I aged out at 18 years old. The trauma that the two main characters; Storm & Lake had to endure brought back memories from my own experiences. Ellen Hopkins has always been an ally and uses her craft of storytelling to shine light on important topics that often get overlooked OR silenced. The book is split up between the POV of Storm & Lake; twins who have always been in SYNC. That connection is put to the test as they become wards of the state and for most of the book are separated. Their struggles are weaved together as they race against time to try to find their way back to each other. All before temptation makes them make the wrong choices. Which some of the consequences may very well jeopardize their chances at a reunion. Throughout the book you will slowly start rooting for both of the twins as they start navigating through toxic caregivers hoping they will find their way to survival. The book ended in a weird place, without spoiling I’m not sure if it’s because it’s an advanced copy that there are a few pages to the story missing it seems to end abruptly. I so hope if that’s the case when i get my physical copy i can see how it turns out. There is potential for there to be a sequel. It could be a an adult novel told through the adults POV how she did in the past with Triangles & TILT.

First and foremost, I love Ellen Hopkins and her vivid story telling. There is no doubt that you can fully imagine the world she creates with her words.

Before reading, please check the trigger warnings.

This story is about twins Lake and Storm separated by the foster system. They live to separate lives but always connected by invisible string. They both have moments of spiraling due to their surroundings and influences.

Their story was amazingly told and I can’t tell you the last time a book gut punched me a few times making me cry. It’s difficult not to become angry with the main characters at times but you just continue to hope for the best and it does come along this way with their second chances.

The only reason I’m giving a four star review as the ending felt incomplete which left me frustrated, haha. I can’t wait for the hard copy to come out to add to my collection.

Reading an Ellen Hopkins book is like cozying up in my favorite blanket with my childhood stuffed animal. Nostalgic. My teenage heart is so full getting an ARC for an Ellen Hopkins book and this one did not disappoint. It was filled with all of the things I love about Hopkins. Hard hitting topics, verse style writing and dual POVs. I believe she is one of the only authors I enjoy reading in the writing style that she uses.

Her books always sit with me for a while after I finish them and this one will do exactly the same. The heavy topics are handled so raw and real so definitely pay attention to the trigger warnings but if you’re reading Hopkins you’re probably well prepared.

I’m so happy that she came out with a new book and her writing style is still as captivating as I remember it being. If you enjoyed Hopkins books when you were younger then you will enjoy this one as well! If you have never read one of her books before then I highly recommend trying any of her books out. :)

Quick Synopsis: This book discusses twins Storm & Lake who were separated after being placed in foster care. They both have odds stacked against them, but for different reasons. This is told in a dual POV so you get to experience both of their journeys.

I can’t explain how happy I was to see Ellen Hopkins back with a new novel in verse. She was the first author to introduce me to books of this style and no one has done it better. With sparse wording, she’s able to make you laugh, cry, feel fear and tension - - genius, in my opinion.

Her newest book tackles the foster care system, focusing on a pair of separated twins and the different paths their lives take. I read this in one sitting. It’s a heartbreaking, beautiful book.

Thank you for the opportunity to read in advance!