Thanks to Netgalley for giving me an advanced copy of the audiobook. This was very cute and well written to evoke the time period but also represent those who were not allowed to live as their true selves in the early 1900s. I did expect more resolution of the mystery by the end of the story, but at last things were wrapped up on an emotional level while leaving room for a sequel. This could have easily become a bleak story of hardship, but the author kept it light and the story moving. There are a few references to some dark things that happened in the past, some harassment of a female character, and some violence. It's not excessive and only serves to move the plot along and not for the reader to wallow in the despair.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio for the audio galley of Before We Disappear. It was my choice to read it and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

I really loved this! The version I listened to was an audio galley mock-up with a synthesized voice so I'll definitely listen to it again when the actual audiobook comes out because I'm curious about how the voices will be personified. The characters were captivating (including a supporting character who shares my name), the dialogue was fun, witty, and each character had a unique tone of voice. I liked the setting as well: 1909 Seattle Alaska–Yukon–Pacific Exposition. I was hooked and had to keep listening.

I also liked Shaun's author's note at the end saying that he realizes that in real history in 1909, his characters and their relationships would have been shunned but he wrote a queer joy version where we get to see them accepted instead. Also, he talks about his research of archived newspapers from 1909 and his inspiration taking walks around the area where the exposition was held. This extra information is always enjoyable for me to hear and made me like this book even more!

Before We Disappear, I feel is perfect for readers of six of crows (one of my favorite books), and a darker shade of magic (I haven’t read yet but I feel is very similar). One of the main characters Wilhelm reminds me a lot of wylan from six of crows and I loved him so much. This book has found family, it has lgbtq+ relationships, it has heist, it has rivals to lovers, it has a story of two boys that will tug on your heart strings. I adored this book and the flow of the story was really good. There were moments that were a bit predictable but it never made you want to stop the story. I can’t wait to own a physical copy!!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc of this lovely book in exchange for an honest review. (this review was posted on my goodreads account https://www.goodreads.com/lindseymihan) I also plan on making a tiktok video about this book, my @ is @zeemihan

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Before We Disappear was a magical ride! In it, you will meet Jack and Laszlo. Honestly, they were adorable in every single way. Plus the magic, tension, and rivalry just made me devour this book even more. I'll also admit that I was getting some Disney Channel vibe (the original movie's of course) with 'Now You See It..'

Don't ask me why but the magic in this book automatically made me flashback to this little gem of a movie. It's weird - I know.. but that's just how my brain worked. It also probably made me enjoy this book a lot more.

Other than that, the romance and the characters themselves were simply amazing. A bit predictable at times but I enjoyed the magical ride anyway. Heck, that ending was freaking cute and it made me very happy with how things turned out. I can't wait for more people to dive into this little gem and fall in love.

(Slight spoilers)
Thank you NetGalley and HarperTeen for this audio-arc. . I am very thankful for the opportunity for an audio-arc as it I am able to get through audiobooks much faster than e-arcs I am not usually a fan of historical fiction but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I fell in love with the characters and really enjoyed the dynamic of the two boys and their savior/captors. I no really enjoyed the character dynamics of the magician/con artists. There were many instances in which I predicted things that would happen and others I did not. Overall the story was one that I greatly enjoyed and can’t wait to see how others enjoy it too.

DNF @ 70%. Im just not really following it or enjoying it; the start was interesting but now I've got no idea what's going on and I don't care.

2021 has definitely been the year of Shaun David Hutchinson. Though YA, they topics that he often tackles are anything but. Hutchinson is funny, the characters are relatable and plots are probably a tad predictable but not at all boring.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Before We Disappear is a beautiful queer historical fantasy that takes place in the early 1900's. It is a slow-burn love story between two young magician's assistants. Jack Nevin is a charming young pickpocket and assistant to The Enchantress, who "rescued" him from the streets of Europe where he was living after the death of his mother, and she has been using him for his talents with magic and thievery ever since. Jack feels indebted to her and loves her for rescuing him despite her tendency to abuse, often leaving him to sleep in the workshop and threatening homelessness if he displeases her. Wilhelm is the assistant of Laszlo, the stage name of a thief named Teddy who kidnapped Wilhelm as a child and uses him and his ability to use real magic to force him to steal for him. He frequently beats Wilhelm and forces him to steal and keeps him chained up with iron, the one thing Wilhelm can't escape.

When Jack and the Enchantress relocate to Seattle for the 1909 Alaska–Yukon–Pacific World’s Fair Exposition, Jack and Wilhelm's worlds collide. When Jack sees Laszlo perform, he can't think of any kind of explanation, so he searches for an answer by breaking into Laszlo's quarters, where he meets Wilhelm. Despite Wilhelm not allowing Jack to free him, Jack instantly becomes concerned for the boy, and makes him promise to allow him to come back. Through their secret visits, they get to know one another, Wilhelm feeling safe with someone for the first time he can remember.

This book was beautifully written, with so many wonderful moments. I found myself wanting to remember so many lines, and I imagine when I get a physical copy it will be annotated quite extensively. This is a beautiful book of star-crossed queer love and I highly recommend it.

I'm not usually an audiobook girl, but I thought I'd give this one a try. I would prefer to read the book to the narration, as the way it was told made an impact on the experience. I think I'll buy the book to read for myself.