A very insightful and heartbreaking look into a possible future that come to pass of unresolved climate change isn’t taken seriously soon. Gume spins a impactful story that echoes in your head and your heart long after turning the last page. Doing what he does best and pulling on your heartstrings while injecting blunt honesty and parts of himself into a one hell of a book.

Thank you West 44 Books and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. The thing I love about in verse novels is how quick they are to read but how much depth they still pack! Veny has spent his life living on his island Isla Sola never feeling like he fit. Their island is a community and everyone must do his part but he constantly shirks his chores to go surfing. Then one day he hits a wave bigger than he expected. He wakes up to a strange boy, someone who doesn’t look anything like the islanders, and claims he came from across the ocean. That’s impossible because there is nothing beyond their island. Mateo, the stranger, refuses to talk about where he’s from but Vent is still drawn to him anyway. He decides to hide Mateo and the two grow closer. But who is Mateo and where is he from? And if he’s telling the truth then everything Veny knew is a lie. Exciting and full of the warm and fuzzies! I love the mix of sci-if, dystopia, with a touch of romance! Also got me in my feels and crying! Gume Laurel III is a must read author for me and should absolutely be one for you!