I tried a genre i dont normally read, and sadly it didn't work out. It was well written, but not adult enough for my taste ( not a criticism in it self) I therefore didn't finish it

Thank you to NetGalley and SD Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review

This was just too precious! The story picks up so fast and we're quickly introduced to our protagonist, his best friend, and his grieving family after the loss of his grandfather.
These characters felt real and heartfelt, and I really believed in their struggles at school or with their relationships. I was so happy for our boys falling love that I was smiling for multiple chapters at a time, and didn't want their story to end.
It was also great to see how a few frequently asked questions were answered through the book, my pet peeve one being "why don't all deaf people use the same sign language?"

An absolute must-read!!

I started this book in the evening after finishing another book. I read the first chapter—and it made me so sad I had to put the book down for a full 24 hours before I could pick it back up again. And I live for the emotional pain, hurt/comfort trope!!

That being said, once I picked it back up the next day, I didn't want to stop reading! Straight from the start, I absolutely adored Owen and Ryan's friendship—Owen is mourning the loss of a family member, and I adored how Ryan was there for him. This continues throughout the book, even as life moves on for both of them, with school work and friends and dating, and I was so happy Owen had Ryan in his life! There are other friends throughout the story too, whom I absolutely adored, but Ryan stood out, being the oldest friend and also the first one that we meet early on in this story!

Whilst trying to cope with his grief through art, Owen meets Jun-ho, a half Irish half Korean boy, in the park. He quickly discovers Jun is Deaf, and a big focus of the story is the two of them communicating in ways that most people wouldn't even think about: body language, texts, lip reading, and of course through sign language, which Owen starts to learn. It was such a beautiful story line; I especially loved a moment where Owen noted that they'd had a whole conversation without speaking or signing, and that communication was flowing more naturally between them now than when they first met 🥰

The romance plot line was exquisite—there's so much yearning, so many beautiful moments, talk of butterflies and feeling content just sitting and holding each other and trading kisses and agghshjd it was just such a gorgeous portrayal of young love!! 💖 I felt absolutely giddy reading their story and remembering that feeling of first falling for someone as a teenager, and I was awe-struck and teary-eyed reading about what they'd do to stay together, even when things try to keep them apart (I won't spoil the story, but things got really tense there for a while and I was legit scared of how few pages there were left to reach a resolution!!!).

The last thing I want to draw attention to is the use of art throughout this story. I loved how it was always there, in the background or right front and centre. I could feel Owen's feelings through his drawings and the way he used art to express his grief and his love and, most of all, his desire to help Jun with his family issues. It was a beautiful reminder that so much of life is art and expression, and I loved that! 💖

To sum up, The Sound of You is a beautiful YA story, with themes of friendship and love, grief and communication, artistic expression and determination, and I one hundred percent recommend this book, without reservation, to absolutely everyone!! Doyle's writing is beautiful and funny, with banter and heartfelt moments, and characters that feel real and relatable, in a setting where it's easy to imagine the events unfolding, and I've adored every minute I've gotten to spend in this world!

Without a doubt, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 from me, and I can't wait to own and reread this book!


I want to thank the author, Simon Doyle, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! I absolutely loved this story, and I can't wait to read anything else you might write in the future! 😁

This was such a great book! Owen is struggling after a great loss, until one day he meets a quiet boy in the park, Jun. After realizing that Jun is deaf and communicates through sign language, Owen is determined to learn to speak to him.

Jun has his own personal struggles in his father, who lives in South Korea. His father is determined to fix Jun, despite what the boy wants for himself.

Can the boys work together to convince Jun’s father that he isn’t someone that needs to be fixed? Will the boys be able to stay together?

This book was a pure delight, beautifully written, with some absolutely amazing characters. Both boy have some amazing growth during this story. If you enjoy YA and MM stories, you should definitely give this one a read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher/author for this copy of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

If you want a tender love story with so much depth and heart, this is definitely the book for you. I thought this book was beautifully written, and I appreciated how well it tackled the topic of grief and love. It was also enlightening to read a book with a main character who is deaf. Jun-ho and Owen have my entire heart, and I think their love story is so intricate and developed. I wanted to keep reading about them forever. This novel is so much more than just a love story, though. It is about navigating grief and discovering who you are and how to be in times of loss and hardship. Discovering more about yourself is always something I enjoy reading about.

Overall, 5 stars!

I have enjoyed reading all of Simon Doyle’s books. His latest one is an endearing love story between two teenage boys: one Irish (Owen) and the other half-Korean, half-Irish (Jun). Jun is also deaf. In addition to Owen and Jun there are many supporting roles, including Owen’s grandfather who dies right at the start of the book; we see Owen struggle with his grief over this loss.

The burgeoning relationship between Owen and Jun is delight to observe, despite the challenges of Jun’s lack of hearing (which he makes up for in other ways) and the cultural differences between Ireland and Korea, including Jun’s difficult Korean father.

This was a rewarding read. Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC.

The Sound of You is a queer YA romance that intimately explores themes of grief, disability, culture, art, and unconditional love and acceptance, as the profound first-love shared between MCs Owen and Jun has ripple-effects that positively impact the very heart of the community that surrounds them.

This was a truly heartfelt reading experience and I appreciated the way Doyle handled the story, emotionally and tonally speaking. It managed to walk a steadfast line between too emotionally exhausting and too sweet and fluffy, which isn’t always the case when dealing with YA stories of similar themes.

The growing romance between artistic, grief-stricken Owen and half-Korean Jun, a deaf boy with his own familial and cultural challenges, was very heartwarming and tender in its rendering. But beyond their smile-inducing first-love romance, it was in the ensemble cast of characters and the emotionally engaging themes they represented that this story truly shined.

For me, the opening of the story was my absolute favourite part, as we followed Owen in the days and weeks after the loss of his beloved grandfather. The way his grief was handled was very moving and so intensely relatable in its telling, that I hold huge respect for what Doyle managed to capture in those quieter, more contemplative scenes, which served to endeared me deeply to MC Owen very early in the piece.

However, I was just as engaged with the rest of the story, too, especially once the boys became friends and their romantic feelings began to take flight, fully enjoying the larger arc involving Owen’s artistic expression and the eventual explorations of human communication and unique methods of connectivity we use in a shared diverse world.

As my second time reading a story by Irish author Simon Doyle, I can confidently say that I’ve enjoyed his characters, his themes, and his style of storytelling very much, at least from what I’ve seen and experienced thus far. I’m definitely keen to now backtrack so I can fill in missing gaps in his backlog, but I’m also super eager to see what he does next on his writing journey.

The Sound of You was a real pleasure to read.


***A special thanks to the publishers (via Netgalley) for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very romantic book. The prose was gorgeous and I highlighted several passages simply because they are incredibly beautiful.

I loved the grief journey. Owen’s loss of his grandfather shadowed everything he did, and I really felt for him. The art project he did was so incredibly emotional and stunning, I wanted to hug him.

The romance with Jun was so intimate and stunning, I loved how they communicated with each other and that epic grand gesture of love and friendship at the end had tears rolling down my cheeks.

Very sweet and lovely,

A sweet story, very emotional and beautiful.

It touches upon some heavy topics, and it makes you reflect a lot on your own experiences, and you just don’t notice how quickly you become so invested in the story.

The main characters are just so sweet, and the whole cast of others is so great as well. The found family, the friendships, parents-children relationships, it was very interesting to see them all.

Overall, a great read, would definitely recommend 🤍

Thank you to NetGalley and SD Press for a complimentary copy of The Sound of You by Simon Doyle.

This was a delightful read! The Sound of You has lots of good messaging surrounding grief of a loved one and finding yourself in the world. I thought the author had written both of these subjects beautifully. It shows that moving on doesn’t mean forgetting and that silence can truly be the loudest as we speak with more than just our words.

I loved all of the characters in The Sound of You, the main relationship between Owen and Jun was very wholesome, I found so many of their interactions to be so cute that I couldn’t help but coo and laugh with them. Another aspect that I really enjoyed about this book was the found family, the friendships and relationships in this book were lovely. It was nice to see that all of them cared and loved one another, it was even nicer to see them all come together! I’m very pleased with the friendships/relationships, I’m happy that the characters are happy, I’m glad many of them have found their special person in the world!

Overall this was a lovely book with great messaging! The Sound of You has a good mix of fluff and angst moments that I enjoyed. The relationships both romantic and platonic are solid in here! I’ll definitely be reading this authors other books Snow Boys and Runaway Train soon! As a side note the mention of Ao3 caught me off guard but it was so funny!

Whoa ! This was amazing I loved Owen and Jun so much.
Owens story was so sad . He's grandad seemed so sweet .

I loved his friend and their banter .

Jun was so cute and the sign language part was interesting.
It was a joy to read .

We’re very lucky to have such amazing authors who are writing intelligent LGBTQ+ YA at the moment, particularly in the MM genre. In the US there are people like Alex Sanchez and Brent Hartinger who write realistic gay male characters, never afraid to show us as flawed individuals. And in the UK we have people like William Hussey who write deep, emotionally rich stories of loss and belonging. And let’s not forgot the brilliant Simon James Green, whose light hearted youthful style captures the comedic awkwardness of growing up, as well as the struggles of living under Section 28. Amazingly intelligent authors who try to “write up” to their audiences and never talk down. So I thought I’d try this book, my first book by Irish author Simon Doyle, to see how he compares to some of the other YA writers out there.

The book opens shortly after the death of Owen’s grandfather. We follow Owen in the weeks after the funeral as he deals with the grief and the absence of his grandfather. Whilst out sketching one day he meets Jun-Ho, a South Korean kid who just happens to be deaf and who sparks Owen’s interest and slowly begins to draw him out of his grief.

The first thing I noticed when reading the start of this book was how clear the authors voice was. He seemed to have a beautifully descriptive style that managed to push the plot forward, avoiding its use as narrative padding. These descriptions captured each scene perfectly, creating a mood that reflected Owen’s view of the world. There was a real melancholy to the writing as we followed Owen through his daily routine in the wake of his grandfathers death. It showed how he struggled with the feelings of loss and the all consuming sadness that accompanies the grief of losing someone so close. Perceiving the world at a distance, almost detached. But when Jun-Ho enters his life, things started to shift for him. And at the same time, things also started to shift for me with this book, but not necessarily in the same way.

As an exploration of grief this book really hit its mark. Not just when dealing with the loss but also in showing how a person can feel separated from everyone. Their interaction with friends and family and the difficulty they have in returning to a normal life. However as a romance I struggled to feel the connection between the two male leads. I couldn’t feel the attraction between the two boys, despite the author insisting it was there. He really tries to write a romantic connection between the two of them but I just couldn’t feel it. In fact I felt more of a connection between Owen and his best friend Ryan than I did with Owen and Jun. Owen’s relationship with Ryan just dominated the page whenever the two of them were together. And that was such a shame as the book changed its main focus onto Owen’s growing feelings for Jun, making this more of a teen romance than a study of grief.

I also felt the quality of the writing started to slip a little too. Some of the writing just didn’t seem quite right, somewhat cringy in places. Like when Owen was biting his lip trying to stop himself from smiling the author wrote “…I was neither a cat nor from Cheshire.” Then we had phrases like “… every drop of blood I owned”. Some of the writing just didn’t feel right… a little too juvenile (does a person actually ‘own’ their blood?) Now I could be wrong, maybe the author intended his writing to sound like that, after all he is writing from a 16 year old’s point of view. But after such a strong start these types of phrases really stood out to me.

I think your enjoyment of this book will very much depend on how much Owen and Jun’s relationship resonates with you, and whether you buy in to it or not. For me I could not find the connection, so I did not find all those chapters of Owen swooning over Jun that engaging. I found them dull, actually. However the parts which dealt with Owen and his family’s grieving, and how they attempted to move on, were really interesting. Indeed all the family storylines were engaging. I particularly liked Owens growing relationship with Mick and how author dealt with Owen’s Mum trying to move on from Tommy’s death. In someways this would have been a stronger book without the romance, if Owen and Jun were just friends.

It is such a shame I didn’t gel with this book the way I’d hoped, but that’s mainly down to the main relationship. I’m sorry Jun and Owen but you lost me at “hello”. But that’s not to say others won’t like it, particularly if the main characters work for you, and you’re in the mood for some moody teenage pining. I’ll definitely check out more of this authors work, especially if they’re more like the first part of this book.

Simon Doyle's "The Sound of You" promises a deeply moving and resonant story about grief, connection, and the power of finding one's voice. The summary paints a vivid picture of a tender, slow-burn queer romance that is both introspective and ultimately empowering.

At its heart is sixteen-year-old Owen Kelly, grappling with the profound loss of someone who truly understood him. His retreat into art—his sketchbook—is a classic yet effective portrayal of a character processing immense grief and a world that feels "out of tune." This immediately sets a melancholic, yet relatable, tone for Owen's journey.

The accidental meeting with Jun-ho Lee appears to be the catalyst for Owen's transformation. Jun-ho, described as quiet, observant, and Deaf, brings a unique dynamic to the narrative. His communication through gestures and glances will undoubtedly force Owen to engage in a "new kind of conversation," both literally and metaphorically. This promises a beautiful exploration of non-verbal communication and the depth of understanding that can exist beyond spoken words. The fact that Jun-ho is Korean-Irish also hints at potential cultural layers that could enrich the story.

As Owen and Jun-ho navigate their intertwined lives, the central conflict seems to be Owen confronting "the silence inside him." This suggests a journey of healing and self-discovery, where Jun-ho acts as a mirror or a guide, helping Owen to break free from his emotional "static." However, the stakes are raised when the "outside world closes in," forcing them to fight not just to stay together, but "to be heard in a world that never listens." This adds an element of external conflict, hinting at societal prejudices or misunderstandings that the boys will have to overcome, amplifying the theme of finding one's voice.

Comparisons to beloved titles like Heartstopper, I’ll Give You the Sun, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower set high expectations for "The Sound of You." These comparisons suggest a story rich in emotional depth, authentic character relationships, and a powerful narrative that tackles challenging themes with sensitivity.

"The Sound of You" sounds like a compelling read for anyone seeking a poignant exploration of queer romance, the complexities of grief, and the profound beauty of connection found in unexpected places. It's a story that seems poised to remind us that sometimes, as the summary suggests, silence truly is louder.

I loved "The Sound of You" on so many levels. I did not want to stop reading it!
The story gives us a beautiful picture of grief, personal growth as a teenager, embracing cultural differences and bridging communication between deaf and hearing people.

My personal highlight was the exhibition they did at the end, which really showed how deaf people aren't as different to hearing people as many think. This is also supported by how effortlessly Jun and Owen communicate throughout the book. At the beginning it's a little difficult, but Owen adapts and with time it becomes second nature.

I would recommend everyone to read this book!

This is an honest review in exchange for an e-ARC. Thank you to SD Press, Simon Doyle and NetGalley for the e-ARC

Thank you so much NetGalley, SD Press, Simon Doyle for the ARC!

The sound of you was just so amazing! It was such a sweet story with so much heart and sappy little moments between Owen and Jun-ho. They were just so perfect and the fact that they both helped each other with difficult part of their lives was just such a great thing.

I haven’t read my books with deaf representation, but I think that Simon did an amazing job and handling that well and showing how Owen and Jun-ho’s budding relationship works. I will say though the fact that Owen learned ISL to speak with Jun-ho just made me kick my feet and giggle! I mean come on talk about romantic! 🥰

I really loved the fact that Owen fought to Jun-ho, when his father came and wanted to take him away. It just showed how much Owen cared for him and what he was willing to do. But the exhibit turned into more than just that, it really helped others take on a new perspective. That alone was my favourite part of the whole book and just a great way to lead towards the ending.

Overall, 10/10 and would def read this again.

Thank you SD Press and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. I absolutely loved this story! Owen has just lost someone he loved dearly. And he’s struggling to navigate the world without them. Then he bumps into Jun-Ho, and though he doesn’t speak to Owen on their first encounter, Owen can’t get him out of his head. To his surprise and delight they run into each other the next day, it’s then that Owen learns Jun is Deaf. He grew up in Korea and recently moved to Ireland with his mom who’s Irish. Jun knows ISL and KSL and he can also read lips. Which is lucky for Owen. But he decides he’s going to learn ISL and it helps but he also learns that he can communicate with Jun even without it. The two get each other and the more time they spend together the more Owen falls for him. But does Jun like guys? And Jun’s got some complicated family dynamics. Will the two fall for each other? Or will life get in the way? I loved the depiction of communication and sound in this story! And how hearing can happen in different forms and can be unique to us all! I enjoyed the slow burn romance between Owen and Jun and absolutely adored their friends and families! Especially Ryan and Ella! I also loved the exploration of grief and how Owen depicted it with his art! Simon Doyle’s The Sound Of You is a beautifully told story of love, grief, and deep understanding and communication! Funny, queer, heartwarming, and will have you feeling all the feels! Also had me crying at times! Highly recommend!!

What a terribly sweet story. The novel opens with the death of Owen’s grandfather, so grief plays a large role in the story. Owen deals with so many big, complicated feelings that they feel overwhelming. They are all handed with compassion and his journey toward healing is every bit as moving as the romance that develops between Owen and Jun-ho. Doyle knows how to capture teenage angst and the pangs of first love which is apparent in the tenderness he imbues in Owen and Jun’s relationship.

Ryan, Owen’s best friend, is a scene-stealing character. His presence often injected humor into the story and the way Doyle writes about his friendship with Owen is wonderful. I’m not an expert on the Deaf community, but I do think representation is very important, and I think that this aspect of Jun-ho’s character was handled with sensitivity. I think The Sound of You makes very good points about allyship and recognizing that not everyone experiences the world in the same way.

||4.25🌟||

I would read it again. I would absolutely read it again. If only just feel a pinch of what I felt reading those last chapters, I would absolutely fucking read it again.

This book had layers! Layers of beauty, emotion, grief, love, art, silence, and language. It had me constantly choked up and inspired, sometimes at the same time. I was highlighting lines, rereading passages, just sitting with my heart full.

It’s a gorgeous portrayal of yearning, of a deeper connection, of love in many forms. The way Irish Sign Language and Korean Sign Language are woven into the story.. the way culture is portrayed not just through words, but through food, gestures, silence, it’s stunning. Quietly radical and incredibly moving.

Both main characters had such emotional depth, it felt like they were reaching out of the page and touching something raw in me. Their experiences, their communication, their pain and joy. it all became personal. Their depth was my undoing.

The pacing? Absolutely perfect. Even in its slowest moments, the story stayed strong. I was completely hooked, laughing, swooning, cheesing like an idiot, desperate to know what would happen next. There were no dull moments, only rich ones.

Simon Doyle was clearly exploring a different kind of communication, a communication in silence, in presence, in love. And he portrayed it with such care and tenderness that I was left in awe. The strength and clarity of connection between people who face communication barriers, it was breathtaking.

This book wasn’t just good. It was good GOOD. Truly special. I already want to read it again.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I absolutely loved this book. It had me gripped from start to finish. It was a beautiful love story with such a deep connection between our two main characters.

I adored our main characters and how they grew throughout the book. The theme of grief was so easy to resonate with as well.

Finally, the uniqueness of this novel was beautiful. It was refreshing to gain such a valuable insight into deaf culture and the issues that still surround it today.

Overall, one of the best romances I've read all year. I would highly recommend.