I received this for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This Adventure Ends by Emma Mills Published by Macmillan on October 4th 2016
Pages: 288
Goodreads
Sloane isn't expecting to fall in with a group of friends when she moves from New York to Florida—especially not a group of friends so intense, so in love, so all-consuming. Yet that's exactly what happens.
Sloane becomes closest to Vera, a social-media star who lights up any room, and Gabe, Vera's twin brother and the most serious person Sloane's ever met. When a beloved painting by the twins' late mother goes missing, Sloane takes on the responsibility of tracking it down, a journey that takes her across state lines—and ever deeper into the twins' lives.
Filled with intense and important friendships, a wonderful warts-and-all family, shiveringly good romantic developments, and sharp, witty dialogue, this story is about finding the people you never knew you needed.
My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed Emma Mills’ debut First & Then. But her sophomore release? Knocked it outta the park for me! I just loved it so, so very much. It was the kind of book that left me feeling oh so very content when I turned the last page. I totally teared up, but ended with a happy sigh. Oh man, how do I even talk coherently about it?!?
Here are some of the things I loved most:
Sloane: Just everything about her. I especially loved seeing how she developed over the course of the story. And the way she relates to the other characters! It was so interesting to see her relationships with her family members, as well as the relationships she’s forming with new friends. She has this sense of humor that is exactly what I didn’t know I wanted in a character. I really loved the ways she tries to take care of those around her as well. She’s perfectly imperfect and I want to be her friend.
Sloane’s Dad: It feels like such a bonus when I find the adults in YA books interesting. So often they are background players (which totally has it’s place as well.) Sloane is close to her dad so we see a lot of interactions between the two. They’re both struggling in different ways. I liked seeing how they each deal with their struggles. Plus, he gets super obsessed with this werewolf show and the fanfic about it. It’s pretty great.
The Twins: I loved getting to know Vera and Gabe as Sloane did. As we learned more about them I kind of just wanted to hug them both! Actually, I just loved the whole friend group Sloane finds herself in. Each character was interesting to meet and their individual stories kept me intrigued.
Miscommunication: There are a number of issues that arise from miscommunications/lack of communication. I. Love. This. It’s one of my favorite conflicts in a story. Very Lizzie/Darcy-esque 🙂
Art aspect: Vera and Gabe’s mother was an artist. Part of this adventure ends centers around tracking down one of her paintings. I have very little artistic ability. Perhaps this is why I enjoy stories that talk about art/artists. I enjoyed seeing how the painting changed hands and why each person wanted it.
Discovery: So much of this story can come back to discovery. Discovering who you are, who you want to be, what you want from life, etc… But also, discovering more about the people around you and how you relate to them. I felt such a connection to this aspect.
Clearly I just really love this book and think you need to read it! I was so in love with it I immediately passed it on to a friend so I’d have some one to gush about it with!
Alexa S.
I absolutely LOVED This Adventure Ends! I had enjoyed First & Then, so I expected good things. I didn’t expect to fall head over heels in love. It’s just such a good, compelling story!