The Same Water by Nori Larkspur

The Same Water by Nori Larkspur | A Review

What's Up, Readers!!

Welcome to Quills and Pages! I read the Same Water by Nori Larkspur a while back, and it was amazing. I rarely enjoy science fiction books, but this one was a really good read. It's elite prep school drama with sci-fi sparkle and slow-burn romantic tension.......perfect setting right?...... So let's start the review!

BLURB

Empathy is power.
For two years, Shaye Devereaux’s anxiety has consumed her life. Friends have drifted away, she’s given up on boys, and she’s failed her junior year. But an unbelievable offer gives Shaye hope of a fresh start.
Pathos Conservatory, an elite prep school founded on the business of empathy, believes Shaye is the perfect fit for their summer program. Pathos is building up a force of influencers, training them on the power of understanding human emotions. Guiding her on her journey is her nineteen-year-old mentor, Ephram. Irritatingly handsome, Ephram is flirty yet distant… until he isn’t.
While navigating her complicated feelings about Ephram, Pathos exposes Shaye and her new friends to the power of empathy. Delving into memories of others is just the beginning of their training. For Shaye, however, some memories should never be experienced twice.
But when Shaye’s awakened abilities catch the attention of leadership, it soon becomes clear there is much more going on with Pathos—and Ephram—than she knows. One choice could alter Shaye’s life forever – will she be ready to make it?

GENRE
Science Fiction Adventure Fantasy

THEME AND TONE
Cool

LANGUAGE AND WRITING STYLE
Easy to Read

CHARACTERS
Somewhat complex

TROPES

☙ School Drama

☙ Empathy-Based Magic/Abilities

☙ Portals

☙ Exclusive School / Academy Setting

☙ Slow Burn and Mutual Pining

☙ Not All Is as It Seems

☙ Anxious FMC

☙ Coming-of-Age

MY REVIEW
The first paragraph of chapter one drew me in...why because the person talking about paperbacks and how it made them feel.......I am sucker for such things. Anyway, the story starts out great. The setting, the plot was immaculate. There is an empathy-powered academy that’s definitely hiding something. Shaye Devereaux is an anxiety-riddled, heart-on-her-sleeve FMC. She isn’t looking for love, redemption, or a sci-fi-level existential crisis—but guess what? She is getting all three.

Pathos Conservatory isn't your typical prep school. It’s basically Hogwarts, but for empaths, and instead of wands, you get memory dives and suspiciously charming mentors. Then you also get Ephram: brooding, infuriating, hot enough to be illegal😅. He flirts like it's his job (spoiler: it sort of is), but behind all that perfection, there is a lot of mystery and secrets. Overall, it was a great read. I enjoyed it very much. Highly recommended!!!

MY RATING
Overall: ★★★★ | 4 Stars

Plot: ★★★★| 4 Stars

Romance: ★★★★ | 4 Star

Characters:★★★★ | 4 Stars

Pacing: ★★★★★| 5 stars

Mystery: ★★★★★ | 5 star

THE BEST PART
☙ The book setting is really great
☙ I like the concept of empaths

Best Words

Happy Reading!!

Stalk me!!

❤ 🎧☕️🕯️📖 ❤

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