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!!

❤ 🎧☕️🕯️📖 ❤

A Critical Lens on 'Hunting Adeline' by H.D. Carlton: Exploring the Disturbing Themes | A Review

I kept delaying writing the review because I had to remember it and didn't want to do that. This 2nd book of Cat and Mouse duet is the story of a human trafficking survivor. This book is a huge TRIGGER WARNING . Kindly proceed with caution. I even got traumatized after reading it. So to explain the synopsis; Adeline (the main character) got kidnapped at the end of the first book and sold to some people who groomed her for some very rich and powerful clients. Almost half of the book is based on Adeline surviving the worst situations possible for a woman. Adeline had one advantage someone was fervently searching for her, and eventually, Zade managed to rescue her after four agonizing months. The scene when Zade finds her and she just could not believe it. She crumbled to her knees thinking she was hallucinating. After Zade brings her home she struggles so hard to process her trauma. She learns to fight to take control of her life. She gets close to her mother. She hates h...

Best Audiobook Apps for books | Part 1: Subscription based apps

So, do you love audiobooks.....well, I do. I recently listened to one or two audiobooks and could not stop falling in love with them. They are so convenient to listen to especially when you have a lot of work to do besides reading books. They come in handy don't you think. In recent years audiobooks have emerged as a beloved companion for people like me i.e. book enthusiasts and multitaskers alike. With the surge in audiobook consumption, a lot of apps have flooded the market, each targeting the top spot in delivering exceptional listening experiences. So, to navigate this sea of options, I have researched and curated a list of 10 subscription-based apps for you to try: 1. Audible Audible stands at the top of the list. It is backed by Amazon and has an extensive library containing every title that is out there. It also analyzes your listening history to offer personalized suggestions There are also subscription plans; Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus, which cater to diverse re...

Plated Prisoner Series | A series review (Spoiler Alert!!!)

Have you ever stumbled upon a series that not only captures your imagination but also challenges the norms of classic narratives? Recently, I had the privilege of delving into the spellbinding world of the Plated Prisoner series, written by Raven Kennedy. If you haven't yet experienced this literary masterpiece, be prepared for a rollercoaster ride of intrigue, deception, and personal growth. Embark with me on a journey through the twists and turns of these books, where the conventional story of King Midas and his golden touch takes an unexpected and captivating turn. A Twist on a Classic Tale The foundation of the Plated Prisoner series rests upon the iconic figure of King Midas and his fabled golden touch. However, Kennedy masterfully introduces a twist; King Midas, rather than possessing the golden touch, is revealed to be a fraud, capitalizing on the real power held by this beautiful character Auren. Auren, with her genuine golden touch, becomes the linchpin of the plot as ...

'The Never King' by Nikki St. Crowe | A Review

"The Never King" by Nikki St. Crowe is an incredibly absurd book. I mean, while reading it, I found myself perplexed, cringing, and wondering what on earth I was actually reading. These rollercoaster emotions I experienced throughout the book. The story revolves around Peter Pan and the Lost Boys, with Winnie, a member of the Darling family line, whose mother is clearly mentally unstable. Her mother's bizarre and neglectful behavior towards her is maddening. When Winnie turns 18, her mother's insanity escalates as she believes Peter Pan is coming to kidnap Winnie, and indeed, he does just that. He takes her to Neverland, where he inexplicably chains her to a bed and watches over her while she's unconscious. The frequent mention of Winnie being different from other Darlings without a clear explanation becomes rather tiresome. Meanwhile, Peter's shadow is lost, causing Neverland to wither slowly. So his main goal is to find his shadow and secure his power o...

The Dark One (Vicious Lost Boys book 2) by Nikki St. Crowe | A Review

I was on a free trial of Scribd and Everand. This particular book popped up and I thought let's do it. So I started listening to this book. I mean I am speechless after listening to it. My mind is in short-circuit mode..LOL!!! I listened to it in November and I am late in writing this review. So, let's explore... The brief synopsis of this book is that the plot picks up from the ending of the last book (this is the second book in the series of Lost Vicious Boys). Winnie decided to stay in Neverland and the shadow of Pan is missing so everyone is trying to find it and have it for themselves. War is coming and I don't know which war and with whom. the Prince brothers confront their sister and find out some new secrets of hers and how she is the manipulative one. Pan is trying to forge some peace alliance with Captain Hook so he can find his shadow in his lands. Charlotte is after The dark one's heart and she is heartbroken that he is after Winnie's. She started playin...