Gone by the Board

Reviewed by Morningstar for Diverse Reader

This was a unique story unlike any that I’ve read. It was sweet and beautiful all the while touching on some pretty heavy subjects regarding mental health.



Going into the story, we see Nathan as the one that is lost and needs help finding his way. He struggles with anxiety and depression, but even with this weight on his shoulders, he is a loveable character. Brume is where the unique part comes in with the In-Between People. Using a fantastical twist on merpeople where the In-Between People turn back into water every sunrise which was an interesting way to create a whole new story. Brume was also vulnerable and lost and finding Nathan at a time they both very clearly needed each other. He was quiet and almost shy but had great chemistry with Nathan. Rachelle, Nathan’s best friend and roommate, was a supportive friend at every turn showing her concern and love for him whenever he needed it.



Overall the story was beautifully written with the pacing matching the feel of the characters. The end was a bit difficult but predictable and convenient, but I saw it coming so this didn’t surprise me. Although it does touch on the mental health issues it is in no way a hardcore read, in fact, it was more sweet romance than anything else.



If you love mermaids and unique story lines, then pick up this book because it’ll hit every mark.

Book – Gone by the Board
Author – August Li
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 98
Cover – Gorgeous!
POV – 3rd person, dual character
Would I read it again – YES!
Genre – LGBT, Short, Urban Fantasy


** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine



**Warnings: The story deals with isolation, suicidal thoughts/tendencies, suicide, anxiety, claustrophobia, domestic abuse and mental health issues.**


Wow! Beautiful. Original. Captivating. Perfect. Satisfying. I could write my whole review just in a list of words that would sum up how this made me feel and all that it was.

To start with, the Prologue was so touching. Being introduced to Nathan in such a way – with the dissolution of a relationship that he didn't want to end – was heartbreaking and sort of liberating, at the same time, though he certainly didn't feel that way. Even when we jumped ahead to Chapter 1 which was in the future a few months/year, it was so perfectly planned and plotted that I felt like I hadn't missed a single important event.

The world-building and attention to detail was spectacular. Truly amazing. I've always loved August Li's work and this encapsulated all of the things I've loved about other stories; the detail, the care, the description and how perfectly balanced all of it is with the plot and the characterisation. Nothing is too small a detail, nothing is left out that I want to know, but I'm not bogged down by irrelevant information, either.

When it comes to characters, there wasn't anyone I didn't love. Rachelle was an incredible friend to Nathan; she did so much, was always there and was always supportive, even when he doubted her ability to put up with him or deal with his drama. Nathan himself was just so beautiful; he was a lost creature that needed to be saved and it made me feel for him so much, in such a short time. Watching him grow, as he met Brume, was an incredible transformation and really wonderful to see. Brume himself was a revelation of shy naivety and confident guidance that completely captivated me from beginning to end. Their chemistry together, even before they'd officially met and just needed each other so bad, was palpable. It was truly believeable and beautiful and I rooted for them so hard.

This will be a re-read whenever I need a pick-me-up. Whenever I need to cry or smile or just feel the wonders of the written word, this will be the one I pick up to wash me away into a place of peace and serenity. Stunning.

~

Favourite Quote

It was very hard to pick just a few, but I finally limited it to these:

“A dam broke in Nathan's mind and heart, and an understanding that had eluded him all his life – about the real nature of connection and existing in the present – rushed in.”

“He had to explain, make Nathan understand that it was no flaw of his keeping them apart, that they were just too different. The waves and the beach could touch, could slide against each other in that wonderful, eternal dance, but they could never join.”