Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the earc in exchange for my honest review.

4.5, rounded up.

Before We Disappear follows Jack and Wilhelm (a pair of thieves, but like- loveable, thieves) as they attempt t0 earn a living and, really, just survive the Alaska–Yukon–Pacific Exposition in Seattle 1909. Things aren't exactly what they seem, however, and Jack soon learns Wil has many secrets and an incredible hidden talent. As they get to know one another and feelings develop, Wil must decide whether or not to let Jack in on those secrets and accept the help he so desperately wants to live a better, free life.

So, I absolutely adored Wil and Jack. Like, from the beginning knew I would be crushed if anything bad happened to either of them. Wilhelm really goes through it, and boy did my heart hurt for him, but things worked out okay in the end.

I really enjoyed the dual pov in this book, and I think it worked well. Both boys were great at telling their part of the story, and I liked seeing things from each of their perspectives. It was also nice to see them interact with all the other characters on their own, too. It was super easy to read and though it was long, I didn't feel like it was being drug out or that I was just pushing through to finish.

It really tugged at my heartstrings, and I was ready to FIGHT for Willhelm so many times. Bless him. He's precious snd never done a thing wrong in his life.

I also loved that the author made it commonplace for same-sex relationships to be happening in 1909. It was refreshing not to see mountains of homophobia on top of all the other awful things the characters were facing, and I appreciate this choice.

I definitely recommend picking this one up! Enjoyed it a lot.