I am in love with Joey Lynch’s story.

My heart absolutely shatters into a million tiny, irreconcilable pieces for this little lost boy, and I just want to hold him close and shield him from all the cruelty of his world.

This is a coming-of-age story unlike any other. It tackles extremely heavy issues, from abuse to drug use to every flavor of childhood trauma imaginable. But if you’re coming here from Binding 13 or Keeping 13, then I’m sure you already have some idea of what to expect.

The story is beautifully done. It’s insanely compelling and pulls you through every emotional beat right alongside the characters. There are moments of levity that bring you small highs before dropping you deeper than you thought possible. I’m still a bit on the fence about the inclusion of on-page spice considering the characters are underage, but I can also acknowledge that it serves the message of the story. The book doesn’t shy away from physical abuse, addiction, or trauma, so omitting intimacy would almost feel like sanitizing part of the harsh reality it’s trying to reflect. That said, if you love Joey *for yourself* and not *for Aoife*... you are absolutely part of the problem.

Aoife Molloy is honestly an incredible character and the perfect balance to Joey. Her POV brings so much depth to the story, and the stark contrast between their home lives really helps highlight the core message. Watching how differently they react to everyday moments based on the worlds they come from is just masterfully done.

This book covers the four to five years leading up to Binding 13 and Keeping 13, following Joey as he tries to survive the hellscape of his youth and slowly comes of age in a world that seems determined to break him. I absolutely loved it. That said, my little chronological brain kind of wishes I had read this one first.