Monday, February 3, 2014

Review: Song Of the Fireflies by J A Redmerski


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Title: Song Of The Fireflies
Series: Standalone
Author: J A Redmerski
Release Date: February 4th, 2014
Rating: 1.5 stars
Cliffhanger: No

New York Times bestselling author J.A. Redmerski brings us a stunning and heart-wrenching new novel about a couple who find each other in their darkest moment.

Since they were kids, Elias Kline and Brayelle Bates have been inseparable. When Bray moves to South Carolina, separating the two for the first time, they both at last realize that their innocent childhood friendship has developed into something much more. So when Bray finally returns to Georgia—and to Elias—things between them couldn’t be more perfect…until one fateful night changes everything.

Desperate not to go to prison for a terrible accident, Elias and Bray decide to run. As they try to make the most of their freedom, the two find themselves relying on a rebellious group of people who tempt the duo into a wild and daring new life. But they can’t run from their troubles forever.

As the consequences of their past catch up to them, the couple must finally face reality. Even if they can make it through the unimaginable, Elias knows the truth about Bray’s painful history, and in the end he may not be able to save Bray from herself…




I found it difficult to review this book. Though, I've loved previous books by this author, this one was not for me. I didn’t like Song of The Fireflies and if I’m being entirely honest, I kind of hated it. I totally didn’t feel connected to the story and characters. And what’s worse, for the most part of the book, I felt disgusted by the main couple.

I can’t believe, I’m even writing this here, but I had a moment of complete disbelieve that J Redmerski actually wrote Song Of The Fireflies. Her other books were beautiful, subtle and sensual, however this novel was a complete disaster that literally was falling apart with every chapter.


Elias and Bray were best friends for as long as they remember. Every memory from childhood involves one another. They were inseparable. Through middle school and high school to college, Elias and Bray were always together, day after day, experience after experience. But when they reached their twenties and gave themselves a chance in true relationship, everything fell apart. Bray screwed up everything and left Elias with broken heart.

Now, almost five years later without seeing each other, Bray and Elias decided to try one more time. But despite the time that passed, Bray still has some serious issues.

One terrible night shortly after Elias and Bray got together, she made a appalling mistake. Fearing consequences and prison she and Elias had to run away.

Song Of The Fireflies isn’t a book, that I would recommend for readers who expect mesmerizing tale of friends to lovers romance. This story was bordering on insane. I felt very uncomfortable while reading some parts and I had a dozen of problems with the content.


Firstly, I was turned off by the ‘party scene’. Lots of drinking and drugs that totally cheapened the book and were the biggest portion of the plot. Actually, it made me disapproving toward characters and finally made me dislike them both. I was shocked and horrified by the constant drug’s using, which happened in almost every chapter.

Secondly, Bray was horrible character, I was appalled by her behavior. She was destroying this story and I was quickly hating her guts. As much as I tried to be understanding toward her, because of her history and everything she suffered from, I wasn’t very forgiving. I just couldn’t be. She rapidly made me loathe her, her endless drama and tantrums and while the action always was centered around her and her foolishness, there was no way for me to enjoy this book. (view spoiler)


I also wanted to like Elias. I really wanted to see the good in him. As wonderful it was to read about his love for Bray, I couldn’t stop thinking about his horrible actions and perpetual partying. What’s more, I quickly had enough of him being Bray’s knight in shining armor. I was under the impression, she was only weighing him down and destroying his chances. I desired he finally grow some balls and kick her in her ass, just like her parents. I was very sick of her.

Summing up, Song Of The Fireflies was exhausting novel. Reading it was like trying to decipher manuscript written in foreign language. I was wishing the book had less pages, so I could finish it quicker and be done with it.

I really liked other Redmerski’s books, so if you share the same sentiment and are not afraid of some partying or madness, you could really enjoy reading this standalone novel.


* ARC provided by publisher, Grand Central Forever, via Netgalley in exchange for honest review *





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