She's been conned, ruined, left for dead, and she's not going to forgive any of it. She will soldier on, if only out of spite.

Words like 'unputdownable' and 'irresistible' are simply not enough for Cat Winters's In the Shadow of Blackbirds. Days after finishing this story, it remains the first thought I have in the morning, and the thing that haunts me until I sleep.

Eventually I realize that I am holding on to him just as tightly as he holds on to me. And here we are: two small dying things, as the world ends around us like falling autumn leaves.

So how long do you think it’ll be?” he says. “Before the next hurricane comes along to take you home.” “Can I tell you my biggest fear?” I say. “Yes. Tell me.” “That it will be a very windless four years.

Maybe hope isn't the most dangerous thing a person can have. Maybe love is.

Maybe it is desperation. Maybe we can't let things fall apart without trying. We can't let go of the people we love.

To die trying would be better than to die without purpose.