First We Were IV by Alexandra Sirowy (ARC Review)

First We Were IV by Alexandra Sirowy

Release Date: July 25, 2017

*I was sent a physical ARC by the publisher Simon & Schuster and Sirowy’s publicist for an honest review – thank you so much for sending me over a copy since you were my first and I might have cried a bit XD*

4.5 crowns

The moment that I saw that book was coming out – I knew I had to have it. Um, the title was amazing. The description was amazing. When the cover came out, it was amazing. Sirowy is amazing. EVERYTHING IS AMAZING. So I knew I had to have the book. And I literally gained one of my best reviews ever with an enlightening:

I’m already obsessed with that title – even though it took me an embarrassingly long time to figure it out.

Yes, that became my second or third most liked review on Goodreads. Thanks being confused by roman numerals, because you helped a girl out? I’m totally sure that’s what got me a copy. XD

Let’s go into the summary before I commence fangirling about this book:

It started for pranks, fun, and forever memories.
A secret society – for the four of us.
The rules: Never lie. Never tell. Love each other.
We made the pledge and danced under the blood moon on the meteorite in the orchard. In the spot we found the dead girl five years earlier. And discovered the ancient drawings way before that.
Nothing could break the four of us apart – I thought.
But then, others wanted in. Our seaside town had secrets. History.
We wanted revenge.
We broke the rules. We lied. We told. We loved each other too much, not enough, and in ways we weren’t supposed to.
Our invention ratcheted out of control.
What started as a secret society, ended as justice. Revenge. Death. Rebellion.

Okay, this book lived up to all of my expectations. IT WAS SO TWISTY GOOD. Sirowy is a master of the twist and such darkness. It’s creepy, it’s weird, it’s haunting, it’s beautiful. Sirowy manages to do this all in one novel and I literally just sit there going, Omigosh, can I have 20 more books of this?

Sirowy has stunningly beautiful writing. I was floored by her work in The Telling, and she did it yet again with this novel. There are quotes that are just so beautifully done. Her writing isn’t the way that Roshani Chokshi is – with poetry and beauty. But it’s something that strikes you right to the core with these dark, haunting quotes. It’s the way that I love Megan Miranda’s work – quotes that will stick with you not for their beauty but because they’re their own poetry of darkness. I can only wish I could ever write like that.

The whole premise was so intriguing as well. I will admit that it was a bit slow to start, only because I didn’t expect that kind of beginning. However, it worked, and it provided such an interesting way to begin, building up to insanity coming. I’ve never read a book quite like this, and I don’t think I ever will. I really don’t want to say too much about the plot, since I’m not even quite sure I could do it justice and don’t wait to spoil anything for anyone because dear gosh, there were some twists and turns.

The group aspect was the best. The dynamics were amazing. I fell for each one of the members of the group, and Sirowy fleshed them out. I could easily pick the people out of a lineup, and each one of the group brought something new and broken to the story. Henry was my favorite, but I did adore everyone in the group in their own different ways.

There is some romance – and an adorable ship – but the truth is I really didn’t care, because the story was so enthralling. But the ship was adorable. I was all for it.

AND THAT ENDING, THOUGH. :O :O :O I was shocked and awed. So many OMG’s.

Anna’s eye say it all about that ending. She’s like, oh dear, girl.

The only reason that I took a .5 off is not even the book’s fault. A lot of the things that the society was doing – so of them are so :O worthy – I just didn’t agree with. It was things that I would never do, and I’m like, oh, children, you should really not be doing THAT. NO-NO. I…I felt like the King Triton in a sea of Ariels. I’m not sure if any of you have seen the thing on Tumblr where it’s like, you know you are too old to be watching Disney when you start agreeing with King Triton instead of Ariel about land being too dangerous (um, never too old for Disney, though XD). And that’s how I felt. XD But…the things made sense for the story and the characters. My personality type was just like NO, GIRL, NO, NO. Again, not the book’s fault. Only why it’s a negative .5 off.

Oh, this book was everything I wanted it to be. Sirowy has made me a lifelong fan now, and I love how she makes these characters and story dark, twisty, and morally complicated. I’m so happy that I have a copy of this on pre-order, and I cannot wait for more of Sirowy’s book. If you’re looking for beautiful writing, something dark and weird and wonderful, or just a good story, this book is for you. 5 crowns and an Anna rating!

Check it out:

• Goodreads
• Amazon
• Barnes and Noble

So what do you think? Have you read this? Are you super excited to? Are you, too, a King Triton in a world full of book Ariels? XD Let’s discuss in the comments below!