Rainbow State

Rainbow State by Mariah Ashley Website | Twitter | Instagram Publication Date: June 27, 2023 Publisher: Indie Pages: 404 ISBN: 9798988141709 Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary Source: ARC Add to Goodreads Available for Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

Synopsis: Jade may be growing up on a gorgeous Hawaiian island, but her life has been anything but paradise. Grieving the death of her mother and blaming her father for the accident, Jade has resigned herself to a life of loneliness. To make matters worse, Jade is a social outcast, so the very last thing she wants is for her crush, DJ, and bully, Laila, to know just how weird she is. But then weird things start to happen; secret notes, visits from a ghost, and the startling realization that 15 years ago, her parents were survivors of a shipwreck, and not all of the deaths were drownings. Jade will need to team up with DJ and Laila to help uncover the truth, but sometimes it feels easier if the truth remains hidden.

Review:Omg, I loved this book!! I wasn’t sure what to expect going into it, and then I was hooked and could not put it down. I loved the mystery and magical realism. The whole time I kept saying, “Just one more chapter” because I NEEDED to know what happened. I got sort of Now & Then vibes mixed in with a little bit of We Were Liars. This book is the perfect summer read! I’m also still in shock that this is a DEBUT novel.

Jade is such a strong and mature character! She’s only 15 but has been through so much. Her decision-making was questionable at times - because she’s a kid and still learning, but her growth over the summer makes it all worth it.

I loved every single character in this book, but Benny and Kileona stole my heart. ❤️ I also loved that this story really focuses on friendship, learning how to be a friend, and self-acceptance. Adding in an element of first love for the MC and a second chance romance for two other characters was a bonus.

Mariah is going on my auto-buy author list; that’s how amazing this book is!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.