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When Sorrows Come
An Upper YA Contemporary Romance Seventeen-year-old Ophelia is in love with the tall, dark and handsome Malachi: Mathematical Genius, Poet, Swimmer, and Narcissist.
Drawn together by their own self-destructive impulses, they begin a consuming and twisted tango of desire and rejection. When Malachi’s mother marries his uncle, Malachi’s word turns on a spindle, his previously charmed life invaded by the Devil.
As Malachi’s increasing paranoia and anger start to take over his life, it is only Ophelia who can offer any kind of salvation; only Malachi doesn’t know how to love anything other than his future dream.
Finding herself caught in an exquisitely bitter-sweet relationship, Ophelia falls in love with a boy who will only realise his love for her when it is too late.
UPPER YA. 15+ Contains more adult themes and adult language.
Drawn together by their own self-destructive impulses, they begin a consuming and twisted tango of desire and rejection. When Malachi’s mother marries his uncle, Malachi’s word turns on a spindle, his previously charmed life invaded by the Devil.
As Malachi’s increasing paranoia and anger start to take over his life, it is only Ophelia who can offer any kind of salvation; only Malachi doesn’t know how to love anything other than his future dream.
Finding herself caught in an exquisitely bitter-sweet relationship, Ophelia falls in love with a boy who will only realise his love for her when it is too late.
UPPER YA. 15+ Contains more adult themes and adult language.
- GenresYoung Adult
202 pages, Paperback
Published January 14, 2016
1 person is currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Katie M. John
58 books375 followersMarried to a handsome giant and mummy to a two foot mud-fairy, Katie has been writing stories and poetry since childhood and has always been away with the woodland fairies.
She is author of the Amazon UK Best Selling YA Fairy Tale Romance series, 'The Knight Trilogy' www.katiemjohn.com and a dark, Gothic paranormal detective novel called 'Beautiful Freaks'
She has a love of writing weird and wonderful short stories and can be found 'visiting' writer friends' anthology collections.
Katie likes to keep it varied and pinning her down to a particular style or genre is hard; she mainly writes for YA and NA, and in the Dark Fairy Tale Genre. However she also dabbles in more adult works of horror and issue-focused work.
Katie often draws on her ten year experience of teaching in a London Comprehensive school in her work.
Katie
She is author of the Amazon UK Best Selling YA Fairy Tale Romance series, 'The Knight Trilogy' www.katiemjohn.com and a dark, Gothic paranormal detective novel called 'Beautiful Freaks'
She has a love of writing weird and wonderful short stories and can be found 'visiting' writer friends' anthology collections.
Katie likes to keep it varied and pinning her down to a particular style or genre is hard; she mainly writes for YA and NA, and in the Dark Fairy Tale Genre. However she also dabbles in more adult works of horror and issue-focused work.
Katie often draws on her ten year experience of teaching in a London Comprehensive school in her work.
Katie
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 26, 2015
This is NOT a story for the feint-of-heart. There is so much to deal with in this story that I barely know where to begin.....
Malachi Stone is a beautiful and brilliant young man. The stage is set with Malachi in a deep well of despair after the untimely death of his father followed, rather too quickly, by the marriage of his mother to his Uncle. Much of the focus of this story is on personal demons. Malachi's relationship with his girlfriend, Lucy. His strained relationship with his mother and uncle/step father. His relationship with his younger sister (Maud) and, perhaps most importantly, his relationship with Ophelia. Their's is a strange relationship... One that gives the appearance of unrequited love. To the casual observer it may appear that Malachi is toying with Ophelia... Stringing her along while continuing a more 'proper' relationship with Lucy, who is more equal, on a social level, than Ophelia. Looks can be deceiving though, and Malachi and Ophelia are intellectually very suited to one another. They share a passion for thought provoking discussion and understand each other on a very deep level, perhaps even more so than they realise themselves.
Ophelia is a lovely young woman who has had far too much to deal with from a very young age. Her mother is mentally ill and Ophelia has had to deal with a number of suicide attempts by her mother... The numerous stays in the mental ward that follow and the after hospital care required. Much of this has fallen on her young shoulders while her father works himself into an early grave, and I mean that literally, trying to keep things afloat.
This story deals with so many heart breaking experiences. Many of which are still seen as taboo by most people. The difficult topics often make for the deepest of stories. Perhaps because they make us look at ourselves and others in a completely different, and somewhat uncomfortable light. Mental illness, death, abuse (both sexual and substance) and love. All of these are dealt with in a deeply thought provoking way. If you have ever experienced ANY of these things, I'm certain that this story will resonate with you. Some people will see this as a depressing story of loss, but in truth, it is not. There is triumph within the tragedy and it is easy to see how one event could realistically lead to the other. I love stories which show the darkness and the light in life. There is no perfect story where everyone gets a happy ending, although it is what we all wish for. You don't know what is going on behind closed doors. People who seem, on the surface, to have it all, could be hiding any number of dark and disturbing tragedies. This certainly shines a light on that.
Ultimately it is a story of love and compassion. A story of self-discovery and strength born from soul crushing tragedy. I loved this story. This is the first book I have read by Katie M. John .... It will not be the last.
Malachi Stone is a beautiful and brilliant young man. The stage is set with Malachi in a deep well of despair after the untimely death of his father followed, rather too quickly, by the marriage of his mother to his Uncle. Much of the focus of this story is on personal demons. Malachi's relationship with his girlfriend, Lucy. His strained relationship with his mother and uncle/step father. His relationship with his younger sister (Maud) and, perhaps most importantly, his relationship with Ophelia. Their's is a strange relationship... One that gives the appearance of unrequited love. To the casual observer it may appear that Malachi is toying with Ophelia... Stringing her along while continuing a more 'proper' relationship with Lucy, who is more equal, on a social level, than Ophelia. Looks can be deceiving though, and Malachi and Ophelia are intellectually very suited to one another. They share a passion for thought provoking discussion and understand each other on a very deep level, perhaps even more so than they realise themselves.
Ophelia is a lovely young woman who has had far too much to deal with from a very young age. Her mother is mentally ill and Ophelia has had to deal with a number of suicide attempts by her mother... The numerous stays in the mental ward that follow and the after hospital care required. Much of this has fallen on her young shoulders while her father works himself into an early grave, and I mean that literally, trying to keep things afloat.
This story deals with so many heart breaking experiences. Many of which are still seen as taboo by most people. The difficult topics often make for the deepest of stories. Perhaps because they make us look at ourselves and others in a completely different, and somewhat uncomfortable light. Mental illness, death, abuse (both sexual and substance) and love. All of these are dealt with in a deeply thought provoking way. If you have ever experienced ANY of these things, I'm certain that this story will resonate with you. Some people will see this as a depressing story of loss, but in truth, it is not. There is triumph within the tragedy and it is easy to see how one event could realistically lead to the other. I love stories which show the darkness and the light in life. There is no perfect story where everyone gets a happy ending, although it is what we all wish for. You don't know what is going on behind closed doors. People who seem, on the surface, to have it all, could be hiding any number of dark and disturbing tragedies. This certainly shines a light on that.
Ultimately it is a story of love and compassion. A story of self-discovery and strength born from soul crushing tragedy. I loved this story. This is the first book I have read by Katie M. John .... It will not be the last.
January 14, 2016
When Sorrows ComeKatie M. John
CONTAINS SPOILERS
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is, as the title depicts, a tale of sorrow. If you are easily brought to tears then I suggest a box of tissues to hand.
The story starts out with the handsome, intelligent, young adult Malachi. He is dating the gorgeous Lucy but he is not in love with her.
It is the day of his mothers wedding, merely months after his fathers death, and to his fathers brother of all people. Malachi detests this union and attends only under duress. The story shows the fraught relationships between himself and his mother and stepfather worsening over time.
Ophelia is a beautiful young woman who has suffered much through her young life. Her mother suffers with mental ill health and has on several occasions attempted suicide and admission to the hospital and psych ward. Ophelia has become adept at dealing with any situation that arises where her mothers mental ill health is concerned whilst her father is working very hard, into an early grave. Ophelia has an obsessional crush on Malachi. A mere glance or smile from him has her in a world solely revolving around what she wants to have with him until reality kicks back in. Is it reciprocated?
Malachi is unsure as to his true feelings for Ophelia but knows he cannot go on indefinitely with Lucy. He is unsure how Ophelia feels for him but knows he just needs to say he needs to see her and she will be there. He seems to enjoy the power he has over her.
When Ophelia's father passes away, Malachi is not there for her, it is Kit and Sebastian who help her through her grief. Sebastian has secretly had a crush on Ophelia for some time. Malachi has family matters that have him blinkered as to his losing Ophelia.
Now whilst I was routing for Ophelia and bad boy Malachi I feel that she does end up with the right man for her. Malachi leaves it too late to realise that he is in love with her.
Although I have not cried whilst reading this I have been damn close to it. I have disliked some characters and loved others. So much sadness and sorrow.
The story was written in modern day and in the first person for the most part and from the POV of the two main characters which I do like as you get to know their thoughts.
This is not the genre of book I read now hence the four stars but I will read it again as it made a refreshing change. I would definitely recommend this book to the young adult + audience and being 46 I definitely come under the plus.
Thank Katie M John for a fantastic read.
CONTAINS SPOILERS
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is, as the title depicts, a tale of sorrow. If you are easily brought to tears then I suggest a box of tissues to hand.
The story starts out with the handsome, intelligent, young adult Malachi. He is dating the gorgeous Lucy but he is not in love with her.
It is the day of his mothers wedding, merely months after his fathers death, and to his fathers brother of all people. Malachi detests this union and attends only under duress. The story shows the fraught relationships between himself and his mother and stepfather worsening over time.
Ophelia is a beautiful young woman who has suffered much through her young life. Her mother suffers with mental ill health and has on several occasions attempted suicide and admission to the hospital and psych ward. Ophelia has become adept at dealing with any situation that arises where her mothers mental ill health is concerned whilst her father is working very hard, into an early grave. Ophelia has an obsessional crush on Malachi. A mere glance or smile from him has her in a world solely revolving around what she wants to have with him until reality kicks back in. Is it reciprocated?
Malachi is unsure as to his true feelings for Ophelia but knows he cannot go on indefinitely with Lucy. He is unsure how Ophelia feels for him but knows he just needs to say he needs to see her and she will be there. He seems to enjoy the power he has over her.
When Ophelia's father passes away, Malachi is not there for her, it is Kit and Sebastian who help her through her grief. Sebastian has secretly had a crush on Ophelia for some time. Malachi has family matters that have him blinkered as to his losing Ophelia.
Now whilst I was routing for Ophelia and bad boy Malachi I feel that she does end up with the right man for her. Malachi leaves it too late to realise that he is in love with her.
Although I have not cried whilst reading this I have been damn close to it. I have disliked some characters and loved others. So much sadness and sorrow.
The story was written in modern day and in the first person for the most part and from the POV of the two main characters which I do like as you get to know their thoughts.
This is not the genre of book I read now hence the four stars but I will read it again as it made a refreshing change. I would definitely recommend this book to the young adult + audience and being 46 I definitely come under the plus.
Thank Katie M John for a fantastic read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2016
Received via Goodreads Giveaways
When Sorrows Come is (almost) a modern retelling of Hamlet; after the death of his father, Malachi's mother marries his uncle, and as he is trying to come to terms with that, he is drawn to Ophelia, a sort-of friend who he finds irresistible. The chapters alternate between the characters' POV, with third-person present tense for Malachi and first-person past tense for Ophelia.
I enjoyed it to an extent but at times it was difficult to read. Ophelia's chapters feel stronger and better written, whereas Malachi's feel clunky. He is supposed to be a genius, but there's little in the book to show that. And it's hard, even in her chapters, to understand when Ophelia is so drawn to him. They're supposed to have known each other for years, but it's not clear how. The characters are around seventeen/eighteen, but don't really feel like teenagers.
The plot was engaging, and there were a few points where the characters themselves really drew me in and made me completely and utterly care for them, but then there were a lot of errors in the prose itself that jerked me out of the story, such as slips in POV.
Three stars mainly because of the plot, and partly because this could have been really good, but there were too many errors for me to give it any more.
When Sorrows Come is (almost) a modern retelling of Hamlet; after the death of his father, Malachi's mother marries his uncle, and as he is trying to come to terms with that, he is drawn to Ophelia, a sort-of friend who he finds irresistible. The chapters alternate between the characters' POV, with third-person present tense for Malachi and first-person past tense for Ophelia.
I enjoyed it to an extent but at times it was difficult to read. Ophelia's chapters feel stronger and better written, whereas Malachi's feel clunky. He is supposed to be a genius, but there's little in the book to show that. And it's hard, even in her chapters, to understand when Ophelia is so drawn to him. They're supposed to have known each other for years, but it's not clear how. The characters are around seventeen/eighteen, but don't really feel like teenagers.
The plot was engaging, and there were a few points where the characters themselves really drew me in and made me completely and utterly care for them, but then there were a lot of errors in the prose itself that jerked me out of the story, such as slips in POV.
Three stars mainly because of the plot, and partly because this could have been really good, but there were too many errors for me to give it any more.
November 8, 2015
Katie M. John did it again. A book that touches the heart and surprisingly someone could relate to the obsession of a crush. I couldn't put it down and was in tears and sorrow.
I enjoyed the two point of views but the first person to third person was getting slightly confusing.
One just wants to grab Malachi, hug him and knock some sense into him. It took him long enough to grow some balls but by then it was too late. His love for his sister is just touching, wanting to protect her.
Ophelia grew a spine and realized she had to move on. No regrets, no what ifs. Sebastian knew and loves her so much he looks the other way. The two deserve each other.
If you are looking for the Happily Ever After, this is not your book. Katie M. John went out side the box, sorry for the cliche, but this isn't her typical type of book I am used to reading from her. It is brilliant and her writing is so captivating, luring you in with the first sentence. Her descriptions are exquisite. Her books never fail to impress me.
I enjoyed the two point of views but the first person to third person was getting slightly confusing.
One just wants to grab Malachi, hug him and knock some sense into him. It took him long enough to grow some balls but by then it was too late. His love for his sister is just touching, wanting to protect her.
Ophelia grew a spine and realized she had to move on. No regrets, no what ifs. Sebastian knew and loves her so much he looks the other way. The two deserve each other.
If you are looking for the Happily Ever After, this is not your book. Katie M. John went out side the box, sorry for the cliche, but this isn't her typical type of book I am used to reading from her. It is brilliant and her writing is so captivating, luring you in with the first sentence. Her descriptions are exquisite. Her books never fail to impress me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2015
What an amazing read. I never expected the outcome of this story. It was well written and so sad. Ophelia has gone through so much in her young life but she has a weird but strong support group. Her heart belongs to one.
Malachi is a confused but loving person, on the inside. He has trouble expressing himself so when his Dad dies and things go to pot at home he reaches for the one person who knows him like no one else, Ophelia.
When life changes and Ophelia has changed the course of her life, Malachi starts to realize that it is Ophelia that his heart belongs but is it too late? Ophelia realizes it's time to grow up and make decisions on the course her life should take but will she go to Malachi or will she stay with Sebastian who has been beside her all along but she was too blind to see.
I don't want to give anything away but you will be blown away at the outcome of this story and your heart will break and you will become angry at the people who really screw everything up with lies and selfishness.
Malachi is a confused but loving person, on the inside. He has trouble expressing himself so when his Dad dies and things go to pot at home he reaches for the one person who knows him like no one else, Ophelia.
When life changes and Ophelia has changed the course of her life, Malachi starts to realize that it is Ophelia that his heart belongs but is it too late? Ophelia realizes it's time to grow up and make decisions on the course her life should take but will she go to Malachi or will she stay with Sebastian who has been beside her all along but she was too blind to see.
I don't want to give anything away but you will be blown away at the outcome of this story and your heart will break and you will become angry at the people who really screw everything up with lies and selfishness.
January 19, 2016
I received an arc of this book for an honest review. This is one of those books that you read where you know something is going to happen. It's like a train wreck you are waiting to happen. You know it will happen... the question is... how bad will it be and will there be any survivors? I can tell you that my heart barely survived this book. This story is a modern spin on Shakespeare and it's so charming the way that it is written, the language used. It's a little bit modern and a little bit of the old English that you just don't see in the age of abbreviations and slang. The characters seem so real and there is no way that you won't fall in love with them. It's a beautiful love story in the midst of tragic events in the lives of 2 young people. The ending was breathtaking and I thought about it for days afterward.
May 23, 2016
When Sorrows Come is based on Shakespeare's immortal love story. This story takes you on an emotional ride through the best of times and the worst of times between families and friends. I strongly urge that you keep tissues nearby when reading this book as you will experience an emotional roller coaster of great depth. I loved it. I wanted to keep the story going. I felt invested in the lives of the characters and wanted nothing but the best for everyone. Even the poor misguided person who caused all the trouble had my sympathy, and my anger was more for the unfortunate belief that family trumps all that brought about the tragedy, than it was directed toward the one who caused it. Can you ever truly know another's heart?
December 11, 2025
An “upper YA” retelling from Ophelia’s POV. I read this book back in 2016 and I still think about it today. It was one of my first “darker themed” books I read and I ate it up. The back of the book warned me it is considered upper YA and is 15+ but in my mind This book is no doubt NA (New Adult). The fact I read this eight years ago and still remember scenes and where I was reading this book means its just perfection.
"When sorrows come they come not single spies but as Battalions"
"When sorrows come they come not single spies but as Battalions"
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March 21, 2016Older young adults will love this story, fall in love with the characters, and love the development of the plot. Adult language is present. The title of the book, When Sorrows Come, doesn't let us know just how anyone will feel as they read this story. Thanks to Goodreads First Reads for a copy of this book. I highly recommend reading this book.
November 29, 2015
Riveting. Beautiful. Absolutely breathtaking. This is a MUST read. It hurt, so INCREDIBLY bad, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. I literally had to walk away at about 85% because my heart was absolutely broken. You'll definitely need the Kleenex for this one!
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
June 9, 2016
Tragic and really gripping!
I liked the characters and their chemistry and loved the Shakespeare references.
Full review: https://goo.gl/ez4rEW
I liked the characters and their chemistry and loved the Shakespeare references.
Full review: https://goo.gl/ez4rEW
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews