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Deviations
Not all love triangles require choosing between two sides…
For seventeen-year-old Miho, the long war with her own mind is becoming too much to bear. Between the unending nightmares, PTSD, depression, and isolation, the mental skirmishes never end. Those sweet whispers of the dark wisps promise freedom from the pain, and it’s getting harder to say no.
When she witnesses a tragic accident, she catches the interest of her classmates Taka and Shinji, two boys with reputations for being casual playboys. But they let Miho see what no one else bothers to notice, like the regular abuse Shinji hides behind a sweet smile and easy-going laugh and Taka’s barely leashed rage and frustration over his inability to protect his best friend or even control his own destiny.
What starts as a hesitant friendship becomes a deep connection the three can’t ignore, but do they dare dream of happiness when the world around them seems bent on destroying them?
Deviations is an upper YA romance that includes a positive exploration of alternative relationships and a realistic portrayal of abuse and teens battling mental health issues.
For seventeen-year-old Miho, the long war with her own mind is becoming too much to bear. Between the unending nightmares, PTSD, depression, and isolation, the mental skirmishes never end. Those sweet whispers of the dark wisps promise freedom from the pain, and it’s getting harder to say no.
When she witnesses a tragic accident, she catches the interest of her classmates Taka and Shinji, two boys with reputations for being casual playboys. But they let Miho see what no one else bothers to notice, like the regular abuse Shinji hides behind a sweet smile and easy-going laugh and Taka’s barely leashed rage and frustration over his inability to protect his best friend or even control his own destiny.
What starts as a hesitant friendship becomes a deep connection the three can’t ignore, but do they dare dream of happiness when the world around them seems bent on destroying them?
Deviations is an upper YA romance that includes a positive exploration of alternative relationships and a realistic portrayal of abuse and teens battling mental health issues.
304 pages, ebook
Published January 10, 2017
76 people want to read
About the author
Anma Natsu
5 books26 followersAnma is a Texas-based writer who loves weaving stories that explore the complexities of love, human relationships. Her daytime hours are spent pounding away at code as a web developer and happily sharing her life in Texas with her furkids.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 12, 2016
Josie's Review 4.5 STARS
When I first started to read Deviations it was hard for me to get into to it, but I am so happy that I stuck with it. I am usually not a fan of YA books but Ms. Natsu nailed this with her words, vivid descriptions and impeccable writing style. Once I got into this story it was so hard for me to put it to down. This story was emotionally charged, painfully and powerfully and yet it had so much promise. The promise of happiness despite a world filled with darkness. The story is told in multiple POVs, Miho’s, Taka’s and Shinji’s. Each of these three character have such a powerful and telling story to tell that left me reeling with pain and tore my heart out.
Miho’s story broke my heart. This sweet and caring girl also stole my heart from the very first page we are introduced to her. She is a 17 year old girl that is suffering from a severe depression, PTSD, mental issues and carries the scars of a terrible accident where she was the sole survivor. This poor girl has no support from her mother and father. They don’t know how to deal with the pain of what truly happened to her that day and instead of being there for their daughter they shut her out. If that isn’t enough, she is terrorized and bullied on a daily basis. No matter what comes at her, this shy and very unique girl gets up every day and faces life’s challenges head on, with a brave face.
Taka lives in a very strict and structured household, typical Japanese culture. His father has his future planned out for him and will not let Taka deviate from what he has planned for him. There was no discussion in that household at all as what Taka wanted, it was one way and that was the end of it.
Shinji, gosh this poor boy lives in a very abusive and volatile home. His parents make no excuse that he is not wanted nor loved, the physical and verbal abuse he suffers made be cringe and brought tears to my heart.
Take and Shinji’s dealt with their hectic home lives by living fast and hard lives. They were known for being rough and for being players. They bet each other on who could have sex with a girl first and they didn’t care if the girl got her feelings hurt in the process. Everything changed for them when their paths crossed with Miho’s. Through their hectic, painful and tragic lives the three formed a friendship and bond that transcended all the darkness in their lives. I really enjoyed watching their friendship grow and seeing them slowly accept a love that many in would find unconventional. These three lost individuals found comfort, peace and love together and were complete within their trio
I enjoyed that this author added Japanese words within the story and that she added end notes so it was easy to follow along. Deviations was a powerful and compelling story that dealt with real issues like high school bullying, mental health issues, physical and emotional abuse. The author handled this very unconventional triad relationship with such grace. She really took the time to show readers just how unique and connected these three characters were. Take a chance on Deviations you will not be disappointed.
June 7, 2016
I received a copy of this book from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
Deviations was an intense and powerful story that didn't shy away from showing the darker side of highschool, mental health issues, or the secrets families keep. At its core, this is a love story between three teenagers trying to find their place in the world; these three lost souls find solace and love with one another despite all the forces working against them. Throughout the story, Taka, Shinji, and Miho learn to accept who they truly are and find happiness in what society deems an unconventional - or deviant - love.
Deviations was an intense and powerful story that didn't shy away from showing the darker side of highschool, mental health issues, or the secrets families keep. At its core, this is a love story between three teenagers trying to find their place in the world; these three lost souls find solace and love with one another despite all the forces working against them. Throughout the story, Taka, Shinji, and Miho learn to accept who they truly are and find happiness in what society deems an unconventional - or deviant - love.
March 19, 2020
I loved everything about this book! The main character is intriguing, the world building amazing, and the writing completely flows. I found this to be an easy book to get through in a couple of days and it only left me wanting more by this author. I am so glad I was given a chance to read this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2018
Le résumé était particulièrement intrigant, je m’imaginais quelque chose de bien particulier pour ce roman, et c’est avec une immense joie que j’avais visé juste.
Miho, Shinji et Taka sont trois adolescents à l’apparence normal, mais véritablement torturé à l’intérieur. Shinji et Taka sont amis, meilleurs amis, depuis leur plus tendre enfance. Mais ils ne connaissent pas encore Miho.
Taka fait la rencontre de cette jeune fille à un moment tragique. Il est ébloui par sa gentillesse, mais ne s’attend pas à la retrouver le lendemain dans sa classe pour apprendre que cela fait trois ans qu’ils sont dans la même classe.
Petit à petit Shinji, Taka et Miho vont apprendre à se connaitre et à créer un véritable lien d’amitié. Mais, par amour du jeu, Shinji et Taka décident de lancer un pari sur Miho. Le premier qui réussit à coucher avec Miho devra accepter de partir étudier avec l’autre. Malgré leur nouvel attachement pour Miho, le résultat du pari est trop tentant. Shinji et Taka ne veulent pas se quitter, mais Taka doit suivre les traces de son père et aller étudier dans la même université que lui. Tandis que Shinji décide de partir dans la meilleure école du Japon pour apprendre la cuisine.
Taka ne veut pas suivre les traces de son paternel, il n’a aucune envie de reprendre l’entreprise de son père, ce qu’il veut, c’est devenir le gérant du futur restaurant de Shinji. Mais depuis son enfance, le père de Taka lui explique quel est son devoir en tant que fils unique.
Shinji est détesté de sa famille, la seule et unique personne de son entourage à lui montrer de l’intérêt est Taka, son meilleur ami. Son père le bat, car dès qu’il pose les yeux sur lui, garçon japonais blond aux yeux bleus, il voit l’infidélité de sa femme. La mère de Shinji le hait, et son grand frère l’ignore. Shinji n’a qu’une seule hâte : partir de chez lui au plus vite, même si ça signifie quitter la seule personne qu’il aime.
Miho est une jeune fille fragile et abandonnée de tous. Ses parents rentrent à la maison une fois par mois pour déposer de l’argent et prendre quelques vêtements. Ils ne la regardent plus et évitent de lui parler. Miho devient dépressive tant elle est rejetée, mais l’arrivée Shinji et Taka dans sa vie va lui redonner de l’espoir.
Déviations est une œuvre touchante. L’auteure nous montre trois êtres perdus, brisés, qui arrivent à se reformer seulement quand ils sont ensemble. Ces trois adolescents fragilisés devront apprendre à s’imposer avant l’âge adulte.
L’auteure nous écrit sur la quête du bonheur, peu importe sa forme, malgré toutes les tragédies que l’on peut rencontrer.
Les personnages sont complexes, drôles et terriblement attachants. Ils m’ont tous les trois ému, je ne pourrais pas donner une préférence particulière.
La romance tient une part importante dans ce roman, et pour tout vous dire, je ne suis absolument pas déçu, c’est exactement ce que je voulais lire. Après pas de spoiler, je vous laisse découvrir tout ça par vous-même.
Deviations est un véritable coup de cœur, dont la lecture a été véritablement prenante. Je vous le conseille, cette œuvre sort de l’ordinaire et elle vaut véritablement le coup d’être lu.
Miho, Shinji et Taka sont trois adolescents à l’apparence normal, mais véritablement torturé à l’intérieur. Shinji et Taka sont amis, meilleurs amis, depuis leur plus tendre enfance. Mais ils ne connaissent pas encore Miho.
Taka fait la rencontre de cette jeune fille à un moment tragique. Il est ébloui par sa gentillesse, mais ne s’attend pas à la retrouver le lendemain dans sa classe pour apprendre que cela fait trois ans qu’ils sont dans la même classe.
Petit à petit Shinji, Taka et Miho vont apprendre à se connaitre et à créer un véritable lien d’amitié. Mais, par amour du jeu, Shinji et Taka décident de lancer un pari sur Miho. Le premier qui réussit à coucher avec Miho devra accepter de partir étudier avec l’autre. Malgré leur nouvel attachement pour Miho, le résultat du pari est trop tentant. Shinji et Taka ne veulent pas se quitter, mais Taka doit suivre les traces de son père et aller étudier dans la même université que lui. Tandis que Shinji décide de partir dans la meilleure école du Japon pour apprendre la cuisine.
Taka ne veut pas suivre les traces de son paternel, il n’a aucune envie de reprendre l’entreprise de son père, ce qu’il veut, c’est devenir le gérant du futur restaurant de Shinji. Mais depuis son enfance, le père de Taka lui explique quel est son devoir en tant que fils unique.
Shinji est détesté de sa famille, la seule et unique personne de son entourage à lui montrer de l’intérêt est Taka, son meilleur ami. Son père le bat, car dès qu’il pose les yeux sur lui, garçon japonais blond aux yeux bleus, il voit l’infidélité de sa femme. La mère de Shinji le hait, et son grand frère l’ignore. Shinji n’a qu’une seule hâte : partir de chez lui au plus vite, même si ça signifie quitter la seule personne qu’il aime.
Miho est une jeune fille fragile et abandonnée de tous. Ses parents rentrent à la maison une fois par mois pour déposer de l’argent et prendre quelques vêtements. Ils ne la regardent plus et évitent de lui parler. Miho devient dépressive tant elle est rejetée, mais l’arrivée Shinji et Taka dans sa vie va lui redonner de l’espoir.
Déviations est une œuvre touchante. L’auteure nous montre trois êtres perdus, brisés, qui arrivent à se reformer seulement quand ils sont ensemble. Ces trois adolescents fragilisés devront apprendre à s’imposer avant l’âge adulte.
L’auteure nous écrit sur la quête du bonheur, peu importe sa forme, malgré toutes les tragédies que l’on peut rencontrer.
Les personnages sont complexes, drôles et terriblement attachants. Ils m’ont tous les trois ému, je ne pourrais pas donner une préférence particulière.
La romance tient une part importante dans ce roman, et pour tout vous dire, je ne suis absolument pas déçu, c’est exactement ce que je voulais lire. Après pas de spoiler, je vous laisse découvrir tout ça par vous-même.
Deviations est un véritable coup de cœur, dont la lecture a été véritablement prenante. Je vous le conseille, cette œuvre sort de l’ordinaire et elle vaut véritablement le coup d’être lu.
July 17, 2016
“We’re just deviants, that’s all. You, me, Taka. We’re deliciously, wonderfully deviant.”
Taka and Shinji have been friends forever. When they meet Miho she is welcomed into their group. Meet three friends who learn to love themselves as they love each other. Taka's father has his future mapped out for him. It doesn't seem to matter what Taka wants. Shinji is living in a house where he is not wanted or loved. He struggles with his fathers abuse and his mothers hatred. Miho is recovering from a terrible accident that left her scarred. Her parents don't know how to deal with her and are never around.
Ms. Natsu does a terrific job of interweaving a story that is tragic and heartbreaking but brings three people together as they learn to love each other and find happiness. This story is intense in that is deals with some heavy subjects like abuse and bullying but it is written in such an emotional way. Even though Taka, Shinji, and Miho has to deal with their past it is their love for each other that heals them.
Ms. Natsu ended the book with some endnotes that was great in helping you understand the Japanese culture. I found this very helpful
This Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review. Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
Taka and Shinji have been friends forever. When they meet Miho she is welcomed into their group. Meet three friends who learn to love themselves as they love each other. Taka's father has his future mapped out for him. It doesn't seem to matter what Taka wants. Shinji is living in a house where he is not wanted or loved. He struggles with his fathers abuse and his mothers hatred. Miho is recovering from a terrible accident that left her scarred. Her parents don't know how to deal with her and are never around.
Ms. Natsu does a terrific job of interweaving a story that is tragic and heartbreaking but brings three people together as they learn to love each other and find happiness. This story is intense in that is deals with some heavy subjects like abuse and bullying but it is written in such an emotional way. Even though Taka, Shinji, and Miho has to deal with their past it is their love for each other that heals them.
Ms. Natsu ended the book with some endnotes that was great in helping you understand the Japanese culture. I found this very helpful
This Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review. Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
August 19, 2017
This novel did not disappoint! It tackles such challenging topics as mental health, abuse, polyamory, etc, with finesse and grace! Strong character development made for quite a literary experience.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews