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Never Look Back
Eury comes to the Bronx as a girl haunted. Haunted by losing everything in Hurricane Maria--and by an evil spirit, Ato. She fully expects the tragedy that befell her and her family in Puerto Rico to catch up with her in New York. Yet, for a time, she can almost set this fear aside, because there's this boy . . .
Pheus is a golden-voiced, bachata-singing charmer, ready to spend the summer on the beach with his friends, serenading his on-again, off-again flame. That changes when he meets Eury. All he wants is to put a smile on her face and fight off her demons. But some dangers are too powerful for even the strongest love, and as the world threatens to tear them apart, Eury and Pheus must fight for each other and their lives.
This is an #OwnVoices retelling of the Greek myth Orpheus and Eurydice.
Pheus is a golden-voiced, bachata-singing charmer, ready to spend the summer on the beach with his friends, serenading his on-again, off-again flame. That changes when he meets Eury. All he wants is to put a smile on her face and fight off her demons. But some dangers are too powerful for even the strongest love, and as the world threatens to tear them apart, Eury and Pheus must fight for each other and their lives.
This is an #OwnVoices retelling of the Greek myth Orpheus and Eurydice.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 15, 2020
About the author
Lilliam Rivera
27 books469 followersLilliam Rivera is an award-winning author of children’s books including her latest Never Look Back, a retelling of the Greek myth Orpheus and Eurydice set in New York by Bloomsbury Publishing. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Elle, to name a few. Lilliam lives in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 333 reviews
November 7, 2021
Wow! This is genius and challenging!
When I realize I’m reading the retelling of one of the most outstanding Greek myths: Orpheus and Eurydice with Afro- Latinx characters, I wholeheartedly enjoyed the idea.
So I dived into the story without reading any reviews for not being biased, went blind and wanted to get lost in the one of the heart wrenching tragedies.
Don’t worry, with her fascinating storytelling skills of Ms. Rivera’s, she presents us pure magical realism, discovery of cultural identity, overcoming from grief and excitement of first and true love story.
Both of the protagonists are young, flawed , naturally making too much mistakes but you may sense the genuineness of their hearts and it’s so easy to like and connect them.
Eury comes to NYC for leaving her old life behind after losing everything in Hurricane Maria, following by a evil spirit. She needs healing, recovering from her grief and starting over. She meets Pheus, charming singer, serenading her, planning his summer at the beach at the friends. That’s where their challenging but also pure, unique love story starts.
It’s one of my fastest readings. Re-adapting a Greek myth is a big challenge and writing it with from your heart and pointing at sensitive issues like cultural identity, loss, grief may raise the bars. But the author overcame all those struggles and I enjoyed the outcome of the story. I wish there was more romance because both of the characters were extremely sweet.
Overall: I liked lyrical, emotional and thought provoking approach of the book. I’m giving my mythical , musical , young and sweet four stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for sharing this meaningful ARC with me in exchange my honest opinions.
When I realize I’m reading the retelling of one of the most outstanding Greek myths: Orpheus and Eurydice with Afro- Latinx characters, I wholeheartedly enjoyed the idea.
So I dived into the story without reading any reviews for not being biased, went blind and wanted to get lost in the one of the heart wrenching tragedies.
Don’t worry, with her fascinating storytelling skills of Ms. Rivera’s, she presents us pure magical realism, discovery of cultural identity, overcoming from grief and excitement of first and true love story.
Both of the protagonists are young, flawed , naturally making too much mistakes but you may sense the genuineness of their hearts and it’s so easy to like and connect them.
Eury comes to NYC for leaving her old life behind after losing everything in Hurricane Maria, following by a evil spirit. She needs healing, recovering from her grief and starting over. She meets Pheus, charming singer, serenading her, planning his summer at the beach at the friends. That’s where their challenging but also pure, unique love story starts.
It’s one of my fastest readings. Re-adapting a Greek myth is a big challenge and writing it with from your heart and pointing at sensitive issues like cultural identity, loss, grief may raise the bars. But the author overcame all those struggles and I enjoyed the outcome of the story. I wish there was more romance because both of the characters were extremely sweet.
Overall: I liked lyrical, emotional and thought provoking approach of the book. I’m giving my mythical , musical , young and sweet four stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for sharing this meaningful ARC with me in exchange my honest opinions.
May 23, 2021
update (nov/2020)
first thoughts: This is a book I won't be able to stop thinking about. Thoughtful, heartbreaking, and hopeful, a story about trauma and abuse, but also love and resilience. It's truly a love letter to Puerto Rico. What a book.
update (feb/2020): I WAS RIGHT AND LILLIAM GOT THE BEST, MOST GORGEOUS COVER EVER. ok, thanks. let's cry until this book comes out
update (may/2019)
A Latinx Orpheus and Eurydice retelling??? Yes, please! I know for a fact this book is going to get the best cover because that's what Lilliam deserves
first thoughts: This is a book I won't be able to stop thinking about. Thoughtful, heartbreaking, and hopeful, a story about trauma and abuse, but also love and resilience. It's truly a love letter to Puerto Rico. What a book.
update (feb/2020): I WAS RIGHT AND LILLIAM GOT THE BEST, MOST GORGEOUS COVER EVER. ok, thanks. let's cry until this book comes out
update (may/2019)
A Latinx Orpheus and Eurydice retelling??? Yes, please! I know for a fact this book is going to get the best cover because that's what Lilliam deserves
October 4, 2020
I’m such a fan of Lilliam Rivera’s work & her latest did not disappoint. A beautiful love story about the ways trauma haunts us & how being seen helps open the path towards healing. There’s so much in this story that I loved, particularly the way Rivera writes about mental health.
December 18, 2020
My rating for this book is actually about 4.8 stars, but I didn't want to be petty, so I gave this novel 5 stars because of the creativity and the phenomenal writing. After I read about 1-2 pages of this book, I was planing on returning this book to my online library and reading something else. But once I started reading chapter 3, I just couldn't put this book down.
Plot/Storyline
Characters
Eury
Orpheus (Pheus)
Plot/Storyline
This novel is about a girl named Eury who comes to visit the Bronx over the summer with her Mami (which is what she calls her mother btw), and stays with her cousin Penelope and Eury's aunt Titi Sylvia. But Eury comes to New York haunted by the spirit Ato, whom she met as a young girl after her father abandoned her family. The whole reason Eury and Featuring contemporary Afro-Latinx characters, this retelling of the Greek myth Orpheus and Eurydice. And after reading this plot, I thought it was crazy, but when you actually read the book, it goes from crazy to chaotic. I enjoyed the storytelling in this novel and the dual POV of Eury and Pheus. But I felt like some parts were missing during certain events.
Characters
Eury
Eury started off in the book as someone who stayed quiet, kept to themselves, and usually only became comfortable around very few people. But throughout the book, Eury became more confident in who she was, what she believed in, and the person she loved (Pheus). It felt good to see her evolve throughout the book, and finally open up to other people about Ato and everything she went through.
Orpheus (Pheus)
when Pheus was first introduced, I enjoyed having a glimpse of his family and the relationship Pheus had with his father. Pheus loves to play music with his guitar, and this was one of the main things he used to "woo the girls", so he was a player. But when he meets Eury, he doesn't rely on his musical talents, and actually tries to get to know her while she gets to know him better as well. And when Pheus starts to learn more about Eury, the reader sees him evolve and question his previous beliefs and perspectives of the world because of Eury's experiences she shared with him. I really enjoyed the dynamic of both characters because they were able to sacrifice so much for each other without hesitation, and that was just beautiful.
Final Thoughts
I had 3-star expectations for this book before I even read it, but I'm so glad I didn't return this book so soon. There were surprises that I learned about Eury, but also the surrounding characters. Towards the end of this book, I nearly cried because of everything Pheus and Eury went through, and I thought they were going to lose each other. So yeah, this was a spectacular book. I probably won't read this again because I can't take the heartbreak/emotional roller coaster this book put me through. I would recommend this to someone who is "okay" with having their heart broken and put back together with great storytelling and compelling characters.
Read
December 15, 2021A stunning Orpheus/Eurydice retelling following Afro-Latine protagonists grappling with their dreams, first love, generational trauma, the lifelong effects of Hurricane Maria, mental health, and so much more.
July 31, 2021
A fascinating Orpheus and Eurydice modern retelling with a Latine twist, with magical realism elements and a romance in which feels like a love letter to Puerto Rico.
- Follows Pheus, an Afro-Latine teen musician who meets and falls in love with Eury, a Puerto Rican teen who is haunted by an evil spirit, who stays with her cousin for the summer.
- The story is deftly written and I liked how it balances all these elements - its modern and contemporary setting, an exploration of the trauma and grief following Hurricane Maria, and also the comfort of religion and importance of religious identity.
- How the story interweaves elements of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth and magical realism was wonderful and I really enjoyed seeing the little nods and references.
- There's nothing bad about this book - there were just some things that didn't quite land with me, especially in the second half. The tonal shift was fascinating and elevated the story, but I felt a little left behind - not the fault of the book, but it just didn't gel with me.
Content warning: racist microaggressions (challenged), animal death (not explicitly detailed), sexual harassment
- Follows Pheus, an Afro-Latine teen musician who meets and falls in love with Eury, a Puerto Rican teen who is haunted by an evil spirit, who stays with her cousin for the summer.
- The story is deftly written and I liked how it balances all these elements - its modern and contemporary setting, an exploration of the trauma and grief following Hurricane Maria, and also the comfort of religion and importance of religious identity.
- How the story interweaves elements of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth and magical realism was wonderful and I really enjoyed seeing the little nods and references.
- There's nothing bad about this book - there were just some things that didn't quite land with me, especially in the second half. The tonal shift was fascinating and elevated the story, but I felt a little left behind - not the fault of the book, but it just didn't gel with me.
Content warning: racist microaggressions (challenged), animal death (not explicitly detailed), sexual harassment
September 17, 2020
Actual Rating: 2.5 but rounding up because the writing itself is beautiful.
Never Look Back is a contemporary YA retelling of the Greek myth Orpheus and Eurydice, which is a cool idea, but this kind of feels like two different books and the cover really doesn't give a sense of what this book is like (aside from the fact that it centers Afro-Latinx characters). You can almost split this book in two and while I like both halves, they didn't work for me as a cohesive whole. This might be a case of the author trying to do too many things for one narrative instead of picking one.
Part 1 has light magical realism with retelling elements that mostly seem to be used as a metaphor for things like dealing with trauma, identity, and mental health. Part 2 goes full-on portal fantasy to the underworld with a very on the nose approach to the retelling and lots of creepy/horror elements. So....I'm not sure what happened with the cover because not at all what I was expecting? Like I said, I would have liked either of those books, but smashed together it was strange.
Eury is visiting family in the Bronx while dealing with PTSD from a hurricane in Puerto Rico and haunting from a possessive spirit. Pheus is a musician who has his pick of girls, but there is something different about the quiet and withdrawn Eury. Things go from there and this touches on everything from childhood trauma and PTSD to abusive relationships and mental illness. It's an ambitious book with a cool premise and a lot of great elements, but again, it just didn't quite come together the way I hoped it would. I received an advance copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Content warnings include attempted sexual assault, psychological and emotional abuse, PTSD, anxiety, teen drug and alcohol use.
Never Look Back is a contemporary YA retelling of the Greek myth Orpheus and Eurydice, which is a cool idea, but this kind of feels like two different books and the cover really doesn't give a sense of what this book is like (aside from the fact that it centers Afro-Latinx characters). You can almost split this book in two and while I like both halves, they didn't work for me as a cohesive whole. This might be a case of the author trying to do too many things for one narrative instead of picking one.
Part 1 has light magical realism with retelling elements that mostly seem to be used as a metaphor for things like dealing with trauma, identity, and mental health. Part 2 goes full-on portal fantasy to the underworld with a very on the nose approach to the retelling and lots of creepy/horror elements. So....I'm not sure what happened with the cover because not at all what I was expecting? Like I said, I would have liked either of those books, but smashed together it was strange.
Eury is visiting family in the Bronx while dealing with PTSD from a hurricane in Puerto Rico and haunting from a possessive spirit. Pheus is a musician who has his pick of girls, but there is something different about the quiet and withdrawn Eury. Things go from there and this touches on everything from childhood trauma and PTSD to abusive relationships and mental illness. It's an ambitious book with a cool premise and a lot of great elements, but again, it just didn't quite come together the way I hoped it would. I received an advance copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Content warnings include attempted sexual assault, psychological and emotional abuse, PTSD, anxiety, teen drug and alcohol use.
April 22, 2020
I love this book so much. More to come later because my heart is a mess right now.
March 23, 2021
I've been wanting to read Lilliam Rivera's work for a long time, and I'm glad I picked up this one first. I read this in one sitting as I was just so immersed. I love retellings, I love Greek mythology, and I love how the Orpheus and Eurydice myth was handled here. It was a distinctly unique story and it was fun to see the familiar aspects of the myth play out in a whole new setting.
April 20, 2020
Lilliam Rivera is an author that I've been meaning to read for years now and I'm so glad I finally took a chance on this book. It was SO GOOD. The writing, the imagery, the characters...everything about this was just so beautiful and I enjoyed it so much.
When I heard that this was a retelling of the Greek myth Orpheus and Eurydice I had to pause and actually look up the myth because the only thing I knew about Greek myths is that they always end tragically. And this myth is no different. But I do like how Lilliam took this myth and made it more modern, not to mention incorporated religion and Dominican culture.
I especially loved Eury who may come across as weak to many but she does a lot of growing in this book and honestly, it's ok to be scared and not know what to do. She is a teenager, they both are and I loved how this book emphasizes that. They're not going to always know the right thing to do, they're going to make mistakes and that's ok. It should be expected. Orpheus is a very likable character as well and I loved his relationship with his father.
The reason for 4 stars and not 5 is that I wish there was more development of the romance and I wish there was an epilogue. The romance was definitely sweet but it didn't feel as strong and concrete as I wished it would be. It felt a little insta-lovey and while I do understand how it works in context of the Greek myth, the fact that this book takes place over just a span of a few weeks (if even that) and they are both from such different worlds, I was hoping for...more. I think an epilogue could've given that because by the end, I was unsure if they would even last long term. Which, ok I know this is YA and they are teenagers and who knows what will happen, but it would've been nice to have a little bit more of reassurance than what we got. But that could also just be me and my dislike of HFN endings.
This book is a must for YA fans who love Greek myths but also who are looking for a story that will transport you into a world that has you looking around your own world and looking at it a little bit differently. I can't wait to read more books for this author!
arc given in exchange for an honest review
Shelved as 'on-pause'
April 20, 2021i feel so bad for putting this book aside but. i don’t think i’m going to finish it right now.
the first part was lovely? but it’s been over two weeks since i even picked this up and just thinking of getting through that last ninety pages right now doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen anytime soon. which isn’t the books fault at all!
it’s just the mental state of my being currently, and i want to read this book at a different time when i can fully appreciate it. :)
☆
pre review:
orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice
... yeah i want to read this a reasonable amount
the first part was lovely? but it’s been over two weeks since i even picked this up and just thinking of getting through that last ninety pages right now doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen anytime soon. which isn’t the books fault at all!
it’s just the mental state of my being currently, and i want to read this book at a different time when i can fully appreciate it. :)
☆
pre review:
orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice orpheus and eurydice
... yeah i want to read this a reasonable amount
April 30, 2021
i loved this retelling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice and how magical realism was used; full of symbolism and metaphors, NEVER LOOK BACK is a book about pain and loss but also hope and rebirth.
August 4, 2020
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of Never Look Back in exchange for an honest review.
I had such a hard time rating this because my emotions towards the first and second halves of this book are so drastically different.
First off, Rivera's writing is unarguably beautiful. The imagery was incredible and you get a really good feel for all the characters in the first half. I loved getting to know Pheus & Eury and their friends/family.
My problem was, all the intrigue built at the beginning is thrown out the window the second the Orpheus & Eurydice story moves to the forefront. We begin slowly and mysteriously then all of the sudden everything speeds up and the plot is whirling past you. It went form realism to 'you're reading a book right now' way too quickly for me and I just wish the pacing was more consistent throughout so I could have properly enjoyed this.
I had such a hard time rating this because my emotions towards the first and second halves of this book are so drastically different.
First off, Rivera's writing is unarguably beautiful. The imagery was incredible and you get a really good feel for all the characters in the first half. I loved getting to know Pheus & Eury and their friends/family.
My problem was, all the intrigue built at the beginning is thrown out the window the second the Orpheus & Eurydice story moves to the forefront. We begin slowly and mysteriously then all of the sudden everything speeds up and the plot is whirling past you. It went form realism to 'you're reading a book right now' way too quickly for me and I just wish the pacing was more consistent throughout so I could have properly enjoyed this.
January 18, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me a review copy of this book!
Unfortunately, this book didn’t quite work for me; I suspect it’s more my fault than the book’s. It just wasn’t the right time. I’m trying to write a romance novel, and I’m full up on romance at the moment. Still, this is a cute and well-written story—albeit, as hinted at by the title, a bit bland and forgettable.
This is one of the few times I’ve read a book from Netgalley which I feel maybe I should reread one day. The concept of a girl haunted literally and figuratively by her past is an interesting one, and I like that the plot revolves so heavily around music. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t connect to the characters (I can’t even remember their names off-hand) and their romance seems a little thin.
Still, this is an okay young adult novel—it’s getting great reviews, so I’m sure it’s just me.
Unfortunately, this book didn’t quite work for me; I suspect it’s more my fault than the book’s. It just wasn’t the right time. I’m trying to write a romance novel, and I’m full up on romance at the moment. Still, this is a cute and well-written story—albeit, as hinted at by the title, a bit bland and forgettable.
This is one of the few times I’ve read a book from Netgalley which I feel maybe I should reread one day. The concept of a girl haunted literally and figuratively by her past is an interesting one, and I like that the plot revolves so heavily around music. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t connect to the characters (I can’t even remember their names off-hand) and their romance seems a little thin.
Still, this is an okay young adult novel—it’s getting great reviews, so I’m sure it’s just me.
September 29, 2021
A really complex and beautiful book about what it means to walk this world as a young person if colour. Still thinking on this one.
September 12, 2020
This book is a well done magical realism story about Pheus a gifted young musician at heart spending his summer in the Bronx with his father, and Eury a girl born and raised in Puerto Rico who is spending the summer with her aunt and cousin while she works past some trauma.
Eury is dealing with a spirit who has been present in her life since she was younger and her parents split up. This spirit followed her from Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria displaced her family to Tampa and now New York. Pheus is a believer in what is tangible but Eury has him wanting to help her find her demons.
I liked Pheus's group of friends and how authentic and real they felt. I live on the East Coast in a Latinx neighborhood and these felt like teens from my neighborhood. Liliam Rivera did a great job capturing their voice in a way that will be effortless to teen readers. The Spanish language is regularly included and I liked that not everything they said was translated.
At first this story feels like your typical summer love contemporary but then things switch in the second half as it dives further into spiritual beliefs. So you might believe at first that Ato is all in Eury's mind. The incorporation of life after Hurricane Maria was very well done as our author didn't shy away from painting a vivid picture of the reality of the story. How Eury and her mother thought it would be a hurricane that would just pass like many others and instead this one literally ripped the roof off their heads.
Another thing this story did that stood out was give very present and involved parents. Oftentimes in YA the parents are not as involved as they should be. With Eury's mother we explore how in some cultures people would rather cling to their faith then admit that a family member is struggling with their mental health. Pheus' dad is always around to give his son helpful relationship advice and remind him of who his people are.
I received an arc from Bloomsbury YA in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted at
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
Eury is dealing with a spirit who has been present in her life since she was younger and her parents split up. This spirit followed her from Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria displaced her family to Tampa and now New York. Pheus is a believer in what is tangible but Eury has him wanting to help her find her demons.
I liked Pheus's group of friends and how authentic and real they felt. I live on the East Coast in a Latinx neighborhood and these felt like teens from my neighborhood. Liliam Rivera did a great job capturing their voice in a way that will be effortless to teen readers. The Spanish language is regularly included and I liked that not everything they said was translated.
At first this story feels like your typical summer love contemporary but then things switch in the second half as it dives further into spiritual beliefs. So you might believe at first that Ato is all in Eury's mind. The incorporation of life after Hurricane Maria was very well done as our author didn't shy away from painting a vivid picture of the reality of the story. How Eury and her mother thought it would be a hurricane that would just pass like many others and instead this one literally ripped the roof off their heads.
Another thing this story did that stood out was give very present and involved parents. Oftentimes in YA the parents are not as involved as they should be. With Eury's mother we explore how in some cultures people would rather cling to their faith then admit that a family member is struggling with their mental health. Pheus' dad is always around to give his son helpful relationship advice and remind him of who his people are.
I received an arc from Bloomsbury YA in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted at
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
April 14, 2023
2023 reads: 110/350
2023 tbr: 34/100
eury is haunted by what she lost in hurricane maria and by an evil spirit who calls himself ato. but in new york, she hopes she can set all that aside, at least for the time being. she meets pheus, a charming singer, who wants to get to know her better. but trouble soon follows the two teens…
i always get excited when i see a new greek mythology retelling and this one is a retelling of one of my favorite stories! i loved the progression of eury and pheus’s story so much, and somehow was even shocked when eury was on the brink of death. i really enjoyed how this ended and i recommend this to anyone else who loves orpheus and eurydice.
2023 tbr: 34/100
eury is haunted by what she lost in hurricane maria and by an evil spirit who calls himself ato. but in new york, she hopes she can set all that aside, at least for the time being. she meets pheus, a charming singer, who wants to get to know her better. but trouble soon follows the two teens…
i always get excited when i see a new greek mythology retelling and this one is a retelling of one of my favorite stories! i loved the progression of eury and pheus’s story so much, and somehow was even shocked when eury was on the brink of death. i really enjoyed how this ended and i recommend this to anyone else who loves orpheus and eurydice.
August 25, 2020
Never Look Back is a modern retelling of the tragic story of Orpheus and Eruydice. I was pretty excited about this, but was quickly disappointed to learn that this story wouldn't be nearly intriguing as it's predecessor. The first half of the story is your typical summer romance, love-at-first-sight contemporary, where we meet our mains, Pheus and Eury. Pheus is a carefree musician and Eury is the new girl will a lot of emotional baggage. I was really looking forward to unpacking all of that but unfortunately, that is pushed aside in favor of just showing the two fall instantly in love.
The second half of the story felt like it belonged in a different book; where before the story felt modern, now we've taken a turn for the mythic as we see the events of the original myth play out. Again, I was hoping for this to be more about the struggles that Eury has been through, she's clearly suffering from living through several hurricanes and it would have been interesting to see Pheus help pull her out of her metaphorical underworld. But instead things play out too literally and too easily, leaving no emotional connection to the characters.
Overall, I recognize that I'm just not a fan of these types of stories, but I really feel like Never Look Back could have been something really special. As it is, it just falls flat.
The second half of the story felt like it belonged in a different book; where before the story felt modern, now we've taken a turn for the mythic as we see the events of the original myth play out. Again, I was hoping for this to be more about the struggles that Eury has been through, she's clearly suffering from living through several hurricanes and it would have been interesting to see Pheus help pull her out of her metaphorical underworld. But instead things play out too literally and too easily, leaving no emotional connection to the characters.
Overall, I recognize that I'm just not a fan of these types of stories, but I really feel like Never Look Back could have been something really special. As it is, it just falls flat.
Want to read
February 16, 2021yet another cover i would willingly tattoo on my forehead hello
August 19, 2020
** I received a copy of this book through NetGalley, which does not influence my review.**
TW: mentions of PTSD, suicide, sexual assault
Lilliam Rivera gives the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice an updated and fresh look with her newest novel, Never Look Back. Pheus, an Afro-Dominican teen from Manhattan, is never without his guitar and this summer while visiting his father in the Bronx is no different. There is nothing like the feeling of casting a spell over his audience, leaving them mesmerized and asking for more. Eury is visiting her cousin for the summer in the Bronx as well. Eury’s mother is hoping a change of scenery for the summer will help her daughter outrun her demons, not realizing that Eury is in fact running from a demon. Since she was a little girl, Eury has been haunted by a spirit determined to take her to El Inframundo, the Underworld. At first Ato was a companion, someone who helped her with her father’s abandonment, but as the years passed, he became possessive, his jealousy manifesting as violence against others. Eury is also dealing with PTSD. Never Look Back takes place in the Bronx, but its heart is Eury’s connection to her home. Puerto Rico is an island that has been ravaged both by natural and man-made disasters. Eury’s past traumas inform who she is but she is also more than her history. This is an important distinction Rivera makes. Puerto Ricans, though they have been subjected to tragedies, they are not defined by their suffering. They deserve to flourish in spite of these tragedies. Religion plays a vital role in Never Look Back, as both Eury looks for a way to protect herself and Pheus is faced with realizing that there is more to this world than what is on the surface. Rivera also pays homage to Latin music, recognizes the importance of knowing the history of the places you walk, and infuses Taíno mythology in this empowering new YA fantasy novel.
TW: mentions of PTSD, suicide, sexual assault
Lilliam Rivera gives the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice an updated and fresh look with her newest novel, Never Look Back. Pheus, an Afro-Dominican teen from Manhattan, is never without his guitar and this summer while visiting his father in the Bronx is no different. There is nothing like the feeling of casting a spell over his audience, leaving them mesmerized and asking for more. Eury is visiting her cousin for the summer in the Bronx as well. Eury’s mother is hoping a change of scenery for the summer will help her daughter outrun her demons, not realizing that Eury is in fact running from a demon. Since she was a little girl, Eury has been haunted by a spirit determined to take her to El Inframundo, the Underworld. At first Ato was a companion, someone who helped her with her father’s abandonment, but as the years passed, he became possessive, his jealousy manifesting as violence against others. Eury is also dealing with PTSD. Never Look Back takes place in the Bronx, but its heart is Eury’s connection to her home. Puerto Rico is an island that has been ravaged both by natural and man-made disasters. Eury’s past traumas inform who she is but she is also more than her history. This is an important distinction Rivera makes. Puerto Ricans, though they have been subjected to tragedies, they are not defined by their suffering. They deserve to flourish in spite of these tragedies. Religion plays a vital role in Never Look Back, as both Eury looks for a way to protect herself and Pheus is faced with realizing that there is more to this world than what is on the surface. Rivera also pays homage to Latin music, recognizes the importance of knowing the history of the places you walk, and infuses Taíno mythology in this empowering new YA fantasy novel.
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February 20, 2021Orpheus and Eurydice is my most favorite Greek myth (i do love pain thank you very much) and this Afro-Latinx retelling of my beloved tragedy pleased my soul immensely. Told in alternating perspectives, Never Look Back follows Eury and Pheus from the Bronx to the Underworld as they discover whether or not their love can defeat an evil spirit that has been haunting Eury since childhood. This book did justice to the original myth and gave so much more to the story. It also addresses trauma and highlights the importance of therapy. Never Look Back is a heartbreaking story but it's hopeful as well. I can't recommend this book enough.
October 13, 2021
My chest burns and my eyes ache with unshed tears.
This book confronted me with my own demons: the PTSD that haunts me after Hurricane Maria, similar to Eury. It was so beautiful, not only as a myth retelling but also in the way it captured Puerto Rico. You can tell this is written by a Boricua, and you can feel the love for their island in every page, in every passage.
This book is a myth retelling of Orpheus and Euridice, protagonized by Afro latinx leads. It is an absolutely mesmerizing urban fantasy that doesn't let you go. It makes you love Puerto Rico, it makes you understand the magical power of music, and most of all it makes you feel so so much.
Eury and Pheus are great protagonists. They are young and flawed, just kids who want to be happy. They carried so much on their shoulders but they nonetheless held themselves together. I wanted to hug both of them so tightly and protect them from everything that wanted to hurt them.
The audiobook narration was wonderful: I was sucked into the story and I couldn't find it in myself to stop.
I think this story will resonate the strongest amongst Puerto Ricans, especially those of us who lived through the horrors of Hurricane Maria, but it is also an exploration of generational grief, trauma, and healing.
This is one of my new all-time favorite books.
This book confronted me with my own demons: the PTSD that haunts me after Hurricane Maria, similar to Eury. It was so beautiful, not only as a myth retelling but also in the way it captured Puerto Rico. You can tell this is written by a Boricua, and you can feel the love for their island in every page, in every passage.
This book is a myth retelling of Orpheus and Euridice, protagonized by Afro latinx leads. It is an absolutely mesmerizing urban fantasy that doesn't let you go. It makes you love Puerto Rico, it makes you understand the magical power of music, and most of all it makes you feel so so much.
Eury and Pheus are great protagonists. They are young and flawed, just kids who want to be happy. They carried so much on their shoulders but they nonetheless held themselves together. I wanted to hug both of them so tightly and protect them from everything that wanted to hurt them.
The audiobook narration was wonderful: I was sucked into the story and I couldn't find it in myself to stop.
I think this story will resonate the strongest amongst Puerto Ricans, especially those of us who lived through the horrors of Hurricane Maria, but it is also an exploration of generational grief, trauma, and healing.
This is one of my new all-time favorite books.
Shelved as 'wishlist'
February 18, 2023What's this? An Orpheus and Eurydice retelling with Afro-Latinx characters on my kindle that I apparently own? You know I'm going to read that shit. :D
April 6, 2021
Such a beautiful retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice story.
With a familiar approach to Spanglish and vivid imagery and PAINFUL truths about grief and acceptance, my only critique is for the amount of pop-culture references and modern slang usage- it dates the book and feels too much at times. Popular slang seen all over social media isn't often used in every other sentence but the writing style, beyond that, felt informal in a fresh and comfortable way.
GIVE ME MORE BORICUA X GREEK MYTHOLOGY CROSSOVERS !!!!
With a familiar approach to Spanglish and vivid imagery and PAINFUL truths about grief and acceptance, my only critique is for the amount of pop-culture references and modern slang usage- it dates the book and feels too much at times. Popular slang seen all over social media isn't often used in every other sentence but the writing style, beyond that, felt informal in a fresh and comfortable way.
GIVE ME MORE BORICUA X GREEK MYTHOLOGY CROSSOVERS !!!!
February 22, 2022
In picking up Never Look Back, I did something I literally never do—I gave a second chance to an author who I had previously thought was a not-very-good technical writer. I’m glad I did! Whereas Rivera’s debut,
The Education of Margot Sánchez
was full of great ideas but no follow-through, this book delivered on every one of its promises.
This young adult retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth is “voicey” in the best way, full of colloquialisms and relevant pop culture references. Both main characters have strong, distinctive narrative styles, which really make the story pop. Never Look Back uses elements of the fantastic to explore trauma, but Rivera has a lighter touch and a greater faith in her readers’ intelligence than she did in her previous writing.
My quibbles with the book are twofold. First, the plot’s very abruptly transition from “contemporary romance about two Latinx kids in the Bronx” to “paranormal romance in the underworld” could have been smoother. I think the author considers this to be magical realism, but its not quite there, in my opinion—it’s two wildly different books wearing a trench coat. Both are good, but don’t marry together seamlessly. And second, male protagonist Pheus is…kind of gross? Accurate and relatable teen boy for sure, but his relationships with all the girls in his life are filtered through a sexualized lens that was only partially challenged by the end of it the story.
I know that amidst the mayhem of the past 5 years, Hurricane Maria is just a blip on the radar for many, but I’m truly glad that books are being written about it, as well as the general legacy of cultural imperialism and inter-generational trauma experienced by Puerto Ricans. Using Greek myth to explore these issues is a cool hook, and Rivera’s craft improved significantly from one book to the next.
📌 . Blog | Review Database | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads
This young adult retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth is “voicey” in the best way, full of colloquialisms and relevant pop culture references. Both main characters have strong, distinctive narrative styles, which really make the story pop. Never Look Back uses elements of the fantastic to explore trauma, but Rivera has a lighter touch and a greater faith in her readers’ intelligence than she did in her previous writing.
My quibbles with the book are twofold. First, the plot’s very abruptly transition from “contemporary romance about two Latinx kids in the Bronx” to “paranormal romance in the underworld” could have been smoother. I think the author considers this to be magical realism, but its not quite there, in my opinion—it’s two wildly different books wearing a trench coat. Both are good, but don’t marry together seamlessly. And second, male protagonist Pheus is…kind of gross? Accurate and relatable teen boy for sure, but his relationships with all the girls in his life are filtered through a sexualized lens that was only partially challenged by the end of it the story.
I know that amidst the mayhem of the past 5 years, Hurricane Maria is just a blip on the radar for many, but I’m truly glad that books are being written about it, as well as the general legacy of cultural imperialism and inter-generational trauma experienced by Puerto Ricans. Using Greek myth to explore these issues is a cool hook, and Rivera’s craft improved significantly from one book to the next.
📌 . Blog | Review Database | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads
September 24, 2020
4/5 stars.
A beautiful read and a wonderful retelling. I loved both Pheus and Eury, they were both such fleshed out characters.
I adored Eury the most, her story was fascinating, especially as someone who loves magical realism. The fact that this story is also about the struggles to overcome the stigma for receiving help for mental health issues, especially among bipoc. It felt very true reading about her struggles to be taken seriously.
It took a little bit for Pheus to grow on me, but knowing the tale of Orpheus I knew that he had a soft heart, and I was right. He was such a sweet soul grappling with his appreciation for music but also the knowledge that it might not get him far, especially as an Afro-Latino. The quote his mother told him, "your skin color means you can’t fail, means you are not allowed to make a mistake," is something that goes through Pheus' head a lot so I can see the effect it has on him and his actions, and how other people judge him.
The book really picked up in the second half as it focused more on the action, and I was so nervous reading the last few chapters but enjoyed every bit of it.
A beautiful read and a wonderful retelling. I loved both Pheus and Eury, they were both such fleshed out characters.
I adored Eury the most, her story was fascinating, especially as someone who loves magical realism. The fact that this story is also about the struggles to overcome the stigma for receiving help for mental health issues, especially among bipoc. It felt very true reading about her struggles to be taken seriously.
It took a little bit for Pheus to grow on me, but knowing the tale of Orpheus I knew that he had a soft heart, and I was right. He was such a sweet soul grappling with his appreciation for music but also the knowledge that it might not get him far, especially as an Afro-Latino. The quote his mother told him, "your skin color means you can’t fail, means you are not allowed to make a mistake," is something that goes through Pheus' head a lot so I can see the effect it has on him and his actions, and how other people judge him.
The book really picked up in the second half as it focused more on the action, and I was so nervous reading the last few chapters but enjoyed every bit of it.
September 27, 2020
I received a free copy from the publisher for review/hosting an event at work. This did not influence my opinion on the book.
This book is entrancing. A beautiful blending of a Greek myth with Latinx cultures, particularly Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Lilliam Rivera’s writing pulled me into the story immediately and the voices of Eury and Pheus were unique and well developed.
I’m absolutely looking forward to reading more of Lilliam’s writing in the future!
This book is entrancing. A beautiful blending of a Greek myth with Latinx cultures, particularly Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Lilliam Rivera’s writing pulled me into the story immediately and the voices of Eury and Pheus were unique and well developed.
I’m absolutely looking forward to reading more of Lilliam’s writing in the future!
June 5, 2022
reading on sora is getting hard
especially for deep books that aren't lighthearted graphic novels (*ahem* me binge reading heartstopper *ahem*)
definitely need reread
if you will read this book, don't look at my rating.
i dnfed and I need an actual reading of it
especially for deep books that aren't lighthearted graphic novels (*ahem* me binge reading heartstopper *ahem*)
definitely need reread
if you will read this book, don't look at my rating.
i dnfed and I need an actual reading of it
January 24, 2021
3.5ish stars rounded up.
Initial thoughts: love me a Greek myth retelling, and I really enjoyed the slight twist on the ending. The second half gave me strong Percy Jackson/Gods of Jade and Shadow vibes. It did take me a little bit to get into, but the second half sucked me in.
Initial thoughts: love me a Greek myth retelling, and I really enjoyed the slight twist on the ending. The second half gave me strong Percy Jackson/Gods of Jade and Shadow vibes. It did take me a little bit to get into, but the second half sucked me in.
November 12, 2020
Full review: https://bookpeopleteens.wordpress.com...
“What’s the point of singing if you’re not using your voice to move mountains?”
In total, Never Look Back is a perfectly fresh take on a tale centuries old that balances tugging at your heartstrings while instilling hope. Rivera was already one of my favorite authors, and her writing improves with every book. You’ll fall in love with Eury and Pheus as the fall in love with each other, and enjoy each nugget of vulnerable, poetic writing along the way. Rating: five Spanish covers of Prince songs/five
For fans of: Orpheus Girl by Brynne Rebele-Henry, Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez, Each of Us a Desert by Mark Oshiro
Full author interview: https://bookpeopleteens.wordpress.com...
Ivy: I didn’t know you had a background in journalism, that’s really neat. Was that an interesting transition, from that to fiction?
LR: You know, if you write for entertainment and fashion it’s literally science fiction! You are interviewing people who have a life that’s surreal, that doesn’t make sense. So when I was interviewing these people it always felt outside of my realm, you know. I came from a very humble background, I grew up in the projects, we were very much poor. And for me to have these interviews with celebrities, they were always super fascinating because I looked at it like I was interviewing someone from outer space.
“What’s the point of singing if you’re not using your voice to move mountains?”
In total, Never Look Back is a perfectly fresh take on a tale centuries old that balances tugging at your heartstrings while instilling hope. Rivera was already one of my favorite authors, and her writing improves with every book. You’ll fall in love with Eury and Pheus as the fall in love with each other, and enjoy each nugget of vulnerable, poetic writing along the way. Rating: five Spanish covers of Prince songs/five
For fans of: Orpheus Girl by Brynne Rebele-Henry, Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez, Each of Us a Desert by Mark Oshiro
Full author interview: https://bookpeopleteens.wordpress.com...
Ivy: I didn’t know you had a background in journalism, that’s really neat. Was that an interesting transition, from that to fiction?
LR: You know, if you write for entertainment and fashion it’s literally science fiction! You are interviewing people who have a life that’s surreal, that doesn’t make sense. So when I was interviewing these people it always felt outside of my realm, you know. I came from a very humble background, I grew up in the projects, we were very much poor. And for me to have these interviews with celebrities, they were always super fascinating because I looked at it like I was interviewing someone from outer space.
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