Criminal

I know I've read a good book when the words start a war within my head long before I've even finished it. And this book did just that. The war was between how conflicted I felt about the characters.
Nikki is so in love with Dee she lets him leave for months without any questions. She can't help it, her life without him is nothing and his dangerous lifestyle is all that she wants. That is until one of his plans turns into a crime. A murderous one at that.
The hardest thing about writing this review is the way I felt about the characters. I wanted so bad to like Nikki, but for the most part I thought she was stupid. But at the same time, it was just her being blinded by love. These things really happen. In the end I found myself just happy that she grew up and got herself together in the end. Then there was Bird. I loved her being so real, raw, and honest, but I also disliked her for a minute for leaving her like that when she needed someone the most. But then again, I understand completely why she did leave.
This was also my first encounter with McVoy and her writing. Her writing style actually surprised me. The words felt jolty and scattered, but the story is about a girl who's scared and full of emotions so the scattered words just felt right. That was my favorite part of the book. I felt every raw emotion pouring off the page. This book is so angst ridden, I was sucked in from the very beginning just to see where the story would end up.
This was a perfect coming of age story where the main character grows up and learns just how powerful love is.

I am a massive fan of Terra Elan McVoy's books - they're relatable and realistic and fun and moving. So was I a little bit worried at first before I started Criminal. I knew right away that it was going to be vastly different from her previous books and I was nervous that I wouldn't like it as much.

But you guys, Terra Elan McVoy nailed Criminal. It's such an emotionally-wrought story full of bad decisions and confused characters and my heart just ached as I flew through it. I was frustrated and shaking my iPad and crying and gah. Criminal brought out all the emotions.

Criminal had a plot - one that was upsetting and interesting, but for me it was all about the characters. It was about Nikki and all the people in her life. Each character was interesting and raw and real and they all really affected Nikki and her future in their own way.

And god, don't even get me started on Dee. It was stunning to see Nikki interact with him and her thoughts about him and how blind she was - and to know that this happens. This kind of passion, obsession, blindness, naivete happens all the freaking time. But Terra Elan McVoy did it in such an amazing way - she portrayed it so well.

I definitely recommend picking up Criminal. I cannot say enough excellent things about it. It made me bawl and hug my pillow and just feel all the things for Nikki. She made so many bad decisions, but she was still so inspiring and moving.

Criminal is not an easy story to stomach, but one worth definitely worth reading. Terra Elan McVoy really impressed me with Criminal and I can't wait to read the story she tells next.