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Book Review of Forbidden

Forbidden
Forbidden
Author: Tabitha Suzuma
Genre: Teen & Young Adult
Book Type: Hardcover
hannahb avatar reviewed on + 45 more book reviews


I was never sure I would work up the nerve to read this book, and if I ever did it would be in the hidden seclusion of my room at night behind a locked door. And then if I finally dared to read it, I would never openly admit that this book has won a special place in my heart for all time.

Except that is exactly what has happened.

Forget the taboo for a moment. Forget that a brother and sister falling in love sounds like a trashy Lifetime movie of the week. What this entire story breaks down into is the story of a broken boy falling for a shattered girl, and the fact that these two people are the only ones in the world who understand one another. It literally is Lochan and Maya against the world and the fact that these two soul mates are related makes it all the more tragic.

The incest storyline aside, this story is powerful and poignant. The writing is sharp and on point, and the characters are people I fell hard and fast for. Not just Lochan and Maya, but Willa and Tiffin and Kit. I love this entire family, flaws and all.

This is hands down the most difficult review I have ever tried to write because no matter how much I loved this pairing and wanted it to work, I cant shove aside my instinct to recoil at the subject matter. It was like two halves of me warred against each other the entire time I was reading this, which is nothing but a compliment to Tabitha Suzuma. She made me actually begin to accept something that in everyday life would repulse me, a feat few writers have been able to do.