Nowhere Near You

See my review for Because You'll Never Meet Me

Nowhere Near You
Because You'll Never Meet Me Book Two
Written by Leah Thomas
Contemporary, Science Fiction, Diverse
400 Pages
Published March 1st 2017
Thank you to Bloomsbury Australia
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★★★★
Ollie and Moritz might never meet, but their friendship knows no bounds. Their letters carry on as Ollie embarks on his first road trip away from the woods, no easy feat for a boy allergic to electricity, and Moritz decides which new school would best suit an eyeless boy who prefers to be alone.

Along the way they meet other teens like them, other products of strange science who lead seemingly normal lives in ways Ollie and Moritz never imagined possible. A boy who jokes about his atypical skeleton, an aspiring actress who hides a strange deformity, a track star whose abnormal heart propels her to victory. Suddenly the future feels wide open for two former hermits. But even as Ollie and Moritz dare to enjoy life, they can't escape their past, which threatens to destroy any progress they've made. Can these boys ever find their place in a world that might never understand them?
Blunderkids live among our communities, freed from laboratories as children with extraordinary abilities and disabilities. Oliver Paulot is sensitive to electricity, experiencing electromagnetic radiation as colours, his emotions manipulating electrical currents. Isolated from society, Oliver and Physician Auburn Stache are travelling across the country to meet other children with varying conditions, Oliver is determined to share their stories, leaving a legacy of their extraordinary lives behind.

Oliver's only friend, Moritz Farber lives in Germany, their friendship blossoming through a hand written correspondence. Moritz is Anophthalmic and although he cannot see, he isn't blind to his surroundings. Moritz experiences heightened senses and can navigate his environment, including Myriad, after being granted enrollment at the prestigious arts college.

Oliver and Moritz depend on one another for support and understanding while they continue to share their lives with one another. Oceans apart. Ich bin hier.

My Thoughts

Because You'll Never Meet Me was extraordinary and Nowhere Near You is no exception. The narrative begins with Oliver exploring his new environment beyond the woodland cabin, impatient and enthusiastic to be introduced to his peers. Oliver is exuberant and his positivity is infectious. He's determined to engage with other teens that were part of the scientific program and capture their own personal experiences. Arthur with fragile bones and elongated limbs, can regenerate the healing process and Bridget, a young woman who's childhood was depleted by the foster care system. These special adolescents are remarkable, leaving their imprints on Oliver by sharing their own personal journeys.

Moritz is on the verge of his maiden year at Myriad, a performing arts college for gifted children and continuing to appreciate Oliver's unconditional support. Moritz's character has developed into a confident and assertive young gay man. He no longer conceals his sexuality and is exploring same sex relationships. Moritz is indecently assaulted at Myriad and manipulated by a notorious student which seemed to be normalised by other students, rather than addressing the incident and speaking about consent. The reader is reintroduced to Molly, who also attends the performing arts college and Owen, who a gentle and passionate boy wanting to pursue a relationship with Moritz. 

Leah Thomas is a wonderful storyteller. Although Nowhere Near You doesn't conjure feelings of intensity as it's predecessor, it's quiet, captivating and enchanting. 

18 comments

  1. This sounds amazing, and intense in it's own way. the situations for Oliver and Mortiz sound so emotional?

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    1. They truly are Verushka. Even though the children face such adversity, it promotes such a positive message of acceptance and surrounding yourself with people who are uplifting.

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  2. Ooh, this series looks pretty cool! I might have to check out the first book.

    Ellie | On the Other Side of Reality

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  3. Sounds like a good one. I actually DNFed the first one; I just couldn't get into it. I'm glad you are loving these though.

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    1. It begun slowly but then really picked up quickly. It was so lovely Lauren. I'd love to see your thoughts if you wanted to give it another read.

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  4. Thank you so much for this lovely review Kelly! I am very excited to read this and the cover of this is just so magnificent! It seems really enjoyable and you singing praises really makes me want to pick it up ASAP!

    xx Anisha @ Sprinkled Pages

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    1. I can't wait to see what you think of it Aisha. I'm living in hope that there'll be a third book as well.

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  5. This looks like a good series, and that this one touches on a serious subject matter. Glad to see more LGBT books becoming available.

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    1. Me too Christy. Especially positive experiences and not in order to further a narrative. There was an incident of indecent assault between two characters that unfortunately wasn't addressed but otherwise it was a wonderful read.

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  6. I think I have the first book somewhere. I need to look. #bloggerproblems lol

    For What It's Worth

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    1. It's well worth the read Karen, wonderful characters facing adversity and a positive message of acceptance.

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  7. Ah, this sounds like such a cute book. I love how encouraging it seems right off the bat, and I really want to get my hands on both of those books, tbh.

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    1. I'd love to see what you think of them. Maybe check your local library and see if they can get them in for you, well worth the read.

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  8. Ughh I feel bad because I loved the first book as well, but just couldn't finish this one. I'll have to pick it up once I have time, because I absolutely adore Moritz. And Ollie too (but mainly Moritz). AND WHY ARE PEOPLE BULLYING HIM UGH

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    1. Moritz is incredible and such a wonderfully multilayered character. I do hope you pick it back up. I'm just sitting here quietly and hoping for a third book.

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  9. These books are so weird honestly haha. I wasn't really a fan of either of them but so many people seem to love them, which is great! Ollie is adorable.

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    1. They are, it's such a unique concept. Rather than creating teens with abilities who are the heroes who save the world, they're just trying to live. I loved book one a little more, but still a wonderful read nonetheless.

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