Forced Apart follows Calista Snipe and Skyler McCray as they face the toughest challenge of their young lives. Cali’s family circumstances pull her away from Parkington, away from her friends, and away from Sky. The story blends teen romance, grief, loyalty, and the strange mix of fear and hope that comes with growing up. Most of the book lives inside Cali and Sky’s thoughts, and it shows how two smart teens try to hang on to each other while the world pulls at them. The plot stretches from the shock of unexpected separation to the daily grind of starting over in a new town, all while their old group of friends tries to keep their bond alive. Even with kidnappings in the characters’ past and danger never far away, the heart of the book is emotional rather than violent. It feels more about surviving change than surviving threats.

The writing style felt open and honest, almost like reading a long personal letter from two teenagers who speak before they filter anything. Sometimes the pages run hot with emotion. Other times, they slow down to simple moments like sitting in a car or walking up a hill. I liked that shift in pace. It pulled me in because it felt real. Life for these characters is loud one minute and quiet the next. I did wish, at times, for shorter scenes or tighter dialogue. Still, the sincerity in the writing won me over. The author clearly understands how teens overthink everything and still try to sound brave.

The ideas inside the book struck me more than the plot itself. The loneliness of being uprooted. The heavy tug of first love. The fear of losing the people who make you feel safe. Those themes sat with me long after I finished reading. I felt frustrated for Cali as she tried to be mature about the choices her parents made, even when those choices broke her heart. I felt Sky’s emptiness when he tried to fill the silence she left behind. The book reminded me how fragile teens can be and how strong they become when they figure out who they want to be in the middle of all that pressure. I also appreciated the look into friendships that feel like family. The group around Cali and Sky is full of loyalty and messy humor. Those moments softened the sadness and made the story feel fuller.

I would recommend Forced Apart to readers who enjoy emotional coming-of-age stories, especially ones that lean into romance and friendship. Teens who like character-driven books will connect with Cali and Sky. Adults who work with teens may also find value here. The book would speak most to anyone who has been forced to start over in a new place and felt the ache of leaving people behind.

Pages: 374 | ASIN: B0FRNN1R22