I have pondered for a mighty chunk of time over what book I should choose first to embark on my journey through the enthralling world of reviews. And I have spent ages poring through my reading lists, desperately striving to find the most suitable of all. I nearly even considered abandoning the idea of sharing anything with you, but then, like a bolt from the blue, I was reminded of her — that her. I'm quite certain we all know exactly what I'm talking about, don't we? That one book we could read over and over again without tiring. The one that filled our souls with emotion from the very first word and that, after a myriad of tears, brought a smile on our faces and hope in our hearts. The one we'd give almost anything to be able to read again for the first time. Our favourite book.
Or, in my case, "Archer's voice". Always "Archer's Voice".
I discovered it somewhere around my second or third year of college when, in dire need of a break, I was scouring the internet for that one piece of literature that would sweeten my evenings and trill my heart as only a romantic story could. It was love at first sight or, perhaps better said, at first read as the book caught my attention right from the description and I picked it up without hesitation. Everything after that is history. A story whose pages flew by like a dandelion's puff in the air — timidly, softly, and bearing in a hint of hope.
Her wish is granted shortly afterwards as, although Archer is reluctant towards the newcomer because of his unfamiliarity with people, the two manage to strike up a beautiful friendship that slowly blossoms into something more. Haunted by their own tragic pasts, the two eventually open up through sign language, healing the pain in their souls, and find love where they least expect it — in two broken hearts that somehow manage to heal each other and find light through the darkness again. Then, everything seemed to flow smoothly. As smoothly as the lives of two characters that were still shadowed by evil could go. But I won't tell you more about the enemy, not when I find them to be completely hideous, and I probably wouldn't finish writing the review if I were to pay any attention to them. I'll let you discover the bad guys by reading the book.
To this day, years after I've found the book, Bree Prescott has remained one of the strongest heroines I've ever had the chance to read about. Although she's been through a traumatic experience that could leave a permanent scar on anyone, Bree does her best not to get trapped in her own personal nightmare and move on. At the same time, what happened to her did not turn her into a ruthless, cold person, but she remained the same kind-hearted girl, always attentive and caring towards those around her, which got me thrilled. What I appreciated most about her, however, was the demeanour she showed towards Archer. I appreciated that she saw him when so many others refused to, and that she gave him a chance. I appreciated that she was there for him and that she believed in him in a way those who should have didn't in a lifetime. And I appreciated that she loved him the way he deserved, without judgement or fear, as he should have been from the beginning.
And Archer. My dear, sweet Archer. My quiet, sad boy who stole my heart from the very first words and made me shed bitter tears at the knowledge of all the wrongs that were done to him. The one who has been and will always remain my favourite male character, no matter how many others will come along. The one with the most beautiful and gentle voice of all. His story, a tragedy in the truest sense of the word for me, struck me to the core and shattered my soul into pieces that I could hardly put back together by the end of the book. I've suffered with him and learned how to love and fight fiercely. I've seen the world through his eyes, with all the good and the bad he had to live through, and I've found the power to navigate its darkness. And I've hated everything, though Archer was never the one to hate. I've hated this world's lack of mercy and the mean people who live in it. For yes, such were those who should have been by his side. Mean and merciless from the first to last. His uncle. Travis. Victoria. Even the entire small town that assumed the worst and abandoned him. They've all reminded me that even family or so-called loved ones, people who are meant to be there and protect you, can be monsters.
I know it sounds harsh, but I will not change my opinion of them. It's impossible.
Not when an innocent child has suffered because of them.
Still, despite them, Archer proved to be strong, though I'm afraid "strong" is perhaps an understatement when it comes to describing him. Against all odds, he had opened his heart to the unknown and let love enter through the cracks in his soul. And he had found his voice. One of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard, because it was his. And then everything was fine. At least for a little while.
Before I started writing this review, I had planned on telling you countless details about Bree and Archer's relationship, in order for you to get an idea of all that awaits you. But today, with my laptop before me and so much to be written, I declare myself defeated. I have no idea where to begin, especially when I fear I won't be able to do them justice. Still, one thing I can definitely tell you is that you have absolutely nothing to lose by taking a chance on this book and their love story.
Why, I hear you asking?
Because both are special, with imperfections and without. Both of them went through fierce thunderstorms before finally reaching the sun. And both discovered love when they least expected it, or perhaps even thought it was impossible. I even like to believe that it was the hand of destiny that brought them together, as I've already mentioned, although that may sound strange to some of you. Or maybe just someone up there, in the form of a guardian angel, who wanted them to find each other and fall in love. Call it whatever you want. All I can do, as a humble reader, is ask you to give them a chance. You won't regret it.
For he calmed the torment in her soul, and she helped him find his voice. And that's the most beautiful thing of all.
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