Review: Song of the Fireflies by J.A Redmerski

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J. A. Redmerski of The Edge of Never brings us a heart-wrenching New Adult novel.
Elias Kline and Brayelle Bates have been inseparable since they were kids. When Bray moves to South Carolina, separating the two for the first time, they realize that their innocent childhood friendship has developed into something much more. So when Bray returns to Georgia -and to Elias-four years later, things between them couldn’t be more perfect…until one fateful night changes everything.
Desperate not to go to prison for a terrible accident, Elias and Bray decide to run. As they try to make the most of their freedom, the two find themselves relying on a rebellious group of people who tempt the duo into a wild and daring new life. But they can’t run from their troubles forever.
As the consequences of their past catch up to them, the couple must face reality. Even if they can make it through the unimaginable, Elias knows the truth about Bray’s painful history, and in the end he may not be able to save Bray from herself…

Shona's review 1 of 5 stars

Having loved Edge of Never and Edge of Always I wanted to love this one but couldn't. Right from the get go it felt off and I struggled to put my finger on it.
And then it hit me.
I didn't like them.
I couldn't stand Bray,, she was so far away from likeable that it was almost funny. Even Elias' head over heels infatuation ridden descriptions couldn't elicit a shred of like for her on my behalf. Add to the fact that she literally yanked Elias around left right and centre and I wanted to punch her in the throat. Because despite the fact that he was so smitten with her, so in love with her that he would go on the run with her for something he wasn't responsible for, she still wasn't prepared to do the right thing and take responsibility. Even after he pleaded with her, she still tried to take the other way out. Yeah I get it, she's damaged, she's sick, it gives a character depth, but this chick did not have one single redeemable quality about her. In the beginning I rather liked Elias, I could understand why he would stick by Bray. But the longer the book went on and the more shit Bray did the more I started to dislike him. He wasn't the love of her life, he was her doormat. And worse than that he allowed it to happen. And I'm sorry it doesn't matter how well written the story is, if your readers cant like your characters, not even a little, then you're fighting a losing battle.

This isn't a love story. This is a tale of codependency. He needs to be needed and she needs somebody to screw.
I am giving this one star for the simple fact that I was able to finish it.