A solid 4 stars. I loved it. It was magical and beautiful and I felt like I was there. Jack is charming and Wil is so sweet and pure that I want to hold him like a baby and pat his head (is that a weird thing to say about a fictional character?). I especially appreciate the author’s choice to populate his world with queer people living lives together openly, even though in real life people couldn’t do so in 1909.

Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the e-galley.

I received an free Advanced Reader’s Copy of this novel by NetGalley. Thank you to NetGalley!

Before We Disappear by Shaun David Hutchinson is a novel that mixes a few genres - historical fiction, romance, and magical realism. Taking place over the course of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in Seattle in 1909, it switches perspectives between our two main characters, Wilhelm and Jack. Jack is an orphan that was taken in by a self-centered, greedy illusionist - The Enchantress. Wilhelm is a sweet, shy boy with a strange power being held hostage by a criminal with a near-chaotic need to be infamous. As their paths cross, they’ll have to risk everything they have for each other.

I have so-so feelings for this book. The plot itself is fairly interesting - I like a good adventure where I really don’t know how they’re going to get out of their predicament. I enjoy the way the story portrays the manipulation of abusers in different lights. One character is outwardly physically and mentally abusive, while another manipulates children in a more subtle manner. However, I wish that specific character got a different ending than the one they did. (I know I’m explaining this terribly, but I don’t want to spoil anything!)

Wilhelm was so sweet, and I think the author did a great job illustrating what having his power felt and looked like, but his speech felt a bit clunky and awkward for a 17 year old boy. I loved Lucia and Ruth, Jack was cocky but likable, and Jessamy was lovingly stubborn. I could have done without George’s side plot.

I loved seeing a story take place in which almost all of the characters were, in one way or another, LGBT. They have always existed, even if history does its best to make it as though they haven’t. The author intentionally left out homophobia in his story, but did leave racism and sexism in. (I think I can understand the reasoning - the author is gay, but not a woman or a person of color, and it can feel disingenuous to gloss over issues like that.)

All in all, the book was an easy read and was motivating enough to continue to the end, but was not entirely memorable, I think students can enjoy this book and have it lead to sparking interest in researching the AYPE, or just the existence of LGBT folks during that time period.

Thanks again for the chance to read and review!

Before We Disappear centers on the romance between Jack and Wilhelm, both magician's assistants at the Alaskan-Yukon Pacific Exposition in Seattle in 1909. The two must navigate their relationship under the noses of their exploitative and controlling masters, the rivals The Enchantress and Laszlo.
The summary of this book presented the story as a magical face off between the two illusionists, as it gradually became clear that Laszlo's success was the result of Wilhelm's very real magical Talent. However, the book was much more focused on Wilhelm's abuse and confinement, sometimes in an actual cage, by his captor, Laszlo, and Jack's attempts to free and reunite him with his family. Frankly, I found Wilhelm's situation to be disturbing and traumatic, and I don't think the effects of this trauma were really dealt with effectively by the author.
Additionally, this book was set in 1909, but there was a lot of anachronistic language and very contemporary ideas about race, gender, and sexual identity. For this reason, it didn't work very well for me as a historical fiction novel.
Although there were some exciting reveals towards the end, this book was not really a mystery and the plot was not as exciting or intricate in the way I was expecting, considering the main characters were illusionists, puzzle makers, and con artists. Instead of a thriller, expect a gentle, character-driven romance.

This was adorable, full of magic and mystery, pining and romance, humor and whimsy. There was some great LGBT rep in this too, and I think that is why I loved this as much as I did. I just could not put this down, and I now need to read more by Shaun David Hutchinson. Thank you for the e-arc!

This book came highly suggested on goodreads, so my expectations were pretty high going in. Unfortunately, there was just something missing from this novel to make me really fall in love with it. I genuinely cannot tell if my 3 star rating for this book is because I can't manage my expectations in a productive way, or if I just didn't enjoy the book as much as I could have.

Either way, Before We Disappear was maybe 3 stars. The characters weren't interesting enough to carry the plot and in turn, the plot wasn't interesting enough to make me interested in the characters. I love MLM books, especially in the fantasy genre, but this one didn't do it for me.

"Thank you NetGalley for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review"

Before We Disappear is an enchanting LGBTQ+ fantasy taking place in 1909 at the Seattle Alaska–Yukon–Pacific Exposition. Two assistants, of rival magicians, fall in love under difficult circumstances.

Characters: Wilheim and Jack are the highlight of this book. Their relationship is sweet and well-developed. It was easy to fall in love with the side characters as well -- Ruth, Jessamy and Lucia were all so interesting. The Enchantress was also intriguing to read about. Teddy can choke.
Plot: The plot felt a little flat for me but it was executed pretty well. I found myself frustrated with the majority of Jack's actions. Ultimately, this story was unique, I just wish there was more (ya know?)
World-building: Hutchinson's created an interesting world focusing on Illusionists and magic. It was fun and easy to get sucked into.
Writing: The writing was captivating and simplistic. This book was a quick read.
Overall: There were things I wish were done differently but this book was still pretty great. The characters were enticing and their journeys throughout this book were fantastic.

Before We Disappear is a fantasy read which includes LGBTQ+ characters back in the day where they (I) would be left out without a blink. There’s a companionship between these characters that lift them up for a happy and mysterious end. Rivals to lovers, but it wasn’t much of a hardcore situation, it was passive the involvement between these two main characters, one without magic and one with it, together pretending to be done with their past lives, past mistakes, and so on until finally they fall in love. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The year is 1909, and the stage is the Seattle Alaska–Yukon–Pacific Exposition. Jack-- reckless, worldly, handsome-- is an assistant and general dogsbody to the Enchantress, one of the most astounding magicians of the age. Wilheim-- soft, well-read, and innocent-- playacts as assistant to the magician Laszlo, but he has two big secrets: he was kidnapped by Laszlo when he was a child, and the help he provides to Laszlo is real magic, not just sleight of hand.

This is a very sweet and rather fluffy YA book that showcases a meet-cute to head-over-heels relationship between the two boys. There’s a caper or two, several big reveals and a satisfying ending, so most readers should leave pleased.

I found it a bit too fluffy for my liking and found the ahistorical elements (namely the enlightened contemporary views) somewhat jarring, but honestly, don’t we wish the 20th century was like this?

*4.5*

I really really loved this book. I've heard many good things about Hutchinson's book We Are The Ants, so I can safely say I had high expectations for this book, and it definitely lived up. The strongest point in this was the characters. Every single one of them were written so well, and I just couldn't help but get attached. Hutchinson did a great job of giving the side characters their own plot and stories, rather than just including them to further the story of the main characters. Even the villains were intriguing. I also loved the romance. I thought Jack and Wilhelm were beautiful characters, but their romance was unforgettable. It was so beautiful and will always have a place in my heart. The plot was also a strong point. It was moderately fast paced, and fun to read and follow. It was very well thought out.

The only reason I rated this book 4.5 stars instead of a full 5 was because I couldn't get into it. It took me a while to pinpoint the reason, but I believe it has something to do with the pacing of the romance. There wasn't a lot of development in Wilhelm and Jack's relationship. They learned that they were attracted to each other very early, so there was no angst or confusion that you usually see. Their relationship progressed a little too quickly for my liking.

Overall, however, I loved this book. It was fun, and I would definitely reread it if given the chance.

5/5 ⭐️
From the moment this book began I was swept up in the magic and illusion of it all. The assistants of rival magicians, Jack and Wilhelm are drawn to each other from the moment they first meet. As Jack uncovers secrets about Wilhelm and his abilities, the boys have to make difficult choices about love and their lives. Surrounded by the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific World Fair Exposition, I was immediately drawn to the magic and fascinated by the characters. It was so easy to love the characters, particularly Jack and Wilhelm (Ruth holds such a special place in my heart, though) I felt that Jack and Lucia’s sibling-like bond was forced, and hardly developed or seen. And while the story wasn’t quite historically accurate, it was refreshing to read. I was captivated by the constant tricks and performances and busy environment of the fair, and I didn’t feel bored by the story once.
“It was everything I had never imagined, and nothing less than I had ever dared dream.”

I'm so glad to finally have a Shaun David Hutchinson title that I can put in my middle school library! It's fantasy and historical fiction rolled into one with a beautiful cast of many queer young characters and eccentric adults.

I've previously written about my new love of young adult books. But as a reminder: for many years I was a snob and thought that young adult books were beneath me. I was recently humbled and noticed the error of my ways. As a result I've been consistently reading YA books and trying to make up for lost time.

Before We Disappear was on my list as I've heard great things. I was happy to say that it mostly lived up to the hype. The story is about two rival magician apprentices who start off as rivals but become something more. The story takes place in 1909 and features many queer characters. I was initially surprised by the openness in which people expressed their sexual orientation and found it to be not historically accurate. However the author does mention this and provides a satisfactory answer. More to come closer to publication but I enjoyed and recommend this book. 4 out of 4.

"The Enchantress had taken me into her care after my mother had died nearly ten years ago, and I loved her. Even when I hated her.”

"We became vines entwined about one another for a season, we were the sun and moon dancing in the same blue sky."

3.5/5
TW: kidnapping, grief
Rep: gay mc, mlm mc, wlw side characters, Black side character
Before We Disappear is a magical novel about two assistants of two magicians falling in love amidst a competition designed to tear them apart. This book certainly had an interesting synopsis, but it was a little disappointing. One of the things I absolutely love to see in books is beautiful writing, but the writing in this book was very simplistic, and the quotes that I liked seemed like a completely different writing style.
Aside from the writing, everything in this book was simply okay. The characters were likable enough, the plot was good enough, but nothing really stood out to me aside from a few quotes now and then, like:
"His sense of morality was colored with a little more gray than my own."
"Hope might have been the thing with feathers, but feathers burn and wings break, and I could not afford to let that bird sing within my soul."
"My misery was as boundless as the sky, my soul as dark as midwinter night."
" 'Death is cruel,' the Enchantress said, 'hearing no pleas, answering no prayers. Death takes what it will and guards its prizes jealously.' "
Overall, although Before We Disappear wasn't exactly for me, I definitely think it is worth picking up.

When I was in middle school, I picked up We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson. I didn't know it was queer, and I was dealing with my own little sexuality crisis. I didn't even know queer books existed. And not only was We Are the Ants queer, but it was also super good. When I read that book for the first time, I felt alive. I've spent all my years since reading that book chasing that feeling. I keep coming back to Shaun David Hutchinson looking to feel that again from his books, but I've never once felt it from his books again. This book was no exception.

I think this book was definitely one of Hutchinson's better books, but that honestly doesn't say much.

Things I liked: the plot was interesting, the romance had chemistry, I think the different authority figure abuse narratives were very well handled.

Things I didn't like: the writing was very amateur, Hutchinson does a lot of "telling, not showing," the constant current American political references were cringy and just didn't fit in the writing.

The constant liberal political references in this book were very irksome. I fully believe that authors can grow from past problematic representation of minorities, but I think much of what Hutchinson is doing in this book is grossly overcompensating for the mess that was The State of Us. This is a magical historical fiction set in America in the early 1900's. These constant allusions to modern politics really take the reader out of the story, and really detracts from the overall quality. (btw I'm a leftist pls don't take this bitching as me being a republican Goodreads mutuals lolz)

Overall... another very unremarkable book that had potential for more. I would love to see this concept with better writing. 2.5 stars rounded up.

I got this through #netgalley. I really liked this book but I don’t know if I can pin point why exactly. I think a lot of it had to do with it being different then a lot of the LGBTQ+ books I normally read! Plus I’ve always been fascinated by the world of illusionary magic so it was interesting to read about characters involved in that! Plus Jack and Wilhelm are both really likable characters! Also I love that this book has a great supporting cast I loved almost all of the characters in Jack and Wilhelm’s lives. I even liked Evangeline, she was one of those love to hate characters for me! It was also interesting to read about a different time in the worlds history, I’m not usually big on those but this book really created a picture for me! And I liked how Shaun David Hutchison had a spin that made it so being LGBTQ+ during that time was not really seen as a big deal! It was kind of refreshing! I’m really excited for this one to come out!

This was a very exciting, turn-of-the-century YA romance set among con-artist illusionists and their assistants at the 1909 Seattle World's Fair. Rather than being strictly historically accurate, it imagined a slightly more pleasant history with more acceptance and less slurs—still lots of heist-y crime and violence, though!

I first received this novel in audiobook format and I'm glad to have experienced it by reading rather than listening. It's refreshing to see more and more queer literature be released and I'm excited to buy this as a physical copy when it's published.

The story of two boys, both thieves, under very different circumstances, who find the missing pieces in their lives. On the surface their lives are very similar, but underneath the differences are somewhat heartbreaking. With found friends along the way, and a bit of luck and panache, they set about changing the course of their lives. This is the sweet, fun, and sometimes infuriating (ever want to reach into a book and catapult a character into the sun?) story of how two people find love and family.

#BeforeWeDisappear #NetGalley

Wow! I really, really, enjoyed this book! The writing is captivating and lovely, and the story unique and un-put-down-able. I love the real-life setting intertwined with the fantasy, and the plights of the characters were heart-wrenching and tender. An absolute stunner by Shaun!

Also, I would die for Wil and Jack. Thank you.

(A pencil review coming to @longhandpencils closer to pub date.)

A big thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

I'm a fan of a good historical fiction, particularly one that features LGBTQ characters. Set during the 1909 Seattle Exposition, Jack and Wilhelm, are assistants to rival stage magicians. Jack, who has a talent for theft and moral ambiguity, works for the Enchantress, a well-known performer who snags a coveted spot performing at the exposition. Her success comes into doubt with the arrival of newcomer Laszlo, who's illusions defy belief. His trick turns out to be Wilhelm, who is somehow able teleport objects and people short distances.

The setup of the plot is very intriguing, but not exactly what I had expected when I first read the summary. Laszlo, real name Teddy Barnes, kidnapped Wil as a child and forces him to assist in robberies all over the country before turning to stage magic, so the bulk of the plot revolves around Jack and Wil trying to find a way to stop him at his own game and save Wil. The characters are well-written and diverse, I particularly enjoyed Ruth and Lucia. While this book ended up not being my cup of tea, I did like it and think fans of Hutchinson's other books will love this one too.

Hutchinson's books are popular at my library, and I will definitely be recommending that we purchase this title.