DNF @ 70%. Im just not really following it or enjoying it; the start was interesting but now I've got no idea what's going on and I don't care.

2021 has definitely been the year of Shaun David Hutchinson. Though YA, they topics that he often tackles are anything but. Hutchinson is funny, the characters are relatable and plots are probably a tad predictable but not at all boring.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Before We Disappear is a beautiful queer historical fantasy that takes place in the early 1900's. It is a slow-burn love story between two young magician's assistants. Jack Nevin is a charming young pickpocket and assistant to The Enchantress, who "rescued" him from the streets of Europe where he was living after the death of his mother, and she has been using him for his talents with magic and thievery ever since. Jack feels indebted to her and loves her for rescuing him despite her tendency to abuse, often leaving him to sleep in the workshop and threatening homelessness if he displeases her. Wilhelm is the assistant of Laszlo, the stage name of a thief named Teddy who kidnapped Wilhelm as a child and uses him and his ability to use real magic to force him to steal for him. He frequently beats Wilhelm and forces him to steal and keeps him chained up with iron, the one thing Wilhelm can't escape.

When Jack and the Enchantress relocate to Seattle for the 1909 Alaska–Yukon–Pacific World’s Fair Exposition, Jack and Wilhelm's worlds collide. When Jack sees Laszlo perform, he can't think of any kind of explanation, so he searches for an answer by breaking into Laszlo's quarters, where he meets Wilhelm. Despite Wilhelm not allowing Jack to free him, Jack instantly becomes concerned for the boy, and makes him promise to allow him to come back. Through their secret visits, they get to know one another, Wilhelm feeling safe with someone for the first time he can remember.

This book was beautifully written, with so many wonderful moments. I found myself wanting to remember so many lines, and I imagine when I get a physical copy it will be annotated quite extensively. This is a beautiful book of star-crossed queer love and I highly recommend it.

I'm not usually an audiobook girl, but I thought I'd give this one a try. I would prefer to read the book to the narration, as the way it was told made an impact on the experience. I think I'll buy the book to read for myself.