A World Away (Learning to Breathe Book 1) by Carole Cummings, Andy Gallo


"I don't think I've ever been quite enraptured in a book as I was with this one." Angel on A World Away.

From the blurb:

Nathan Duffy knows how to keep things locked down so tight even he doesn’t know they’re there. Like his childhood trauma over the near-catastrophe he almost caused when his power manifested. His
adolescent resentment over the near fatal injury he still hasn’t really accepted. His futile not-so-platonic love for his best friend Cam. And that one pivotal moment when the love and the power had merged to save Cam from the accident that left Nathan unable to walk. Nathan figures losing the use of his legs was a fair exchange for Cam’s life. He just can’t ever let Cam know why.

For Cam Almenara, life has been an ongoing cycle of questioning reality. What if his mother hadn't died when he was ten? What if that drunk driver hadn't almost killed him and Nathan? What if Nathan’s powers hadn’t protected Cam at the cost of Nathan’s ability to walk? What if Nathan had never convinced himself that Cam’s feelings for him are nothing more than attachment and survivor’s guilt? And what if Cam can never convince Nathan otherwise?
When Nathan is suddenly stricken by seizure like nightmares, his power slips its leash—again. Fearful his rogue abilities will hurt—or worse, kill—Cam, Nathan comes to the conclusion that it’s him or Cam. Nathan knows who he’ll choose. Trouble is, so does Cam. And he’s just as willing as Nathan is to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the best friend he loves… and prove they belong together.



Angel's Review:

I haven't read anything written by Carole Cummings before, and I haven't read much by Andy Gallo either, so both of these authors are new to me. I wasn't sure how their writing styles would be, or if I would like their combined writing dynamic. 

I didn't like the dynamic.. I loved it! I was not expecting to get pulled into A World Away so completely, I didn't want to do anything else but read about Cam and Nathan. All of the things that were happening to them, and other versions of themselves had me on the edge of my seat the whole entire time. 

We went on a magical journey with these characters, and at times it was emotional and painful, but it was also very enjoyable at the same time. I wasn't expecting to love this story as much as I do, but quite frankly I am so sad this story is over. The more I kept reading the more disheartened I got because I knew I would be reaching the end soon. Although, it was worth it to keep reading about Cam and Nathan's journey into discovering what in the world's is going on.. (see what I did there? Worlds...) Anywho, bad joke aside this book was impeccable! The backstory was so believable and had so many details, it was as though a movie was playing in my head. I could envision the background, the characters, the scenery, even machines that don't exist so vividly in my head because of the high level of detail that was in this book. These authors are very talented and clearly put in the time and effort into creating a world that is magical and full of mystery, yet they made it believable and real. It was truly incredible going on that ride with Cam and Nathan. 

The side characters added great humor and a fantastic supporting cast to the story. I enjoyed seeing the different dynamic between the colonel and Cam. That was a really important moment in the book and it's great to see them trying to build a relationship with one another. 

I can not wait until we get the second book in this series, I need to know what happens to Cam and Nathan next! Are they going to get deployed together? Is Nathan going to have some unknown powers? Is Cam? Are they going to be able to make their relationship work?? I have so many questions! I highly recommend you to get this story yourself, you won't regret it! Just make sure you're able to read straight through, cause you won't want to stop reading this book once you've started. 

Rating: 5 Stars


SNik's Review:

First in series (Learning to Breathe). Paranormal/science fiction. POC representation. Childhood friends. Very slow burn. Dual POV. 

The tight control Nathan has over his talent may be slipping. He is having horrible dreams about being tortured and seizures that have stirred up his talent, and the last thing he wants is for his best friend Cam to ramp up his overprotective caretaking. While Nathan tries to push Cam away, they are both frightened by what is happening to Nathan, and Cam will do anything for Nathan, even calling Cam’s distant but powerful father to help. 

A huge world build that involves supernatural powers, military intrigue, possible parallel universes, and a friendship that is deeper than either man realizes. 

Primarily a science fiction story, Cam and Nathan’s friendship since childhood is the underpinning of all parts of the story, their family interactions, the found family of friends, and how they relate to each other even though they have trouble communicating their honest feelings. 

A really entertaining read.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

A World Away is available to buy as an ebook or to read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.

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