Review by Cheeks
Jun 17, 2024We better fucking survive because now that I've had a taste, I can't settle for anything less than a lifetime of this.
If We Survive, the debut novel from author Rianne Elizabeth, is an engaging read that puts an interesting twist on several popular tropes, including forced proximity, captivity, and abduction.
The Setting: Contemporary London.
The Premise: Kai has recently moved to London where he works odd jobs and temporary positions. He meets Eden through a dating app, and their first date goes exceptionally well. It is evident that they have immediate chemistry. However, the date takes a dramatic turn when Eden witnesses Kai being abducted after dropping him off. Foolishly, Eden decides to follow the abductors in an attempt to save Kai, only to end up captured and chained beside him. Kai humorously questions to himself whether this counts as a second date or just a really long first date.
The Relationship: The chemistry between Kai and Eden is evident, but their relationship's natural development is interrupted by their abduction. Despite their dire circumstances, they form a deep, meaningful bond, with Elizabeth skillfully addressing the possibility of trauma bonding. At one point, Kai reflects on their attraction:
"Maybe we're fucked up for still wanting each other after everything that's happened today, but it only confirms that this is real. Even in this cluster fuck, I can feel the bond we're building is strong. I'll never stop wanting him, even when faced with death, it seems."
After they have sex for the first time, Eden cries, leading to a powerful, pivotal moment in their relationship:
"I'm fucking sad, Kai."
"Why?" I ask softly, scared of what the answer might be.
"Because I only just found you, and now we might die. It's not fair. I've never felt like this about anyone before. What if we don't get to have this?"
Throughout their time in captivity, they endure quite a deal of trauma together, but lean on each other for support.
One aspect this novel handles exceptionally well is avoiding the unrealistic trope of a happily-ever-after immediately following traumatic events. After their escape, Kai and Eden choose to spend time apart to work through their trauma individually. This feels authentic and necessary. When they reunite after this period of self-healing, their connection is even stronger and we see that they were always inevitable:
Yes, he's laughed over the phone, but right here, in person, it's my North Star. A sound that leads me home.
The Spice:
We better fucking survive because now that I've had a taste, I can't settle for anything less than a lifetime of this.
If We Survive, the debut novel from author Rianne Elizabeth, is an engaging read that puts an interesting twist on several popular tropes, including forced proximity, captivity, and abduction.
The Setting: Contemporary London.
The Premise: Kai has recently moved to London where he works odd jobs and temporary positions. He meets Eden through a dating app, and their first date goes exceptionally well. It is evident that they have immediate chemistry. However, the date takes a dramatic turn when Eden witnesses Kai being abducted after dropping him off. Foolishly, Eden decides to follow the abductors in an attempt to save Kai, only to end up captured and chained beside him. Kai humorously questions to himself whether this counts as a second date or just a really long first date.
The Relationship: The chemistry between Kai and Eden is evident, but their relationship's natural development is interrupted by their abduction. Despite their dire circumstances, they form a deep, meaningful bond, with Elizabeth skillfully addressing the possibility of trauma bonding. At one point, Kai reflects on their attraction:
"Maybe we're fucked up for still wanting each other after everything that's happened today, but it only confirms that this is real. Even in this cluster fuck, I can feel the bond we're building is strong. I'll never stop wanting him, even when faced with death, it seems."
After they have sex for the first time, Eden cries, leading to a powerful, pivotal moment in their relationship:
"I'm fucking sad, Kai."
"Why?" I ask softly, scared of what the answer might be.
"Because I only just found you, and now we might die. It's not fair. I've never felt like this about anyone before. What if we don't get to have this?"
Throughout their time in captivity, they endure quite a deal of trauma together, but lean on each other for support.
One aspect this novel handles exceptionally well is avoiding the unrealistic trope of a happily-ever-after immediately following traumatic events. After their escape, Kai and Eden choose to spend time apart to work through their trauma individually. This feels authentic and necessary. When they reunite after this period of self-healing, their connection is even stronger and we see that they were always inevitable:
Yes, he's laughed over the phone, but right here, in person, it's my North Star. A sound that leads me home.
The Spice:
