Life used to be simple.I was a city girl with humble dreams. Then Dylan O’Dea broke into my flat, held me against the wall and told me to stay quiet.It was like in the movies, where the universe zeros in on a single scene. I looked into his eyes and knew he was going to change me.For Dylan, the sky was always falling. He showed me how our world is a contradiction of beauty and ugliness. How we … of beauty and ugliness. How we choose to ignore the awful and gloss over it with the palatable. How you need just a tiny drop of something unsavoury to create every great scent.
Pretty deep for a pair of teenagers living in a block of council flats in inner city Dublin, right? Probably. But we weren’t typical. We both had our obsessions. Mine was growing things, Dylan’s was scent. He taught me how to use my nose, and I introduced him to the magic of flowers.
I had no idea that one day he’d build an empire from what we started together. But before that, there was love and happiness, tragedy and epic heartbreak…
My name is Evelyn Flynn and I’m going to tell you about the crack in everything.
A Crack in Everything is Book #1 in L.H. Cosway’s Cracks duet.
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This is one of my favourite books by L.H. Cosway and just one of my favourite book, period. I’ve re-read it a number of times already. Book one in a complete duet, A Crack in Everything follows the lives of Dylan and Evelyn, two young people living in inner city Dublin. While their small, poor world has shown them much ugliness, together their talents, interests and the deep connection that forms between them provides them with transformative beauty. But when tragedy strikes, will what they’ve discovered in each other be enough to keep these two young lovers together? Readers will devour this beautifully-written story that’s driven by the addictive and compelling relationship between Dylan and Evelyn.
Of all the heartbreakingly beautiful beginnings…
Ms. Cosway never disappoints. Not ever. And as I read this incredible YA story, my heart expanding, and filling, and cracking, and ultimately shattering along the way, I started to realize where the magic is, I think. These characters are so distinctive, so memorable, and in their own quirky ways – so completely lovable. I cannot begin to tell you how much I adored Dylan and Ev. How they captured my heart and how unexpected they were. This is, after all, a YA story, but these characters are old souls with big, beautiful hearts. And because of that, they stole mine. Completely.
Of course, then they beat it up a bit and it’s feeling a little bruised and battered right now. But not in the way you might expect. I was never frustrated by lack of maturity or the selfish behavior. In fact, my adoration of these characters never wavered. But there are some emotional punches packed into this story and I did not escape unscathed. It’s all part of the whole package here, though, and trust me when I tell you that the package is amazing.
It should also be noted that it wasn’t all high emotion and I definitely wouldn’t classify this as a tear-jerker necessarily. I smiled so hard and so much of the time. My heart fluttered and my belly filled with butterflies. The chemistry between Dylan and Ev is an exhilerating thing to read, and there’s a lot of joy in this book, which helps temper those emotional punches a bit.
A Crack in Everything is the first book in a duet, so as you can imagine, I’m left hanging out on a ledge right now – feeling a little raw and vulnerable, but so glad for having taken this gorgeous ride. I can’t wait to see what happens next (and for Ms. Cosway to heal these wounds she has inflicted). I can’t wait for more of this beautiful writing and enchanting storytelling. I’m telling you, these books do not ever disappoint and this one is no different. ~ 4.5 Stars
My heart is broken into little tiny bits, smashed to powder, blown away into the wind. There are so many emotional moments in this book, it was such a delight. The characters, god I loved them, were so misunderstood, vulnerable, honest and hidden. Reading their stories made me want everyone to make a better future for themselves, not all of them make it. I had tears, real big sloppy wet tears, and maybe a few unattractive snorts. No, I’m not telling you about the story if you know LH Cosway, trust her and read it. Cliffhanger ending be prepared to grab book 2 asap.
A cute little coming of age story about best friends, first loves, and finding yourself. That ending had me immediately purchasing book 2. I’m looking forward to reading the conclusion of this duet.
4.5 Stars
LH Cosway is new to me, I recently purchased the duet in paperback from a charity auction. I’d added them to my TBR list but hadn’t gotten to then, when the first book came up as a freebie I grabbed a copy. Reading this story was like taking a walk back in time. A mother with teens, who experienced varying social issues. I fell in love with these flawed characters and although the story started a little slowly it ended with a bang. I’m about to lose myself in book two of the duet, How The Light Gets In.
Set in Inner City Dublin in2006. The Villas is a multi story block of flats, where these teenagers reside. This ragtag group were made up of an attractive geek who loved science, a goth girl, a biracial boy, a homosexual lad and a girl who tore rose coloured glasses. Somehow they all clicked and became best friends. Remembering this is Ireland, there is lots of unrest, gangs and people trying to make the most of what they’ve got.
Dylan and Evelyn live at the Villa’s, attend the same school, they know of each other but don’t know each other. That is until he comes slamming into her life one day, from there they build a beautiful relationship. They are so different from each other, but somehow fit together perfectly. School is troublesome with homophobic taunting, jealous girls vying for Dylan’s attention and the lads from the McCarthy gangs antics. Dylan and Evelyn share their dreams for the future, but are they the same? Can Evelyn leave her gran behind or will she follow her dream?
I like to think this was inspired by James Joyce’s ‘Eveline’. Very Irish, haha.
A Crack in Everything is an emotional and gut wrenching story that will captivate you from the start. From the moment I started reading it, I was consumed with wanting to know Evelyn and Dylan’s story.
Set in Dublin, Evelyn and Dylan are two high school students who have newly discovered a building friendship that easily turns into love. Live has been tough for them but each one of them has people behind them that love and support them. When their worlds merge together, they get one bigger loving group and are all like their own family.
Dylan has made it clear that he wants out of there but Evelyn is a bit more reserved and was always content to stay for her family. She’s the positive one out of the two who looks at things with rose colored glasses while he’s more of a realist with a lot of gloomy outlooks on life. Yet somehow these two just work for each other.
I normally don’t do teen romance but I was easily sucked into their world. While there might be a few situations that remind you of their young ages, both Dylan and Evelyn are far more mentally older and wiser than a typical teenager would be. I LOVED their conversations because they were so odd yet so interesting and appealing at the same time.
A Crack in Everything does leave you in a bit of a cliffy but that’s OK, because the next one is already available! You will swoon at times but be warned, you heart will hurt. You will feel a bit broken and if you’re like me, you will hope that How the Light Gets In will put you back together.
A very poignant coming of age story. Evelyn and Dylan are right on the edge of adulthood and just trying to get through to the end of high school. They live in the same down trodden apartment complex and have known of each other for years. Dylan finally decides to really get to know her and such a lovely young romance blooms.
I think the reader can tell pretty easily how this romance will end and there is an incident that will crack your heart.
I’m going to review this after I finish the second one. I want to move on. But seriously, Dylan is so amazing.
Dylan? I whispered. Yes? he replied, turning to face me. Tell me about your dreams.
Heartwrenching and addicting, the first book in the Cracks Duet, ‘A Crack in Everything’, packed an emotional punch!
A group of quirky teens living in a poor neighborhood in inner-city Dublin called St. Mary’s Villas, develops a close friendship as they navigate their way through the rough streets of their neighborhood, come to terms with the realization of the importance of family, and face an unthinkable tragedy.
Evelyn Flynn had lived with her aunt Yvonne since she was thirteen years old when her mom left to pursue her own dreams. Having received permission from the local council to start an allotment, Ev added beauty to her world by gardening on the rooftop of her building. It was Ev’s grandmother who first introduced her to gardening. Suffering from M.S., her gran lived in a retirement home and Evelyn took it upon herself to make sure her gran was cared for.
Sam was Ev’s best friend. He lived his life with passion. He had a positive impact on everyone he came across.
Connor was the smart, nerdy boy. He was skinny, had thick glasses and a huge afro. Not the look most girls found appealing. Although, he only wanted one woman, Yvonne – Ev’s aunt.
Amy was an artist at heart. She carried her camcorder everywhere she went, filming her surroundings. Her angry, sassy, goth vibe fit her artist persona well. It also served to keep others at bay.
Dylan lived at St. Mary’s Villas with his father. Dylan was smart, ambitious and a dreamer. He longed for a better life than the one the local gang kept offering him. Where Ev’s gift was gardening, Dylan’s was a heightened sense of smell. He could dissect the ingredients in anything simply by its scent.
You’re sunshine, Eveylyn, and there’s nothing but clouds around here.
Dylan and Ev became inseparable. Dylan taught her how to smell and she taught him to smell the flowers. Their young love was challenged by the tragic curveball life through their way.
L. H. Cosway is that author. The one who, no matter what she writes, I will read it. I don’t bother with the blurb, it’s not necessary. It doesn’t matter what the book is about, I’m going to read it. ‘A Crack in Everything’ was beautiful and heartwrenching. The truths within its pages were poignant.
L. H. Cosway is a truly gifted storyteller. The ebb and flow of her storyline coupled with her unique voice hold me captive. She is that author that everyone should read and I believe doesn’t get the notice she deserves!
What a beautiful book. It’s just such a sweet, and wonderful story. I can’t wait for the next one. I definitely recommend this book, this series and this author.
“Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
A Time for Everything
3 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.”
Sorry if you are not religious, but for me it has no better text to expresses the Cracks Duets and sorry if you wanted a review for each book and will read only one, but for me they form a unique book with a strong message of overcoming, how fight for your dreams and love, so much unconditional love.
The books show a trajectory of Evelyn and Dylan’s love , two teenagers with histories of life and very different expectations.
Evelyn is a naive and pure girl who believes that the world is a good place to live, even having a pain of having been abandoned by her mother. She thanks for the love of Aunt Yvonne who created her and her grandmother who teaches her to grow flowers. She has in her friend Sam, her base of support and joy. When she met Dylan, a whole new world opens up in her eyes.
Dylan is a closed boy, very mature for his age, more realistic than Evelyn already has suffered hard pains. A serious young man who takes care of his father and has a well-defined life goal that he planned a while ago and will do everything to achieve.
In spite of the next age, they are very different and are in different stages of life, the love enters their lives of overwhelming form. Dylan has Evelyn as his muse and Evelyn sees Dylan as a guy need to see a beauty of life. It is this journey of maturity and struggle that I followed in Book 1 and 2.
In the first book, there is still the discovery of a life and beauty of a world cruel and yet bright and full of aromas and memories. They live many experiences with their friends Sam, Connor and Amy, including a tragedy that changes their lives forever.
In the second book, what else looks like a great epilogue for the previous book, They are already adults with another view of life. Dylan becomes a powerful entrepreneur and perfumer and Evelyn still remains trapped in a moment of the past and without expectations and dreams. She just wants to help Yvonne in her new business. Dylan is determined to make Evelyn see the value she has and once again see colors and scents in a dark world .
I honestly liked the book one much better than book two, for me Evelyn is annoyingly confused in Book Two and this frustrates me a lot, but I admit that without this book I would never perceive the writher’s macro message and the relation to the passage I copied in beginning of the review nor the fact that each of their protagonists needed to live their own moment and that at the appropriate time each one their help one another to see beauty beyond the walls of their big heart’s walls.
The duology completes and fits beautifully and poetically with Matrix references and lots of musicianship and synaesthesia. And to think that I almost didn’t get the books because I thought the covers that were YA fantasy and not a contemporary romance as they really are.
I’m having to review these as a whole because I feel like I couldn’t do this love story justice reviewing them separately.
I’m a huge fan of LH Cosway’s work, she creates effortless magic with everything she does and I honestly never expected something to replace Six of Hearts and Hearts of Fire for me. But this duet? This duet is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever read, I feel genuinely blessed, like she’s given me this priceless gift of words that inspired me more and more with every breath and syllable.
‘The thing about a hero is even when it doesn’t look like there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, he’s going to keep digging, he’s going to keep trying to do right and make up for what’s gone before, just because that’s who he is.’ – Joss Whedon
This quote embodies Dylan, for me. He’s the kind of hero that you’d expect to see in a dystopia novel, the strength and fight and determination to change the world, the kindness and gentleness he also shows to those he loves. I think this is so telling for how dystopic our world seems right now. Dylan is one of those characters that shift your perception of the world and change the way you think, even for just a little while. His fight is all about making the world better, not just his world, but everyone’s and that’s what makes him so captivating and inspirational.
‘Hold fast to dreams,
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird,
That cannot fly.’
– Langston Hughes
Evelyn is a beautiful character, kind and gentle and hopeful, her positivity radiates in every word used and it’s so captivating to read. The flowers she grows are an extension of herself, and when the loss, heartbreak and grief drown her, she loses that connection and loses a huge part of herself. It’s so poetic to read, especially how their roles reverse after the tragedy, his pessimism and her optimism transfer to the other. This was actually really beautiful to read too, in the most soul destroying, heart wrenching, relatable way, LH Cosway explores the effects that grief and trauma has on someone.
Seeing these two lost souls falling in love, and then finding their way back to each other was beyond beautiful, it was hope and love in its purest form and it warmed every part of my heart and soul. Unique, enchanting and awakening, this lyrical duet carved out a part of my bookworm heart and remained there. I’m waiting with baited breath to see what LH Cosway brings us next. Thank you.
Favorite Quotes:
I loved Sam and all, but instead of avoiding elephants in rooms he tended to grab them by the tusks.
I was wondering whether you think everyone is redeemable?… I’ll give you the serial killer and the rapists, but what about people who are just sort of arseholes? Do you think they can ever become less . . . arsehole-y?
Granny Kennedy was terribly talkative on her deathbed. I think that’s final wish number eleven we’re at now, if we count brushing my teeth every night and saving myself for marriage. The woman must’ve never shut up when she was preparing for those pearly gates.
You should come at night. The place transforms. It’s like a Roman orgy after hours… It’s true. All these old timers are mad for it. They don’t have to worry about getting pregnant.
My Review:
Thank goodness I have the second book ready to go or I would be stamping my little foot at this strategic cliffhanger. Ms. Cosway has penned a devastating story that has tugged at my cold heart the entire way through. The storylines and writing were well honed, emotive, intriguing, insightful, moody, and cleverly paced. Despite the angsty and melancholy tone, I am more than anxious to continue on to the second book.
L.H. Cosway introduces her Cracks Duet with A Crack in Everything, a tale about Evelyn Flynn and Dylan O’Dea. Two teenagers from inner city Dublin with opposite perspectives who find in each other deep love and unwavering support until misfortune and heartbreak forced them apart.
Ev had seen Dylan around. They went to the same high school and was too attractive for his own good, but mostly he was reserved and dejected, until the day he broke into her apartment and asked her to conceal his whereabouts. After that, she shared with him her love for growing flower and he shared his interest in scents. As their attraction grows, their bond strengthens. But when tragedy strikes, Dylan’s desire to move to America once he graduates doesn’t align with Ev’s sense of loyalty towards her family in Dublin and their lives will never be the same.
L.H. Cosway is a magnificent storyteller, not only are her main characters appealing, she also creates an incredible cast of supporting characters that make you want to invest yourself in. Everything about the book is enjoyable, from the narrative and dialogues, to the compelling heroine whose young self was full of optimism and light, to the swoony, smart yet tragic hero who I desperately wanted to go out into the world and succeed, their epic love and the overall emotional, romantic and heartbreaking story.
Too vague? Ok, well, A Crack in the Light is more than just about two teens meeting and falling in love. It’s about friendship and family, about finding oneself and therefor happiness and our place in this life. Still vague? Sorry, I guess you’ll have to trust me and enjoy the journey.
A Crack in Everything is book #1 of the Cracks duet by L.H. Cosway. It is an original contemporary romance that will touch your heart. Evelyn and Dylan’s story continues in How the Light Gets In.