I remember having read the blurb for this taboo novel in early 2012. I'm not sure about you, but my first reaction was OH MY GOODNESS EW EW EW EW EW *closes goodreads* *runs away screaming*.

Call me crazy but there's something about incest that just does not light my fire. It didn't even make my generous to-read list.

But something about my blinding exam depression made me think I could tackle this one. And let me tell you, I'm glad I did, because it was nothing like I expected, and yet still everything that was promised.

If you want gut-wrenching emotion, a story line that will mess with your mind, and star-crossed lovers, this is the book. If you haven't had a book hangover, this is the book.

Originally when I finished, I shelved it as #amazing, #highschool, #stillshocked, #uncontrollablesobbing, #wtf-ending. And then the next day, I realised I couldn't stop thinking about Lochan and Maya, and certain parts, so I reread it again. #favourites. And then I stalked Tabitha Suzuma, and watched a book trailer for Forbidden that gave me feels and tears just from putting certain quotes to music and realised, yep, #Panaceacandidate. READ THIS! You might love it, hate it, be on the fence, either way, this book should be read because the language is powerful and the subject controversial.

"Sometimes love chooses you." Not going to lie, reading that on the cover of my beautiful paperback still makes me shudder a little. Incest is not something that is commonly tackled, but somehow, I truly believe Tabitha Suzuma succeeded in writing a convincing love story. I've read some reviews where people justify it saying Lochan and Maya only believe they fall in love because of the isolation created by their dysfunctional family. And while I do believe that was a factor, I have to say I disagree that it was the principle factor. To me, it was their common depression that linked them together, the ability to empathise with each other on a level that other's couldn't, and this was illustrated by Suzuma's powerful powerful prose, prose that rang so true it was no surprise that Tabitha herself has struggled with depression all her life. To me, incest was her tool to create characters that would inherently be misunderstood, whose situations would clearly have a me-against-the-world angst. It created such an extreme dynamic, such incredible incredible highs (when they first kiss OMG), and indescribable lows (the end).

Lochan and Maya were so sweet. The transitions in POV were flawless. I liked them straight away and surprised myself with how much I shipped them. You really got the sense that only they could even slightly understand each other, they were the only chances at easing each others loneliness and emotional burden. Even so, Lochan in particular had moments where he really scared me, I worried for him so much! His social difficulties, erratic and often rash behaviour were soaked in pain and fear that he couldn't communicate. Maya listened and it was incredibly endearing.

I haven't read a single young adult novel that has come close to putting into words the psychology of depression like Suzuma does. This book is just so full of devastating/great/twisted/amazing moments. The resolve of Lochan and Maya, their determination, their passion Gasping, it left me gasping. Their lack of restraint, the way they find solace and liberation in one another. Words have such power, all readers know and believe that, so be prepared to be swept away by the devastatingly poignant prose of Tabitha Suzuma.