TW/CW: attempted suicide, loss of loved ones

Actual rating: 4.5

There have been quite a few reviews talking about how this book is making everyone cry. And this is going to be one of them.

Scars Like Wings takes you on the journey of Ava, a 17-year-old who lost her life and herself in a house fire, as she tries to discover her "new normal". She doesn't want to be seen as "the burned girl" when she returns to school a year after the tragedy, in fact she doesn't really want to return to school at all.

Ava must deal with her new reality, a new school, typical adolescence, as well as the grief of her parents and cousin, and living with the very physical reminder in the scars that cover 60% of her body.

This story is written in such a raw and true way, that it feels like you are alongside Ava throughout her struggles. Every struggle is incredibly authentic which makes the story something truly heart-wrenching. But it's also warm and strong and will fill you with the sense that a simple girl by herself can overcome the worst of situations.

‘What do you call someone who didn’t mean to survive?’- Scars like Wings by Erin Stewart 💫

Firstly a massive thank you to Netgalley, Simonkidsuk and Erin Stewart for bringing this book into my life.

Within 5 chapters of this book I already felt immense sorrow and an emotional attachment to the main character and putting it down wasn’t on my agenda.

The story of Ava Lee who has suffered severe burns in a fire that killed other members of her family is so poignant and heartfelt. I enjoyed reading about how she developed through what she had been going through. I almost felt like this story was real life (I’m sure it is for some😣) which definitely made some bits harder to read.

I held back the tear multiple times, basically this book broke me.

This book properly tugged on my heart strings. Everybody should read this and people should learn to nicer!

Scars like Wings is a story about Ava who has survived a house fire that took the life of her parents and cousin and left her severely disfigured. After nineteen surgeries and many months in recovery, her doctor and aunt believe it’d be in her best interest to start school and begin to socialize. Ava obliges, to please her aunt most of all, and agrees to attend classes for two weeks. In a survivor’s meeting, she comes across Piper, a fellow survivor, who happens to go in the same school as her. Piper helps Ava on her journey of gaining back her confidence and accepting herself, and soon they become best friends.

The book has a really strong and gripping start, but it kind of feels “meh” afterward. The story drags at points, and the plot is pretty much generic. I expected something different, something that would push me out of my comfort zone or challenge me emotionally. What I’ve got was a typical story of two girls struggling to fit in and a lot of teen drama to complete the picture. I’m not trying at all to diminish their experience as burn survivors, but I think the author could have done a better job at constructing a more engaging plot to communicate the book’s theme.

The writing is straightforward and the first person narration helped me connect with Ava easily, at first. As the story progressed, though, I lost this connection because she became a little bit more trop-y than I’d have liked. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Piper either although I’m sure we were supposed to be fond of her, and her sarcastic personality. The other side-characters didn’t impress me, and I’d say they were pretty weak.

On a more positive note, I acknowledge that the author did a lot of research on post-burn recovery, and I congratulate her for her effort.

The ending had the kind of impact on me that I wished the rest of the story had. The final message of the book was empowering, beautiful, and was delivered excellently.

All in all, Scars like Wings has its moments but lacks in creativity. It’s still worth reading!

I received this e-arc from NetGalley for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

This was a pretty solid YA novel!
I had some serious issues with the romance plotline and some of the descriptions of suicidal ideation and induced guilt, but apart from that, it was a gripping story about what makes a person who they are. The main character Ava is the sole survivor after a fire takes her family and leaves her body riddled with burn scars.
This story was definitely well researched and I was fascinated to read about such a unique character in YA.

This was such a beautiful book! I have to admit I've moved away from YA novels a bit over the last few years, and now only really go for books that really stand out. This one did, and I am so so glad I read it.

The characters are so so well written - Ava and Piper are both so real, and so well formed. The plot was good, a teeny bit predictable but I think given the subject matter a predictable plot was almost a good thing, as there were times that were quite hard to read.

Ava had such a light about her. Such beauty, and depth, and it was great to see a character who is actually flawed - who isn't just strong all the time, a poster girl for survival.

I've never lived through anything like this, but it doesn't matter. It still moved me, and it is still a wonderful, beautiful book.

Wow what an amazing uplifting book.
As someone who has undergone many surgeries and is covered in scars I totally related to this book , people look at your scars first and then eventually at you the person
It takes tremendous courage to stand up and face people and this is what this book is about a young girl burned beyond recognition in a terrible fire
She is bored and annoyed at being an inspiration which you truly don't feel like, you mostly wonder why you got to live like this
She has an amazing voice which is not affected and meets a new friend at a new high school who helps her realise she can sing again and live a normal life especially if she finds someone who can love her and see beyond her scars
Everyone should read this book to give them a tiny understanding of what those victims/survivors go through every day

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from NetGalley. This was a relatively quick read, and a very good one. Whilst it was perhaps too sentimental and cheesy at times (and one twist was definitely predictable) this book was a well-written story of hope. I really rooted for Ava.

This was a beautiful story about survival and loss. Ava lost both her parents and her cousin Sara in a house fire. She’s the only survivor and 60% of her body has been burned. This is her story of learning to find a new normal and herself. It’s beautifully told and the writing is excellent. I laughed and cried (mostly cried) as I delved into Ava’s world as she rejoined life and went back to school. The cast of characters in this story are amazing. Asad, the broadway fan, doesn’t see Ava as different and he’s brilliant in the story. Piper is another burn survivor and becomes Ava’s new best friend. She’s funny and encourages Ava to find her new normal. This story will pull you in from the first page and when you end on the last sentence, you’ll probably feel as I did, that the ending was perfect. I’m sad to say goodbye to Ava’s world and look forward to seeing this book soar in the charts when it’s released.

A big thank you to the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this beautiful book.

Scars Like Wings, wow, I don't know that my words in this review can show just how much I loved this book! This was a book that I kept thinking about when I'd seen it mentioned around but was never really sure if it was the kind of book I'd like. It was most definitely the kind of book I like, I loved it so much that although I could have finished it within the day, I decided to only read a chapter or two a day as I really wanted it to last and was gutted when the book ended!

The story is about a girl, Ava, who is a burn survivor after a house fire that killed her parents and changed her whole life. Now living with her aunt and uncle, who also lost their daughter in the fire, she is struggling to get back to normality until she meets a new friend Piper.

Even from the first page of this book I was gripped. Despite the difficult pages initially regarding the scars Ava has she brings a light to the situation with her attitude and perspective of the situation that is unlike I have seen any character react before. I liked that the story with Ava started here as it gave more of an insight into what Ava was feeling before we see her start school and although we don't really get to find out the cause of the scars in detail it works well and leaves intrigue into what really happened and allows the focus to be on Ava and getting to know her.

I didn't expect for the story of the house fire and Ava's feelings after (but before the start of the book) to be spread out across the book but I think it was a really effective way to feed the information to the reader at relevant parts of the story. Although I thought this a little strange from the beginning when you get nearer to the end it makes sense.

I think Ava as a character is incredible. She is such a strong and independent girl even if she can't always see it herself and I like that she doesn't want to be seen as an inspiration. Although she is a burn survivor, she is still a regular teenager and whilst she may not be relatable for the burns she definitely has many relatable qualities as a teenager for anybody who doesn't want to stand out for one reason or another. I also love how we get to see both sides to Ava, even when she grows in confidence and think she's coping we still get to see that maybe she's not and some feelings will be hidden away from the outside world and this goes for all the characters which gives a real depth to the story and makes you think about what else people might be hiding.

As Piper was introduced to the story I knew I was going to like her as a character as whilst she may have been very outgoing for the group she was the perfect match for Ava's friend and I loved seeing them grow in confidence and help each other through together. I liked that Piper really tried to encourage Ava to try new things and get back to being herself and enjoying life again. I think Piper is just the friend we all need and added in with the honesty and sarcasm both the girls have they are the best pair of characters.

Asad is a character that surprised me throughout the book. I thought he would be pretty predictable as his type of characters can be but I was wrong and found that at times he was the one who surprised me the most. I love how he encouraged Ava's love of musical theatre and as a big musical theatre fan myself I found certain moments very relatable. I loved the quotes throughout the book and trying to work out what shows it was from and I was as shocked as Asad that Ava had never seen Wicked!

As with all reviews of books I love, this reviews getting a bit lengthy, I think I could write about this book for days but I'll skip to the end! I absolutely loved this book, more than I can explain. The story is incredible and so beautifully written and it is full of heart, sarcasm, musical theatre (all the things I love most!) and all whilst making you rethink the way people are treated and judged. Even if she may not like me to say, I think Ava is such an inspiring character and the way she reacts to others judgements is amazing and quite a journey to see throughout the book. The book is full of twists and turns that I never saw coming and I'm so sad that I've finished the book. This is by far best book I have ever read! I hope we get more books with Ava and Piper in the future but regardless, I can't wait to read whatever Erin Stewart brings out next!

Scars Like Wings surprised me in every way possible. I loved everything about this book, I was really worried that it was going to turn into a pity party like 100 Days of Sunlight and I wasn’t sure I could take that again. I didn’t need to panic because this book was unbelievably raw and well written. I loved the characters and the way that the plot weaved and waved with just the right amount of angst in the perfect places and about the right things. I think this book really highlights the difficulties that burn victims can face and also the way that they struggle in a world filled with grief. I really enjoyed reading this book, I felt as though I learnt a lot and also the fact that romance didn’t play a huge part in the story really impressed me.

I think the characters are what made this book all the better and for once a character’s angst didn’t ruin a story for me. I think the beauty of Scars Like Wings was definitely the fact that the angst was real and there was a definite need for it. The characters had a real reason to be angst-ridden and it also didn’t feel as though it was taking over the story and I loved finding out more about their stories. It at no point felt like a pity party, and this was a huge thing for this book because it could have very quickly turned into that. I was really really impressed with Ava all the way through this, and the friendships she ended up connecting. I just loved them.

I think the entire of this book is the best bit. I loved reading it and I definitely think the characters in Scars Like Wings was really well developed and the friendships formed in this book were some of the best I’ve read in a long time. I also loved the fact that although there were some romance elements weaved throughout the book, it in no way overshadowed the actual storyline and the important parts. It was a secondary feature which for YA is something I rarely come across. I just loved this book in all of it’s entirety.

There are no bad bits, no worst bits, nothing. I loved it all. I will forever love it. Read it now.

Are you surprised that my answer is YES! Pick this book up, it is one of the best books I have read this year and I will definitely be reading this one again.

I think this will go down a storm with YA readers. It's about loss, struggle, love, friendship, family, identity and all those things that worry teens - plus all the dramas of school. There is also the element of 'what if that happened to me, how would I cope?' so lots of questions to be asked and answered as well.

Scars like Wings is the story of Ava who has been left severely disfigured after a house fire, which took the lives of her parents. She is now living with her aunt and uncle, who lost their own daughter in the same fire.

This is very much a heartfelt and unflinching look at the reality of being a burn survivor with all the obstacles that come with that.

The writing is so well done and feels very authentic. I felt Ava's pain, frustrations and grief when reading the story and beyond. It really is a fabulous debut novel.

I was interested in this story due to my daughter suffering third degrees scalds when she was just 7-weeks old in 1987. She is the youngest survivor of scalds - 25% of her body scalded. - get consultant burns surgeon said this was equivalent to 75% in an adult! She was in intensive care for 5.5 weeks, having debridements and skin grafts. At one point she looked like the Michelin man! As she's grown up she had 100's of further skin grafts. I'm so pleased that Ava found Piper and they both became Phoenix twins. And came to accept who they are now

Highly recommended. Delicately and sympathetically written but doesn’t skirt around the issues affecting Ava - not just living with her new normal but also dealing with bereavement, bullying and a new school. Hilariously brutal gallows humour is interspersed with heartbreaking narrative that will have you catching your breath and sobbing at the cruelty of the situation and Ava’s ultimate strength.

Scars like Wings by Erin Stewart a five-star read that will change you. Ava has a story that you need to hear, she has such a powerful story, her loss and bravery through this will shock you. I don’t know what to write as I can’t do justice to this story, the fact that its inspired by a real person just makes this so much more compelling. Piper brings a lightness to the story that it needs, this is a great story and one everyone needs in their lives.

This book is about Ava who lost both of her parents and her cousin in a house fire. She had 60% burns including her face and spent many hours in hospital. She is living at her aunt and uncle's house, who lost their only child, Sara, in the fire as well.
Scars like wings picks up as Ava is returning to high school after a year of home schooling while she had surgeries for her injuries. We get to understand how someone who is a burns survivor feels and we go with Ava on her journey to acceptance of her circumstances.
The book allows use to think how we treat others who look different and how that person might feel. It is a tale of resilience. I really related to the characters and Erin Stewart has written a beautiful story which will inevitably be compared to Wonder by R J Palacio. A different slant on a similar idea.
Thanks to Netgalley for ARC for an honest opinion.

“Everyone has scars. Some are just easier to see.”

Ava Before - loves musicals, loves performing in school productions, has an almost-boyfriend, has a great group of friends, perfect parents and her best friend is her cousin Sara. Life is great.

Ava After - the sole survivor of a horrific fire that’s destroyed her home and left her with burns covering 60% of her body, an orphan, she’s had countless surgeries to aide her healing process, she’s living in her dead cousin’s bedroom with her aunt and uncle, she’s alone, she’s angry and she misses the girl Before. She misses her parents and Sara.

Scars Like Wings is a brutal portrayal of life as a teenager (angst and all) made a million times worse for Ava as a burns survivor. The book is littered with the theme of what is beauty; questioning the definition of it and the assumptions people make based on the appearance of others. “The world casts us into roles based on snap judgements. We look at people but we don’t see them”.

Ava struggles to ‘reintegrate’ following the latest treatment of her burns. Her body is healing the best way it can, but her mind.....not so. She’s angry. She’s in pain. She feels lonely. She feels guilt. She also goes to some dark places. But her journey is all about finding her new normal. Finding that she’s not alone. Finding that the girl Before is still inside. And it’s a beautiful journey. I loved it!

⚠️ Trigger warning ⚠️
Contains references to suicide and an attempt so if you’re vulnerable be warned.

Well written, issue-led coming of age story with characters whose witty, sometimes acerbic, dialogue zings off the page & keep the tone light despite the tricky subject matter. Heartfelt, funny and shocking at times, it's well worth having.

A heartbreaking yet heartfelt book. I found this book really interesting. Writing style was good.
Enjoy it. Great read
Thank you to both NetGalley and publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book

A thoughtful and engaging YA novel about the scars we see and those we don’t. Ava is going to a new high school, a year after the house fire that killed her parents and cousin and left her unrecognisable, with severe burns covering most of her body. As she begins to navigate the social scene at her new school and deal with the reactions of her peers, she meets another girl who is dealing with burns following a car accident. As their friendship deepens, Ava learns a lot about hidden scars as well as those on the surface. Thought provoking and uplifting without being preachy.