Full Measures

By Rebecca Yarros

Full Measures: A Detailed Review and Summary

Introduction

Full Measures by Rebecca Yarros is a poignant and emotionally charged contemporary romance novel that explores themes of grief, forgiveness, and finding love amidst loss. It's a sequel to The Last Letter, but can be read as a standalone, though the emotional impact is heightened by reading its predecessor. Yarros masterfully weaves a story that's both heartbreaking and uplifting, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Summary

Main Plot

Full Measures primarily focuses on the journey of Major Lennox 'Nox' Demetriades as he grapples with the loss of his best friend and brother-in-arms, Shane. Burdened by guilt and a feeling of inadequacy, Nox returns home to Colorado, where he unexpectedly encounters Shane's younger sister, Emory. Emory, also grappling with grief, is fiercely independent and struggles to reconcile her feelings for the man who was her brother's best friend. Their connection, both fraught with pain and undeniable chemistry, is the core of the novel.

Key Plot Points

• Nox's Internal Struggles: The novel delves deeply into Nox's battle with PTSD, survivor's guilt, and the challenges of readjusting to civilian life after years in the military.
• Emory's Independence: Emory, determined to not be defined by her grief or her family, is pursuing her passion as a tattoo artist while running her family's bookstore. She resists the pull towards Nox, wanting to protect herself from more heartbreak.
• The Weight of Shared Grief: Both Nox and Emory find a fragile solace in their shared experience of losing Shane. This mutual grief creates a complex foundation for their developing relationship.
• Unresolved Issues: The story also explores the unresolved issues and secrets surrounding Shane’s death and how they impact both Nox and Emory.
• Healing and Forgiveness: Ultimately, the novel is about the long and often arduous process of healing, forgiving oneself, and opening up to love again.

Detailed Review

Strengths

• Emotional Depth: Yarros excels at portraying the raw and visceral emotions associated with grief and loss. The characters' pain is palpable, making their journey all the more compelling.
• Character Development: Both Nox and Emory are complex and well-developed characters. Their individual struggles and growth throughout the novel are realistically portrayed. Nox's battle with his inner demons is particularly compelling.
• Relationship Dynamics: The romance between Nox and Emory is not a straightforward fairytale. It's layered with vulnerability, hesitation, and intense chemistry, making it all the more believable.
• Pacing: The pacing of the story is well-balanced, alternating between intense emotional scenes and moments of quiet introspection. This keeps the reader engaged and invested in the narrative.
• Themes: The novel effectively explores mature and important themes such as PTSD, grief, family dynamics, and the complexities of love and loss.

Weaknesses

• Predictability: While the emotional depth is impressive, some plot points and character arcs can feel slightly predictable.
• Slow Burn (for some): The slow-burn nature of the romance might not appeal to all readers. Some might find it too drawn out, though it does serve to heighten the overall emotional impact.

Writing Style

Yarros's writing style is fluid, engaging, and emotionally charged. She has a knack for creating vivid imagery and conveying complex emotions through her words. The alternating perspectives between Nox and Emory allow the reader to fully grasp their inner turmoil and emotional journey.

Overall Verdict

Full Measures is a deeply moving and emotionally resonant novel that will stay with readers long after they finish the last page. It's a testament to Rebecca Yarros's skill in crafting compelling characters and exploring complex emotional landscapes. While it may not be perfect, the book's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthwhile and rewarding read for fans of contemporary romance and emotionally driven stories.

Rating

4.5 out of 5 stars

Buy the book here.