Book Review: The Same Backward As Forward by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Jennifer Lynn Barnes, the bestselling author of The Inheritance Games series, returns with another emotionally charged and suspenseful story in The Same Backward As Forward. This novel delivers a haunting mix of tragedy, secrets, and forbidden love — a compelling prequel that traces the roots of the Hawthorne legacy we thought we already knew.
Told from two perspectives — Hannah Rooney and Tobias Hawthorne II — this book literally and thematically unfolds in two directions. Readers first experience the story through Hannah’s eyes, then flip the book to read Toby’s side, allowing us to see how two broken lives intertwine in unexpected, heartbreaking ways. It’s a daring narrative structure that mirrors its title — the same backward as forward — and it works beautifully to explore love, loss, and redemption.
Hannah Rooney has spent her life trying to stay invisible. Born into a notorious criminal family, she dreams of escaping her dark past and building a better future with her younger sister, Kaylie. She’s careful, cautious, and quietly strong — until tragedy shatters her world.
On the other hand, Tobias Hawthorne II, heir to one of the country’s wealthiest dynasties, hides behind arrogance and privilege. Beneath his effortless charm lies rage, guilt, and secrets dangerous enough to destroy everything he knows.
Their worlds collide one stormy night in a devastating act of arson that leaves Kaylie and others dead — and Toby barely alive, with no memory of who he is. When a fisherman rescues him and enlists Hannah’s help to nurse him back to health, she’s horrified to realize the truth: this is the man responsible for her sister’s death.
Driven by grief and vengeance, Hannah vows to keep Toby alive — not out of mercy, but out of a sense of cruel justice. Yet as days turn into weeks, hatred slowly blurs into something far more complicated. Toby, stripped of his identity, sees the world — and Hannah — through innocent eyes. And Hannah, torn between fury and compassion, begins to see the possibility of love even in her pain.
Their story is tragic and beautiful, an emotional storm of loss and connection. Barnes captures their chemistry with aching realism, making readers question whether love can truly redeem the unforgivable.
As the truth resurfaces, the tension builds toward an ending that feels both inevitable and shocking. Hannah and Toby’s relationship defies logic, morality, and even fate — but it’s exactly this defiance that makes their story unforgettable.
Beyond the romance, The Same Backward As Forward is also about memory, identity, and the way guilt shapes our choices. Barnes’s writing is atmospheric and cinematic, balancing emotional intensity with psychological insight. Her background in cognitive science adds depth to the portrayal of trauma and recovery — every thought, every hesitation feels psychologically authentic.
What makes this book truly special is its format. Reading it “forward” through Hannah’s grief, then “backward” through Toby’s fragmented memory, creates a mirrored narrative that challenges the reader’s perception of truth and forgiveness. It’s a story that reflects upon itself — one that feels different depending on where you begin and where you end.
Jennifer Lynn Barnes once again proves why she’s one of the most talented voices in young adult fiction. The Same Backward As Forward is more than a love story — it’s a meditation on loss, identity, and the cost of redemption.
In short:
A tragic enemies-to-lovers tale with heart-stopping tension and emotional depth, The Same Backward As Forward is a must-read for fans of The Inheritance Games who crave a darker, more introspective glimpse into the Hawthorne legacy.
Rating: ★★★★★
Themes: Love and loss, forgiveness, memory, trauma, redemption
Perfect for: Fans of complex romance, dual narratives, and stories where danger and desire walk hand in hand.
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