““There’s a difference between not knowing something and not wanting to know it.””
— Declan muses on the nature of ignorance and willful blindness.
Archivist's Choice
More Than We Can Tell
Brigid Kemmerer (2018)
Genre
Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
410 min
Key Themes
See below
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A new coder dealing with online harassment and a quiet teen haunted by an abusive past find comfort and unexpected danger in their shared secrets, testing their fragile trust as their individual problems grow.
Synopsis
Rev Fletcher, still dealing with his abusive past, gets a disturbing letter from his biological father that shatters his peace, despite his adoptive parents' support. Meanwhile, Emma Blue, a game developer, uses her online world to escape her parents' failing marriage. Her digital space is invaded by an anonymous online troll whose harassment grows. Rev and Emma meet, finding a connection as they bond over their unspoken burdens and secrets. Their shared vulnerability deepens their trust. However, as the threats in their lives intensify—Rev's past resurfacing dangerously and Emma's online torment spilling into her real world—their new relationship is tested. They must navigate revelations and betrayals, confronting fears and seeking justice, finding strength in each other to heal and move forward.
Reading time
410 min
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Emotional, Suspenseful, Hopeful, Cathartic
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy contemporary YA romance with significant emotional depth, dealing with themes of past trauma, online harassment, and finding strength through connection.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer lighthearted romance without heavy themes or intense emotional conflict.
Plot Summary
A Disturbing Letter and a Digital Escape
Rev Fletcher, adopted and living a stable life with his loving parents, receives a letter from his biological father, George, who is in prison. This contact immediately triggers flashbacks and anxiety for Rev, bringing back the trauma of his childhood abuse. He tells his best friend, Declan, but struggles to process the pain. Meanwhile, Emma Blue, a programmer, spends most of her time on 'Lost Soul,' a computer game she created. Her game is an escape from her parents' growing tension and impending divorce, a reality she tries to ignore by focusing on her digital world and online community.
Online Harassment Escalates
Emma's online world, usually a source of comfort, becomes a new source of fear. An anonymous user, 'KingD,' starts leaving threatening and personal comments on her game's forum and direct messages. The troll's remarks show knowledge of her personal life and even her location, making Emma realize this is more than typical online bullying. She tries to dismiss it, but the growing intensity and feeling of being watched begin to frighten her, eroding her sense of security. She hesitates to tell her parents, fearing they won't understand.
A Chance Encounter and Shared Vulnerability
Rev, overwhelmed by his father's letter, goes to a coffee shop to clear his head. Emma, distressed by the online harassment and her parents' arguments, also seeks refuge there. They meet by chance, and despite initial shyness, a hesitant conversation begins. Rev, usually guarded, is drawn to Emma's quiet intensity. Emma, typically reserved, is surprised by Rev's gentle manner. They sense a shared underlying turmoil, and this mutual understanding allows them to connect deeper than either expected, forming an instant bond.
Building Trust and Unveiling Secrets
After their first meeting, Rev and Emma continue to see each other. Their conversations grow longer and more personal. Rev starts to open up about his past, sharing details about his abusive biological father and the psychological scars he carries. Emma, in turn, talks about the constant tension at home from her parents' crumbling marriage and the growing fear she feels from 'KingD's' online threats. They find comfort in each other's company, recognizing a kindred spirit in their shared experiences of pain and isolation. This mutual vulnerability strengthens their new relationship.
Confronting the Past and Investigating the Present
Needing closure and control, Rev decides to visit his father, George, in prison. The visit is emotionally difficult, forcing Rev to confront the source of his trauma. Meanwhile, Emma's friends, including her gaming friend Cody, become more aware of 'KingD's' harassment. They support her, using their tech skills to trace the troll's IP address and gather information, hoping to unmask the tormentor and end the threats that are affecting Emma's daily life and safety.
The Threat Intensifies Offline
The online threats from 'KingD' become real. Emma starts finding unsettling notes and objects, and she feels watched. The troll's messages become more explicit about her location and routine, confirming KingD is someone nearby. This shatters Emma's remaining sense of security, making her realize the danger is real. She becomes paranoid, constantly looking over her shoulder and fearing for her safety, making it difficult to focus on anything else.
A Revelation and a Betrayal
Through investigation by Emma's friends and a clue, 'KingD' is revealed to be Cody, Emma's long-time online gaming friend. The revelation is a blow to Emma, a betrayal that shatters her trust. Cody confesses to his actions, driven by jealousy and a desire to control Emma and her game. The discovery leaves Emma hurt, not only from the terror but also from the betrayal by someone she considered a friend.
Facing the Aftermath and Seeking Justice
Emma, though hurt, finds the strength to confront Cody. She processes the betrayal and fear he caused, deciding to press charges against him. This is a difficult decision, but she feels it's necessary to protect herself and ensure he faces consequences. Rev supports Emma throughout this process, offering emotional stability. His own past experiences with abuse help him understand her pain and empower her to seek justice, strengthening their bond.
Rev's Journey Towards Healing
The visit to his father, George, in prison, though painful, helps Rev heal. He processes the emotions and memories it brought up, realizing that his past will always be a part of him, but it doesn't have to define his future. With the support of his adoptive parents, Declan, and now Emma, Rev starts to work through his trauma. He begins to let go of the shame and fear that have held him captive, embracing the love and stability he now has. He understands that healing is a continuous process, but he is on the right path.
Finding Strength and Moving Forward
Emma, having faced her tormentor and sought justice, becomes stronger. The ordeal forces her to confront not only the external threat but also her tendency to escape reality. She starts to talk to her parents about their divorce, expressing her feelings and needs instead of avoiding the topic. Her parents, seeing her trauma and resilience, reflect on their actions and their impact on their daughter. This difficult period, while painful, helps Emma find her voice and her family take steps toward healthier communication.
Rebuilding and Renewed Hope
As things settle, Rev and Emma continue to support each other. Their shared experiences and how they navigated their individual traumas, both together and apart, create a strong bond. They learn to trust, to lean on each other, and to find strength in vulnerability. Their relationship, built on understanding and empathy, becomes a source of comfort and hope. They look toward the future, not as perfectly healed individuals, but as two people committed to their ongoing journeys, supporting each other every step of the way.
Principal Figures
Rev Fletcher
The Protagonist
Rev moves from being crippled by past trauma to actively confronting it, finding healing and a renewed sense of self by embracing vulnerability and the support of loved ones.
Emma Blue
The Protagonist
Emma transforms from avoiding her problems through digital escapism to bravely confronting both online threats and family issues, ultimately finding her voice and inner strength.
Declan Miller
The Supporting
Declan remains a consistent and crucial support system, demonstrating the power of true friendship in helping someone heal.
Cody
The Antagonist
Cody's true nature as a manipulative stalker is revealed, culminating in his unmasking and facing consequences for his actions.
George Fletcher
The Mentioned
George remains a static figure of past trauma, but his presence acts as a catalyst for Rev's internal growth and confrontation of his past.
Rev's Adoptive Parents
The Supporting
They consistently provide a foundation of unconditional love and support, enabling Rev's healing journey.
Emma's Parents
The Supporting
Their internal struggles initially push Emma away, but her crisis forces them to begin acknowledging their own issues and the impact on their daughter.
Themes & Insights
The Lingering Impact of Trauma
Both Rev and Emma carry deep scars from their past experiences. Rev's childhood abuse from his biological father causes anxiety, flashbacks, and a fear of losing control, triggered by a letter. Emma's trauma comes from her parents' crumbling marriage and the online harassment she endures. The novel shows how these past and present problems affect their daily lives, relationships, and self-worth. It emphasizes that healing is a long process that requires facing the past, as seen when Rev visits his father in prison and Emma decides to press charges against Cody.
““The past doesn’t disappear just because you want it to. It sits there, waiting, sometimes right beneath the surface.””
The Power of Vulnerability and Connection
The novel shows how opening up and forming connections can help healing. Initially, both Rev and Emma are isolated by their secrets and fears. Rev hides his trauma, and Emma escapes into her game to avoid family issues and online threats. Their chance meeting and relationship development depend on their willingness to be vulnerable with each other. By sharing their deepest pains and fears, they find comfort, understanding, and strength. This mutual support helps them face their challenges more effectively, showing that true connection builds resilience.
““Sometimes, the only way to get through something is to let someone else in.””
Escapism vs. Confrontation
Emma's use of her computer game, 'Lost Soul,' as an escape from her parents' marital problems is a central theme. She finds comfort and control in the digital world, preferring to solve coding puzzles over real-life emotional conflicts. Similarly, Rev initially tries to suppress his traumatic memories. However, the story argues that true healing comes from confronting, not avoiding, problems. Emma is forced to face the real-world effects of her online life when 'KingD's' harassment grows, and Rev seeks closure by visiting his father. Both characters learn that escapism only offers temporary relief, and lasting peace requires direct engagement with their struggles.
““You can’t just code away your problems, Emma. Sometimes you have to face them.””
The Dangers of Online Identity and Obsession
The novel explores the darker side of online interactions through 'KingD.' Initially, the online world gives Emma a sense of community and control, but it quickly becomes a source of terror. The internet's anonymity allows Cody to change from a friendly gamer into an obsessive stalker, blurring the lines between online and offline reality. His actions show how digital spaces can be used for harm, leading to psychological and physical threats. The theme warns against the false sense of security online and the devastating impact of digital harassment and betrayal by someone you thought you knew.
““The internet makes you feel safe, but it can also make you feel more exposed than anything.””
Redefining Family and Belonging
Rev's experience with his adoptive parents shows that family is defined by love, care, and stability, not biology. Despite the trauma from his biological father, Rev finds belonging and healing within his adoptive family. Their support contrasts with his past and forms the foundation for his recovery. This theme suggests that individuals can create their own families and find belonging in unexpected places, especially through chosen relationships like the one Rev shares with Declan and eventually with Emma, who also seeks connection outside her strained biological family.
““Family isn’t just about blood. It’s about who shows up, who stays.””
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Letter from George
A physical manifestation of past trauma that ignites Rev's emotional journey.
The letter Rev receives from his incarcerated biological father, George, serves as the primary inciting incident for Rev's plotline. It's a tangible link to his traumatic past, forcing him to confront buried memories and anxieties. This device is crucial because it shatters the fragile peace Rev had found, propelling him into a journey of self-discovery and healing. It also acts as a powerful external trigger for his internal conflict, making his emotional struggle visible to the reader and driving him towards the eventual prison visit.
Emma's Game: 'Lost Soul'
A digital world that functions as both an escape mechanism and a central target for harassment.
'Lost Soul,' Emma's meticulously crafted computer game, is a multifaceted plot device. Initially, it's her sanctuary and a symbol of her control and intellect, a place where she can escape her tumultuous home life. However, it quickly becomes the primary conduit for 'KingD's' harassment, transforming her safe space into a source of terror. This duality highlights the blurred lines between online and offline reality, and its role in the plot is vital for both Emma's character development and the unfolding of the mystery surrounding her stalker. It symbolizes Emma's journey from digital escapism to real-world confrontation.
'KingD's' Anonymous Harassment
An escalating series of online threats that transition into real-world stalking, driving Emma's fear and the plot's suspense.
The anonymous online harassment from 'KingD' is the main antagonist force for Emma's plotline. This device creates intense suspense and paranoia, gradually escalating from vague online comments to highly personal and threatening messages, culminating in real-world stalking. It serves to isolate Emma, challenge her sense of security, and ultimately force her to confront the danger head-on. The mystery surrounding 'KingD's' identity is a key driver of the narrative, building tension and leading to the eventual shocking reveal that deeply impacts Emma's trust and understanding of her social circle.
The Coffee Shop Meeting
A seemingly random encounter that serves as the catalyst for Rev and Emma's relationship.
The chance meeting between Rev and Emma at the coffee shop is a classic 'meet-cute' device that is pivotal to the entire narrative. It acts as the catalyst for their romantic relationship and their mutual support system. Without this seemingly random encounter, their individual journeys might have remained isolated. It provides the opportunity for them to find solace and understanding in each other, enabling them to share their burdens and embark on a path of healing together. This device emphasizes the importance of human connection in overcoming personal struggles.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
““Sometimes the truth is messy. Sometimes it hurts. But it’s always better than a lie.””
— Ember reflects on the difficult revelations she faces.
““I’m not broken. I’m just… bent. And I can be bent back.””
— Declan tries to reassure himself and others about his struggles.
““We all have secrets. Some we keep to protect ourselves, and some we keep to protect others.””
— Ember considers the motivations behind keeping secrets.
““Love isn’t about fixing someone. It’s about loving them, flaws and all.””
— A character learns a valuable lesson about the nature of love.
““Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is yourself.””
— Ember grapples with her own guilt and past actions.
““It’s amazing how much you can hide when you really try.””
— Declan observes the deceptive nature of appearances.
““Silence can be louder than any scream.””
— Ember experiences the profound weight of unspoken truths.
““Home isn’t a place. It’s a feeling. It’s the people you choose to be with.””
— A character finds comfort and belonging in unexpected places.
““You can’t outrun your past, but you can choose how you face it.””
— Declan confronts the consequences of his history.
““Hope is a dangerous thing, sometimes. It can make you believe in things that aren’t real.””
— Ember reflects on the double-edged sword of hope.
““Sometimes all it takes is one person to believe in you to change everything.””
— A character finds strength and motivation through another's belief.
““It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being real.””
— Ember and Declan learn to embrace authenticity in their relationship.
““The hardest battles are often the ones fought within ourselves.””
— Declan struggles with internal conflicts and self-doubt.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
Rev Fletcher's central conflict is the resurfacing trauma from his abusive biological father. Despite years with loving adoptive parents, a letter from his father shatters his carefully constructed peace, forcing him to confront the deep-seated psychological scars of his childhood abuse.
About the author
Brigid Kemmerer is a New York Times bestselling author known for her captivating young adult fantasy novels. Her "Cursebreakers" series, including "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" and "A Heart So Fierce and Broken," has garnered critical acclaim. Kemmerer also writes contemporary YA, often exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience with a distinctive voice.
