Reviews

Girls Night by I.S. Belle

k8typ's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book was so full of all of the rage and carnality that comes with being a teen girl. It was everything I needed it to be. I felt their anger, fear, loneliness, and happiness as my own. These 4 girls were everything I needed represented for myself when I was 16 and scared and angry. Their character development and friendship throughout the book was phenomenal and every single other character felt just as real as the 4 main ones. Lessons were learned the hard way (as if there’s any other way to learn a lesson) and loyalty was demanded (you just have to know the right place to put it). I’m going to recommend this book to every single person I know from now until the day I die.

queerkidreads's review

emotional funny tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Thank you to Tiny ghost press for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review! 

Disclaimer: I have never watched fight club, so my experience might be different from those who have

It took me a bit to get into the book, but I'm glad I pushed through, because I ended up really enjoying it. Firstly, it was fun reading about these girls beating the shit out of each other for fun, and seeing the empowerment and community they got out of it (at least in the beginning, iykyk) was so nice. Secondly, the found family. I'm a sucker for this trope, and seeing these girls so different form an unlikely friendship and stick together was so heartwarming. The yearning was also very real, and I'm so here for it. Speaking of the characters, the MC's, the laundromat girls, if you will, was very well written. They were, as previously mentioned, so different, with their owl unique personality and background. I cared deeply for all of them, and my heart broke for them. I also wanted to scream at one of them to get her shit together and get back to reality because one of the characters were, indeed, a manipulative bitch to give it to you straight. Though, I consider this a good thing. 

The writing style was fun and easy to read, and once I got hooked, I breezed through the chapters. The pacing was good overall as well, though a bit wonky at times, but not enough to hinder my enjoyment. My only real critique is the fact that it kind of felt like some things, even parts of the main conflict, was brushed over a bit quickly, instead of properly dealt with, which is a shame. The book is out now, and I recommend everyone to check it out because I know you need sapphic fight club in your life, just as I did. 

dayquilatnite's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny hopeful sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.25

grace_schriedel's review

funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

With a mix of Mean Girls and Flight Club, Girls Night is a captivating YA novel about four girls trying to fit in. 

The characters really are the stars of the show here, although the plot is quite enjoyable as well. The book is told through all four “ringmaster’s” points of view, which really helps you get to know them by understanding where they’re coming from and revealing their emotions along the way. I grew to love each character as the book went on, even though their decisions sometimes made me angry. I think they all reflected the desperation and rage teenage girls often experience at this time in their lives and for these characters, Girls Night provided an outlet. 

I thought this book was well done, if a bit predictable at times. I also thoroughly enjoyed the sprinkles of romance and queer bonding as I felt that really added to the overall vibe of the book. I definitely recommend checking this one out, especially if you’re a fan of Means Girls and/or Fight Club!

tom_sharizard's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

jan35104974's review

3.0

This is most definitely for fans of the movies Bottoms and Moxie. It shows such strong friendships and wonderful queer characters. I thought the whole plot was written really well enough to see the characters, and the addition of an illustrated cover helped in seeing what the characters looked like. The whole world building was done pretty well as well. I was able to see the rink and buildings that the girls used for their "girls night." One last thing I will say though, I was getting huge poly vibes from all four girl. Totally love a good poly story but this unfortunately wasn't one :/