Scan barcode
whitecat5000's review
3.0
A unique premise, but the story seemed unfinished. It seems like the author intended to have an open ending, but it just felt unfinished somehow. It seems like the ending was a cop-out.
wardenred's review
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
We weren’t handed rulebooks and it’s not in our contracts. These are the rules we’ve learned by working with Jeff. By the tour riders suggested for each of us, the wardrobes we’re given, the interview questions we’re asked.
I really liked the character cast and the concept: a boy band with a controlling manager who, thanks to some high-tech voice implants, has the ability to literally silence the singers if they stop going along with his plans. However, sadly, the execution felt somewhat underdeveloped. The first half of the story was reasonably engrossing, with the tension gradually rising up and the sci-fi elements subtly sneaking in. There was a nice moment of friendship and unity after the halfway point, too. But the ending really wasn't satisfying for me, and felt a lot like the author wasn't sure how they wanted to finish the story. Still, I wouldn't mind learning more about these guys and the shiny musical dystopia they live in!
abception's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
flixiflix's review
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
3.75
mariusgp93's review
4.0
4.5 stars
Wanted more, but this was so good! Loved the concept of voice implants and how the story revolves around the dudes in the band, and in the end how they all just wanna sing together. Cute and short, easily recommend if you want anything lgbtq and boybands.
Wanted more, but this was so good! Loved the concept of voice implants and how the story revolves around the dudes in the band, and in the end how they all just wanna sing together. Cute and short, easily recommend if you want anything lgbtq and boybands.
yo_oying's review
3.0
3 / 5
this was cute! i thought the concept of the controllable voice transplants was interesting, although i would’ve liked to find out why the transplants exist?
this was cute! i thought the concept of the controllable voice transplants was interesting, although i would’ve liked to find out why the transplants exist?
pastelkerstin's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This story clearly wants you to believe the ending is hopeful, but the cynic in me just thinks of all the ways things could go wrong from here on out, oof. Could have been better if it were longer, basically.
There are interesting ideas in here about the artificiality of and pressure put on boybands, where they practically become a commodity, a parasocial target for (mostly) teenage girls. Big late stage capitalism vibes.
There are interesting ideas in here about the artificiality of and pressure put on boybands, where they practically become a commodity, a parasocial target for (mostly) teenage girls. Big late stage capitalism vibes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Biphobia, Homophobia, and Sexual content
Minor: Mental illness, Transphobia, and Vomit
alcoholithil's review
4.0
TW: abuse of power.
To be completely honest I was drawn to this short story because the cover is STUNNING. And the story itself does not fall from it as I really loved it.
I do have a soft spot for outcasts who end up being popular and famous. The characters of this story are so soft and so strong at the same time. I absolutely adored the message of the story as I consider that it is absolutely necessary in these times.
The writing style is also very soft. For me it has a very good flow and literally read the short story as fast as I could just because I wanted to know more about this characters and their lives. And even tho it exposes and critiques a relationship of abuse of power it also has a very good counterpart.
I will absolutely read more stuff from this author in the future!
You can read it here: https://www.tor.com/2020/06/10/were-here-were-here-k-m-szpara/
To be completely honest I was drawn to this short story because the cover is STUNNING. And the story itself does not fall from it as I really loved it.
I do have a soft spot for outcasts who end up being popular and famous. The characters of this story are so soft and so strong at the same time. I absolutely adored the message of the story as I consider that it is absolutely necessary in these times.
The writing style is also very soft. For me it has a very good flow and literally read the short story as fast as I could just because I wanted to know more about this characters and their lives. And even tho it exposes and critiques a relationship of abuse of power it also has a very good counterpart.
I will absolutely read more stuff from this author in the future!
You can read it here: https://www.tor.com/2020/06/10/were-here-were-here-k-m-szpara/
limebean's review
5.0
this story feels like home because i grew up in idol fandoms, but also because it is really queer, which i didnt grow up as but were some of my most important realizations over the last 5 years. sprinkle in a touch of dystopia (or is it just your regular old power imbalance in a slightly new form?) and you have this amazing story! Read it!!