Reviews

Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens by Tanya Boteju

aliena_jackson's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

Now, you guys know that normally I’m all about LGBT books. I love them! I think that they’re great! But...I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump, in case you hadn’t noticed, and I really needed some brand new books to pull me out of it. I was hoping that this book would be one of them, but I thought that the plot was all over the place, the writing was ehh, and the characters were just not that compelling. Yes, I enjoyed the drag, but I almost wanted more. It felt like the authors was just trying to cram as much drama into the book as possible, and at times, it really felt like a fanfiction, especially during the “big” plot twist (which I saw coming from a mile away). Honestly, this wasn’t the worst book I’ve ever read, but it wasn’t the best. It’s probably gonna sit there on my Read shelf, sad and alone, and I’m gonna forget about it. On to the next book I guess. I need to go to the library. And hey, who knows, maybe this is one of those books that gets better with every read?

brittanymorgan52's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

3.0

I wanted to love this book so much but it just missed the mark for me. The beginning was slow but then it picked up and I was really into it. There were some super cringey moments where I had to put the book down. And then the ending just stopped. Another chapter would’ve been nice. Or even an epilogue. 

abbyandthejets's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I LOVE THIS BOOK! I love that it was written by a Canadian, I love that it showcased queer mentorship, I love that it featured a character who made many mistakes, I LOVE that the main character was queer throughout.

Vague Spoiler:
I do wish that a certain parental subplot had been dealt with in more nuanced ways, same with the over/underage relationships. Also, they/them pronouns were only used a few times and there were no non binary character in the book. Anyway, those are nit picky, I am mostly just so thrilled to see such celebratory queer relationships in YA that I actually like! Yay yay yay!

kevinmccarrick's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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

4.0

thereadingchallengechallenge's review

Go to review page

challenging emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective 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 is so queer and unique and fun and I don't know why more people haven't read it??? If you've ever wanted to read a book about a baby drag king, find yourself a copy of this! 

There's a disaster lesbian, a questioning trans girl, the fiercest and friendliest of drag queens and great things to hear about the complexities of friendship, family and forgiveness. And a really cute dog. 

librarygxrl's review against another edition

Go to review page

1.0

noooooooo i wanted to like this book so bad as the main character is a biracial queer girl and its DRAG for gods sake but the main character was so pathetic from beginning to end and ALL of her relationships with people made me uncomfortable and seemed a bit predatory and gordon's arc was completely forced and aaaahhhhh why

nat008's review

Go to review page

funny lighthearted 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? Yes

3.75

A cute coming-of-age story about a 17yo lesbian girl stepping into the queer and local drag community. Very wholesome story with some cringy moments as we are dealing with a teenager exploring her own limits. I liked the quiet acceptance from all the side characters, letting Nima explore her queerness on her terms. I loved Deirdre, she was just awesome. 
I did find the love story a bit questionable though, because Winnow seemed too grown-up for Nima I guess? Taking a naive, unexperienced, underage girl to parties as an 21yo seemed kind of weird to me. The storyline with her mom also felt unfinished somehow,
why did she even have to show up to leave again after five minutes and still no explanation?
I'm also not a fan of the "the bully is actually just repressed" storyline, but in this book it wasn't too bad I guess.
All in all a cute book with some nice representation.

nona_the_first's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0


Important Notes and Bottom Line:
1. Biracial kinda-messy-lesbian main character
2. A lot of drag world mentions
3. A lot of POC in the book
4. Perfect (in my opinion) representation of queer people
5. Very light on the heart and has a lot of humor
6. Awkward main character slowly gaining confidence through drag :)
7. Overall very good book if you want something diverse, inclusive and colorful, fluffy and quick, cute romance and a few mistakes, and a lot a lot of beautiful friendships!
8. Interesting plot, but this is definitely a character driven book so don’t go in looking for a powerful plot.

kaygeraldine's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Really enjoyed this one :,) great lesbian rep

aoosterwyk's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Loved the acceptance in this book, for self and others. Relationships take work, there are hurdles, and forgiveness. Just lovely to see these young people taking risks to grow and become their best selves. And I wish for everyone a friend/mentor like Deirdre!