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3.45 AVERAGE
3.45 AVERAGE
I got an ARC of this and was pumped to read it based on the description. But I wish it was less dialogue-heavy, or at least less mannered. It felt like all of the characters except Bellamy had the same way of speaking (this annoying "aren't we-all-so-clever" pitter-patter), and I found myself flipping back to the chapter heads to check who was narrating at times. And Bellamy's narration was interesting and distinct, but not really engaging.
It's a shame because I thought the concept was fun, and it's clear the author did a lot of research on coding so that was cool too. Solid 1.5 rating - had to force myself to finish it, and ultimately didn't really care what happened to the characters.
It's a shame because I thought the concept was fun, and it's clear the author did a lot of research on coding so that was cool too. Solid 1.5 rating - had to force myself to finish it, and ultimately didn't really care what happened to the characters.
I picked this up for the (aro)ace rep, which I loved, without much care for the plot, which did exceed my expectations despite having some holes. (My main issue is what leads to the climax - the reasoning doesn’t make sense, but the events are required for a relatively realistic ending.)
To speak more on the aroace rep, it got a ton of page time and was very well-done. The character in question has super supportive friends, does things like go out dancing even though they can be read as sexual, and has her own connections to specific queer friends. She talks about her identity a lot, and it’s important to her. I also appreciated the minor subplot where she debates about whether she should complain about something and come out, which will very likely only escalate the situation, or complain and deliberately withhold that information, and therefore feel like she’s erasing part of herself.
To speak more on the aroace rep, it got a ton of page time and was very well-done. The character in question has super supportive friends, does things like go out dancing even though they can be read as sexual, and has her own connections to specific queer friends. She talks about her identity a lot, and it’s important to her. I also appreciated the minor subplot where she debates about whether she should complain about something and come out, which will very likely only escalate the situation, or complain and deliberately withhold that information, and therefore feel like she’s erasing part of herself.
This was such a fun, masterful, heart warming YA take on a heist novel! I adored Nari, Bellamy, Reese, Santiago, and Keagan as narrators, each with their own unique voice and hopes and dreams. This took a few unexpected turns and kept me hooked until the last page.
Fun narrative voices and definitely a fun concept, but I couldn't get over how the entire plot of the book seemingly could have been avoided with a phone call or two. I also couldn't figure out the narrative point of view regarding time line; most of the book is in past tense, but switches to present toward the end with no real indication of why. I think the book would have been fine in either all past or all present tense.
adventurous
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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:
No
It took me a little while to get into this - I think mainly because some of the POV chapters are quite short and there are five MCs. However, once I reached about a fourth in and was invested in these characters/plot, it read smoother.
Clark's novel offers a lot - questions of morality, elitism, the divides between classes - and most importantly how far you'll go for the right kind of friendship. This was a fast read that I enjoyed.
Clark's novel offers a lot - questions of morality, elitism, the divides between classes - and most importantly how far you'll go for the right kind of friendship. This was a fast read that I enjoyed.