Reviews with content warning for Adult/minor relationship - How We Fall Apart

Reviews tagging 'Adult/minor relationship'

How We Fall Apart by Katie Zhao

52 reviews

jjs1001's review against another edition

dark fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

dorogaya's review against another edition

4.5

dark emotional sad medium-paced

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Content Warnings

hello_lovely13's review against another edition

4.5

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I’ve been waiting for this book to release, and I finally read it! Zhao sets the tone of the book so well, and it everything feels so realistic. I especially appreciate the care that went into the subtleties, such as details that concern Jamie’s relationship with her father. Alexander Lin is my new comfort character. He is a pure cinnamon roll that needs to be loved and protected! It’s hard to find something related to dark academia that has a diverse cast (something I’m always on the prowl for), and this book NAILS it. This book brought up so many true and tough topics that need to be discussed more. I was definitely brought back to my competitive, anxiety-filled, under-too-much-pressure self when reading because Zhao set it up so well (I said it once, and I’ll say it again, Zhao NAILS the tone). There are so many complex characters that are lovable, yet hatable at the same time (again, except Alexander, who only deserves love). Zhao blends diverse stories and backgrounds so well that the characters felt real. It’s just a well done book! I’ll admit, there is a bit about the twist that I personally was just *eh* about, but otherwise…just spectacular! Also, props and great respect for Zhao adding the trigger warnings in the Author’s Note at the beginning of the book!

Content Warnings

sarah984's review against another edition

3.0

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I liked the more realistic aspects of this book but the mystery aspect was disappointing and somehow I liked and disliked the ending in equal measure.

The main characters are a group of Asian American students at an exclusive private school, brought together through a mutual friendship of sorts with a popular girl and through what the pov character refers to as "The Incident": something that they had all participated in two years before and sworn to secrecy about. It's obvious what the thing was and the way the narrative dances around it is annoying. The popular girl dies suddenly, and suddenly the friends are being threatened via social media using secrets only the dead girl knew. The resolution to this is ridiculous and some of the secrets are a bit silly.

The better part of the story is the focus on the characters themselves, especially Nancy. As the daughter of immigrants who gave up everything to come to America there is immense pressure to perform, be strong, and reach that elusive American Dream. The way this plays out in Nancy's relationship with her mother was really well done. The other characters are less three dimensional but do illustrate this in various ways.

I liked the ending in the way that it demonstrated who Nancy was at her core - this isn't a game but she's going to win it - but it bugged me that the reader never gets to find out what the big secret is.

Content Warnings

saumya29's review against another edition

3.25

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

racheldkidder's review against another edition

2.5

dark fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

alyxinthestars's review against another edition

3.25

dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

thereadingshelf's review against another edition

4.0

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

brynn_books's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Overall, this book was really good! It's basically Crazy Rich Asians meets Pretty Little Liars meets Gossip Girl meets One Of Us Is Lying. It's a murder mystery with an all asian cast which is great. I loved all of the characters relationships and their interactions with each other. It was interesting to see the differences between class that were so prominent in this book.

I liked how the flashbacks were woven throughout the story revealing bits and pieces of the story. It was really interesting to finally get the last flashback and understand exactly what happened 2 years ago. I will say that the ending was slightly disappointing.

This book has the perfect dark academia fall vibes. It was the perfect book to read for the time of year I read it (around October). Also, I went into this book expecting a standalone, but now I need the sequel. I need to know what that last secret is.

Content Warnings

caidyn's review against another edition

3.75

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I would have rated this higher, but I thought the reveal and ending were a bit lame. I didn't like where it went. But, it's a solid read. Another great example of YA mysteries, plus it features an all Asian cast. Which was even better! I see that this is going to be a series and I have a feeling I'll tune into the next book to see where it goes.

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