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killianshea's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
I had SUPER high hopes for this book.
And I was NOT disappointed.
The way Hollis found her people through S&S felt so familiar - because while I'm not a teenager, I had a similar experience with finding the D&D group I've been playing with for the last year and a half. I've been in awe of how finding the courage to respond to someone's post searching for people to play at their (virtual) table has changed me and Hollis' story rang true to that in a way I really didn't expect.
Seeing Hollis grow as a person throughout the story was wonderful - the author did a great job of showing how Hollis' friendships with the other girls deepened and helped her ease into her own skin. The S&S mechanics didn't feel intrusive and were well explained (although I have context others may not), and I loved the way the campaign was sprinkled throughout the book.
I may have more to say about this one later, but I'm a bit emotional about it right now.
5/5
And I was NOT disappointed.
The way Hollis found her people through S&S felt so familiar - because while I'm not a teenager, I had a similar experience with finding the D&D group I've been playing with for the last year and a half. I've been in awe of how finding the courage to respond to someone's post searching for people to play at their (virtual) table has changed me and Hollis' story rang true to that in a way I really didn't expect.
Seeing Hollis grow as a person throughout the story was wonderful - the author did a great job of showing how Hollis' friendships with the other girls deepened and helped her ease into her own skin. The S&S mechanics didn't feel intrusive and were well explained (although I have context others may not), and I loved the way the campaign was sprinkled throughout the book.
I may have more to say about this one later, but I'm a bit emotional about it right now.
5/5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia, Sexism, Homophobia, and Fatphobia
Minor: Violence
ezwolf's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
5.0
I’m always a bit hesitant going in to romance books, even more so when they’re YA. But I still wanted to give this a chance because it’s plus size queer rep, and I loved it! While this is a romance book, it does a great job focusing on making the effort to be a better person and examine biases you may have. Also that you shouldn’t change to make people like you, they should like you for who you are.
Hollis is very relatable to my teenage self and if I’d had her story to read in high school, maybe I would have realized I wasn’t straight sooner. I love that her fatness, even when it’s referenced antagonistically, it’s done in a way to explain that fat isn’t bad, just a part of who Hollis is. And then also the little things of living in a fat body that don’t get written about, the most notable to me is when Hollis drops her phone in the car and has to get it from the floorboard.
The relationship between Hollis and Aini is so cute and the friendship they form with their Secrets & Sorcery group is wonderful. Hollis and Iffy’s friendship is just as important as Hollis and Aini’s relationship. This book has also only strengthened my desire to learn how to play Dungeons & Dragons.
Thank to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review.
Hollis is very relatable to my teenage self and if I’d had her story to read in high school, maybe I would have realized I wasn’t straight sooner. I love that her fatness, even when it’s referenced antagonistically, it’s done in a way to explain that fat isn’t bad, just a part of who Hollis is. And then also the little things of living in a fat body that don’t get written about, the most notable to me is when Hollis drops her phone in the car and has to get it from the floorboard.
The relationship between Hollis and Aini is so cute and the friendship they form with their Secrets & Sorcery group is wonderful. Hollis and Iffy’s friendship is just as important as Hollis and Aini’s relationship. This book has also only strengthened my desire to learn how to play Dungeons & Dragons.
Thank to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Body shaming, Violence, Cursing, Transphobia, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Grief, Toxic relationship, and Death
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