Reviews with content warning for Gaslighting - Radio Silence

Something I wasn't really aware of going into the book was that a main part of the plot revolves around things happening online, and a youtube channel called universe city, and if I'm honest, it was my least favourite part. I loved the characters, but I found all the internet drama a bit too overdramatic and although the plot was good, I think I would have enjoyed it more if it was less over-the-top. I also found it a little too fast paced? I think some of the emotional scenes could have done with a little more time, things could feel a little rushed at times, or there was a time-jump which I felt skipped over too much.
The characters were definitely my favourite part, I thought they were all really good.
Some thoughts on the ending:

I think I would have prefered the ending to have been a more low-key scene with just the friends hanging out and recovering and healing and starting to thrive and re-adjust to the new lives they're building for themselves, rather than another dramatic scene with Aled's internet fame being the happy ending, although I did like the way it was done. I was also sort of hoping Aled was going to come out as non-binary at the end, becuase he often mentions how much he relates to radio and feels like he is radio, and radio is agender. Also with the whole hair thing. Again, I'm okay with how it ended, I just would have liked that :)

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abrokenmirror's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful

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

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captainoliimar's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring tense 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

4.25

I really enjoyed this book. I felt like I could relate to a lot of the characters, especially Frances and Aled. It took me back to being being in year 11 and trying to figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life and figure out who I was going to be in university. The story felt fairly realistic while also having a mystery woven through it that kept me engaged and wanting to find out what happens next.
I really think I would have enjoyed this book while I was doing my A-Levels, though it does cover quite a few potentially triggering topics.

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keato's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad tense 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

4.0

Ugh beautiful wonderful loveable characters and I love love love the focus on a friendship the way that many books focus on romantic relationships. Obvi informed by aroace themes even in non-aspec characters/relationships bc of course it was ugh we love Alice. Just *chef’s kiss.* And I love a secret second identity. And I loved how the MC was honest about secrets that many other books would have kept a secret and then blown up at the end. God that was so refreshing.

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denwluv's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad 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

5.0

so beautiful something younger me needed but older me still did as well 🫶🏼

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