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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
Sal and Gabi may have broken the universe, but can they fix it? And, more importantly, does it even need fixing?
Sal Vidon is many things: Cuban-American, magician, diabetic, Level 4 friend to Gabi Real, and breaker of universes. Not that he means to do it. It's not his fault, really. Most of the time, anyway... His Papi, a calamity physicist, believes he has found the answer to fixing the universe using his remembranation machine, which can repair the holes that Sal has ripped in the multiverse. The machine seems to be a success... until Sal encounters another Gabi, who says that--in her universe--the machine has caused more problems then they were supposed to fix. And she is not happy about it...
Rogue Gabis, talking toilets that don't like cussing, friend problems, the most epic Parent-Teacher Night to ever exist, a new Gabi-Dad, and more await in this second Sal and Gabi novel, "Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe".
Hernandez's hilarious and heartfelt writing combines with science to create an adventure of a lifetime (or, technically, several lifetimes. Depends on how you want to look at it). You're never sure what you'll be more surprised by: what comes from the multiverse, or what the kids at the Culeco Academy of the Arts come up with (Seriously, this school is nuts in the best possible way. So many theater and arts kids. So much Extraneous Extraness.) While so many aspects of this novel can clearly be labeled as science-fiction, fantasy, humor, and more, Hernandez also hits hard on real issues and real life problems such as child neglect, living with a chronic condition, addiction, grief, and making mistakes that hurt the people you care about. And then there's familia. Found families, blended families, so many families. I laughed with delighted surprise then about cried at chapter 37 1/2. It's perfection, my friends... At the heart of it, this book is about friendship, families and teamwork, all wrapped up in this perfectly delightful blend of smarty-pants sciency-stuff and fart jokes that you don't have to be a middle-schooler to laugh at.
Sal Vidon is many things: Cuban-American, magician, diabetic, Level 4 friend to Gabi Real, and breaker of universes. Not that he means to do it. It's not his fault, really. Most of the time, anyway... His Papi, a calamity physicist, believes he has found the answer to fixing the universe using his remembranation machine, which can repair the holes that Sal has ripped in the multiverse. The machine seems to be a success... until Sal encounters another Gabi, who says that--in her universe--the machine has caused more problems then they were supposed to fix. And she is not happy about it...
Rogue Gabis, talking toilets that don't like cussing, friend problems, the most epic Parent-Teacher Night to ever exist, a new Gabi-Dad, and more await in this second Sal and Gabi novel, "Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe".
Hernandez's hilarious and heartfelt writing combines with science to create an adventure of a lifetime (or, technically, several lifetimes. Depends on how you want to look at it). You're never sure what you'll be more surprised by: what comes from the multiverse, or what the kids at the Culeco Academy of the Arts come up with (Seriously, this school is nuts in the best possible way. So many theater and arts kids. So much Extraneous Extraness.) While so many aspects of this novel can clearly be labeled as science-fiction, fantasy, humor, and more, Hernandez also hits hard on real issues and real life problems such as child neglect, living with a chronic condition, addiction, grief, and making mistakes that hurt the people you care about. And then there's familia. Found families, blended families, so many families. I laughed with delighted surprise then about cried at chapter 37 1/2. It's perfection, my friends... At the heart of it, this book is about friendship, families and teamwork, all wrapped up in this perfectly delightful blend of smarty-pants sciency-stuff and fart jokes that you don't have to be a middle-schooler to laugh at.
This book was received as and ARC in exchange for an honest review.
How can a book get even better than the first? Usually sequels can drag, but this was a ride from start to finish. I love the idea of Rompenoche so much, and the Wonderland-esque setting was a perfect companion to the actual events in the story. I'm also glad that actual communication happened. Most of these kinds of books don't emphasize that communication is healthy and necessary and it's an important lesson that was extremely necessary here.
The characters are relatively the same as they were in the previous book, unsurprising considering it's only been a few weeks tops since the end of the last one to the beginning of this one. They're still endearing, and honestly I had a lot of fun. The Sisterhood was something I absolutely wasn't expecting and it's so good. I hope there's a third book figuring out what was going on with.
The one thing that felt extremely off from me vs the first one, though, was the humour. Toilet jokes and puke humour is so boring nowadays, especially for the audience they're trying to hit. There's a reason none of that flew in pretty much any other novel from the line, and it feels clunky and outdated here. It's 2020, we can get better jokes.
Merged review:
This book was received as and ARC in exchange for an honest review.
How can a book get even better than the first? Usually sequels can drag, but this was a ride from start to finish. I love the idea of Rompenoche so much, and the Wonderland-esque setting was a perfect companion to the actual events in the story. I'm also glad that actual communication happened. Most of these kinds of books don't emphasize that communication is healthy and necessary and it's an important lesson that was extremely necessary here.
The characters are relatively the same as they were in the previous book, unsurprising considering it's only been a few weeks tops since the end of the last one to the beginning of this one. They're still endearing, and honestly I had a lot of fun. The Sisterhood was something I absolutely wasn't expecting and it's so good. I hope there's a third book figuring out what was going on with.
The one thing that felt extremely off from me vs the first one, though, was the humour. Toilet jokes and puke humour is so boring nowadays, especially for the audience they're trying to hit. There's a reason none of that flew in pretty much any other novel from the line, and it feels clunky and outdated here. It's 2020, we can get better jokes.
How can a book get even better than the first? Usually sequels can drag, but this was a ride from start to finish. I love the idea of Rompenoche so much, and the Wonderland-esque setting was a perfect companion to the actual events in the story. I'm also glad that actual communication happened
Spoiler
at least closer to the endThe characters are relatively the same as they were in the previous book, unsurprising considering it's only been a few weeks tops since the end of the last one to the beginning of this one. They're still endearing, and honestly I had a lot of fun. The Sisterhood was something I absolutely wasn't expecting and it's so good. I hope there's a third book figuring out what was going on with
Spoiler
FixGabi because she deserves itThe one thing that felt extremely off from me vs the first one, though, was the humour. Toilet jokes and puke humour is so boring nowadays, especially for the audience they're trying to hit. There's a reason none of that flew in pretty much any other novel from the line, and it feels clunky and outdated here. It's 2020, we can get better jokes.
Merged review:
This book was received as and ARC in exchange for an honest review.
How can a book get even better than the first? Usually sequels can drag, but this was a ride from start to finish. I love the idea of Rompenoche so much, and the Wonderland-esque setting was a perfect companion to the actual events in the story. I'm also glad that actual communication happened
Spoiler
at least closer to the endThe characters are relatively the same as they were in the previous book, unsurprising considering it's only been a few weeks tops since the end of the last one to the beginning of this one. They're still endearing, and honestly I had a lot of fun. The Sisterhood was something I absolutely wasn't expecting and it's so good. I hope there's a third book figuring out what was going on with
Spoiler
FixGabi because she deserves itThe one thing that felt extremely off from me vs the first one, though, was the humour. Toilet jokes and puke humour is so boring nowadays, especially for the audience they're trying to hit. There's a reason none of that flew in pretty much any other novel from the line, and it feels clunky and outdated here. It's 2020, we can get better jokes.
adventurous
(Same review for both books in the duology)
I loved this entry (both books in the duology) in the Rick Riordan Presents imprint. Interestingly, this duology does not include any type of mythology, typical of the books in this line. Instead, Hernandez leans into the near future sci-fil elements and the idea of the multiverse. Hernandez creates a loveable madcap main character in Sal as well as unique family structures; I still do not understand Gabi's family but that doesn't matter. This first book could stand on its own but Hernandez definitely builds enough into book one for book two to make complete sense. There's even potential for book three even though i do not think that Hernandez has plans to continue the series.
I loved this entry (both books in the duology) in the Rick Riordan Presents imprint. Interestingly, this duology does not include any type of mythology, typical of the books in this line. Instead, Hernandez leans into the near future sci-fil elements and the idea of the multiverse. Hernandez creates a loveable madcap main character in Sal as well as unique family structures; I still do not understand Gabi's family but that doesn't matter. This first book could stand on its own but Hernandez definitely builds enough into book one for book two to make complete sense. There's even potential for book three even though i do not think that Hernandez has plans to continue the series.
Just some quotes I enjoyed for one reason or another from this book because I don't want to put spoilers in my review! But how amazing is this that an aromantic (for now, at least) and an atheist are the main characters of this amazing series?! #RepresentationMatters
(This one is used more than once throughout the book and I just adore that!)
‘The most good, for the most people, for as long as you have the spoons,’
(This one is used more than once throughout the book and I just adore that!)
And anyway, if I do say so myself, I look good in kung fu pj’s. “Hey”—I shrugged—“if Aru Shah can have adventures in her pajamas, why can’t I?”
Her T-shirt sported the message “YOUR PERSONALITY IS YOUR PAST, NOT YOUR FUTURE”—CARLOS HERNANDEZ.
She shrugged. “‘The most good, for the most people, for as long as you have the spoons.’”
If you were any more aro, I’d shoot you out of a bow.
I mean, I am as atheist as a mountain.
adventurous
funny
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:
No
adventurous
emotional
funny
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
Not as good as the first one. And it was really long with too many characters. But still a great middle grades, hilarious, sci-fi book. And I so want to see a Cuban Alice in Wonderland play!
Merged review:
Not as good as the first one. And it was really long with too many characters. But still a great middle grades, hilarious, sci-fi book. And I so want to see a Cuban Alice in Wonderland play!
Merged review:
Not as good as the first one. And it was really long with too many characters. But still a great middle grades, hilarious, sci-fi book. And I so want to see a Cuban Alice in Wonderland play!
4.5 ⭐️ this one started off a little slow. It felt like the author was playing off a lot of ‘inside jokes’ from the first book and I read the first book over a year ago so I didn’t get all of them. But, true to form, Sal and Gabi were the heroes I needed and I just am willing to overlook the rest.
Fave quote: “The most good, for the most people, for as long as you have the spoons.”
Merged review:
4.5 ⭐️ this one started off a little slow. It felt like the author was playing off a lot of ‘inside jokes’ from the first book and I read the first book over a year ago so I didn’t get all of them. But, true to form, Sal and Gabi were the heroes I needed and I just am willing to overlook the rest.
Fave quote: “The most good, for the most people, for as long as you have the spoons.”
Fave quote: “The most good, for the most people, for as long as you have the spoons.”
Merged review:
4.5 ⭐️ this one started off a little slow. It felt like the author was playing off a lot of ‘inside jokes’ from the first book and I read the first book over a year ago so I didn’t get all of them. But, true to form, Sal and Gabi were the heroes I needed and I just am willing to overlook the rest.
Fave quote: “The most good, for the most people, for as long as you have the spoons.”
I just love these characters and Hernandez's writing style. The plot is not the strongest element (I got a little lost in the middle) but it all pulled together in the end to make a very satisfying follow-up to the first Sal & Gabi book. The series has so much heart and warm vibes. It was a great pandemic read because it has an overall funny, reassuring tone. At the same time, it's zany and delivers the kind of tech I want to see in sci-fi (helpful AI, unbelievable gadgets, a supersmart toilet, etc.). I feel emotionally prepared for the multiverse after reading this book!
Merged review:
I just love these characters and Hernandez's writing style. The plot is not the strongest element (I got a little lost in the middle) but it all pulled together in the end to make a very satisfying follow-up to the first Sal & Gabi book. The series has so much heart and warm vibes. It was a great pandemic read because it has an overall funny, reassuring tone. At the same time, it's zany and delivers the kind of tech I want to see in sci-fi (helpful AI, unbelievable gadgets, a supersmart toilet, etc.). I feel emotionally prepared for the multiverse after reading this book!
Merged review:
I just love these characters and Hernandez's writing style. The plot is not the strongest element (I got a little lost in the middle) but it all pulled together in the end to make a very satisfying follow-up to the first Sal & Gabi book. The series has so much heart and warm vibes. It was a great pandemic read because it has an overall funny, reassuring tone. At the same time, it's zany and delivers the kind of tech I want to see in sci-fi (helpful AI, unbelievable gadgets, a supersmart toilet, etc.). I feel emotionally prepared for the multiverse after reading this book!
I absolutely adored Sal and Gabi Break the Universe (read my review here), so I was beyond excited for this sequel. It took me longer than I’d like to admit to finally pick it up, but it was everything I expected.
So, in the last book, Sal and Gabi finally let their parents in on what they’ve been doing with the holes that Sal can make in the universe. That’s one aspect I really liked about this book (and series) the parents were actually involved in what was going on, for the most part. In this sequel, Sal is definitely hiding some things from his Papi, but he did it for what he thought were the right reasons. I really also loved the school that Sal and Gabi go to. There’s such a sense of community and it’s just such a wonderful place. I can only hope to find a school like that for my child in the future.
The thing I liked best about this story was the characters. Sal is a boy that has diabetes. He doesn’t let it hinder his life, but it’s very present in the story. I really liked this aspect of the story. On top of Sal’s diabetes, he’s Cuban (as are many of the other characters in the story.) I loved that the main cast of characters was diverse and interesting.
Gabi, Sal’s best friend, is equally one of the best parts of this book. She’s such a take-charge girl and I love her so much. She has such a huge heart and does anything she can for the people in her life. I love her caring personality and I love her family. She has such an interesting and wonderful family dynamic that I loved seeing in this book. She has many dads and I love how different and loving her family is.
Overall, this book was amazing. The story was interesting and kept me wanting to read non-stop, but also want to read it slowly so that it wouldn’t be over. This story is so full of love, supportive friendships, adventure, and a whole bunch of science I could never understand. This series is one I will scream about forever.
So, in the last book, Sal and Gabi finally let their parents in on what they’ve been doing with the holes that Sal can make in the universe. That’s one aspect I really liked about this book (and series) the parents were actually involved in what was going on, for the most part. In this sequel, Sal is definitely hiding some things from his Papi, but he did it for what he thought were the right reasons. I really also loved the school that Sal and Gabi go to. There’s such a sense of community and it’s just such a wonderful place. I can only hope to find a school like that for my child in the future.
The thing I liked best about this story was the characters. Sal is a boy that has diabetes. He doesn’t let it hinder his life, but it’s very present in the story. I really liked this aspect of the story. On top of Sal’s diabetes, he’s Cuban (as are many of the other characters in the story.) I loved that the main cast of characters was diverse and interesting.
Gabi, Sal’s best friend, is equally one of the best parts of this book. She’s such a take-charge girl and I love her so much. She has such a huge heart and does anything she can for the people in her life. I love her caring personality and I love her family. She has such an interesting and wonderful family dynamic that I loved seeing in this book. She has many dads and I love how different and loving her family is.
Overall, this book was amazing. The story was interesting and kept me wanting to read non-stop, but also want to read it slowly so that it wouldn’t be over. This story is so full of love, supportive friendships, adventure, and a whole bunch of science I could never understand. This series is one I will scream about forever.