Reviews with content warning for Bullying - Kulti

Reviews tagging 'Bullying'

andra_mihaela_s's review

informative inspiring relaxing slow-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

4.5

4.5 stars!

I've heard for such a long time that "Kulti" is the best book Mariana Zapata wrote...and I can confirm that's an amazing read! (especially audio!...I couldn't stop listening for the life of me! :)))))

We follow Salome Casillas - a footbal/soccer player, who gets to meet her childhood hero,Reiner Kulti(an amazing player with BIG attitude problems on the field :))) ), through his strange decision of coaching a random american team, even mare strange...an all-women team.

Currently I'm writing this review after a couple of months from when I actually read it, and I must say,...Zapata has, as always, the edge when it comes to character work. Both "Rey" and "Sal" are really vivid, whole, and genuine on the page. We get to see confusion, anxiety, rage, hurt, fear, a little shame and insecurity through both MCs.(we are in Salome's head, but the book is written in such a way we can "read" Reiner way before our protagonist does...in a good way!)

The story's main focus is finding out what's in the future for Salome..she's getting older in a sport who's merciless to those too injured to always perform at their best; she feels insecure in not knowing if she'll ever be good enough for major leagues/championships with the baggage she carries from a past issue and, mostly, she LOVES soccer...which is real footbal as she says, and doesn't want to give it up...like Kulti here ..>..>

This book is intricate just by how the conversation flows between these two...Kulti is closed-off, not really interested in coaching although he does it...mainly being preoccupied with the aftermath of some decisions he made and other things. Meanwhile, Sal is an athlete..like..on the page and not just with the name! Zapata surely knows how to write one!
The Casillas were great and really played a big role in the developing relationship...we get so much more from Sal due to her father being on the page!

We get serious moments, cute ones and tension-filled ones(close to the end of the book...typical for Zapata:))) ) and all these are extremely well-paced, really well thought out and naturally flowing from the previous moment!

We get to meet other players that bring depth to both Sal and Kulti; while also creating a realistic portrait of footbal player's life and carrier.(loved the sets of friends from both MCs! we need the info and perspective they represent for us to better understand why Sal is so uncertain about her future.)

Although this book doesn't offer training tips and rutines, or a really close-up view point on games, I think is delivers on the important aspects and feelings you, as a reader, should receive.(like the fact that not many people can afford to live only from practicing their favourite sport...btw...loved the discussion regarding Sal's family for this subject)

So yeah...more general stuff for closing this review...like most of her books, we get small girl and big guy; we get a somewhat sunshine paired with a grumpy grump...who's also rude AF >..>; great comunication mixt with frustration based on the fact that 2 people in that situation wouldn't think to ask the other why stuff are as they are; really slooooooow burn romance and great discussion regarding our MCs life(insight on carrier, choices, way of thinking,etc. as best as Zapata can, given the fact she doesn't really know the field )

I wouldn't mind reading this one a second time for the first time! The audio is an amazing experience that won't let to go to bed! :)))
Highly recommend to slow burn romance readers and romance readers in general who love well-written stories in which the MCs are really put in front of you so that you get to know them for real!

Enjoy

Content Warnings