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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This made my heart happy :)
longer review to come, if i remember to do it!
longer review to come, if i remember to do it!
hopeful
mysterious
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:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
emotional
funny
relaxing
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
Oh my god. This was SO good. Would give it 10 stars if I could
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
2.5* rounded up to 3.
A YA novel with good representation of the sexuality spectrum and a relatable message about making decision about your future based on your skills and interests, not because of familial/societal expectations.
I liked the queer representation and the message that university isn't the right path for everyone. Not even those who are the most academically able. The inclusion of content from the Universe City podcast that the characters create was unusual and I enjoyed that story. The prose seemed mostly realistic for a modern teenager's conversations and I can see it appealing to readers on that basis as well. I was also pleased to see that it depicted the negative side of fandom and illustrated the harm that obsessiveness can do.
Unfortunately, I found there were too many inconsistencies in the plot for me to really enjoy it. We are told that Frances is the top student in school but this intelligence isn't shown in the book. She has managed to write no notes for an important exam topic and cannot find an explanation in her textbooks or online. She has planned to go to Oxbridge since she was 7 years old but has not looked into the finances of going to university e.g. maintenance grants. Likewise there is only a fleeting mention of an occasional part time job. Fair enough if she spends all her free time on schoolwork, but she doesn't. Money is seemingly no object in this book.
We are also supposed to get the impression that Frances is really kind. I totally understand the idea of her having a separate identity at school compared to what she feels is her true self. But I don't understand why she doesn't offer to help her friend, who she is allowing to see her true identity. This friend has no social time at school because of her poor exam results, yet Frances, an expert at performing well in exams, doesn't offer to help her friend get back on track.
I also had difficulties with the Carys storyline. She abandons her twin brother and goes to stay with their paternal grandparents for a while before finding her own place. She sends one letter to her brother which is (unsurprisingly) intercepted by their mother. Aled has a very obvious online presence so why not contact him that way? Or just text him? Why don't the grandparents step in to check on his welfare if Carys is unwilling/unable? Why did Frances even like her when she is so mean and condescending to her?
Overall I can see the appeal to teenage readers and I am pleased to see the queer representation and mention of looking after your mental health. I just wish there was a stronger plot to back it all up.
A YA novel with good representation of the sexuality spectrum and a relatable message about making decision about your future based on your skills and interests, not because of familial/societal expectations.
I liked the queer representation and the message that university isn't the right path for everyone. Not even those who are the most academically able. The inclusion of content from the Universe City podcast that the characters create was unusual and I enjoyed that story. The prose seemed mostly realistic for a modern teenager's conversations and I can see it appealing to readers on that basis as well. I was also pleased to see that it depicted the negative side of fandom and illustrated the harm that obsessiveness can do.
Unfortunately, I found there were too many inconsistencies in the plot for me to really enjoy it. We are told that Frances is the top student in school but this intelligence isn't shown in the book. She has managed to write no notes for an important exam topic and cannot find an explanation in her textbooks or online. She has planned to go to Oxbridge since she was 7 years old but has not looked into the finances of going to university e.g. maintenance grants. Likewise there is only a fleeting mention of an occasional part time job. Fair enough if she spends all her free time on schoolwork, but she doesn't. Money is seemingly no object in this book.
We are also supposed to get the impression that Frances is really kind. I totally understand the idea of her having a separate identity at school compared to what she feels is her true self. But I don't understand why she doesn't offer to help her friend, who she is allowing to see her true identity. This friend has no social time at school because of her poor exam results, yet Frances, an expert at performing well in exams, doesn't offer to help her friend get back on track.
I also had difficulties with the Carys storyline. She abandons her twin brother and goes to stay with their paternal grandparents for a while before finding her own place. She sends one letter to her brother which is (unsurprisingly) intercepted by their mother. Aled has a very obvious online presence so why not contact him that way? Or just text him? Why don't the grandparents step in to check on his welfare if Carys is unwilling/unable? Why did Frances even like her when she is so mean and condescending to her?
Overall I can see the appeal to teenage readers and I am pleased to see the queer representation and mention of looking after your mental health. I just wish there was a stronger plot to back it all up.
emotional
inspiring
sad
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes