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karrama's review against another edition
3.0
Decent novelization; works for those who are already fans.
alexan13's review against another edition
3.0
I have mixed feelings about this. I absolutely adore the graphic novel series Fence, and so I was somewhat wary of going into a novel about these characters written by a different author.
I think that wariness was somewhat justified. The writing style, in my opinion, was not great. And when I first started reading, it felt like each character was treated kind of as a caricature of their graphic novel selves. In graphic novel form the more minimal sketch-like information you get about the characters works, but in the form of a novel you want more from them. I actually think that the author did get there with showing more depth to (most) of the characters, but not until maybe the last third of the book. One thing that is great is that, plot-wise, this novel does add to the overall story/narrative. It's not a novelization of the graphic novels but a new addition, one that I ultimately did find believable.
However, I ultimately still had a fun time reading this. I think fans of the graphic novel series will still enjoy this book (if they give it a fair chance beyond the first few chapters), keeping in mind that it doesn't quite hold up to the excellence of the comics.
I think that wariness was somewhat justified. The writing style, in my opinion, was not great. And when I first started reading, it felt like each character was treated kind of as a caricature of their graphic novel selves. In graphic novel form the more minimal sketch-like information you get about the characters works, but in the form of a novel you want more from them. I actually think that the author did get there with showing more depth to (most) of the characters, but not until maybe the last third of the book. One thing that is great is that, plot-wise, this novel does add to the overall story/narrative. It's not a novelization of the graphic novels but a new addition, one that I ultimately did find believable.
However, I ultimately still had a fun time reading this. I think fans of the graphic novel series will still enjoy this book (if they give it a fair chance beyond the first few chapters), keeping in mind that it doesn't quite hold up to the excellence of the comics.
zuz_pas's review against another edition
3.5
It was an enjoyable read but quite simple writing and kinda tropy. But very easy to digest hopefully Aiden and Harvard will get their shit together
rae_m's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
spacecyanide's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
3.75
earlgreydugong's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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
3.0
It was kind of hard to read at first after knowing the canon events of vol 6 but made for a fun read anyways in between waiting for new volumes. Just think of it as a high quality fan fiction.
lbarsk's review against another edition
5.0
IT WAS SO UTTERLY CHARMING. SARAH REES BRENNAN CAN DO NO WRONG. Cannot wait for the sequel coming out in May!
God I love Seiji and Nicholas so much. Aiden and Harvard are a little tougher for me to fall head-over-heels for because you KNOW angst makes me unhappy but I do also love best friends-to-lovers so I’ll take it tbh.
God I love Seiji and Nicholas so much. Aiden and Harvard are a little tougher for me to fall head-over-heels for because you KNOW angst makes me unhappy but I do also love best friends-to-lovers so I’ll take it tbh.
anyajulchen's review against another edition
1.0
Boring, simple and disappointing. I can't believe this is based of on one of the works of Pacat.
The writing is too simple and lacks the basics of profundity to create a psychological ambient. The pacing is too slow for the simple plot, the characters whole personality is one characteristic and the "conflict" is so lame, even for a young adult novel.
And I find funny how the description of the books has nothing to do with the actual content. A waste of time and money.
The writing is too simple and lacks the basics of profundity to create a psychological ambient. The pacing is too slow for the simple plot, the characters whole personality is one characteristic and the "conflict" is so lame, even for a young adult novel.
And I find funny how the description of the books has nothing to do with the actual content. A waste of time and money.
donttellmomwhatimreading's review against another edition
4.0
Ah sweet, sweet idiots the lot of them. This story is told from multiple POV. Aiden, desperately in love with his best friend who has no idea, battling how to navigate friendship, secret feelings and teamwork. Harvard, an idiot unaware of Aiden’s love for him that basically everyone can see. Trying to be a good captain and putting the weight of too much on himself. Nicholas, struggling to belong when so many people show they care for him. Trying desperately to be a good friend to his socially inept roommate. Seiji, autistic coded homie who’s special interest is fencing. Unaware of his skill at friendship, despite his social struggles. He works hard to show he is a good teammate to improve his fencing. 🤺