Reviews tagging 'Bullying'

Gotham High by Melissa de la Cruz

6 reviews

stories's review

challenging fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Vibrant and clever colour usage. 

Beware suicide and Alzheimer’s. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide attempt, Dementia, and Drug use

Moderate: Addiction, Bullying, Death of parent, and Alcohol

Minor: Car accident

milenasbooknook's review

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Chronic illness, Kidnapping, Bullying, and Violence

Minor: Alcoholism, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Suicide attempt

The suicide attempt was actually just staged, and the character had no intention of actually killing herself. However, this was not revealed at first, so I felt that I should list this in the content warnings because some might find it difficult to read about.

jessereadsthings's review

medium-paced

1.0

Just not good at all.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Kidnapping and Bullying

jjstallone's review

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

1.5

One of the biggest dumpster fires I’ve ever read, but… at least it was entertaining?

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Bullying, Drug use, Dementia, Kidnapping, and Suicide

thechocolatefinger's review

dark lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

This is the one where Alfred is gay.
Basically all the characters are in high school, and the villains aren’t really villainous. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Kidnapping, and Suicide attempt

Moderate: Alcohol and Suicidal thoughts

Minor: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Sexual content

stormywolf's review

dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

 I'm actually not that big of a Batman fan. Okay, so I've watched the Christopher Nolan films, the Adam West movie, all of Batman Beyond, a bit of The Animated Series, the first season of Gotham, reviews of some of the more well-known comics, playthroughs of the Arkhamgames, and his appearances in Justice League stuff, but...is that really enough to be called a fan and not just culturally knowledgeable? Lol. Anyway, after seeing this as a recommendation off of the Teen Titans novels I just reviewed, I figured another modern YA interpretation of classic characters might be fun to continue in this spooky month.

Read my full review at The Wolf's Den

Overall, this book impressed me. I wasn't really looking for more than a fun whodunit with teenaged Batman characters, and I found an interesting character study and exploration of class, crime, and desperation, all wrapped up in a stylized and diversified bow. It's definitely a darker story, as you'd probably expect of anything concerning Gotham, so I don't know that I'd recommend it to everyone, but it at least does give a good list of resources for US readers to whom themes and situations might hit a little too close to home. Still, if you're a Batman fan, are looking for a new graphic novel that catches your eye, or are interested in a stand-alone YA mystery, you might give this one a try. Lots of fun references, familiar gothic noir, and a diverse cast should give any fan a good time, and offer a unique jumping-on point for newcomers. And I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for more stories with the Gotham crew. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, Bullying, Dementia, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, and Torture

Moderate: Stalking, Suicide, Violence, Drug use, Death of parent, Infidelity, Alcoholism, Child death, and Grief

Minor: Death