Reviews tagging 'Toxic relationship'

Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala

7 reviews

evelynyle_88's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted fast-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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Biphobia, Emotional abuse, and Homophobia

Moderate: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic relationship

Minor: Sexual content, Blood, and Outing

caitlin_doggos's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cursing, Homophobia, and Toxic relationship

erin_362's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I’m not someone who cosplays but I enjoyed this anyway. I listened to it on the eight hour bus ride we took for a band trip and was glad it was somewhat short because I finished it before we got there. It was really cute and funny, but the angst was there too and I loved it. The competition aspect was cool and the whole cosplay thing was too, and I liked all the references (even though I only understood a couple of them haha). The ending was nice and I liked the closure but I would love to see what happens with these guys next :)

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic relationship

Moderate: Biphobia, Cursing, and Homophobia

Minor: Sexual content

joensign's review against another edition

funny hopeful 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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Biphobia and Homophobia

Moderate: Toxic relationship

Minor: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders

snowydaze's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Biphobia, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Outing, and Gaslighting

Moderate: Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol

olivialandryxo's review against another edition

I liked Raphael, the protagonist, as well as La Sala’s writing style. I just wasn’t invested in the story or any of the characters, and decided to put it down in favor of books I’m more interested in reading.

Representation

• gay protagonist with anxiety
• bisexual love interest
• lesbian side character

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Toxic relationship

CWs only reflect the portion of the book I’ve read.

mezzarella's review against another edition

lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

Ryan La Sala's second literary release Be dazzled is written unapologetically for the queer nerds of secondary school. As the main character competes in a cosplay contest, he must come to term with his own ambitions and past love experiences. This book revels in geeky interests like anime and intertwines it with light-hearted competition. Readers who attended big fan events like Comic Con will relate to the excitement and camp written in the pages of this novel. Those who have not experienced cosplay before will be able to follow along seamlessly with descriptions which do not feel overly forced or dry. Regardless of a reader's comfort with cosplay, anime, or video games--the competitive aspect of the story will likely satiate anyone who has enjoyed shows like "Project Runway" in the past.

This novel is predictable and leads a fairly simple plot line. The prose is about what you would expect from a YA novel, with the emphasis on character interactions and feelings over details and complex concepts. This aside, Be dazzled is a fun, easy read which would be a kind companion on a lazy afternoon. 

Thank you Netgalley for supplying me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Reviewers, my score is my own honest opinion based on my own reading experience. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Biphobia, Homophobia, and Toxic relationship

Minor: Drug use and Transphobia

This story involves the main character teaming up with his ex in order to compete in the cosplay competition. While the story ends

with the best possible outcome for the main character

, messy (romantic/platonic) relationships are a highlight in this novel. In addition, there are alcohol mentions and fears of rejection caused by the sexual identity addressed by at least one character in the novel. There is also a Harry Potter reference made in the book (Transphobia).