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10.3k reviews for:

Felix Ever After

Kacen Callender

4.28 AVERAGE


this book does not only have a beautiful cover, but an equally beautiful story and gorgeous characters, which were especially well written and felt very real to me, probably because even though I really liked the mc and his best friend, they sometimes showed character traits and habits that I found annoying and didn't enjoy much. I love that they weren't perfect and had room to grow and it was really fun to follow them throughout their stories.
There were some really wonderful side characters that I loved as well as some horrible ones that I loathed. Still, everyone had their purpose and I think the bad and good stuff was well balanced. I could sense how much of the author's heart went into writing this book.

The story was overall exciting, at times really painful to read, but also funny and delightful and cute and my heart melted on various occasions. There are great discussions and many references to art, the summery vibe of this book is a delight and the ending was wow. just perfect. also, the thought of Felix Love listening to boy with love warms my heart.

One could argue that some parts of the story were predictable, but I think the reason for this is that the reader can very obviously see the painful incongruity of Felix' perception of himself and how others perceive him. This makes it possible for the reader to guess a lot of things going on around Felix, but I think it is essential to the story and, again, a reason for this book being able to feel as real as it does.
emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
emotional inspiring medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

couldn’t have hoped for a better start into this new year of reading. this book is not only the sweetest lovestory ever but it’s also a story about self-discovery (even after you thought you had all the answers) and -acceptance, about validation vs empowerment, as well as friendship. it made me cry and it made me laugh.
challenging emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Loved all of the characters. Very relatable for me as a Transmasculine person who uses both He/Him and They/Them pronouns!!! Great book with fantastic representation all around.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

Felix Love has never been in love – the irony is not lost on him. Being Black, transgender, and gay doesn't necessarily make it easier! While he does have some support, there are also sideways glances and whispered comments. One day, Felix arrives at school and is faced with huge posters showing him as he looked before his transition. Next to it, his 'deadname' (his former name) is prominently displayed, triggering terrible panic attacks in Felix.

How can he ever feel safe at school again? Who is behind this malicious attack?

Felix thinks he knows, and he's out for revenge – it must be his rival, Declan, who could cost him his scholarship. Oh, he's going to show Declan what betrayal feels like! And so, Felix begins to gain his adversary's trust through text messages… The plan: make Declan fall in love, so Felix can mercilessly break his heart. Only, things don't go quite as planned.

Talking to Declan helps Felix cope with his anxiety disorder and come to terms with himself and his struggles. Soon enough, he realizes that the messages are becoming more and more important to him – could it be, is he finally falling in love?!

You can tell that Kacen Callender, as a Black, non-binary individual, brings their own experiences to the table when it comes to gender identity and the associated biases. With great sensitivity and authentic, inclusive language, Callender speaks about identity, self-worth, and the struggle for recognition in a world that sees you as an outsider. Different characters represent different struggles, as Felix is surrounded by friends who are also not conforming to the 'norm', in various ways.

“Felix Ever After” is a wonderful story that is not only educational, but also entertaining and deeply moving. I particularly appreciated how Callender writes about the fluidity of gender identity, as Felix is still on a journey of self-discovery.
emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced
challenging emotional funny hopeful 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
emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective 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: Complicated