Reviews tagging 'Stalking'

If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang

9 reviews

stllyltc's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

4.5

It masterfully combined elements of the modern century and Gen Z, speaking about instances that involved disparities among the rich, poor, and middle class, addressing issues such as racism, and prompting questions about one's own conscience. Despite involving superpowers, it presented realistic points and maintained a friendly, amiable tone, even if it might be a bit cliché and cringe-worthy. Although I'm not a big fan of how the storyline unfolded, the main character's commendable actions in shouldering responsibility while facing disadvantages are noteworthy. It's not solely due to her decisions but also influenced by other adults, creating the environment in which she navigates. It is relatable, especially for Asians. For instance, in a conversation with Henry, Alice exclaimed, "Why do I feel so f*cking tired all the time?" and I couldn't not relate that badly. The book is filled with impactful and impressionable lines that stir emotions, and I'm pleased with how it concluded. The open ending leaves room for improvement, noting that accepting uncertainties is crucial for personal growth.

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dianavdavidson_'s review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

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

2.0

The premise is interesting, but I wasn’t satisfied with not knowing where the invisibility powers come from, or why Alice is literally the only one in the story world who has a superpower. I didn’t find the rivals-to-lovers arc (one-sided) particularly believable but I do nonetheless ship Henry and Alice (I wanted more! Too little, too late). Listening to the audiobook made the book sound thrilling, I’ll give you that. And the descriptions of Beijing were amazing.

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toffishay's review

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emotional funny mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

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

2.75

These teenage academic rivals to lovers solve classism with the power of invisibility...but mostly with money!

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lindasoderlundd's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted fast-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? It's complicated

3.0

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weirdfi's review

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

Received a copy from Harlequin Aus.
~~~

I thought from the blurb this was a little interesting and would be a fun quick read. Life drama with some fantasy elements thrown in. A little like With this Kiss, I guess?

And in most respects it was, quick yes, fun? Funny is probably the better word, as it went deep and dark and fast paced more than I expected but had laugh out loud moments. The main character Alice did start to grate my nerves but after finishing it, I wouldn't have it any other way. Replace her with a perfect character and it would not have had the same effect. She needed to be an imperfect teenager who still acted rashly from time to time. If you're interested in class power dynamics or even slight racism intentional or unintentional and how it makes us feel this one had it all.

I don't want to give plot lines away, or secrets within secrets out... So I'll say if you liked adult books With this Kiss, or In Five Years, it's similar to them in terms of contemporary fiction with fantastical or supernatural elements. Just a bit less romance. In terms of YA, perhaps if you enjoyed The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling this would be a good one to pick up.

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toast_renumeration's review

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adventurous fast-paced

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

4.0

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serena_hien's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful tense medium-paced

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

4.25

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chichisode's review

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

this is one of the most unique YA books i have read. i loved it. i was intrigued by dialogue snippets on instagram and i just had to read it. a correct decision, an amazing decision. i loved the setting, how different their school is from the environment that alice moves in whenever she's not IN school. i fell in love with all the characters, i feel interested in and intrigued by them which makes me wish the book was longer because i wanted to know all of them. it's one of the greatest and most frustrating feelings in the world. i think what makes a book a good read is when you finish it and you ask, "is there more of this?" i wish alice's relationships with her peers were explored more but it was understandable considering her character. and i really get her, i get her more than i do henry. i loved the dialogue, the casual references, the writing style. the characters felt like they could be actual students from an elite international school, they were on page behaving like actual teenagers.

the specific detail i appreciated in the way alice was written was her obsession and guilt about her mother's hands. i just loved how it was a recurring thing for her because the incident that caused it was one of the clear memories she had from america (she does mention that america isn't all that clear to her, that they're flashes so i assumed this)

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bookwormbullet's review

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funny lighthearted reflective tense 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

4.25

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