Reviews tagging 'Death'

Izzy at the End of the World by K.A. Reynolds

4 reviews

betweentheshelves's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious 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? No

4.0

This was a delight to read! It's not perfect, but the characters and the overall heart iare both what definitely make the story. Izzy is such a well-rounded main character, and her friendship with Raven feels so genuine. And Akka! Always here for a good pet in a story (especially when that pet isn't killed for a plot device. Looking at you, Patrick Ness lol).

Anyway, the post-apocalpytic world aspect could have been a bit more developed because by the end, it did require quite a bit of suspension of disbelief. But I still enjoyed it, and I love all the rep that it includes!

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emily_mh's review against another edition

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

3.5

Reynolds did a great job with the atmosphere of this novel. The world felt very empty and uniquely dystopian in that alien way. In terms of characters, the queer and autistic rep in Izzy was so fantastic to see! And Raven was a wonderful SC. I loved how in tune he was with himself and his self-expression. He was kind and gentle, too. I so appreciate that we have characters like him in middle-grade.The relationship between him and Izzy was special. They just felt very dependable and connected. I liked that they set boundaries and asked how they could support one another. Akka really stole the show, though. Even though his speech seemed a bit millennial (which isn’t inherently a bad thing, but felt a bit jarring considering Izzy is Gen Z), he was absolutely adorable! 

There were, unfortunately, a handful of negatives.
Firstly, it’s never explained why the aliens wanted to invade, or what happened to them after Izzy and Raven freed humanity, not is it clear if everyone in the world was abducted or just those locally. Secondly, the reasoning behind the answers to the musical clues sometimes came across as a little convoluted. Thirdly, the plot was repetitive, in that it cycled between an ugly attack or solving a musical clue until the climax.


Rep: queer autistic MC with anxiety and depression, queer SC with anxiety, asthma, and Lyme disease

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ashylibrarian's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious 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? No

4.25

**Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for giving me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**

IZZY! I absolutely adore this inclusive, diverse book and the amazing cast of characters, especially Izzy, Raven, and Akka. This story is emotional, quirky, apocalyptic, and comforting all in one. 

The whole story comes together piece by piece as Izzy and Raven reveal truths to each other throughout their journey. There are frustrations and successes, heartbreak and triumphs. 

Does it come with flaws? Yes, it's by no means a perfect book. Are you guaranteed to have a fun time reading it? 100%! I will absolutely be recommending this book to middle-grade and teen readers.

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kareynolds's review

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

I wrote this book as my husband was dying so it is a very special and emotional book to me. 

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