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lauren_soderberg's review against another edition
5.0
This May End Badly by Samantha Markum is the kind of novel you end up devouring because you just can’t put it down. It’s full of humor, mischief, and character growth. And I could see this being turned into a movie so easily because its pacing is so on-point.
Doe Saltpeter is kind of a legend The Weston School. She’s fiercely protective of the place where she’s felt at home the past three years, and fully engaged in continuing the century-long war against rival Winfield Academy. She even has a nemesis, Three, who she loves to one-up any chance she gets. When the announcement is made that the schools will be merging, Doe recruits her friends to ramp up the feud. And when Three’s cousin, Wells, suggests they fake date in order to get under Three’s skin, Doe agrees. But, when other more pressing matters are uncovered, and Doe’s feelings towards Wells turn more real, she’ll have to examine what’s really important and if being a diehard “Weston girl” is worth it.
One of the things that Markum does so deftly in this novel is to show genuine character growth. Initially, Doe is very single-minded in her endeavors, and when her worldview is challenged, she behaves in an authentically adolescent way. It’s kind of frustrating to read, but feels so real. Then, she evolves throughout the story. She recognizes her faults and begins to work through them. It’s wholly satisfying to navigate through that process with her.
Doe’s friends are also a compelling part of the narrative, as each challenge her in differing ways. Doe’s relationship with Wells also feels so achingly uncertain and real as they both work through the conflicting feelings they’re experiencing. This book took me back to the time when I was the characters’ age, but also engaged me as an adult. Also, the way that the girls (and the boys) band together when a teacher goes too far is powerful to read.
This is the kind of book that is so witty, engaging, and just plain fun, that you wouldn’t mind seeing it adapted. Do yourselves a favor and add it to your TBR.
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Doe Saltpeter is kind of a legend The Weston School. She’s fiercely protective of the place where she’s felt at home the past three years, and fully engaged in continuing the century-long war against rival Winfield Academy. She even has a nemesis, Three, who she loves to one-up any chance she gets. When the announcement is made that the schools will be merging, Doe recruits her friends to ramp up the feud. And when Three’s cousin, Wells, suggests they fake date in order to get under Three’s skin, Doe agrees. But, when other more pressing matters are uncovered, and Doe’s feelings towards Wells turn more real, she’ll have to examine what’s really important and if being a diehard “Weston girl” is worth it.
One of the things that Markum does so deftly in this novel is to show genuine character growth. Initially, Doe is very single-minded in her endeavors, and when her worldview is challenged, she behaves in an authentically adolescent way. It’s kind of frustrating to read, but feels so real. Then, she evolves throughout the story. She recognizes her faults and begins to work through them. It’s wholly satisfying to navigate through that process with her.
Doe’s friends are also a compelling part of the narrative, as each challenge her in differing ways. Doe’s relationship with Wells also feels so achingly uncertain and real as they both work through the conflicting feelings they’re experiencing. This book took me back to the time when I was the characters’ age, but also engaged me as an adult. Also, the way that the girls (and the boys) band together when a teacher goes too far is powerful to read.
This is the kind of book that is so witty, engaging, and just plain fun, that you wouldn’t mind seeing it adapted. Do yourselves a favor and add it to your TBR.
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
adrzeck's review against another edition
3.0
Doe and her clique have a serious hate rivalry with the uber-privileged boys' school across the street. Of course, this book is really about more, navigating past and present trauma around topics that include; tradition (positives and negatives), equity, safe spaces, and graduation. When it's explanatory I feel that's good for YA readers. Will everyone come together? Will everyone hook up?
Love a good prank book. I appreciate this also being set in a midwestern town! Nothing too admittedly risque between couples.
Love a good prank book. I appreciate this also being set in a midwestern town! Nothing too admittedly risque between couples.
jutdwae'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
4.5
booksnapsandcatnaps's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
So, I've had "This May End Badly" by Samantha Markum on my shelf for a while now, and I needed something light and cute to cleanse my palate. And let me tell you, it was just what I needed! It's like boarding school drama meets a fake dating adventure, and even though I'm outside the book's target demographic, this YA Contemporary still won me over with its well-developed characters and a refreshing take on sensitive issues like bullying, sexual assault, and dysfunctional family dynamics.
Now, let's talk about Wells. He's hands down one of the most swoon-worthy boys I've encountered in a while, and I don't think the fake dating scenario would've worked so well without his character. But initially, I was a bit puzzled by Doe's enthusiasm for the prank battles; it seemed a tad silly. Yet, as her character unfolded, it all clicked into place, and her growth had me feeling like a proud big sister.
Friendship steals the spotlight here. Doe's crew is tight-knit, unafraid to call each other out. United, they stand against Three and his crew, all working towards a common goal. It's a delightful exploration of bonds in both boys and girls.
The humor in the novel is a knockout – witty banter and laugh-out-loud moments had me in stitches. Even the parents added a delightful touch, being both funny and helpful. Now, for my minor gripe - the school issue with the teacher felt out of sync. It was a curveball in an otherwise seamless story, making me question its place. However, the resolution tied things up nicely, making it worthwhile.
Overall, it is a solid 4 out of 5 stars for me. "This May End Badly" was an unexpected delight, a realistically charming YA read that had me giggling so much. Totally worth it!
Now, let's talk about Wells. He's hands down one of the most swoon-worthy boys I've encountered in a while, and I don't think the fake dating scenario would've worked so well without his character. But initially, I was a bit puzzled by Doe's enthusiasm for the prank battles; it seemed a tad silly. Yet, as her character unfolded, it all clicked into place, and her growth had me feeling like a proud big sister.
Friendship steals the spotlight here. Doe's crew is tight-knit, unafraid to call each other out. United, they stand against Three and his crew, all working towards a common goal. It's a delightful exploration of bonds in both boys and girls.
The humor in the novel is a knockout – witty banter and laugh-out-loud moments had me in stitches. Even the parents added a delightful touch, being both funny and helpful. Now, for my minor gripe - the school issue with the teacher felt out of sync. It was a curveball in an otherwise seamless story, making me question its place. However, the resolution tied things up nicely, making it worthwhile.
Overall, it is a solid 4 out of 5 stars for me. "This May End Badly" was an unexpected delight, a realistically charming YA read that had me giggling so much. Totally worth it!
kelliereadsalot's review against another edition
4.0
This book immediately sucks you in. I adored the main five girls and their relationships were depicted perfectly. Although a bit predictable in the middle there (with the conflicts and the apologizing), this story never lagged. And the ending was superb. Love everyone coming together like that for an important cause.
hellastrong's review against another edition
4.0
Fast fun read. I didn't think I would enjoy this bc pranks are not my style, but for the most part I did.
redpanda18's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
3.5
Prep school, prank wars, shitty family relations. I was very back and forth with this book. It was good but also not good at all. The MFC was awful, but she eventually got a much needed reality check. I was on the boys' side 90% of the time. Doe took things too far, but she sees the errors of her ways by the end.
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
4.0
I really loved this fake dating #metoo novel set against rival private girls' and boys' academies. When these two feuding schools are told they'll be joining next year, Dorothy ("Do") decides to make it her mission to prevent it all costs. She also gets involved in a fake dating scheme with a boy on the inside who promises to help her with her goal if she helps him with something he wants.
What ensues are lots of great pranks, witty banter and one of the sweetest first love stories I've read in a while. I loved Do and Wells together. The electricity they feel from first touches and kisses sent chills up my spine. Not a PG Young adult book but nothing graphic either.
I also loved the Veronica Mars vibes Do gave off. When she an underclassman comes to her about the misconduct of one of the school's creepiest teacher's, Do takes action, collecting statements from other victims and organizing a sit-in to get the man fired.
Perfect for fans of He must like you or the Chandler legacies, this was great on audio and a highly enjoyable story about the world of elite boarding schools and a sexual predator getting what he deserves. Definitely one not to miss! Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy.
CW: sexual misconduct of authority figures
What ensues are lots of great pranks, witty banter and one of the sweetest first love stories I've read in a while. I loved Do and Wells together. The electricity they feel from first touches and kisses sent chills up my spine. Not a PG Young adult book but nothing graphic either.
I also loved the Veronica Mars vibes Do gave off. When she an underclassman comes to her about the misconduct of one of the school's creepiest teacher's, Do takes action, collecting statements from other victims and organizing a sit-in to get the man fired.
Perfect for fans of He must like you or the Chandler legacies, this was great on audio and a highly enjoyable story about the world of elite boarding schools and a sexual predator getting what he deserves. Definitely one not to miss! Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy.
CW: sexual misconduct of authority figures