Scan barcode
misfitmoxie's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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
toastedbread_withbutter's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-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
3.0
living_dead_girl's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
THE TWISTS AND TURNS! I went in having no idea what this book was about outside of that back cover summary and I was genuinely shocked by how much I enjoyed it. It took a few chapters for me to really get into the story, but I had a great time when I did. Harleen is such a precious character, I really enjoyed her perspective. She is a complex character and getting to understand her motives was so interesting. I LOVED how much science/university stuff was discussed - as a university student myself, it felt so relatable - I could totally immerse myself in the book. Not only that but I felt like the author does an absolutely incredible job of addressing the intricacies of rape culture, trauma, and violence against women throughout the book. Certain parts of this book were absolutely heart-wrenching and I couldn't stop crying. But other parts - especially the development of Harleen and her relationships - brought a smile to my face. A rollercoaster of emotions with this one! I wasn't the biggest fan of the ending - the last two chapters + epilogue - but I do understand that the author had to finish off everything nicely to lead into a trilogy. Overall, I LOVED this book. I haven't stopped thinking about it since I read it. Great character work, a super engaging plot, and strong commentary on the female experience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, Violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Emotional abuse, Sexual harassment, and Mental illness
My favorite quote from the book (censored as best I could to avoid spoilers but marked just in case!) : "It really was an intense reaction - almost scary. I can't help but think about how there's a whole spectrum of ways that people respond to things like rape and assault. [ ] and [ ] are so different. And [ ] response was different still. And we're different people, so, of course, we all respond differently to trauma... [ ] says she wants to unbreak her... but you can't take a survivor's journey for them. ... Sometimes fighting for all the women who came after you is the most powerful way to heal...How many discoveries and breakthroughs have we lost out on because women were pushed out of science before they had the chance to make them?"charlottexx1234123's review against another edition
4.0
True steminism is falling in love with a murderous clown, getting a mentally ill girlfriend, and taking science classes with comically evil misogynistic men.
ashleytolbert's review against another edition
3.0
As much as I love the DC universe, I was really excited for this book. Unfortunately it just wasn’t what I was hoping it would be. Part of it was the writing, but I don’t blame the author. She actually did a phenomenal job capturing Harley Quinn’s character and how a young Harley would talk and narrate a situation. (Ie lots of “OMG”s and “Are you effin’ serious”s) I know it was marketed as a very feminist novel, but it just seemed a bit out of reach in some circumstances. The last page was very redeeming, however, and I have high hopes for the next installment!
leannemb92's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
4.0
This book launches a trilogy with a teenage Harleen in Gotham with “Mistah J” in the background. Harley is in the lab, working towards a scholarship and independence from her abusive father [check TW by others]. She gets to make great bonds with other women (friendly and beyond) but things turn deadly. The girl gang she is a part of is uncovering something that could set her down the path of revenge.
Having read her origin in comics, this title feels like the modern Harley we see today in comics and on screen.
Having read her origin in comics, this title feels like the modern Harley we see today in comics and on screen.
The writer has a science background and is able to include the struggle of women in STEM easily with the technical details.
The book jumps in time within the school year, which I was lost on with my choice to read slowly. It’s a YA title I took my time through and will read the other books in the series and trilogy.
mochipooja's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
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
I love that this is more or less a “pre-origin story” for Harley Quinn. This is more centered on her when she’s still Harleen Quinzel, taking a gap year at age 18 while interning at Gotham U. Truly a feminist, mysterious, diabolical book. Lot of discussion of Harleen’s internal conflicts and who she is versus who she wants to be. Curious to see where the next two books go but overall, a fun, YA novel that centers Harley/Harleen.
pantsreads's review against another edition
4.0
I’ve always found Harleen Quinzell—a.k.a. Harley Quinn—a fascinating character with a lot of story possibility. This book was a fun and engaging look at her as a teen, before she leaned into the Joker’s insanity (or her own). Great start to a new DC prose series.
Check out my full review at Forever Young Adult.
Check out my full review at Forever Young Adult.
itskatietano's review
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book overall. I love Harley Quinn so much, she holds a very special place in my heart. Getting to see a younger side of her and how she develops as a person/character was really fun. We see the side of her that stands up for the people she loves, but also how she doesn't always stand up for herself. I loved how the author showed us a brand new side of Harley, while also showing signs of who she can and will become. The reason I didn't give it five stars though is just how predictable the twists in the book were.