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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
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
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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:
Complicated
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: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Sexual harassment
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?"
True steminism is falling in love with a murderous clown, getting a mentally ill girlfriend, and taking science classes with comically evil misogynistic men.
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!
adventurous
emotional
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.
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
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.
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.
adventurous
dark
emotional
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:
Yes
<b> The Details: </b>
<i> Narrated by
Unabridged </i>
I loved this imagining of of Harley Quinn. It had great representation of women in STEM, and of various personality traits too, dismissing this stereotype that 'the hot blonde' can't be intelligent too.
I loved getting a glimpse into an idea of what her earlier years building up to her career (both as a psychiatrist and as a villan) and getting more of her personality and identity outside of the Joker.
The relationships between the girls in the reckoning was so varied and real. I adored how they grew, became tense and fractured, and then realigned again.
I throughly enjoyed this story and can't wait to read the next one.
The note at the end was very poignant into how women in STEM are treated even still to this day. This whole story was so inspiring.
<i> Narrated by
Unabridged </i>
I loved this imagining of of Harley Quinn. It had great representation of women in STEM, and of various personality traits too, dismissing this stereotype that 'the hot blonde' can't be intelligent too.
I loved getting a glimpse into an idea of what her earlier years building up to her career (both as a psychiatrist and as a villan) and getting more of her personality and identity outside of the Joker.
The relationships between the girls in the reckoning was so varied and real. I adored how they grew, became tense and fractured, and then realigned again.
I throughly enjoyed this story and can't wait to read the next one.
The note at the end was very poignant into how women in STEM are treated even still to this day. This whole story was so inspiring.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail