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graciffer's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Rape, Fatphobia, Gaslighting, Sexual assault, Alcohol, Body shaming, and Toxic friendship
library_kb's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
It took me a long time to read this book--I started it a couple weeks ago, got 50 pages in, then took a break from it for weeks until I finally picked it up and finished it in a day. It reads a little bit like a thriller in verse, but its a hard read because of its current event connections--it was hard to keep it as a fictional story in my head (that is a credit to the author for sure!). It is a story about grooming and abuse, and I just felt so much for our main character. Recommended for high school and up, but check content warnings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Gun violence
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Pregnancy, Gun violence, and Violence
leahlovesloslibros's review
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
17-year-old Denver's life is all about music, so when she finds herself receiving attention from one of the biggest R&B stars of her time, Sean "Mercury (Merc)" Ellis, she can't help but think this could be her big break. As she and her friends Dali and Shak get pulled further into Merc's world of parties and other perks, Denver starts to realize that she doesn't have as much of a voice as she originally thought. Now she has to decide, is getting to live her dream life worth giving up her freedom?
Based on true events in the music industry, this chilling story of a teenage girl caught up in her newfound stardom makes the reader reconsider the cost of fame and fortune. Last year I read and loved Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson, and this book not only gave me similar vibes, but actually had a storyline that seemed to be almost the same as Grown (not every part, of course, but enough that it's hard to miss if you've read Jackson's Grown). While I really liked Grown, I didn't necessarily want to read another book that was basically the same. That's not to say that this isn't a good story, though; it's just not one I absolutely loved.
If you are going to read this book, definitely be aware of the trigger/content warnings listed below.
Based on true events in the music industry, this chilling story of a teenage girl caught up in her newfound stardom makes the reader reconsider the cost of fame and fortune. Last year I read and loved Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson, and this book not only gave me similar vibes, but actually had a storyline that seemed to be almost the same as Grown (not every part, of course, but enough that it's hard to miss if you've read Jackson's Grown). While I really liked Grown, I didn't necessarily want to read another book that was basically the same. That's not to say that this isn't a good story, though; it's just not one I absolutely loved.
If you are going to read this book, definitely be aware of the trigger/content warnings listed below.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Eating disorder, and Body shaming
Moderate: Racism, Drug abuse, Cursing, Homophobia, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Physical abuse, and Rape
Minor: Vomit, Gun violence, and Death
Additional TW/CW: divorcepaperbackparker's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Oh my god, this book!!!! I was on the edge of my seat for the whole thing and that twist at the end literally broke my heart. I really didn’t expect to love this as much as I did, but wow - I’ll never forget this story. Dali and Denver deserved so much better. 🥺
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Pedophilia, and Rape
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