Reviews

Never Have I Ever by Isabel Yap

fbzcab's review

challenging dark mysterious reflective tense medium-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? It's complicated

xandrade's review

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

I looooved this collection so much. I almost dropped it during the first story because it was a bit gorey but I'm glad I stuck with it. Really made me want to explore more Filipino mythology. 

Isabel Yap really captured some quintessential elements of woman and girlhood in this collection. 

gabalodon's review against another edition

5.0

This was so incredible. Such a range of stories. So much weirdness and excellent rage. My favorites were "A Spell for Foolish Hearts" (SOOOO CUTE), "Asphalt, River, Mother, Child" (soooo yikes), "Hurricane Heels (We Go Down Dancing)" (where is this movie??), and "How to Swallow the Moon" (a dragon fairy tale??? Yes please).

But I am deeply regretting reading the last two before bed.

heartlinear's review

4.25

it's hard to rate short stories because even if i don't feel for some the way i do for others i still want to give the 5 solely for being part of the same collection. the yearning. isabel yap what a debut.

nadias_littlelibrary's review

dark emotional inspiring mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

whatsmacksaid's review

5.0

Huge range of stories, from romantic and sweet to ferocious and dark, but they're all great.

monicagrace94's review against another edition

dark emotional informative mysterious sad tense medium-paced

4.0

tofulover's review

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

3.0

I think it's just not for me.

saintofthe's review against another edition

dark reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

rmnedder's review

adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

This was very, very good!! The author really knows how to create distinct narrative voices, and her play with perspective is so much fun. She's particularly good at starting her stories in media res and effectively peppering exposition in as the story progresses, and she does so with finesse. I was particularly fond of Syringe; it was so poignant. I wish some of the stories had more payoff, like Milagroso - I was waiting for more to happen the entire time, and found the ending a little disappointing. Overall this was a wonderful anthology that showed of Isabel Yap’s prowess as an author and her effectiveness as a storyteller.