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emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
I really loved this and couldn’t put it away, though it was not plot driven. I could have done without the “future”, since it made the start a bit too slow for me.
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
OVERALL RATING: 7/10 -> 3.5 stars on StoryGraph.
Characters: 5
James’ relationship with Luke should be the centerpiece, but I somehow got more from his relationship with family members. Luke’s character is so one-dimensional that he could have easily been replaced by any other man, and their friendship doesn’t change a thing.
Setting/Theme: 8
The novel offers a detailed portrait of teenage yearning, requited love, and belonging. My only gripe is that James and Luke’s relationship doesn’t really reflect the author’s profound exploration.
Writing Style: 10
Hewitt has a magical prowess of comparing James’ love to such exotic similes (like the Sun embracing the Moon). His words are full of complex visceral emotions and vivid scenery, while still easy to grasp.
Plot: 4
Despite being relatively short, the story still feels dragged out because the relationship barely evolves throughout the seasons. What also doesn’t help is the lack of external forces, making the narrative dull after a while.
Logic: 9
My little Roman Empire: If James spends almost all his life yearning for Luke, why doesn’t he try to keep in touch with Luke and automatically come to the conclusion that their relationship can’t last ?
Intrigue/Enjoyment: 6
It’s a little unfair, but the hype train makes me feel a little disappointed. With the literary genre, it’s usually a get-it-and-love-it, or don’t-get-it-and-hate-it. This one, unfortunately, wanders somewhere in the middle.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Graphic: Chronic illness, Homophobia
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated