yoursupremereads's review

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Saenz did it again! Not only did he give Ari and Dante a hopefully definitive happy ending, but he found a way to flesh out the inner world of Ari Mendoza as well. Adding complexity through simplicity, Saenz further investigated Ari's personal landscape and his view of the world. Though the ending seemed a bit rushed I was still smiling by the final page. Once again, you jut wanna reach into the book and hug Ari and Dante all the time. You root for them. You love them. You adore them. You want them to know that things get better with time and that they are going to be the best people they can be by the end. I think that's what I appreciate the most about this duology. I care about Ari, I care about Dante, I care about their adorable parents and the bonds these two families have created that centers around the love of their two boys for one another. And even though there is a tragic loss in the book that literally made me scream at the ceiling in the middle of the night while reading it, Ari and Dante's journey was well worth the heartache. This book and it's OG novel are a fantastic addition to the YA queer canon and everyone should give them a go. Highly recommended. Will cherish these two books forever and ever!

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collyofthewobbles's review

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adventurous challenging emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Deeply moving and emotional continuation of Ari & Dantes story.
Their families play a bigger role in this book and i feel it is richer for it. It’s hard to go into detail with the story without spoilers.
But once again Benjamin Alire Saenz has written a highly emotionally intelligent book, that will stamp itself into your heart.
These characters do not leave your conscious easily and will sit with you for a while.

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