Reviews

Exile by Kevin Emerson

kotetsu_reads311's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

mehsi's review against another edition

1.0

Let's say this book started out great, it was a real 4 star for the first few pages, but around the middle that turned into 3, and soon after that 2 and with the ending it turned into one star.

I am sorry, but the story was interesting, but it just lacked. For most of the time I didn't understand why Caleb and Summer were still together, if they are together at all. They totally don't match. Caleb is quite oblivious to lots of things, Summer is just a bit too demanding at times, so yeah, most of the time I only knew they were together because they stared at each other, or if they give a few rare kisses.

Then we got Val, OH GOD, I hated Val, even after I knew her history, I just couldn't resist wanting to smack her. She was so annoying, pushing Caleb and Summer away from each other, knowing full well what the hell she was doing and she did a whole lot more of stuff that I just didn't like. She was lying about various other things, and sure if you know her history it might be all ok, but for me no, definitely no.

Then I soon find out that this book won't be a standalone, and that disappoints me too. I think everything could have easily be handled in one book, but the author just kept making new plot twists here and there to keep the book from stopping at one book.

The band thing was fun, and interesting, but for a manager Summer wasn't all that good. She hid stuff (while logical, but come on, give your new band a bit of credit), gave them less chances and more stuff.

So yeah, I wouldn't recommend this book.

lastpaige111's review against another edition

4.0

Cute story with very accurate high school and beyond band culture description :-)

lexingtonreads's review against another edition

• Loveable characters? No

1.0

 I ACTUALLY HATED THIS BOOK OH MY GOODNESS. Let me tell ya if i didn't like this book whenver i was in my reading era of loving everything...that speaks volumes. I remember there being no chemsitry between the characters like at all. i don't remember what it exactly was but, i know i was upset about the mental health representation?? I don't know, but what i do know is i did not enjot this book-

1madchild's review against another edition

2.0

eh,

bit annoying at times.

thepaperreels's review against another edition

DNF AT 59%

Sorry, can't take it anymore. So I just dropped it then skimmed the rest.

Exile started really great for me. Summer, the MC, was a a little bit over dramatic and demanding. But she manages bands! That's why her attitude is yeah, reasonable. I love how descriptive this book is. You really get inside Summers' life.. But you know what ruined this for me?

The Romance. The non sense relationship of Caleb and Summer. I don't even know why these two are together. But you know what, I tried to ignore that because the mystery really caught my attention. It's really interesting.. Imagine solving the death of a rockstar legend.

Then this girl came. Val. Part of me is thankful that she showed up because it helps the readers realize how crap of a boyfriend Caleb is. The other part is just plain annoyed. But whoah! There's a twist! And I did not see that coming! You see, it's part of the mystery. There's a reason why this annoying Val showed up after all. But when I found out, it's too late already. My annoyance can't be erased any more and Caleb is still a jerk to me.

Caleb's like a robot guys. Seriously, Summer liking him doesn't make sense.

Anyway, this was disappointing. The Music references and the mystery pulled me in a little but the under developed romance ruined it for me.

danikawidjaja's review against another edition

3.0

so much music. It's so awesome.

sarahonthecoast's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 stars

tswanson103's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I absolutely adore this series. The mystery + the band and Summer’s work managing them are the perfect recipe for me. My only complaint upon reread is that Caleb and Summer’s relationship is very insta-love with no real development beyond one or two dates. However, the development of the band as they work through everything being thrown at them balances out the lack of development in the relationship. This series stole my heart the first time I read it, and it is just as charming as I remember. I wish it had gained more attention than it has. 

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Death of parent

Minor: Child abuse

softpinecone's review against another edition

5.0

I loved exile. It is such a cute book, with an amazing story, and tons of plot twists. You fall in love with the characters, and I could not put it down until I finished it and found out what happened to all the characters! I am so excited that there is going to be a sequel and I can't wait to read it.