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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
emotional
fast-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
I watched the TV series first and surprisingly also enjoyed listening to the book. The show was a really faithful adaptation and the small changes made for TV really enriched the story. Surprisingly, even though it’s dual pov, we don’t get a lot of extra scenes/background from James, the show really filled out his story/perspective a lot more.
And the pool scene is a million times better in the show than in the book. It was such a huge moment for the characters but it did not have the same impact in the book. The end at oxford had the same emotional beats though. And the way the book ended, way more devastating than the show. I’m glad they’re saving that scene for season 2.
Now if I had not seen the show first I feel like I would have felt a little meh about the book.
And the pool scene is a million times better in the show than in the book. It was such a huge moment for the characters but it did not have the same impact in the book. The end at oxford had the same emotional beats though. And the way the book ended, way more devastating than the show. I’m glad they’re saving that scene for season 2.
Now if I had not seen the show first I feel like I would have felt a little meh about the book.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I can see why they made this into a tv show and I think that’ll be a better way to consume this story. This wasn’t bad by any means but it also didn’t reinvent the wheel when it came to high school romance. I recognize that this was written in like 2016? 17? And you can definitely tell.
Unfortunately, I don’t have much to say, but I think if you enjoy the CW and that type of programming, you’d like this. The romance between Ruby and James I think could’ve had more …depth? He’s not really the nicest person and I understand it has to do with his background, but some of the stuff he does to her is low down. She’s better than me because I wouldn’t forgive that easily lol. I will say, I want to know how things continue once they get to Oxford so for that I’ll be staying tuned in to the series as the translations come out.
Unfortunately, I don’t have much to say, but I think if you enjoy the CW and that type of programming, you’d like this. The romance between Ruby and James I think could’ve had more …depth? He’s not really the nicest person and I understand it has to do with his background, but some of the stuff he does to her is low down. She’s better than me because I wouldn’t forgive that easily lol. I will say, I want to know how things continue once they get to Oxford so for that I’ll be staying tuned in to the series as the translations come out.
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
tense
challenging
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I watched the show before I read the book so I already knew I liked the story. The writing is very young but this is a YA book series so it makes sense. I loved getting a little more insight to James! Looking forward to reading the next two!
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Drug use, Vomit
medium-paced
That cliffhanger really caught me off guard and now I need the next book ASAP. From the slow-burn tension to the private school drama, I was absolutely hooked. The dynamic between Ruby and James pulled me in from the start. She’s focused and fiercely independent, while he’s the confident, chaotic rich boy who slowly starts showing a softer side. The ending? Fully destroyed me. I thought the show’s finale was emotional, but this hit even harder.
The story blends some of my favorite tropes: scholarship girl meets elite golden boy, enemies to lovers, and of course, a juicy secret that changes everything. When Ruby uncovers something she was never meant to see, James makes it his mission to keep her quiet. Their constant clashes eventually turn into something more, and I loved watching the shift unfold. Their chemistry felt electric but also layered with emotion, which made every little moment between them hit harder.
I adored the balance between the angsty romance and the character growth. Ruby is so driven and grounded, and I especially loved seeing her relationship with Lydia start to blossom. James, while frustrating at times, has depth, and getting to peek into his perspective added so much to the story. The elite school setting felt like something out of a dark academia dream and the themed party scene was honestly perfection. It fit the vibe of the story so well.
This gave major Gossip Girl and Elite energy, with secrets, power plays, and messy emotions packed into every chapter. It’s bingeable, emotional, and full of heart. Huge thanks to Penguin for sending me this review copy.
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes