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jugglingpup's review
1.0
To see more reviews check out MI Book Reviews.
I got an ARC of this book.
I am totally a sucker for Julian’s smirk on the cover of this book. I am not ashamed to say I was drawn in by the cover. I am also not ashamed to say I was again tricked into reading a book that wasn’t as enjoyable as the cover made me think it was. So please, enjoy the cover and prepare for some basic ranting to follow your long look.
So the book is very clearly a retelling of Romeo and Juliet. If you are not sure what that plot is it is simple: two people from feuding families fall in “love” and in the end there is a suicide. I would like to point out that Romeo is much older than Juliet, she is 13 I believe it was. So gross. At least this book allowed for the boys to be similar in age. Julian is 19. I don’t think Romeo’s age was addressed, but he appears to be a junior or senior in high school.
The basic plot of this book is Julian is struggling with “depression” (what the book says it is, when in actually he shows every single sign of PTSD, but you know what does it matter to get mental illness right in a book for a population that has high levels of trauma induced mental illness) while trying to finish high school through an online program. Julian has a large queer network that he uses for safety. His friends help him deal with his trauma both the stuff before the book and the stuff in it. He meets Romeo at a party his best friend is hosting. They immediately kiss. Within three days they have spent a night cuddling and have confessed to being in love with each other. Romeo comes out to his parents, confronts his homophobic friends, and even confronts his own issues with homophobia. Remember, this is in three days. The only character that makes any damn sense in this book is Julian’s mother who points out that it has ONLY BEEN THREE DAYS. So while I really hate the timing in this novel, it is true to the source material.
The characters are pretty much 2-D. The characters are flatter than Kansas and/or pancakes. The jocks are homophobes. The gender queer person “tricks” guys into sleeping with him/her (yes, that looks like a really transphobic way to phrase it, but this is how the author presents the character as switching between male and female at whim and there are even jokes about how the character for FUN “tricks” people). The trans girl that everyone keeps outing as being a “man”. The lesbians that fall so in love they can’t focus on anything else. The super hero mother/nurse. I could probably just keep giving one line descriptions and you could write this book outside of the really forced background information on Julian’s father.
The book tried really hard to be more than it was. It tried to be a new book, but also be Romeo and Juliet. It fell really flat. It was forced, it was shallow, it wasn’t worth the time reading. However the writing was really well done. Despite all the flaws, the word choice was always impeccable. The author clearly knows what they are doing, which only makes me that much more frustrated that this book exists. There was a lot of thought put into this book at one point, it shines through when Julian’s life comes up. There are some really wonderful passages that show the author wanted to do so much. I don’t know what got in the way. I want to see the book that this should of been. Maybe the book feels so flat and empty because it was split into companion books? I will investigate that thoroughly in my next review!
If you are triggered by transphobia (especially unaddressed transphobia), homophobia, or violence then be careful with this book. There are a LOT of flashbacks to violence and homophobia that Julian has faced along with some new attacks. The transphobia was out of nowhere near the beginning of the book and was never addressed again by any of the characters since it was transphobic character creation. The violence is mixed throughout the book.
I got an ARC of this book.
I am totally a sucker for Julian’s smirk on the cover of this book. I am not ashamed to say I was drawn in by the cover. I am also not ashamed to say I was again tricked into reading a book that wasn’t as enjoyable as the cover made me think it was. So please, enjoy the cover and prepare for some basic ranting to follow your long look.
So the book is very clearly a retelling of Romeo and Juliet. If you are not sure what that plot is it is simple: two people from feuding families fall in “love” and in the end there is a suicide. I would like to point out that Romeo is much older than Juliet, she is 13 I believe it was. So gross. At least this book allowed for the boys to be similar in age. Julian is 19. I don’t think Romeo’s age was addressed, but he appears to be a junior or senior in high school.
The basic plot of this book is Julian is struggling with “depression” (what the book says it is, when in actually he shows every single sign of PTSD, but you know what does it matter to get mental illness right in a book for a population that has high levels of trauma induced mental illness) while trying to finish high school through an online program. Julian has a large queer network that he uses for safety. His friends help him deal with his trauma both the stuff before the book and the stuff in it. He meets Romeo at a party his best friend is hosting. They immediately kiss. Within three days they have spent a night cuddling and have confessed to being in love with each other. Romeo comes out to his parents, confronts his homophobic friends, and even confronts his own issues with homophobia. Remember, this is in three days. The only character that makes any damn sense in this book is Julian’s mother who points out that it has ONLY BEEN THREE DAYS. So while I really hate the timing in this novel, it is true to the source material.
The characters are pretty much 2-D. The characters are flatter than Kansas and/or pancakes. The jocks are homophobes. The gender queer person “tricks” guys into sleeping with him/her (yes, that looks like a really transphobic way to phrase it, but this is how the author presents the character as switching between male and female at whim and there are even jokes about how the character for FUN “tricks” people). The trans girl that everyone keeps outing as being a “man”. The lesbians that fall so in love they can’t focus on anything else. The super hero mother/nurse. I could probably just keep giving one line descriptions and you could write this book outside of the really forced background information on Julian’s father.
The book tried really hard to be more than it was. It tried to be a new book, but also be Romeo and Juliet. It fell really flat. It was forced, it was shallow, it wasn’t worth the time reading. However the writing was really well done. Despite all the flaws, the word choice was always impeccable. The author clearly knows what they are doing, which only makes me that much more frustrated that this book exists. There was a lot of thought put into this book at one point, it shines through when Julian’s life comes up. There are some really wonderful passages that show the author wanted to do so much. I don’t know what got in the way. I want to see the book that this should of been. Maybe the book feels so flat and empty because it was split into companion books? I will investigate that thoroughly in my next review!
If you are triggered by transphobia (especially unaddressed transphobia), homophobia, or violence then be careful with this book. There are a LOT of flashbacks to violence and homophobia that Julian has faced along with some new attacks. The transphobia was out of nowhere near the beginning of the book and was never addressed again by any of the characters since it was transphobic character creation. The violence is mixed throughout the book.
raeanne's review
3.0
Content Warning: Homophobic bullying and parents, Transphobic Asshole, Hate Crimes, PTSD, Self-harm,
At first, I was confused why Just Julian and Romeo For Real were split up into two stories. It became clear by the end. They obviously compliment each other, but both characters focus on different aspects of their story and have different conclusions for their character arcs.
Just Julian is not as exciting as Romeo For Real in the beginning, while at the end the reverse is true. They remind me a bit of the Rainbow Boys series - amplified angst and love with a bunch of different issues going on.
I hate to say it, but I could tell this was a new author. It felt amateurish and not polished. BUT there's a ton of potential!! I really hope Harwood-Jones doesn't let the less than stellar reviews stop them. I'll be keeping eye out for more of his work. If you haven't, you should check out his website. https://starkisscreations.com/
I can't say if the books are worth purchasing, but I can say the author is worth supporting. I think if kids are struggling with the same issues as Julian (PTSD, overshadowed by parent) or Romeo (clueless, closeted, surrounded by homophobes) that it's worth checking out. The reading level would be easy enough for middle and jr. high kids as an intimidating introduction to QUILTBAG content.
At first, I was confused why Just Julian and Romeo For Real were split up into two stories. It became clear by the end. They obviously compliment each other, but both characters focus on different aspects of their story and have different conclusions for their character arcs.
Just Julian is not as exciting as Romeo For Real in the beginning, while at the end the reverse is true. They remind me a bit of the Rainbow Boys series - amplified angst and love with a bunch of different issues going on.
I hate to say it, but I could tell this was a new author. It felt amateurish and not polished. BUT there's a ton of potential!! I really hope Harwood-Jones doesn't let the less than stellar reviews stop them. I'll be keeping eye out for more of his work. If you haven't, you should check out his website. https://starkisscreations.com/
I can't say if the books are worth purchasing, but I can say the author is worth supporting. I think if kids are struggling with the same issues as Julian (PTSD, overshadowed by parent) or Romeo (clueless, closeted, surrounded by homophobes) that it's worth checking out. The reading level would be easy enough for middle and jr. high kids as an intimidating introduction to QUILTBAG content.
gritshelme's review
2.0
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Oof. I will admit I enjoyed this more than Romeo for Real, but I chalk that up to having just that little bit more knowledge of characters' background and motivations.
These really would have benefited from being merged into a single book, perhaps with perspective shifts chapter-by-chapter. As separate books, there's just not enough information being conveyed for me to grow to like and care about any of these characters, even Romeo and Julian.
Oof. I will admit I enjoyed this more than Romeo for Real, but I chalk that up to having just that little bit more knowledge of characters' background and motivations.
These really would have benefited from being merged into a single book, perhaps with perspective shifts chapter-by-chapter. As separate books, there's just not enough information being conveyed for me to grow to like and care about any of these characters, even Romeo and Julian.
sandylovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This book, with it's accompanying book Romeo For Real, is geared toward the young adult who is not that into reading. These books are easy to read and won't take a long time (only around 168 pages). There isn't a lot to the world building or in-depth back stories for the characters but it was a really good story about Julian who is gay and has had a lot of problems with gay-bashing in his past. Then he meets Romeo, and yes, Romeo Montague, from Shakespeare. Julian's last name is...Capulet. This book is the pov of Julian; his thoughts and actions about the time when he and Romeo meet. It is very sweet and has some hand holding. There is some violence and talk of sex and lots of diversity. I think all these issues were handled very well.
I enjoyed reading this book and would like to thank Netgalley.com for the arc of this book and Romeo For Real.
I enjoyed reading this book and would like to thank Netgalley.com for the arc of this book and Romeo For Real.
brokebybooks's review
3.0
Content Warning: Homophobic bullying and parents, Transphobic Asshole, Hate Crimes, PTSD, Self-harm,
At first, I was confused why Just Julian and Romeo For Real were split up into two stories. It became clear by the end. They obviously compliment each other, but both characters focus on different aspects of their story and have different conclusions for their character arcs.
Just Julian is not as exciting as Romeo For Real in the beginning, while at the end the reverse is true. They remind me a bit of the Rainbow Boys series - amplified angst and love with a bunch of different issues going on.
I hate to say it, but I could tell this was a new author. It felt amateurish and not polished. BUT there's a ton of potential!! I really hope Harwood-Jones doesn't let the less than stellar reviews stop them. I'll be keeping eye out for more of his work. If you haven't, you should check out his website. https://starkisscreations.com/
I can't say if the books are worth purchasing, but I can say the author is worth supporting. I think if kids are struggling with the same issues as Julian (PTSD, overshadowed by parent) or Romeo (clueless, closeted, surrounded by homophobes) that it's worth checking out. The reading level would be easy enough for middle and jr. high kids as an intimidating introduction to QUILTBAG content.
At first, I was confused why Just Julian and Romeo For Real were split up into two stories. It became clear by the end. They obviously compliment each other, but both characters focus on different aspects of their story and have different conclusions for their character arcs.
Just Julian is not as exciting as Romeo For Real in the beginning, while at the end the reverse is true. They remind me a bit of the Rainbow Boys series - amplified angst and love with a bunch of different issues going on.
I hate to say it, but I could tell this was a new author. It felt amateurish and not polished. BUT there's a ton of potential!! I really hope Harwood-Jones doesn't let the less than stellar reviews stop them. I'll be keeping eye out for more of his work. If you haven't, you should check out his website. https://starkisscreations.com/
I can't say if the books are worth purchasing, but I can say the author is worth supporting. I think if kids are struggling with the same issues as Julian (PTSD, overshadowed by parent) or Romeo (clueless, closeted, surrounded by homophobes) that it's worth checking out. The reading level would be easy enough for middle and jr. high kids as an intimidating introduction to QUILTBAG content.
bookishlybecca's review
2.0
Ooof. I kind of went into reading this thinking it wasn't going to be a great read for me (after seeing the average review rating), but I was still hoping I'd end up liking it better than I did. :/ I think the main issue was that this book wasn't intended for me, as a reader/human. I don't know for sure, but I'm pretty sure this book (and its companion, which I also read) is meant for either younger readers (as in elementary school students) or just people in general who are newer to reading (in English, etc.)
I enjoyed the overall premise and plot/themes, and I really liked Julian as a character and seeing him develop over the course of the (very short) book, but everything else just didn't really work for me at all and felt very lacking. The writing was super basic and rather cliche in places, the plot and pacing were quite dicey at times, and Julian and Romeo's relationship just seemed overly cheesy and unrealistic to me, especially near the end of the book.
But again, I think most of this comes down to me not being in the "target audience" for this book. I appreciate the author trying to do a very diverse, gender-flipped Romeo and Juliet retelling, but its execution just didn't work for me, unfortunately. I just couldn't become fully invested in the story (because it's so short and lacks substance) and I didn't overly enjoy the reading experience, overall, if I'm being perfectly honest. :[
I enjoyed the overall premise and plot/themes, and I really liked Julian as a character and seeing him develop over the course of the (very short) book, but everything else just didn't really work for me at all and felt very lacking. The writing was super basic and rather cliche in places, the plot and pacing were quite dicey at times, and Julian and Romeo's relationship just seemed overly cheesy and unrealistic to me, especially near the end of the book.
But again, I think most of this comes down to me not being in the "target audience" for this book. I appreciate the author trying to do a very diverse, gender-flipped Romeo and Juliet retelling, but its execution just didn't work for me, unfortunately. I just couldn't become fully invested in the story (because it's so short and lacks substance) and I didn't overly enjoy the reading experience, overall, if I'm being perfectly honest. :[
evila_elf's review against another edition
I can't get into this book. It's short and I was hoping to power through it, but there is only so much eye rolling I can do at a time.
Feels like the author is trying to be inclusive by having everyone the LGBTQ spectrum represented, but it really feels just for show. So far, none of them are standing out as their own person, or make me care to know them.
The main character, Julian, is an artist, and several times he has gone to his canvas. I don't feel his passion. When I try to picture what he is painting, all I get are colors that don't go together and scribbles. He picks colors at random. Paints lines at random. Not exciting.
Insta-love. Bleh. Willing to put up with it if I like the characters and I can *feel* the attraction. But this felt like they fell in love because 'two gay characters were in the same room together!! That means they have to fall in love!!'
And making it a retelling of Romeo and Juliet is so forced - mainly talking about the first and last names.
Okay. Done ranting.
Feels like the author is trying to be inclusive by having everyone the LGBTQ spectrum represented, but it really feels just for show. So far, none of them are standing out as their own person, or make me care to know them.
The main character, Julian, is an artist, and several times he has gone to his canvas. I don't feel his passion. When I try to picture what he is painting, all I get are colors that don't go together and scribbles. He picks colors at random. Paints lines at random. Not exciting.
Insta-love. Bleh. Willing to put up with it if I like the characters and I can *feel* the attraction. But this felt like they fell in love because 'two gay characters were in the same room together!! That means they have to fall in love!!'
And making it a retelling of Romeo and Juliet is so forced - mainly talking about the first and last names.
Okay. Done ranting.
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