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snapshotmaestro's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
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
4.5
rachcannoli's review against another edition
4.0
3.5/5
Picking up right where STRIKING DISTANCE left off, the Kings Row fencing team is heading to France for an exclusive training camp that's opened its doors to American teams for the first time. Though naturally that means they are not the only ones there, Jesse Coste and the Exton team are also going, much to the boys chagrin. Facing more experienced fencers, miscommunications, rivals, and potential expulsion, will the Kings Row boys grow stronger in their team bond or fall apart?
I found the plot of this sequel far more contrived than the first. While I love a good road trip/travel plotline and it was fun to see them interreact with more characters, some we've met before some new, there wasn't really a whole lot done to drive the plot. Despite being on the cover, Aiden and Harvard just circle the same pattern of miscommunication and hurt feelings leading to grating frustration. They get there in the end, but the route they take is almost unbearable.
Seiji and Nicholas’ dynamic, however, is flawless! Seiji’s chapters were easily my favorites in this instalment, I adored watching him reach out more to his father, grow truly attached in his bond with Nicholas, and recognize true friendship rather than his past with Jesse who only cared for his skill. It was also really interesting to watch their interactions with Jesse, unable to escape him at camp, and how different their relationships are. I also adored the moments when the entire team were together bonding, despite how rare it was this time.
All in all, mindless fun and very middle grade like the former. I didn't find it as successful as the first, but I still adore these characters and will continue to read whatever offshoots exist in the FENCE franchise.
SPOILERS FROM HERE ON
Another section of just ranting about these characters. Let's get the bad out of the way.
I absolutely HATED what was done with Aiden and Harvard this book. It was so ridiculously annoying. Aiden is hurt that he believes Harvard is not at all interested in him romantically so he feels not only abandoned in love, but in friendship (despite Harvard never saying that he doesn't want to be friends with him). Harvard is only made this decision as Aiden's friendship means the world to him and he sees how disposable all of Aiden's other flings are and he doesn't want that to be their fate. So because of this Harvard is super awkward around Aiden now, tiptoeing around his feelings which only exacerbates Aiden's hurt as he reads this as disgust in his feelings so he doubles down in his whoreish behavior from before. It's so freaking dumb. All they'd have to do is have one legitimate conversation and this could easily get sorted. Constantly Harvard just wants to be around Aiden and love him, but then thinks that's not what he wants so they just continue to hurt the other over and over again, it was beyond annoying. I'm glad they ended up FINALLY admitting their long harbored feelings, but the constant bullshit fighting almost made it not worth it. They're so cute together, but it makes me anxious if they ever have one fight, it seems like Aiden would just fall down a spiral. If there is another book I really hope they don't rehash the entire bullshit plot all over again and actually allow both boys to grow. Harvard in recognizing he's not responsible for everyone, just himself, and knowing that it's enough and Aiden in realizing he has to allow himself to be vulnerable and reach out to get that affection and acceptance he so desperately craves, but it may come with the risk of getting hurt and that's just how life is. Also that he has to bet on himself and know he is better than he believes, and to quote RuPaul, if you don't love yourself, the how are you gonna love somebody else? With such simplistic writing and plot I have doubts that this would actually be achieved, but I can dream.
Seiji and Nicholas however were chef's kiss. I absolutely loved that the only reason the boys are allowed to go to France in the first place is Seiji asks his dad to fund them. Also that he finances the entire trip, not just Nicholas, so he's not singled out. So freaking precious. Seiji has come so far in recognizing social ques, it warms my heart. Also that his dad thought Seiji was coming out to him and admitting his feelings for Nicholas was so freaking funny. I was unsure if Seiji/Nicholas's relationship was strictly platonic (in a book so gay it was hard to believe that there was such a thing as platonic friendship), but there were the SLIGHTEST little hints in this entry that it could spark into romance. I loved that when Aiden casually said someone had a crush on Seiji he immediately went to Nicholas and felt nervous, also that Seiji wanted to do his hair like him (so cute omg), and that Nicholas said Seiji was hotter than Aiden, so cute. Then how Seiji was so genuinely hurt when Nicholas ran out on the party and left him as his only request was for Nicholas not to leave his side. MY HEART! It was also genuinely super interesting to watch Jesse's interactions. At first he's as haughty and annoying as he's been in the past. Superiority complex and only wanting Seiji back because he challenges him. But then Eugene says he was super nice helping him get to the hospital wing and checking to make sure he was ok also one of the other Exton boys vouching that Jesse cares about his team a lot more than he lets on. I love that he's finally getting some depth. I also love that his father seems to be the reason he's such a jackass and how they compared his father to Seiji's. Seiji's dad doesn't get fencing, but understands being the best and just wants his son to be happy. While Jesse's father (Nicholas's as well) has insanely high standards and berates his son when he doesn't meet them to the point here Seiji's dad freaked out at him for doing so. It humanizes Jesse a lot and shows what could've become of Nicholas if he actually knew his father.
Seiji has grown to really love and rely on Nicholas as well. He doesn't say as much, other than he annoys him less and he's grown used to his presence, but it's clear that he's never had a legitimate friendship before. When Jesse is horrified he'd even equate himself with Nicholas, Seiji immediately defends him for more than fencing. I also adore that he remembers the little things, like bringing books and games for their plane ride home when Nicholas was bored the way there or grabbing an extra roll for him. Nicholas also never takes Seiji's mood swings to heart and is basically like a golden retriever that is just so pleased to be by his side. I utterly adore their friendship, they mean the world to me.
I do really wonder when Nicholas will finally tell Seiji of his true parentage. Seiji already sees the similarity in speed to both boys, so I don't think he'd be surprised at all. I also think it could be something they'd bond over and maybe in the future something Jesse and Nicholas can bond over as well. I just don't think it's as big of a secret as the series makes it seem, but I guess there's got to be some kind of tension.
Side note, Bobby sadly did not get his own POV this book, but I loved seeing more of him. I adore how much Dante blatantly loves him and that Bobby finally realized that he adores him as well and should put him over his silly crush on Seiji.
All in all, another super fun romp. It's not the best written and a bit contrived, but I adore these characters so I could read whatever silly misadventures they get up to. Seiji and Nicholas were by far the highlights, but I'd certainly read on if there's more.
Picking up right where STRIKING DISTANCE left off, the Kings Row fencing team is heading to France for an exclusive training camp that's opened its doors to American teams for the first time. Though naturally that means they are not the only ones there, Jesse Coste and the Exton team are also going, much to the boys chagrin. Facing more experienced fencers, miscommunications, rivals, and potential expulsion, will the Kings Row boys grow stronger in their team bond or fall apart?
I found the plot of this sequel far more contrived than the first. While I love a good road trip/travel plotline and it was fun to see them interreact with more characters, some we've met before some new, there wasn't really a whole lot done to drive the plot. Despite being on the cover, Aiden and Harvard just circle the same pattern of miscommunication and hurt feelings leading to grating frustration. They get there in the end, but the route they take is almost unbearable.
Seiji and Nicholas’ dynamic, however, is flawless! Seiji’s chapters were easily my favorites in this instalment, I adored watching him reach out more to his father, grow truly attached in his bond with Nicholas, and recognize true friendship rather than his past with Jesse who only cared for his skill. It was also really interesting to watch their interactions with Jesse, unable to escape him at camp, and how different their relationships are. I also adored the moments when the entire team were together bonding, despite how rare it was this time.
All in all, mindless fun and very middle grade like the former. I didn't find it as successful as the first, but I still adore these characters and will continue to read whatever offshoots exist in the FENCE franchise.
SPOILERS FROM HERE ON
Another section of just ranting about these characters. Let's get the bad out of the way.
I absolutely HATED what was done with Aiden and Harvard this book. It was so ridiculously annoying. Aiden is hurt that he believes Harvard is not at all interested in him romantically so he feels not only abandoned in love, but in friendship (despite Harvard never saying that he doesn't want to be friends with him). Harvard is only made this decision as Aiden's friendship means the world to him and he sees how disposable all of Aiden's other flings are and he doesn't want that to be their fate. So because of this Harvard is super awkward around Aiden now, tiptoeing around his feelings which only exacerbates Aiden's hurt as he reads this as disgust in his feelings so he doubles down in his whoreish behavior from before. It's so freaking dumb. All they'd have to do is have one legitimate conversation and this could easily get sorted. Constantly Harvard just wants to be around Aiden and love him, but then thinks that's not what he wants so they just continue to hurt the other over and over again, it was beyond annoying. I'm glad they ended up FINALLY admitting their long harbored feelings, but the constant bullshit fighting almost made it not worth it. They're so cute together, but it makes me anxious if they ever have one fight, it seems like Aiden would just fall down a spiral. If there is another book I really hope they don't rehash the entire bullshit plot all over again and actually allow both boys to grow. Harvard in recognizing he's not responsible for everyone, just himself, and knowing that it's enough and Aiden in realizing he has to allow himself to be vulnerable and reach out to get that affection and acceptance he so desperately craves, but it may come with the risk of getting hurt and that's just how life is. Also that he has to bet on himself and know he is better than he believes, and to quote RuPaul, if you don't love yourself, the how are you gonna love somebody else? With such simplistic writing and plot I have doubts that this would actually be achieved, but I can dream.
Seiji and Nicholas however were chef's kiss. I absolutely loved that the only reason the boys are allowed to go to France in the first place is Seiji asks his dad to fund them. Also that he finances the entire trip, not just Nicholas, so he's not singled out. So freaking precious. Seiji has come so far in recognizing social ques, it warms my heart. Also that his dad thought Seiji was coming out to him and admitting his feelings for Nicholas was so freaking funny. I was unsure if Seiji/Nicholas's relationship was strictly platonic (in a book so gay it was hard to believe that there was such a thing as platonic friendship), but there were the SLIGHTEST little hints in this entry that it could spark into romance. I loved that when Aiden casually said someone had a crush on Seiji he immediately went to Nicholas and felt nervous, also that Seiji wanted to do his hair like him (so cute omg), and that Nicholas said Seiji was hotter than Aiden, so cute. Then how Seiji was so genuinely hurt when Nicholas ran out on the party and left him as his only request was for Nicholas not to leave his side. MY HEART! It was also genuinely super interesting to watch Jesse's interactions. At first he's as haughty and annoying as he's been in the past. Superiority complex and only wanting Seiji back because he challenges him. But then Eugene says he was super nice helping him get to the hospital wing and checking to make sure he was ok also one of the other Exton boys vouching that Jesse cares about his team a lot more than he lets on. I love that he's finally getting some depth. I also love that his father seems to be the reason he's such a jackass and how they compared his father to Seiji's. Seiji's dad doesn't get fencing, but understands being the best and just wants his son to be happy. While Jesse's father (Nicholas's as well) has insanely high standards and berates his son when he doesn't meet them to the point here Seiji's dad freaked out at him for doing so. It humanizes Jesse a lot and shows what could've become of Nicholas if he actually knew his father.
Seiji has grown to really love and rely on Nicholas as well. He doesn't say as much, other than he annoys him less and he's grown used to his presence, but it's clear that he's never had a legitimate friendship before. When Jesse is horrified he'd even equate himself with Nicholas, Seiji immediately defends him for more than fencing. I also adore that he remembers the little things, like bringing books and games for their plane ride home when Nicholas was bored the way there or grabbing an extra roll for him. Nicholas also never takes Seiji's mood swings to heart and is basically like a golden retriever that is just so pleased to be by his side. I utterly adore their friendship, they mean the world to me.
I do really wonder when Nicholas will finally tell Seiji of his true parentage. Seiji already sees the similarity in speed to both boys, so I don't think he'd be surprised at all. I also think it could be something they'd bond over and maybe in the future something Jesse and Nicholas can bond over as well. I just don't think it's as big of a secret as the series makes it seem, but I guess there's got to be some kind of tension.
Side note, Bobby sadly did not get his own POV this book, but I loved seeing more of him. I adore how much Dante blatantly loves him and that Bobby finally realized that he adores him as well and should put him over his silly crush on Seiji.
All in all, another super fun romp. It's not the best written and a bit contrived, but I adore these characters so I could read whatever silly misadventures they get up to. Seiji and Nicholas were by far the highlights, but I'd certainly read on if there's more.
emilyrpf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
5.0
captwinghead's review against another edition
1.0
*sighs*
I was extremely frustrated throughout this book. Everything I liked about Aiden is gone and I just can’t get over how horribly this book treated Harvard. This series has a Harvard problem.
This book does more with Seiji and Nicholas, which was the storyline I cared the least about in the last book. I usually enjoy Seiji's POV, but this book was repetitive with every one of Seiji and Nicholas' chapters being about their complicated feelings regarding Jesse. I really don't care. I was here for Harvard and Aiden.
We sort of get to see Harvard have a life outside of Aiden. With Aiden treating Harvard like shit the entire trip, Harvard catches up with an old friend Arune. Honestly, he and Eugene were the only people that seemed to care about Harvard in this book. Where do I even start?
This book blames Harvard for the entire miscommunication with Aiden. That's fucked up. Harvard hid his feelings for Aiden because he'd watched for years as Aiden treated all of his conquests as disposable. Aiden told him to his face that their relationship didn't mean anything. How is it Harvard's fault that he assumed he wouldn't be special? Honestly, the number of times this book showed Aiden and Harvard together where a group of people ignored Harvard to hit on Aiden + Aiden telling Harvard he was boring, it's no wonder Harvard didn't think his feelings would be returned. Instead of having Aiden acknowledge his role in their issues, this book puts all of the blame on Harvard. That's not fair.
Harvard supports his team all the time. They didn't even attend his match. Not only does that suck and completely goes in line with the theme of Harvard supporting others and getting hardly anyt support in return, but it really sucked because the team had been shit on by all of the other schools the entire trip. Harvard really needed the support.
We still get hardly any information about Harvard's past outside of Aiden. This series has an Harvard problem.
The Aiden/Harvard scenes were the entire reason I read this book and this just made me really sad. Harvard deserved to be treated better and I couldn't even be happy about the outcome. It's clear the writer loves Aiden and doesn't care about Harvard. It's so sad because he's so sweet and this was the only real chance to see him get more attention.
I was extremely frustrated throughout this book. Everything I liked about Aiden is gone and I just can’t get over how horribly this book treated Harvard. This series has a Harvard problem.
This book does more with Seiji and Nicholas, which was the storyline I cared the least about in the last book. I usually enjoy Seiji's POV, but this book was repetitive with every one of Seiji and Nicholas' chapters being about their complicated feelings regarding Jesse. I really don't care. I was here for Harvard and Aiden.
We sort of get to see Harvard have a life outside of Aiden. With Aiden treating Harvard like shit the entire trip, Harvard catches up with an old friend Arune. Honestly, he and Eugene were the only people that seemed to care about Harvard in this book. Where do I even start?
This book blames Harvard for the entire miscommunication with Aiden. That's fucked up. Harvard hid his feelings for Aiden because he'd watched for years as Aiden treated all of his conquests as disposable. Aiden told him to his face that their relationship didn't mean anything. How is it Harvard's fault that he assumed he wouldn't be special? Honestly, the number of times this book showed Aiden and Harvard together where a group of people ignored Harvard to hit on Aiden + Aiden telling Harvard he was boring, it's no wonder Harvard didn't think his feelings would be returned. Instead of having Aiden acknowledge his role in their issues, this book puts all of the blame on Harvard. That's not fair.
Harvard supports his team all the time. They didn't even attend his match. Not only does that suck and completely goes in line with the theme of Harvard supporting others and getting hardly anyt support in return, but it really sucked because the team had been shit on by all of the other schools the entire trip. Harvard really needed the support.
We still get hardly any information about Harvard's past outside of Aiden. This series has an Harvard problem.
The Aiden/Harvard scenes were the entire reason I read this book and this just made me really sad. Harvard deserved to be treated better and I couldn't even be happy about the outcome. It's clear the writer loves Aiden and doesn't care about Harvard. It's so sad because he's so sweet and this was the only real chance to see him get more attention.
hidingincorners's review against another edition
5.0
So good!! My heart!!! I love my dumb fencing sons!! ♡♡
jhatrick's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
canadiancat's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5 stars
I really enjoyed this one, felt like an improvement over the last novel. Just a very solid book.
I really enjoyed this one, felt like an improvement over the last novel. Just a very solid book.
saphiraas's review against another edition
Yeaaaa...I think I just prefer this story in graphic novel form with C.S Pacat's writing and Johanna's art. Having someone else take the reigns wasn't doing it for me? Maybe I'll try again later.