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A review by leahlovesloslibros
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I'm going to start off by saying that I know I am in the vast minority of readers regarding my thoughts/rating of this book. I do believe that there are plenty of people who will read it and really enjoy it. I just wasn't one of those people.
My biggest issue: Felix was an unlikable main character. I thought he was selfish, arrogant, and pretentious. While I can completely understand and sympathize with his struggles as a minority, it just seemed like he never had anything positive to say. Rather than trying to make the best of his situation, he preferred to tear others down. I did not like that he was perfectly fine hurting someone else who had hurt him. I know that revenge is a common storyline - and normally it doesn't bother me - but the execution on this one was just so blatantly mean that I couldn't get on-board with his line of thinking. Once Felix found out that Declan wasn't behind the gallery and therefore no longer wanted revenge on him, the character became somewhat more palatable. Even so, my opinion of him didn't start changing until about halfway through the book, and by that point the damage had been done.
While I never came around to liking Felix, there were redeeming qualities to the book. The discussion of privilege was a big one. Characters were varied in race, ethnicity, and SES, which sparked several discussions about privilege and how it affects individuals, both positively and negatively. There were also multiple conversations surrounding gender identity and how it can change even after you think you have it all figured out, which I think is so important.
Overall thoughts: Although I didn't enjoy this book, I can definitely see how others do. I would consider recommending it in certain circumstances but generally would not go out of my way to do so.
Rep: black trans MC, biracial (black, Indian) gay SC, black/Puerto Rican SC, bisexual SC, lesbian SC
My biggest issue: Felix was an unlikable main character. I thought he was selfish, arrogant, and pretentious. While I can completely understand and sympathize with his struggles as a minority, it just seemed like he never had anything positive to say. Rather than trying to make the best of his situation, he preferred to tear others down. I did not like that he was perfectly fine hurting someone else who had hurt him. I know that revenge is a common storyline - and normally it doesn't bother me - but the execution on this one was just so blatantly mean that I couldn't get on-board with his line of thinking.
While I never came around to liking Felix, there were redeeming qualities to the book. The discussion of privilege was a big one. Characters were varied in race, ethnicity, and SES, which sparked several discussions about privilege and how it affects individuals, both positively and negatively. There were also multiple conversations surrounding gender identity and how it can change even after you think you have it all figured out, which I think is so important.
Overall thoughts: Although I didn't enjoy this book, I can definitely see how others do. I would consider recommending it in certain circumstances but generally would not go out of my way to do so.
Rep: black trans MC, biracial (black, Indian) gay SC, black/Puerto Rican SC, bisexual SC, lesbian SC
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming and Transphobia
Moderate: Alcohol, Cursing, and Drug use
Minor: Emotional abuse and Sexual content
Additional TW/CW: Harry Potter references, divorce, underage drinking, parent abandonment