A review by betweentheshelves
And They Lived . . . by Steven Salvatore

emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

 Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for an advanced copy of this to review! Can’t Take That Away was an enjoyable read, so I was interested in getting to this one. Especially snce the cover is great! I really enjoy the color palette and just the overall style.

However, I have generally mixed feelings about this book. So, I’ll start with what I think Salvatore did well. One of the strongest aspects of their writing is character. Even if some of the choices and the aspects of the art program weren’t the most realistic, I think Chase and Jack are fully realized character. But, they weren’t my favorite. Benny, Chase’s roommate, might have been the best part of this book. They have a little group at college, and the way that the relationships evolve felt realistic for the most part.

Outside of the characters, some of the plot points felt a little clunky. Specifically surrounding the art school aspect of the story. While I only minored in art, I’m not sure freshman students would be making full on animation films in their first semester. From my knowledge of art programs, you start with the basics first, and then work your way up from there. Not to say freshmen couldn’t do it, but it just didn’t seem realistic to me.

Also hi, it’s 2022, please stop putting in comments about people being virgins when they go to college. Like, we know better than that, please stop doing it. Speaking of that, there are some pretty steamy scenes in here, so just be warned before going in if that’s not your thing. One of them happens kind of Titanic style?

All in all, I’m not really sure how to rate this one. Some good characters, but overall, a bit of a chaotic plot. 
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Hmmmm not really sure how to rate this one, to be honest. Stay tuned while I process my thoughts for a full review later this week!
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