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A review by ziggyreadz
Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
i didn’t dislike Most Ardently as much as i was disappointed in it. for what it was (a fanfiction - and i don’t use that word derogatorily, but descriptively - which aims to inspire trans youth), it was fine. i had a fun time with it, especially in the beginning. but as the story progressed (at a break-neck pace!), i felt like that spark of hope i had for this story got lost along the way.
i want to stress that nothing about this book was “bad,” per say - just very boring. it doesn’t work as a stand alone at all, as the characters have no depth or personality. i was especially disappointed with Darcy, who i had really wanted to see in another light. but his complexities and quirks were erased in favor of ease.
overall, it was a story i think i’ve outgrown. when i was a teenager discovering i was trans, this may have worked better for me. but i feel like while stories like this (uncomplicated, happy stories of coming out and finding love) are needed for younger trans people, trans people are owed more interesting explorations of the trans experience and how it ties into history. i get that that would have been a very different story, and not one the author was trying to accomplish, but i suppose i was let down from expecting a complex and historical narrative.
0.5 was added for enjoyment. this book was easy to get through and fun to read.
one pet peeve - the author really likes using the word “boy” when “man” would be more expected. i don’t know whether it’s a gender euphoria thing for him or if he assumed it would be for his audience, but it’s jarring and takes you out of the story, at least at first.
i want to stress that nothing about this book was “bad,” per say - just very boring. it doesn’t work as a stand alone at all, as the characters have no depth or personality. i was especially disappointed with Darcy, who i had really wanted to see in another light. but his complexities and quirks were erased in favor of ease.
overall, it was a story i think i’ve outgrown. when i was a teenager discovering i was trans, this may have worked better for me. but i feel like while stories like this (uncomplicated, happy stories of coming out and finding love) are needed for younger trans people, trans people are owed more interesting explorations of the trans experience and how it ties into history. i get that that would have been a very different story, and not one the author was trying to accomplish, but i suppose i was let down from expecting a complex and historical narrative.
0.5 was added for enjoyment. this book was easy to get through and fun to read.
one pet peeve - the author really likes using the word “boy” when “man” would be more expected. i don’t know whether it’s a gender euphoria thing for him or if he assumed it would be for his audience, but it’s jarring and takes you out of the story, at least at first.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing and Dysphoria
Moderate: Transphobia