teamoxfordcomma 's review for:

And They Were Roommates by Page Powars

3.5

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Let's hear some commotion for that cover! The immaculate vibes and fun synopsis drew me in. Unfortunately, I never fully connected with these characters or this story as a whole. The boarding school setting is intense and well-rendered, but Charlie's incessant anxiety (paranoia, really) grated on me and Jasper's vanity, even if it's only a front, made me roll my eyes. I do think these characters, despite being juniors in high school, behave more on the younger side of YA. The pacing felt really stop and go, and while I liked the setting and writing style – hence the mid-tier rating – I hate the feeling like I just want the book to be done. I cared just enough to know how the plot resolves, but it's a bummer when the book's contents didn't live up to the premise.

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