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A review by evarano
This May End Badly by Samantha Markum
2.0
2.5
I struggle with this book. There were elements I liked, then aspects that I just didn't understand. At its core, this book was doing wayyyy too much. There were too many characters, I could barely keep track of everyone, not enough backstory, a slightly unlikeable main character, a SA storyline that doesn't come into play until the very end of the story, the "war" between the two schools, the pranks, the fake relationship, the rivalry with Three, grades, friendships, college applications, history with divorce and bullying, anger management and probably more. It's just straight up too much. I just want to know why Three was named Three. I feel like if this book focused more on only a couple of these aspects it would've been more enjoyable and successful. Doe is not very likeable, she's obsessive about things that don't add up (I understand her anger, however in my opinion, her feelings and personal opinions do not justify her actions). I found it odd that she was so consumed with this "war" when she's a Senior who's leaving the school. She lied to her friends constantly and was self-centred and hypocritical. I did like that at the end she went on a personal journey of growth and did change her opinions. I also enjoyed reading about her relationship with Wells. It was lovely, he's lovely and I wish there was more of that, it was a bit too much of a slow burn. I appreciate the diverse cast of characters and I did enjoy the world created by the author. I almost wish this was highly edited but kept with the same spirit of the story. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review.
I struggle with this book. There were elements I liked, then aspects that I just didn't understand. At its core, this book was doing wayyyy too much. There were too many characters, I could barely keep track of everyone, not enough backstory, a slightly unlikeable main character, a SA storyline that doesn't come into play until the very end of the story, the "war" between the two schools, the pranks, the fake relationship, the rivalry with Three, grades, friendships, college applications, history with divorce and bullying, anger management and probably more. It's just straight up too much. I just want to know why Three was named Three. I feel like if this book focused more on only a couple of these aspects it would've been more enjoyable and successful. Doe is not very likeable, she's obsessive about things that don't add up (I understand her anger, however in my opinion, her feelings and personal opinions do not justify her actions). I found it odd that she was so consumed with this "war" when she's a Senior who's leaving the school. She lied to her friends constantly and was self-centred and hypocritical. I did like that at the end she went on a personal journey of growth and did change her opinions. I also enjoyed reading about her relationship with Wells. It was lovely, he's lovely and I wish there was more of that, it was a bit too much of a slow burn. I appreciate the diverse cast of characters and I did enjoy the world created by the author. I almost wish this was highly edited but kept with the same spirit of the story. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review.