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A review by tankytoon
After Felix by Lily Morton
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
What can I say about this book from one of my favorite authors? I would say probably that I expected more since I enjoyed the first two installments of this trilogy. Not to say, that this third book is bad. It's actually decent, but I wasn't as impressed, perhaps because of the way it started out weak.
Felix and Max casually meeting at a bookstore is less of a meet-cute, than a meet-shag, with both diving in to the bed with no strings attached. The banter is sassy but not as stinging, and probably due to the shadow named Ivo lurking in the background of Max's brain. When sober, Max is actually quite an interesting dude; while Felix is a unicorn in his own right. But both failed to keep emotions out of the equation that landed them both in situations that they didn't quite expect.
I have some misgivings though in how the misunderstanding between Felix and Max played out, mainly facilitated by the twat Patrick who nudged Felix towards the conversation that Max had with Zeb during Ivo's wedding to Henry. It is here where I have a bone to pick with Zeb, being both the catalyst for Max's realization of his true feelings for his best friend, and for Felix's interpretation of Max's heartfelt, albeit drunken, confession. Why would Zeb insist that Max should not string Felix along, when later Zeb would tell Max that it wasn't love but loyalty that he felt for Ivo? So which is it Zeb? Why didn't you ask Max about his feelings for Felix then? Maybe it would not have turned out the way it did, with Felix and Max being separated for almost three years? I know Zeb was probably trying to be the good friend here, which I'm not saying he isn't, but what fueled you to be so blatant with Max, when he didn't even budge in your business with Jesse?
Despite my reservation about Zeb's interference, the second half of the book was infinitely better than the first half. I enjoyed the trademark wit and humor by Lily Morton, infused in the pages. I loved how Max had to work hard for Felix's attention, despite some being dubious as it cannot be done without throwing some money about. It was funny how all these random people showed up, dropping hints about Max's true feelings to an oblivious Felix. If I were Felix, I would not know whether to be jealous or flattered.
I may be in the minority where I liked this last installment the least, but it doesn't deter my opinion that this series is such a delightful journey, where love is possible in unlikely places if you look hard enough.
Felix and Max casually meeting at a bookstore is less of a meet-cute, than a meet-shag, with both diving in to the bed with no strings attached. The banter is sassy but not as stinging, and probably due to the shadow named Ivo lurking in the background of Max's brain. When sober, Max is actually quite an interesting dude; while Felix is a unicorn in his own right. But both failed to keep emotions out of the equation that landed them both in situations that they didn't quite expect.
I have some misgivings though in how the misunderstanding between Felix and Max played out, mainly facilitated by the twat Patrick who nudged Felix towards the conversation that Max had with Zeb during Ivo's wedding to Henry. It is here where I have a bone to pick with Zeb, being both the catalyst for Max's realization of his true feelings for his best friend, and for Felix's interpretation of Max's heartfelt, albeit drunken, confession.
Despite my reservation about Zeb's interference, the second half of the book was infinitely better than the first half. I enjoyed the trademark wit and humor by Lily Morton, infused in the pages. I loved how Max had to work hard for Felix's attention, despite some being dubious as it cannot be done without throwing some money about. It was funny how all these random people showed up, dropping hints about Max's true feelings to an oblivious Felix. If I were Felix, I would not know whether to be jealous or flattered.
I may be in the minority where I liked this last installment the least, but it doesn't deter my opinion that this series is such a delightful journey, where love is possible in unlikely places if you look hard enough.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Minor: Injury/Injury detail