A review by starshynebrite
This May End Badly by Samantha Markum

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

3.75

 
I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this book because from the beginning, I could just tell it was one of the classic high school stories about high school being the best time ever and not wanting to move on from it. Now, I didn’t factor that into my rating since that’s just because I’m old enough to not care about tit and therefore, I’m not the target audience. 
 
I do think, however, that the main character was flawed in a way that it was hard to deal with her at times even though I knew she was going to grow. It was so frustrating to read and while I appreciated her character growth, at times is was just excruciating. 
 
What really made the book fun for me was the fake dating aspect. I LOVED the relationship! I was so scared it was going to take a different route and become a love triangle and I’m so glad that it didn’t! The banter and tension between Wells and Doe was just absolutely iconic and what made me continue reading. 
 
I do respect the discussion about sexual harassment and the predatorily teacher, though there were moments where it felt like a really random plot point without reason and I’m glad that it had some importance near the end. 
 
While I didn’t really care about the pranks as much as I hoped, they were still interesting enough and I liked the forced proximity and all the things that came with fake dating that this plot allowed! 
 
I think the friends were really interesting and I’m glad that they actually disagreed with Doe when she was being frustrating! I don’t think I would have liked the book as much if no one was ever holding her accountable! 
 
I would recommend this if you like a bit of school rivalry and elaborate pranks, fake dating to get back at a common enemy, a flawed but extremely caring and passionate main character that makes a really good leader but has a hard time being a good friend, and some really REALLY fun tension! Like, Wells REALLY made some MOVES. 
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