chemistryreads 's review for:

The Favorites by Layne Fargo

5.0

inspiring medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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This was a book that had me staying up until 2 AM on the day. I started it because I just could not put it down. I loved the formatting of the book where it is basically Kat’s story with various interviews sprinkled in between. (Daisy Jones and the Six reminiscent) I loved the setting of the book in the ice dancing world, and how there were so many complexities in the novel, but it didn’t feel like too much. This felt incredibly realistic, but also managed to capture the grittiness and perseverance that it takes to be competing on a national stage for any given sport. There were moments when I loved certain characters, but throughout their entire journey, there would be times when I didn’t like them either. The author is so incredibly gifted in how well she keeps the story alive for so many years without it ever feeling cheesy or forced. I genuinely didn’t know where each of these characters was going to end up and even at the ending, it wasn’t fully what I expected. That alone made the novel incredible. I am someone who tends to read more romance, and I would categorize this more as general fiction with romance on the side. I truly loved this book and the tension and relationships and twists that happened all throughout. There isn’t a single thing I would change. Absolute perfection. 5⭐️, 1.5🌶