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A review by amanda_reads13
The Favorites by Layne Fargo
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The story follows Kat and Heath as they navigate the world of completive figure skating.
This book was addictive, toxic, and messy AF. I loved every minute of it! It was over the top with the dramatics and there was a whole lot of miscommunication (which I hate), but I couldn't put it down. Apparently the world of figure skating is cutthroat and completely ruthless. So much backstabbing and sabotage! Fargo explores topics such as childhood trauma, classism, toxic relationships, manipulation, lies and betrayal.
Really, this is a story about ambition, obsession, and love.
This book is written from Kat's point of view, but also through interviews done for a documentary. So we get the input of many different characters. I actually really like the way it was written, I thought it was quite unique. Also, I like that we got an outsider view of what Kat was telling us. I do really wish that we got Heath 's point of view at some point though.
Kat and Heath have been each other's person since they were kids. Their history runs deep and their connection and chemistry is palpable. There is nothing more important to Kat than winning an Olympic gold and nothing more important to Heath than Kat. Their relationship is a toxic rollercoaster and both characters are flawed to the point of being unlikable... Yet, you can't help but root for them. They love each other one moment and stab each other in the back the next, but always find their way back. You're going to want to reach through the book and smack them or strangle them many times.
Bella lived for the drama. She was Kat's "friend" all the while stabbing her in the back at every turn. Like Kat, she would do anything to win, but she went way too far.Whether it was partnering with Heath, injuring Kat, waging psychological warfare against Kat (showing her at Heath had been in Russia those 3 years right before they went on the ice!!), or literally hooking up with/having a BABY with Heath. How these three co-exist in the end is beyond me.
The only somewhat likable character was Garrett. Even at that, he kind of sucked. When it comes down to it, all 4 of them were just puppets in Shelia's (Garrett and Bella's mom) dream of an Olympic legacy. She was the worst of all of them.
Tropes: childhood friends to lovers to enemies to lovers, love triange, figure skating, scandal, turbulent past, toxic relationship, interview style
This book was addictive, toxic, and messy AF. I loved every minute of it! It was over the top with the dramatics and there was a whole lot of miscommunication (which I hate), but I couldn't put it down. Apparently the world of figure skating is cutthroat and completely ruthless. So much backstabbing and sabotage! Fargo explores topics such as childhood trauma, classism, toxic relationships, manipulation, lies and betrayal.
Really, this is a story about ambition, obsession, and love.
This book is written from Kat's point of view, but also through interviews done for a documentary. So we get the input of many different characters. I actually really like the way it was written, I thought it was quite unique. Also, I like that we got an outsider view of what Kat was telling us. I do really wish that we got Heath 's point of view at some point though.
Kat and Heath have been each other's person since they were kids. Their history runs deep and their connection and chemistry is palpable. There is nothing more important to Kat than winning an Olympic gold and nothing more important to Heath than Kat. Their relationship is a toxic rollercoaster and both characters are flawed to the point of being unlikable... Yet, you can't help but root for them. They love each other one moment and stab each other in the back the next, but always find their way back. You're going to want to reach through the book and smack them or strangle them many times.
Bella lived for the drama. She was Kat's "friend" all the while stabbing her in the back at every turn. Like Kat, she would do anything to win, but she went way too far.
The only somewhat likable character was Garrett. Even at that, he kind of sucked. When it comes down to it, all 4 of them were just puppets in Shelia's (Garrett and Bella's mom) dream of an Olympic legacy. She was the worst of all of them.
Tropes: childhood friends to lovers to enemies to lovers, love triange, figure skating, scandal, turbulent past, toxic relationship, interview style
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment
Moderate: Drug abuse