caughtbetweenpages 's review for:

Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala

4.0

emotional fast-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: Yes

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I absolutely flew through this book. I love any book where it's clear that the author either has a tremendous passion for a topic central to the plot, or has done research on that topic to the point of falling in love with it. Ryan La Sala is either a cosplay extraordinaire (I already know he's got Internet Presence superpowers between podcasting and TikTok etc.) or should become one given the degree to which that passion is key and cornerstone to not only the plot development of this story but the various character interrelationships as well. Raffy is a protagonist of mine own heart: self-assured on the surface but deeply seeking approval from those who can tell him Hey You're Good At This Thing You Do, so ambitious you could cut yourself on it if you're not careful (and a lot of folks around him do), and so myopic that other things can't help but fall apart when he gets in the zone, allowing shenanigans to ensue. Luca is a fantastic balance to him, though the pair really is at their best when they're not only working together but allowing and encouraging each other to play to their strengths in service of The Team that is them. The dual storylines converging at the end did a great job of developing their relationship gradually and making the various moments of emotional catharsis (and the conflicts/blow ups throughout) feel earned, and helped slow down/pace out what could've been a too-breakneck sequence of events, given that the cosplay contest in the "present day" storyline happened so quickly. I'm also a huge fan of Luca getting to be the one who chose when and how he came out, because any story with outing or in which being not-out is presented as a Personal Cruelty the not-out partner is doing to spite their out partner doesn't sit well for me. I don't know that I loved how quickly and on-a-dime Raffy's mom went from absent and neglectful and dismissive of his passions to being, like, actually pretty solid as a parent, but I'd honestly rather not have that be a loose thread in a standalone YA story. Let queer kids be loved by their parents please and thank you.