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A review by booksnapsandcatnaps
This May End Badly by Samantha Markum
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
So, I've had "This May End Badly" by Samantha Markum on my shelf for a while now, and I needed something light and cute to cleanse my palate. And let me tell you, it was just what I needed! It's like boarding school drama meets a fake dating adventure, and even though I'm outside the book's target demographic, this YA Contemporary still won me over with its well-developed characters and a refreshing take on sensitive issues like bullying, sexual assault, and dysfunctional family dynamics.
Now, let's talk about Wells. He's hands down one of the most swoon-worthy boys I've encountered in a while, and I don't think the fake dating scenario would've worked so well without his character. But initially, I was a bit puzzled by Doe's enthusiasm for the prank battles; it seemed a tad silly. Yet, as her character unfolded, it all clicked into place, and her growth had me feeling like a proud big sister.
Friendship steals the spotlight here. Doe's crew is tight-knit, unafraid to call each other out. United, they stand against Three and his crew, all working towards a common goal. It's a delightful exploration of bonds in both boys and girls.
The humor in the novel is a knockout – witty banter and laugh-out-loud moments had me in stitches. Even the parents added a delightful touch, being both funny and helpful. Now, for my minor gripe - the school issue with the teacher felt out of sync. It was a curveball in an otherwise seamless story, making me question its place. However, the resolution tied things up nicely, making it worthwhile.
Overall, it is a solid 4 out of 5 stars for me. "This May End Badly" was an unexpected delight, a realistically charming YA read that had me giggling so much. Totally worth it!
Now, let's talk about Wells. He's hands down one of the most swoon-worthy boys I've encountered in a while, and I don't think the fake dating scenario would've worked so well without his character. But initially, I was a bit puzzled by Doe's enthusiasm for the prank battles; it seemed a tad silly. Yet, as her character unfolded, it all clicked into place, and her growth had me feeling like a proud big sister.
Friendship steals the spotlight here. Doe's crew is tight-knit, unafraid to call each other out. United, they stand against Three and his crew, all working towards a common goal. It's a delightful exploration of bonds in both boys and girls.
The humor in the novel is a knockout – witty banter and laugh-out-loud moments had me in stitches. Even the parents added a delightful touch, being both funny and helpful. Now, for my minor gripe - the school issue with the teacher felt out of sync. It was a curveball in an otherwise seamless story, making me question its place. However, the resolution tied things up nicely, making it worthwhile.
Overall, it is a solid 4 out of 5 stars for me. "This May End Badly" was an unexpected delight, a realistically charming YA read that had me giggling so much. Totally worth it!