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A review by crystalcollectsbooks
The Rival by Emma Lord
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I am left completely enamoured by another Emma Lord book. I just can’t get enough of her YA romance. I’m really in between the 4-5 stars on this one.
The academic backdrop behind Sam and Sadie, two long time frenemies and rivals, lends itself well to the competitive nature behind the two main characters. Their desires to outdo each other actually does make them strive to be better.
Sadie constantly tempered her personality to mediate the insane chaos of her family. Being away for college is exactly what she needed. We watch her organically become the person she kept hidden away. Sam is under pressure of following in his father’s footsteps, being the only child. Sam and Sadie have know each other all their lives and went from childhood friends to rivals. The rivalry continues in this book and as can be expected from Emma, the banter delivers. I really enjoyed spending time with both characters, but they are not the only ones wow grow to care for. The reader becomes rather committed to both the family left behind and the college found family.
The pacing of the novel was excellent and the major plot line realistic and well executed - budgeting at any level leaves people behind and they won’t go quietly and we get to join in for the ride. Go student activists!
My only complaint with the book, is that I was left wanting way more of Sam. There was some of his character that we get through Sadie, but I feel like I could have gotten even more out of it, if only I could have been in his head. That being said, while being able to see inside Sam’s head would have been fun, the story is still fun.
I recommend this book to all Emma Lord fans out there, to everyone that enjoys a fun rivals-to-lovers romance, and other adventures in an academic setting.
Many thanks to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for a digital copy of the book. The opinions expressed are honestly and my own.
The academic backdrop behind Sam and Sadie, two long time frenemies and rivals, lends itself well to the competitive nature behind the two main characters. Their desires to outdo each other actually does make them strive to be better.
Sadie constantly tempered her personality to mediate the insane chaos of her family. Being away for college is exactly what she needed. We watch her organically become the person she kept hidden away. Sam is under pressure of following in his father’s footsteps, being the only child. Sam and Sadie have know each other all their lives and went from childhood friends to rivals. The rivalry continues in this book and as can be expected from Emma, the banter delivers. I really enjoyed spending time with both characters, but they are not the only ones wow grow to care for. The reader becomes rather committed to both the family left behind and the college found family.
The pacing of the novel was excellent and the major plot line realistic and well executed - budgeting at any level leaves people behind and they won’t go quietly and we get to join in for the ride. Go student activists!
My only complaint with the book, is that I was left wanting way more of Sam. There was some of his character that we get through Sadie, but I feel like I could have gotten even more out of it, if only I could have been in his head. That being said, while being able to see inside Sam’s head would have been fun, the story is still fun.
I recommend this book to all Emma Lord fans out there, to everyone that enjoys a fun rivals-to-lovers romance, and other adventures in an academic setting.
Many thanks to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for a digital copy of the book. The opinions expressed are honestly and my own.