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sauvageloup's reviews
526 reviews
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
An engaging fantasy read with good writing and pacing.
pros:
- what set it apart the most I think was the Nigerian cultural influences, and how Yoruba and the gods made the magic and the worldbuilding different and interesting. There was hints of a larger world which was interesting, but it made a great change to be set in fantasy Africa.
- the writing was solid, imaginative and emotional and the dialogue was good. I didnt enormously connect to the characters, but I did like them and appreciated their complexities and back stories.
- I did like the romance between Tzain and Amari, that felt more natural, and I liked Amari's character and how she develops.
- I also liked that magic was shown through hair (as well as the usual eyes), which I think emphasised the importance of hair in Black peoples culture and how they have been the subject of racism and oppression because of it.
- Adeyemi draws attention to the parallels between the oppressive tyrant in the book and the police brutality in real life and I did feel that resonance in the book.
cons:
- throughout, I felt it very strongly had the YA revolution, fantasy, romance tropes going on. maybe it was fresher at the time, but the romance felt shoved in there for extra drama (esp between Zelie and Inan, Amari and Tzain's felt more natural), and I did roll my eyes a little at some of the plot points (getting a "quest" for a magic stone and scroll, the bad guy flicking back and forth in alliances, Zelie randomly losing her magic for maximum effect, magic being lost to the realm, having to do a ritual on one special day, dead parents fuelling all motivation, etc.). other things were tropes, like everyone being badass with a weapon and them riding giant beasts, but those were more fun.
- also, character motivations felt weird. why did Inan fluctuate so much in his loyalties? I couldnt rly understand that. Zelie too made some odd decisions which seemed to just serve the plot.
- the last line also confused me, not sure if it was meant to or not? clearly magic wasnt lost but why was it so shocking that Amari had magic.
overall, a bit mixed, maybe just because it was written nearly 10 years ago now so didnt feel as fresh. still want to read the 2nd one.
pros:
- what set it apart the most I think was the Nigerian cultural influences, and how Yoruba and the gods made the magic and the worldbuilding different and interesting. There was hints of a larger world which was interesting, but it made a great change to be set in fantasy Africa.
- the writing was solid, imaginative and emotional and the dialogue was good. I didnt enormously connect to the characters, but I did like them and appreciated their complexities and back stories.
- I did like the romance between Tzain and Amari, that felt more natural, and I liked Amari's character and how she develops.
- I also liked that magic was shown through hair (as well as the usual eyes), which I think emphasised the importance of hair in Black peoples culture and how they have been the subject of racism and oppression because of it.
- Adeyemi draws attention to the parallels between the oppressive tyrant in the book and the police brutality in real life and I did feel that resonance in the book.
cons:
- throughout, I felt it very strongly had the YA revolution, fantasy, romance tropes going on. maybe it was fresher at the time, but
- also, character motivations felt weird. why did Inan fluctuate so much in his loyalties? I couldnt rly understand that. Zelie too made some odd decisions which seemed to just serve the plot.
- the last line also confused me, not sure if it was meant to or not? clearly magic wasnt lost but why was it so shocking that Amari had magic.
overall, a bit mixed, maybe just because it was written nearly 10 years ago now so didnt feel as fresh. still want to read the 2nd one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Genocide, Gore, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Maybe the star rating is harsh but I found this so misogynistic and Antony's actions completely loathsome in places.
pros:
- Quinn does write with aplomb, the book rolls along and meets the romance and emotional beats, with Antony and Kate's personal fears and baggage being dealt with.
- and she is creative in assigning their reasons for not getting together/being in love/past traumas, it's not the usual love triangle or a misunderstanding they could just talk through, they do have deep seated reasons to hold back.
- we saw a bit more of side characters, in Edwina and Mary, but not much.
cons:
- my main issue is Antony's actions and how the story validates them. He refuses Kate her 'reprieve' when she's terrified of having sex for the first time and is so beastly in his "desire" for her that he's basically willing to rape her. Rape fantasy is common, but it's the way this is set in an otherwise cutesy and romantic story, as if pushing a scared virgin woman, who he has total power over as her husband (which he reminds her of with the "marriage debt"!!), is a normal and okay thing to do. Its gross.
- Kate is also supposed to be this spunky, defiant woman who defends her sister and stands up for herself, but she's often quiet and 'hesitant' around Antony, because he's a brute with anger issues. I couldnt stand him, and Kate's inner narrative basically blames herself for whatever he does, which was uncomfortable.
- also the narrative repeatedly says how 'good and kind and strong' he is (hes not) and how she brings out the best in him. where does he bring out the best in her? why does she have to "improve" and fix him of his anger issues whereas her only issue is believing she's not pretty.
- the spice scenes feel pretty bland and flowery.
- unlike the show, the cast of characters is very restricted, which brings it down.
overall, Antony's actions made him thoroughly unlikeable and, like the first book, the author waves it away as romantic because the characters cant act with respect as they're so driven by love that they cant think straight or ask consent, apparently. anyway, I wont be reading any more Bridgerton books.
pros:
- Quinn does write with aplomb, the book rolls along and meets the romance and emotional beats, with Antony and Kate's personal fears and baggage being dealt with.
- and she is creative in assigning their reasons for not getting together/being in love/past traumas, it's not the usual love triangle or a misunderstanding they could just talk through, they do have deep seated reasons to hold back.
- we saw a bit more of side characters, in Edwina and Mary, but not much.
cons:
- my main issue is Antony's actions and how the story validates them.
- Kate is also supposed to be this spunky, defiant woman who defends her sister and stands up for herself, but she's often quiet and 'hesitant' around Antony, because he's a brute with anger issues. I couldnt stand him, and Kate's inner narrative basically blames herself for whatever he does, which was uncomfortable.
- also the narrative repeatedly says how 'good and kind and strong' he is (hes not) and how she brings out the best in him. where does he bring out the best in her? why does she have to "improve" and fix him of his anger issues whereas her only issue is believing she's not pretty.
- the spice scenes feel pretty bland and flowery.
- unlike the show, the cast of characters is very restricted, which brings it down.
overall, Antony's actions made him thoroughly unlikeable and, like the first book, the author waves it away as romantic because the characters cant act with respect as they're so driven by love that they cant think straight or ask consent, apparently. anyway, I wont be reading any more Bridgerton books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Chronic illness and Death
car accident is a carriage accident.
Close to Home by Michael Magee
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I just didn't vibe with it, unfortunately.
pros:
- it did pick up at the end, in the last third or so when Sean finally got his life together a bit, and that was satisfying.
- the writing is good, straight forward but creative at times.
- I did feel for Sean.
- it was a different sort of read anyway.
cons:
- it just felt like being on groundhog day for like the whole first half. Sean does the exact same thing of getting drunk and off his head with his mates over and over, and it was just sad and frustrating and boring.
- it felt like a lack of plot to me too, too much aimlessness. I get that that's the character but it was becoming unreadable to me.
so i didn't click with it, though I guess im glad I stuck it out as the bit at the end was the best and it was good to see Sean get himself together.
pros:
- it did pick up at the end, in the last third or so when Sean finally got his life together a bit, and that was satisfying.
- the writing is good, straight forward but creative at times.
- I did feel for Sean.
- it was a different sort of read anyway.
cons:
- it just felt like being on groundhog day for like the whole first half. Sean does the exact same thing of getting drunk and off his head with his mates over and over, and it was just sad and frustrating and boring.
- it felt like a lack of plot to me too, too much aimlessness. I get that that's the character but it was becoming unreadable to me.
so i didn't click with it, though I guess im glad I stuck it out as the bit at the end was the best and it was good to see Sean get himself together.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Blood, Stalking, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Pedophilia, Sexual violence, Grief, and War
Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-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
3.5
A nice, chill, solid read that wasn't groundbreaking but a relaxing ride.
pros:
- sweet characters with individual personalities and a cute relationship.
- I did enjoy the worldbuilding, with the different cultures/religions, magic, landscapes, dragons and so forth.
- I liked the nice cozy tropes in there, plus the periods of angst and danger that spice it up.
- I enjoyed the vivid imagery of the magical plants, books and tea.
- also the storylines with the griffins were delightful.
cons:
- I thought their backgrounds were pretty flat and under developed. no real friends at all for either of them? no living family at all? they seemed a bit unrealistically isolated for 2 grown women even with the in story explanations.
- though she did get magic drain, kianthe seemed pretty unrealistically powerful.
- I would have liked a bit more exploration of the worldbuilding, like with the dragons magic, what exactly the Stone is, what normal magic is like for other mages, and about the different types of magic.
- I thought the talk with the queen/solution was a bit anticlimactic.
- the pacing also felt a bit off throughout, with the high drama bits like the dragons happening rather randomly and Kiathe just whipping out massive magic in the middle of the book should have been nearer the climatic end.
- of course it depends what you're after but I thought it a shame we didn't even get a fade to black romance scene between them. it wasnt really even implied which is fine but I thought there might be more than kissing so felt a bit let down that there wasn't, I guess!
but overall, a sweet, easy and fun read.
pros:
- sweet characters with individual personalities and a cute relationship.
- I did enjoy the worldbuilding, with the different cultures/religions, magic, landscapes, dragons and so forth.
- I liked the nice cozy tropes in there, plus the periods of angst and danger that spice it up.
- I enjoyed the vivid imagery of the magical plants, books and tea.
- also the storylines with the griffins were delightful.
cons:
- I thought their backgrounds were pretty flat and under developed. no real friends at all for either of them? no living family at all? they seemed a bit unrealistically isolated for 2 grown women even with the in story explanations.
- though she did get magic drain, kianthe seemed pretty unrealistically powerful.
- I would have liked a bit more exploration of the worldbuilding, like with the dragons magic, what exactly the Stone is, what normal magic is like for other mages, and about the different types of magic.
- I thought the talk with the queen/solution was a bit anticlimactic.
- the pacing also felt a bit off throughout, with the high drama bits like the dragons happening rather randomly and Kiathe just whipping out massive magic in the middle of the book should have been nearer the climatic end.
- of course it depends what you're after but I thought it a shame we didn't even get a fade to black romance scene between them. it wasnt really even implied which is fine but I thought there might be more than kissing so felt a bit let down that there wasn't, I guess!
but overall, a sweet, easy and fun read.
The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I won't put a star rating as i don't really want to make J.K.'s book look good. But a compelling if somewhat slow read.
pros:
- the cult setting was extremely well done, very frightening and sinister and the traumatic effect on Robin and the others was obvious in their reactions. It definitely made you think about the horrors of cults.
- sadly J.K. is a talented writer and the pacing and characters are very good, with the complicated plot coming together and the characters growing throughout, to a degree.
cons
- the plot did feel too complicated towards the end as I struggled to keep straight who certain people were, including Graves and Abigail and some others. Would probably reward a reread.
- Strike was a bit annoying in this book, as he seemed naive/careless about the torment Robin went through (which though well addressed as it was happening and immediately after, seemed to be forgotten as the plot came together at the end), his jealousy towards Murphy is tiring, and his lack of action towards Robin gets frustrating.
- J.K. is clearly also making a point about how the law hesitates to go against people for PC reasons and overly tip toeing around sensitive issues, like religious freedom and people living differently. Strike snidely says 'live and let live' to criticise the cult. I think she is doing a subtle dig here towards trans people and their rights.
but overall another compelling Robin and Strike novel, probably the one that gripped me most so far with the scary cult plot.
pros:
- the cult setting was extremely well done, very frightening and sinister and the traumatic effect on Robin and the others was obvious in their reactions. It definitely made you think about the horrors of cults.
- sadly J.K. is a talented writer and the pacing and characters are very good, with the complicated plot coming together and the characters growing throughout, to a degree.
cons
- the plot did feel too complicated towards the end as I struggled to keep straight who certain people were, including Graves and Abigail and some others. Would probably reward a reread.
- Strike was a bit annoying in this book, as he seemed naive/careless about the torment Robin went through (which though well addressed as it was happening and immediately after, seemed to be forgotten as the plot came together at the end), his jealousy towards Murphy is tiring, and his lack of action towards Robin gets frustrating.
- J.K. is clearly also making a point about how the law hesitates to go against people for PC reasons and overly tip toeing around sensitive issues, like religious freedom and people living differently. Strike snidely says 'live and let live' to criticise the cult. I think she is doing a subtle dig here towards trans people and their rights.
but overall another compelling Robin and Strike novel, probably the one that gripped me most so far with the scary cult plot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Gore, Gun violence, Homophobia, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Stalking, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Murder, Pregnancy, Lesbophobia, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Cancer, Drug abuse, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Forced institutionalization, and Alcohol
All the content warnings here, very dark.
The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A solid, pretty gripping read
pros:
- it flows along really well, and the story progresses nicely. there was more chemistry than the show with her feelings being described, and I liked how the brothers were more involved with trying to protect her.
- violet also shines as a great character, except for when she wont tell daphne about sex.
- I did like that the couple had real issues, and it wasnt just that they needed to have one conversation, but did need real resolution(which could have happened without the rape scene...)
cons:
- unfortunately, as in the show, Daphne rapes Simon, though it's not called that or even really acknowledged in the book. but since she starts touching him when he's asleep, and then deliberately prevents him from pulling away/stopping when he finishes when he tries to, in order to get the child she wants and he doesn't (to the point that he was willing to die earlier in the book), its abhorrent. he's more upset that he stammers afterwards than her actions, but I completely hated her after that, and she doesn't even feel regret.
- the book does also completely focus on the pairing, daphne doesnt have friends involved and there's no bigger cast really at all (such as eloise, Penelope, the queen, etc. in the show).
- also, the descriptions weren't especially vivid beyond the characters and I couldnt visualise much.
- also the blatant fatphobia against Penelope is gross, but I knew to expect that.
overall, pretty well written and compelling, just shame about the lack of morality/issues not being dealt with in the narrative.
pros:
- it flows along really well, and the story progresses nicely. there was more chemistry than the show with her feelings being described, and I liked how the brothers were more involved with trying to protect her.
- violet also shines as a great character, except for when she wont tell daphne about sex.
- I did like that the couple had real issues, and it wasnt just that they needed to have one conversation, but did need real resolution
cons:
- the book does also completely focus on the pairing, daphne doesnt have friends involved and there's no bigger cast really at all (such as eloise, Penelope, the queen, etc. in the show).
- also, the descriptions weren't especially vivid beyond the characters and I couldnt visualise much.
- also the blatant fatphobia against Penelope is gross, but I knew to expect that.
overall, pretty well written and compelling, just shame about the lack of morality/issues not being dealt with in the narrative.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Violence
Moderate: Fatphobia
Minor: Pregnancy
Ending the Pursuit: Asexuality, Aromanticism and Agender Identity by Michael Paramo
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
3.75
An interesting and informative book, pretty dense at times.
pros:
- there were definitely parts that were new and interesting to me. I was especially interesting in aromantism as I feel I understand that the least, in comparison to someone being agender or asexual, and the chapter that focused on it was interesting.
- overall, the addition of poetry was interesting.
- I liked the discussion of splitting attraction into romantic, aesthetic, platonic, sexual, sensual, emotional and intellectual. I related a lot to sensual attraction and the "cade studies" they gave.
- the exploration of the colonial impact on society and queerness was especially interesting in regards to the victorians and indigenous peoples, as I knew very little around that topic.
- I also enjoyed the exploration of the patriarchy's influence throughout, on men and women, and the suffering women especially have gone through under it.
cons:
- very dense at times, with some terms not being explained. definitely written as an academic book for people who already have a baseline layer of understanding.
- that being said, I felt a lot of the start of the book was nothing very new, though Paramo does bring it all together very nicely.
- the poetry was perhaps a little overused at times.
- I also thought there was more focus on agenderism and asexuality than aromanticism, but that may be just my perception.
overall, an informative and well written book that was just a bit difficult at times.
pg.52 - 'we may consider how splitting attraction can inspire us toward creating interconnected futures in the s p a c e s that such an act creates.'
pros:
- there were definitely parts that were new and interesting to me. I was especially interesting in aromantism as I feel I understand that the least, in comparison to someone being agender or asexual, and the chapter that focused on it was interesting.
- overall, the addition of poetry was interesting.
- I liked the discussion of splitting attraction into romantic, aesthetic, platonic, sexual, sensual, emotional and intellectual. I related a lot to sensual attraction and the "cade studies" they gave.
- the exploration of the colonial impact on society and queerness was especially interesting in regards to the victorians and indigenous peoples, as I knew very little around that topic.
- I also enjoyed the exploration of the patriarchy's influence throughout, on men and women, and the suffering women especially have gone through under it.
cons:
- very dense at times, with some terms not being explained. definitely written as an academic book for people who already have a baseline layer of understanding.
- that being said, I felt a lot of the start of the book was nothing very new, though Paramo does bring it all together very nicely.
- the poetry was perhaps a little overused at times.
- I also thought there was more focus on agenderism and asexuality than aromanticism, but that may be just my perception.
overall, an informative and well written book that was just a bit difficult at times.
pg.52 - 'we may consider how splitting attraction can inspire us toward creating interconnected futures in the s p a c e s that such an act creates.'
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Homophobia, Xenophobia, Lesbophobia, and Colonisation
Moderate: Rape, Sexual violence, and Violence
Night Terrors: Troubled Sleep and the Stories We Tell About It by Alice Vernon
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
very interesting and engaging. never knew some of the names for things I'd experienced.
Wavewalker: Breaking Free by Suzanne Heywood
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
a very gripping and emotional autobiography
pros:
- the book covers a large period of time very smoothly, dealing with a lot of very difficult topics and still finding humour in places. I was rooting for Heywood all the way through.
- she charts her changing relationship with the journey, her parents, and the sea very adeptly, and it made me pretty emotional at times. she shows such incredible strength with her drive to get herself out of this situation she is essentially trapped in, dealing with emotional abuse, neglect, confinement, forced work, abandonment, poverty, near death encounters, loneliness, and depression.
- but she deals with all of these awful things so practically and straight forwardly that it almost doesnt immediately register how awful it is. the time when she was stuck alone in Auckland was the hardest part to read, with how incredibly down she gets amidst impossible circumstances (and absolutely no support from her brother either), and yet still pulls through.
- the writing was easy to read, highly evocative and very compelling. the pictures also really added to the story and imagery.
- I also liked that she tried to track down Wavewalker later in life.
cons:
- not really a con, but I just honestly couldn't believe that she had continued a decent relationship with her pretty terrible parents until she decided to write the book. I guess it was very hard to deal with what they had done.
in all, a very compelling and moving autobiography about a very unique and difficult childhood and teen years that I will definitely not forget any time soon.
pros:
- the book covers a large period of time very smoothly, dealing with a lot of very difficult topics and still finding humour in places. I was rooting for Heywood all the way through.
- she charts her changing relationship with the journey, her parents, and the sea very adeptly, and it made me pretty emotional at times. she shows such incredible strength with her drive to get herself out of this situation she is essentially trapped in, dealing with emotional abuse, neglect, confinement, forced work, abandonment, poverty, near death encounters, loneliness, and depression.
- but she deals with all of these awful things so practically and straight forwardly that it almost doesnt immediately register how awful it is. the time when she was stuck alone in Auckland was the hardest part to read, with how incredibly down she gets amidst impossible circumstances (and absolutely no support from her brother either), and yet still pulls through.
- the writing was easy to read, highly evocative and very compelling. the pictures also really added to the story and imagery.
- I also liked that she tried to track down Wavewalker later in life.
cons:
- not really a con, but I just honestly couldn't believe that she had continued a decent relationship with her pretty terrible parents until she decided to write the book. I guess it was very hard to deal with what they had done.
in all, a very compelling and moving autobiography about a very unique and difficult childhood and teen years that I will definitely not forget any time soon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Blood, Medical content, Medical trauma, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Chronic illness, Cursing, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Violence, and Alcohol
The Wake-Up Call by Beth O'Leary
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
a really fun rom com frolic
pros:
- I liked how there were aspects of both characters that weren't immediately obvious and the other had to learn, and that they both tried harder to be kinder and less snappy, respectively.
- I liked that Lucas fell first and it made sense since izzy had, she believed, been so hurt by him.
- it was funny and angsty, I definitely felt for especially Lucas when he was trying so hard and it wasnt paying off.
- the writing is really gripping and the book just rolls along so well, I read it very fast.
cons:
- they did talk it out but I liked less how Lucas had to sort of seduce her without scaring her off because she couldnt face her own feelings. I felt he should have backed off or been honest, rather than, bevolently, manipulating her.
- I would have also enjoyed a bit more detail on side characters, like Mandy, Ollie, Arjun, Mrs B and Barty, etc. they're all nice but not given much detail. we do get a bit on the Hedgers and Mr Townsend, and a little on Izzy's friends so maybe I'm asking a bit much!
- I also thought the end was a little too good to be true, considering a flood in guest bookings is great, but the hotel was in such dire financial straights that they wouldnt have the cash flow. I suppose with the obvious interest, though, they could get an investor.
overall, a really fun rollicking book that I thoroughly got caught up in. and also called me single in about 300 languages.
pros:
- I liked how there were aspects of both characters that weren't immediately obvious and the other had to learn, and that they both tried harder to be kinder and less snappy, respectively.
- it was funny and angsty, I definitely felt for especially Lucas when he was trying so hard and it wasnt paying off.
- the writing is really gripping and the book just rolls along so well, I read it very fast.
cons:
- I would have also enjoyed a bit more detail on side characters, like Mandy, Ollie, Arjun, Mrs B and Barty, etc. they're all nice but not given much detail. we do get a bit on the Hedgers and Mr Townsend, and a little on Izzy's friends so maybe I'm asking a bit much!
overall, a really fun rollicking book that I thoroughly got caught up in. and also called me single in about 300 languages.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, and Pandemic/Epidemic