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yvon's reviews
95 reviews
Earth to Alis by Lex Carlow
5.0
Earth to everyone who hasn't read this book yet, HELLO??
Applying for an ARC was the best decision I ever made, I'm so glad I found this book, it's like a mine of gold, and right from the beginning I'll say: I HIGHLY recommend it (check TWs first). Onto the details:
1. The writing and structure.
SO immersive, I never had an easier time visualizing scenes, characters, environment etc. in a book. It felt like a movie, and for a contemporary book, there's a lot going on, yet no part of it is rushed. Being 400 pages I was worried the story would drag. It did not. The ending of a chapter didn't make me feel like a "finally i can take a break now" and more of a "hell nah, I gotta keep reading". Despite the cliffhangery chapters, the ending was beautiful and satisfying. The story is split in 5 parts based on the locations the Europe trip is following, and maybe i havent read enough books but I found that very unique.
2. Characters
The book is written in first person POV, so we see the world through the MC's eyes: Alis, an 18 y.o queer and alternative boy, troubled by traumas and bad experiences, and struggling with his mental health. Outside of my bias bcz i relate a terrifyingly lot to him, I think he's written exceptionally well. He feels real.
Craig??? He's ADORABLE and I love him (the sunshine to my grumpy <3)
Noor, Drew and Dakota complete the gang, they're all amazing.
And Mrs. Lachlan is the parental figure we all need in our lives.
3. Misc.
This is a pretty heavy book for YA, but all the humor and the comfort of found family kept my sadness for the most part at bay. Whether you're in for the slow-burn queer romance, the trauma/mental illness rep, or the school trip adventure through Europe, "Earth to Alis" should not disappoint.
I know this book will be in my top 3 favorites for a really long time. Definitely keeping an eye on Lex Carlow's future works.
Merged review:
Earth to everyone who hasn't read this book yet, HELLO??
Applying for an ARC was the best decision I ever made, I'm so glad I found this book, it's like a mine of gold, and right from the beginning I'll say: I HIGHLY recommend it (check TWs first). Onto the details:
1. The writing and structure.
SO immersive, I never had an easier time visualizing scenes, characters, environment etc. in a book. It felt like a movie, and for a contemporary book, there's a lot going on, yet no part of it is rushed. Being 400 pages I was worried the story would drag. It did not. The ending of a chapter didn't make me feel like a "finally i can take a break now" and more of a "hell nah, I gotta keep reading". Despite the cliffhangery chapters, the ending was beautiful and satisfying. The story is split in 5 parts based on the locations the Europe trip is following, and maybe i havent read enough books but I found that very unique.
2. Characters
The book is written in first person POV, so we see the world through the MC's eyes: Alis, an 18 y.o queer and alternative boy, troubled by traumas and bad experiences, and struggling with his mental health. Outside of my bias bcz i relate a terrifyingly lot to him, I think he's written exceptionally well. He feels real.
Craig??? He's ADORABLE and I love him (the sunshine to my grumpy <3)
Noor, Drew and Dakota complete the gang, they're all amazing.
And Mrs. Lachlan is the parental figure we all need in our lives.
3. Misc.
This is a pretty heavy book for YA, but all the humor and the comfort of found family kept my sadness for the most part at bay. Whether you're in for the slow-burn queer romance, the trauma/mental illness rep, or the school trip adventure through Europe, "Earth to Alis" should not disappoint.
I know this book will be in my top 3 favorites for a really long time. Definitely keeping an eye on Lex Carlow's future works.
Applying for an ARC was the best decision I ever made, I'm so glad I found this book, it's like a mine of gold, and right from the beginning I'll say: I HIGHLY recommend it (check TWs first). Onto the details:
1. The writing and structure.
SO immersive, I never had an easier time visualizing scenes, characters, environment etc. in a book. It felt like a movie, and for a contemporary book, there's a lot going on, yet no part of it is rushed. Being 400 pages I was worried the story would drag. It did not. The ending of a chapter didn't make me feel like a "finally i can take a break now" and more of a "hell nah, I gotta keep reading". Despite the cliffhangery chapters, the ending was beautiful and satisfying. The story is split in 5 parts based on the locations the Europe trip is following, and maybe i havent read enough books but I found that very unique.
2. Characters
The book is written in first person POV, so we see the world through the MC's eyes: Alis, an 18 y.o queer and alternative boy, troubled by traumas and bad experiences, and struggling with his mental health. Outside of my bias bcz i relate a terrifyingly lot to him, I think he's written exceptionally well. He feels real.
Craig??? He's ADORABLE and I love him (the sunshine to my grumpy <3)
Noor, Drew and Dakota complete the gang, they're all amazing.
And Mrs. Lachlan is the parental figure we all need in our lives.
3. Misc.
This is a pretty heavy book for YA, but all the humor and the comfort of found family kept my sadness for the most part at bay. Whether you're in for the slow-burn queer romance, the trauma/mental illness rep, or the school trip adventure through Europe, "Earth to Alis" should not disappoint.
I know this book will be in my top 3 favorites for a really long time. Definitely keeping an eye on Lex Carlow's future works.
Merged review:
Earth to everyone who hasn't read this book yet, HELLO??
Applying for an ARC was the best decision I ever made, I'm so glad I found this book, it's like a mine of gold, and right from the beginning I'll say: I HIGHLY recommend it (check TWs first). Onto the details:
1. The writing and structure.
SO immersive, I never had an easier time visualizing scenes, characters, environment etc. in a book. It felt like a movie, and for a contemporary book, there's a lot going on, yet no part of it is rushed. Being 400 pages I was worried the story would drag. It did not. The ending of a chapter didn't make me feel like a "finally i can take a break now" and more of a "hell nah, I gotta keep reading". Despite the cliffhangery chapters, the ending was beautiful and satisfying. The story is split in 5 parts based on the locations the Europe trip is following, and maybe i havent read enough books but I found that very unique.
2. Characters
The book is written in first person POV, so we see the world through the MC's eyes: Alis, an 18 y.o queer and alternative boy, troubled by traumas and bad experiences, and struggling with his mental health. Outside of my bias bcz i relate a terrifyingly lot to him, I think he's written exceptionally well. He feels real.
Craig??? He's ADORABLE and I love him (the sunshine to my grumpy <3)
Noor, Drew and Dakota complete the gang, they're all amazing.
And Mrs. Lachlan is the parental figure we all need in our lives.
3. Misc.
This is a pretty heavy book for YA, but all the humor and the comfort of found family kept my sadness for the most part at bay. Whether you're in for the slow-burn queer romance, the trauma/mental illness rep, or the school trip adventure through Europe, "Earth to Alis" should not disappoint.
I know this book will be in my top 3 favorites for a really long time. Definitely keeping an eye on Lex Carlow's future works.
Black Lagoon, Vol. 1 by Rei Hiroe
3.0
I really liked the characters and the action but 1. I think i wasnt in the mood for it, and that affected my enjoyment and 2. Pretty sure the anime is better, considering 80% of the manga is pewpew and kaboom which would look better on a screen
Black Lagoon, Vol. 2 by Rei Hiroe
3.0
Should've checked TWs... there's some child trafficking and the children were romanian, and so i didn't expect to be reminded of the ugly parts from home
My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 2 by Shinichi Fukuda
3.0
Idk why, but i found the second volume a bit boring, compared to the first one.
The cosplaying event was surface level. There were some things that piqued my interest, like wakano's grandpa and the new character, but overall im not as hyped anymore.
The cosplaying event was surface level. There were some things that piqued my interest, like wakano's grandpa and the new character, but overall im not as hyped anymore.
Princess Princess Ever After by K. O'Neill
5.0
This was SO adorable, it definitely uplifted my mood. I wish it was longer and the fatphobia was pretty strong for such a sweet little book, but overall i think its definitely worth a read
Chef's Kiss by Jarrett Melendez
5.0
4.5 stars
I loved everything about the story and the characters, it was humourous but also a bit difficult at times and i would definitely recommend this book. I just wish it was longer so we could see more of Ben and Liam's relationship
I loved everything about the story and the characters, it was humourous but also a bit difficult at times and i would definitely recommend this book. I just wish it was longer so we could see more of Ben and Liam's relationship
Komi Can't Communicate, Vol. 1 by Tomohito Oda
4.0
Unexpected ND and queer rep?
The FMC has social anxiety disorder and has a hard time talking to people face-to-face. A really hard time. However, with the right support, she manages to make small progress which helps her in achieving her goal: make 100 friends.
Tadano, the MMC, will be the one to help Komi in helping her all the way through her friend-making journey. #1
Najimi doesn't use labels but they are portrayed as a gender non-conforming/genderfluid very sociable and bold student. This is Komi's friend #2.
Agari also has some sort of social anxiety but she expresses herself outwardly, she's very hyper and loves to put Komi on a pedestal, considering herself her dog. #3
I really like how Komi is perceived like an "otherwordly god" by others, while in her POV shes just an ordinary girl who struggles with verbal communication.
I also noticed a cute detail: whenever Komi is feeling silly she's illustrated with cat ears and i love that.
Not a 5 stars bcz i feel like the pacing is a bit too slow for my taste, but i still recommend it
The FMC has social anxiety disorder and has a hard time talking to people face-to-face. A really hard time. However, with the right support, she manages to make small progress which helps her in achieving her goal: make 100 friends.
Tadano, the MMC, will be the one to help Komi in helping her all the way through her friend-making journey. #1
Najimi doesn't use labels but they are portrayed as a gender non-conforming/genderfluid very sociable and bold student. This is Komi's friend #2.
Agari also has some sort of social anxiety but she expresses herself outwardly, she's very hyper and loves to put Komi on a pedestal, considering herself her dog. #3
I really like how Komi is perceived like an "otherwordly god" by others, while in her POV shes just an ordinary girl who struggles with verbal communication.
I also noticed a cute detail: whenever Komi is feeling silly she's illustrated with cat ears and i love that.
Not a 5 stars bcz i feel like the pacing is a bit too slow for my taste, but i still recommend it
Komi Can't Communicate, Vol. 2 by Tomohito Oda
5.0
This volume, Komi got an obsessed sapphic admirer, Yamai.
Still, Najimi is carrying the story imo. It's getting more and more intriguing!!
Still, Najimi is carrying the story imo. It's getting more and more intriguing!!
Cheer Up! Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier, Val Wise
4.0
3.5 rounded up
For the most part, the plot was boring and it felt like i jumped from one scene to another too abruptly BUT the message of this book, the queer rep and the struggles were depicted well, it also talked about stereotypes and how important a supportive community is. And the ending was so sweet
For the most part, the plot was boring and it felt like i jumped from one scene to another too abruptly BUT the message of this book, the queer rep and the struggles were depicted well, it also talked about stereotypes and how important a supportive community is. And the ending was so sweet