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thefantasticalworldofsara's review
5.0
This book read like fan fiction in the BEST possible way and I AM STILL SMILING THINKING ABOUT IT. I don’t think I’ve ever used the word “romp” to describe anything before but for this book that word feels appropriate!!! A lot of hijinks ensue (and there’s a lot of almost more than kissing too) and I had SO MUCH FUN reading this book.
As a side note: for those who have problems reading about abuse, or extreme alcohol consumption/alcoholism this might not be the best book because it does talk about those topics on occasion throughout the book!
As a side note: for those who have problems reading about abuse, or extreme alcohol consumption/alcoholism this might not be the best book because it does talk about those topics on occasion throughout the book!
kivt's review
3.0
a fun and not especially intellectual read. if you would like a story about best friends in love having adventures and also they’re gay, it’s the book for you. the book does attempt to have more weight by including material about racism, sexism, homophobia, disability, and addiction. it even dips a little into class. but with a few exceptions these parts of the book were absolutely secondary to its main goal: a fast-paced action story with mysterious artifacts and plucky teens.
i deeply appreciate that this was one novel with lots of glossed over travel, rather than the trilogy it could have been with worse editing. i was left doubting a lot of the trio’s logistics, but entertained enough to not care.
the social justice aspect of the book was mostly fine, with only a couple jarring or obviously out of place bits. Lee’s strongest use of these themes is when she lets the characters explore the tensions in their relationships, rather than telling us about them.
i deeply appreciate that this was one novel with lots of glossed over travel, rather than the trilogy it could have been with worse editing. i was left doubting a lot of the trio’s logistics, but entertained enough to not care.
the social justice aspect of the book was mostly fine, with only a couple jarring or obviously out of place bits. Lee’s strongest use of these themes is when she lets the characters explore the tensions in their relationships, rather than telling us about them.
Spoiler
i liked Percy’s frustration with Monty over Monty’s desire to defend him, and how Felicity understood and tried to help explain. i also liked Percy and Felicity’s responses to Monty’s addiction before and after they understood its cause. but i would have liked to be shown more and told less, even in these examples.thesadcowboy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Chronic illness, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, and Homophobia
bazxi's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Classism, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Blood, and Misogyny
kmoz's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-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
4.5
This book had absolutely no right to be so cute. Also I wanted to strangle Monty for about half the book, that boy makes terrible choices.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Chronic illness, and Sexism
Minor: Slavery, Blood, and Gun violence
ashjreads's review
3.0
3.5/5
“We’re not courting trouble,” I say. “Flirting with it, at most.”
This book was good, honestly. It was funny, witty, and entertaining all while talking serious subject matter and discussing it. This touches on some serious stuff and probably needs some trigger warnings, so here they are!
Trigger Warnings: homophobia, epilepsy stereotypes relevant to the time period, racism and racial slurs, ableism, PTSD, alcoholism, parental abuse, mentions of suicidal thoughts.
Was a lot of it anachronistic (a new word I learned reading The Infernal Devices)? Maybe? I am not a professional of this time period. But honestly, I think it was intentional on the author's part as reading the Author's Note in the back made me realize this.
I don't have a lot to say on the portrayal of racism in this book as I am a white person. I am not sure if it's great tbh but... I will let other people speak on that. But I WILL say, I don't love how the epilepsy rep is handled. Monty really wants to "cure" Percy of his illness because it inconveniences him? Instead of just being there for him and supporting/loving him despite it? Even though Percy doesn't WANT a cure? Yoinks. Didn't love that... a little ableist if we are being honest. It also had a throwaway joke at the end regarding self harm that rubs me the wrong way considering the whole "Monty felt suicidal" discussion.
Did some digging and apparently this author has done some bad stuff... oopsies? Do we need to start screening book authors more closely before we pick them for bookclub?
Well overall, I enjoyed most of this book. Even if bits and pieces were rough.
Colin, we did it Joe! We picked a decent bookclub book!
“We’re not courting trouble,” I say. “Flirting with it, at most.”
This book was good, honestly. It was funny, witty, and entertaining all while talking serious subject matter and discussing it. This touches on some serious stuff and probably needs some trigger warnings, so here they are!
Trigger Warnings: homophobia, epilepsy stereotypes relevant to the time period, racism and racial slurs, ableism, PTSD, alcoholism, parental abuse, mentions of suicidal thoughts.
Was a lot of it anachronistic (a new word I learned reading The Infernal Devices)? Maybe? I am not a professional of this time period. But honestly, I think it was intentional on the author's part as reading the Author's Note in the back made me realize this.
I don't have a lot to say on the portrayal of racism in this book as I am a white person. I am not sure if it's great tbh but... I will let other people speak on that. But I WILL say, I don't love how the epilepsy rep is handled. Monty really wants to "cure" Percy of his illness because it inconveniences him? Instead of just being there for him and supporting/loving him despite it? Even though Percy doesn't WANT a cure? Yoinks. Didn't love that... a little ableist if we are being honest. It also had a throwaway joke at the end regarding self harm that rubs me the wrong way considering the whole "Monty felt suicidal" discussion.
Did some digging and apparently this author has done some bad stuff... oopsies? Do we need to start screening book authors more closely before we pick them for bookclub?
Well overall, I enjoyed most of this book. Even if bits and pieces were rough.
Colin, we did it Joe! We picked a decent bookclub book!
jesse67's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
yodamom's review
I quit at 50%. I never got interested the characters, or their story. The MC was selfish, immature, and the other characters weren't much better for me. Not the book for my taste.
madisonbrown's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
witty, charming, hilarious, and exciting. I LOVED this book! The characters were flawed but lovable and the plot was adventurous and interesting. The romance between Percy and Monty was a perfect compliment to the plot.