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roannasylver's review
5.0
Seraphin threw one last glance backward, at the fallen tree he'd once admired for its resilience. The pale gray bark had already grown darker from dirt. It seemed at peace, lying on the ground, half its twisted branches broken. Perhaps it deserved the rest. Perhaps everything would be okay, despite its fall. After all, Seraphin had learned to stay proud and stand on his own just in time. The tree’s legacy was another he’d be proud to carry on.
* * *
Yes, I'm quoting the entire last paragraph instead of my usual one-sentence header. Couldn't pick a single line, too much awesome in the whole thing (especially that ender).
You know who else is awesome? (Besides the obvious; talk to me for 5 seconds and you will hear my Opinions on Seraphin. They are many, and usually really emotional.) Alex. Alex is freaking awesome, a young NB character with they/them pronouns who seems pretty secure and confident in themself and their identity. Also I suspect aromanticism/possible asexuality. Which is also awesome. Their interactions with Seraphin are totally natural/organic/believable for teenagers/later young adults, as is their dynamic between Alex's identity-confidence (which probably took a while to gain) and Seraphin's less-sure self-exploration during a chaotic, harrowing time.
I'm not going to say many plot details - especially bc if you've read Viral Airwaves, you know that much of The White Renegade is a foregone conclusion/origin story to which we already know the outcome. And if you're reading this first, they're actual spoilers! And the whole story serves to set up VA really well; you could read them in any order (though having read VA first will probably hurt more/make everything more intense!).
So instead I'll just say... it's good. It's really good. It's a sometimes-brutal/bittersweet read, especially if you're already familiar with the characters/world. In all, The White Renegade is a super-effective blend of trauma vs. a sweet blooming friendship, a slow-then-all-at-once build of self-determination, and fire-forged drive of purpose. Sometimes revenge is singular, personal. Sometimes it's for the good of the many. Sometimes it's both.
Highly recommended for anyone who enjoyed Viral Airwaves and wants more (especially Seraphin, Stern, and the briefly-appearing Alex), or anyone considering the main book/wanting a short trial run before jumping in. Whether it's an introduction or a reunion, it'll be a memorable ride.
* * *
Yes, I'm quoting the entire last paragraph instead of my usual one-sentence header. Couldn't pick a single line, too much awesome in the whole thing (especially that ender).
You know who else is awesome? (Besides the obvious; talk to me for 5 seconds and you will hear my Opinions on Seraphin. They are many, and usually really emotional.) Alex. Alex is freaking awesome, a young NB character with they/them pronouns who seems pretty secure and confident in themself and their identity. Also I suspect aromanticism/possible asexuality. Which is also awesome. Their interactions with Seraphin are totally natural/organic/believable for teenagers/later young adults, as is their dynamic between Alex's identity-confidence (which probably took a while to gain) and Seraphin's less-sure self-exploration during a chaotic, harrowing time.
I'm not going to say many plot details - especially bc if you've read Viral Airwaves, you know that much of The White Renegade is a foregone conclusion/origin story to which we already know the outcome. And if you're reading this first, they're actual spoilers! And the whole story serves to set up VA really well; you could read them in any order (though having read VA first will probably hurt more/make everything more intense!).
So instead I'll just say... it's good. It's really good. It's a sometimes-brutal/bittersweet read, especially if you're already familiar with the characters/world. In all, The White Renegade is a super-effective blend of trauma vs. a sweet blooming friendship, a slow-then-all-at-once build of self-determination, and fire-forged drive of purpose. Sometimes revenge is singular, personal. Sometimes it's for the good of the many. Sometimes it's both.
Highly recommended for anyone who enjoyed Viral Airwaves and wants more (especially Seraphin, Stern, and the briefly-appearing Alex), or anyone considering the main book/wanting a short trial run before jumping in. Whether it's an introduction or a reunion, it'll be a memorable ride.
claireredd's review
adventurous
emotional
sad
fast-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
4.75
simonlorden's review
4.0
This story was... a lot of things. And I loved most things about it - the main characters (one albino bisexual guy and one aromantic agender best friend), the use of the solar panels, and all of Seraphin's inner conflicts. That being said, the scene in the middle caught me off guard despite the blurb and shook me up, and while I understand it was necessary, I still think Leanna dying on page like that was overkill .
Still, this story definitely made me more excited about reading Viral Airwaves, so I hope I'll manage to pick it up soon. (And I hope VA has more Alex. Whom I'm adding to my growing list of "nonbinary characters called Alex that I love". It currently has three members.)
Still, this story definitely made me more excited about reading Viral Airwaves, so I hope I'll manage to pick it up soon. (And I hope VA has more Alex. Whom I'm adding to my growing list of "nonbinary characters called Alex that I love". It currently has three members.)
taylor627's review
5.0
I adored this little novella. I loved learning more about Alex and how they influence Seraphin. It was a great backstory for Seraphin, and while some of his decisions make you really sad, they really show how he came to be the leader he is in Viral Airwaves.
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