mckinlay's review against another edition

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5.0

*I received an e-arc from netgalley and the publisher. This does not affect my review.*

[4.5 stars]
Like every other Backstagers book/comic, this was fantastic. It remains entertaining, and adorable, and diverse. In this book they put on a play where the main character is Deaf and they make a point to have the original actress drop out so a Deaf actress can take her place. Such awesome rep! The only reason I docked it half a start is I felt like some of the magic was missing because Jory seemed so separate from the rest of the Backstagers, it all comes together in the end, and it was necessary to the plot, but it made me sad. If you haven't read anything about The Backstagers yet, GET ON IT!!!

austkaine's review against another edition

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3.0

very quick read but a great set in the series looking forward to the last one being delivered.

alanahcw's review against another edition

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5.0

I LOVE this series!

It is so inclusive, fun, and tackles 2019 teen issues wonderfully.
I loved that Adrienne taught the reader some signs in Sign Language, and that they talked about mental health, especially related to social media.

I seriously love this series so much. I can't get enough, praise it enough, or recommend it enough!

thereadingwren's review against another edition

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5.0

5/5

OHMYGOSH!!!!! This was even better than The Ghost Light. I am overwhelmed with how beautifully amazing this was. The audiobook read by the author is the best audio I’ve ever listened to, probably helped that the author is a broadway star.

This story is so important for the two big themes it addresses.

A deaf lead character in a musical actually getting to be played by a deaf actor.... that’s huge. Add in the fact that this book went above and beyond with is deaf rep, it actually described the signs, the cast got lessons on signing, Aziz is an adorable boyfriend for wanting to learn to sign properly, and absolutely everything that Adrienne is was perfection. I mean she basically saved the day!!

Then there was Jory’s storyline which nearly tore my heart in two but was so important. Kids needs to know that those dark thoughts exist and that it’s okay to feel them and know they aren’t alone. They need to know that there are always people out there that want to help them and be there for them. I am overcome with how important this message is. Also that not-at-all subtle jab toward social media ruining self esteem, well played.

I’m super proud of the crew for stepping into their new roles and kicking ass! Also the McQueen twins separating and being their own people was fantastic.

This whole seven artefacts of the backstage is super freaking interesting and I can’t wait to see where it goes!!! I will never not love these comics and books.

tyrennn's review against another edition

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5.0

I love everything about the backstagers. Including this book. =) -23:55

david_l's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

emeraldreverie's review against another edition

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5.0

Really good. I adore these characters and this world and am thrilled to have more of them. With this volume, it was clear that Andy had found an amazing rapport with them too. Good stuff!

logikitty's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny fast-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? No

5.0


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s_books's review against another edition

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  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.25

One of the best parts of this book, for me, were the emails/messages, particularly the one from Hunter to Jory and the one from Jory to Troy -- I thought they were both really sweet and I liked the part Jory said about finding your crew. I'm glad we got to see Reo in this book; as he wasn't on the cover I was afraid he might not become a full Backstager. I hope we get to see Chloe again but it was cool to see her sister, Phoebe, who is now the ghost light -- I had actually forgotten that Phoebe became the ghost light. The fact that Adrienne is in this book and that Chloe was mentioned as being back at Penitent Angels makes me hope we get to see that whole backstage crew again in the third book; also Mr. Rample too please.
We're clearly gearing up for an action-packed third novel and I'm excited to see how the story is going to tie everything together
, the remaining magical theater artifacts and the possible multiple villains, with Blake McQueen possibly joining up with Thiasos.

manwithanagenda's review

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adventurous funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

In the second Backstagers novel we're given a hefty new dose of lore and it quickly becomes apparent they've begun plans to wrap up the series, if not the whole franchise.

Jory is lured by the sparkle and glam of social media. He begins hearing his doubts get louder and louder and the only escape is polishing his identity online. This is fueled by a sudden surge of followers on Instasnap. This leads to an invitation to an influencers summit in Greece. Unfortunately, this means he won't be available for the latest production. Is theater that important in the face of real world success?

Meanwhile, there is major drama brewing on and off stage as Backstagers begin training for and taking on their new roles in advance of the current Stage Managers' graduation. 

This was fun, but less and less for me. I did have to finish out the series in the next book. 

Backstagers Novels

Next: 'The Final Blackout'

Previous: 'The Ghost Light'