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starspot's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was a great insight into one of RWBYs best villains. Reading this gave a baseline for why Neo acts the way she does in the series. Even with her reveal in Vol 9, this origin story made her feel like a fully rounded character instead of just a lost, love sick villain. I wish more of this book was actually in the show
heyitsmeg777's review
3.0
Here we go...
I was relatively late to the RWBY watching party, but after watching the series, I got hooked and 8 volumes better, I was reminded of why I appreciated Neo so much. This author has done a good job with the other two books, but this one was a LOT different. Sure, I was not a fan of Torchwick in the series, I think this book took a chance to show the charismatic, lovable, and mischievous side of Torchwick.
But that's about where it ends.
Because although this was a relatively quick read that I had started a while back, I realized the story went too fast to the point that it seemed like I was fast-forwarding through this book. It wasn't boring. But it wasn't the best, either. We start with the first half of the book establishing the past of Neo (Trivia Vanille) and Roman Torchwick, who grew up as an orphan in the streets.
Were their backstories interesting? Yes.
Was it necessary to spend half a book on that? NOT AT ALL.
And ultimately, this led to the downfall of this book. I was absolutely hyped for this book, but after reading it, I am only filled with nostalgia and a bittersweet taste left behind. Neo throughout the book was portrayed as a rich girl who threw a tantrum to be seen since she couldn't be heard. One of the reasons I enjoy her character in the series is because she's one of the only disabled characters in the RWBY universe. She's completely mute and although we don't get a clear answer as to whether this was from birth or not, her actions speak louder than her words. She also just seems to throw one tantrum over another to the point that it becomes destructive. In the end, I ended up feeling like this portrayal of her wasn't accurate enough to how the show portrays her.
Now, onto Torchwick.
I hated this dude with a living passion. He lasted for 3 seasons and while he went off with a bang, people missed him because of him being a funny villain. I missed him because it caused Neo so much pain. This story gives us the chance to love Torchwick and to enjoy his quick-witted nature. I do appreciate that he didn't judge Neo for being mute, but I do blame him for trusting her too quickly. It was almost like he was desperate for someone to be by his side. And seriously.
STEALING COFFEE?
That is not the Torchwick we see in the series, but I suppose it makes sense as he does become ambitious enough to steal more and be more known. There were some nice moments between them, but the idea of friendship between them seemed a bit forceful, considering the entire fandom saw it as them being more of a Bonnie and Clyde type of couple.
Yes, I inevitably form a part of this opinion.
Now, the stakes weren't high enough and the motivations to steal coffee seemed like it was straight out of a middle school novel. The pacing starting from like Chapter 13 and forward was too fast to the point that the narrative was almost disjointed. In a twisted way, it makes sense given that they both are criminals, but the ending was abrupt and each chapter afterward was like:
1. create a plan.
2. face complications.
3. Boom! We were successful.
4. Oh no, somebody got kidnapped.
5. I will save you (and vice versa)
And the repeated use of this led to the end being flat and dissatisfying for me.
Thus, the 3 stars.
Roman will be my favorite in the books, but it will also let me sympathize with him more in the series as I rewatch it again. As for Neo...
She will always be better in the series.
That is all I have to say.
I was relatively late to the RWBY watching party, but after watching the series, I got hooked and 8 volumes better, I was reminded of why I appreciated Neo so much. This author has done a good job with the other two books, but this one was a LOT different. Sure, I was not a fan of Torchwick in the series, I think this book took a chance to show the charismatic, lovable, and mischievous side of Torchwick.
But that's about where it ends.
Because although this was a relatively quick read that I had started a while back, I realized the story went too fast to the point that it seemed like I was fast-forwarding through this book. It wasn't boring. But it wasn't the best, either. We start with the first half of the book establishing the past of Neo (Trivia Vanille) and Roman Torchwick, who grew up as an orphan in the streets.
Were their backstories interesting? Yes.
Was it necessary to spend half a book on that? NOT AT ALL.
And ultimately, this led to the downfall of this book. I was absolutely hyped for this book, but after reading it, I am only filled with nostalgia and a bittersweet taste left behind. Neo throughout the book was portrayed as a rich girl who threw a tantrum to be seen since she couldn't be heard. One of the reasons I enjoy her character in the series is because she's one of the only disabled characters in the RWBY universe. She's completely mute and although we don't get a clear answer as to whether this was from birth or not, her actions speak louder than her words. She also just seems to throw one tantrum over another to the point that it becomes destructive. In the end, I ended up feeling like this portrayal of her wasn't accurate enough to how the show portrays her.
Now, onto Torchwick.
I hated this dude with a living passion. He lasted for 3 seasons and while he went off with a bang, people missed him because of him being a funny villain. I missed him because it caused Neo so much pain. This story gives us the chance to love Torchwick and to enjoy his quick-witted nature. I do appreciate that he didn't judge Neo for being mute, but I do blame him for trusting her too quickly. It was almost like he was desperate for someone to be by his side. And seriously.
STEALING COFFEE?
That is not the Torchwick we see in the series, but I suppose it makes sense as he does become ambitious enough to steal more and be more known. There were some nice moments between them, but the idea of friendship between them seemed a bit forceful, considering the entire fandom saw it as them being more of a Bonnie and Clyde type of couple.
Yes, I inevitably form a part of this opinion.
Now, the stakes weren't high enough and the motivations to steal coffee seemed like it was straight out of a middle school novel. The pacing starting from like Chapter 13 and forward was too fast to the point that the narrative was almost disjointed. In a twisted way, it makes sense given that they both are criminals, but the ending was abrupt and each chapter afterward was like:
1. create a plan.
2. face complications.
3. Boom! We were successful.
4. Oh no, somebody got kidnapped.
5. I will save you (and vice versa)
And the repeated use of this led to the end being flat and dissatisfying for me.
Thus, the 3 stars.
Roman will be my favorite in the books, but it will also let me sympathize with him more in the series as I rewatch it again. As for Neo...
She will always be better in the series.
That is all I have to say.
mryan888's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
tickettbror's review
adventurous
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
electricicebird's review
4.0
Pretty fun book to read if you are a fan of RWBY Especially if you like the duo of Rowan and Neo
austkaine's review
3.0
A great story that helps give a base story to two of the best RWBY characters. I know for a fact that I plan to read throught the other books in this series.
eachowl's review
5.0
This book was great and fun to read. I appreciate the insight it gave into the characters and kingdoms, making the world of RWBY feel more robust. Would highly recommend giving it a read if you enjoy the show.
kittycaserine's review
It may not be a typical five star novel but if you’re a fan of RWBY it’s kind of perfect. Finally got that Neo backstory we all wanted and it’s even better than I imagined it being!
runefiction's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, and Child abuse
Minor: Death of parent and Fire/Fire injury
elmerallanpoe's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0