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definitely_human's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
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? It's complicated
3.75
eponineeurydice's review against another edition
4.0
(The Sound of) 3.5 stars! JK, ignore my bad puns lol! This was really cute! The beginning was incredible; I was hooked by the rebellious book owner and the alien music lover, and I couldn't wait for their paths to cross. I loved their interactions and how they learned about emotions from each other—I loved the pop culture refer[bar]es littered throughout, although I know that might grate on some people. My problem was that it started to fizzle out for me. What elements I found endearing became a bit tacky, and the pacing toward the end was downright confusing. I think this book was trying to do a lot of things at once—it wanted to be a road-trip romance, a love letter to the arts, and an epic space saga all at once. The first two were amazing, but the last felt underdone and half-baked. I will say, I'm eager to read the rest of Dow's books because I'm sure they show light on some of the unfinished things about the ending... but I'll take this book for what it is: a sweet story about self-expression, and not an epic sci-fi/dystopian novel where all the world-building makes sense lol! I'm not sure if I even made sense there, but this was a really fun story and I'm glad to have picked it up! I loved Janelle's mentions of anxiety as well as her demisexuality—that was an awesome element to bring to the story. And I loved how music and stories are universal, and how they're basically what the human condition is all about. I just think the pacing was a little off when it came to the dystopian/sci-fi part of the story. But overall a super lighthearted and enjoyable tale!
solli's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.0
justchiara's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.25
danireys's review
adventurous
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
4.0
bookschaosnart's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the way music and books drove the plot and the rebellion happening as the story progressed.
gracieknowles's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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? Yes
4.75
westtiff's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
aclopez6's review against another edition
2.0
There is a LOT going on with this book. Some readers will really thrive with it. Others, nope. Labmade aliens and vaccines that make you easier to enslave + pop music + romance = ???