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mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
The Backstagers are back and this time they have to deal with a big bad ghost (and an annoying character).
I bought this book… maybe this year maybe last year. I totally forgot about it because it was downstairs hidden, but I remembered it just in time for Halloween and decided to read it.
I just LOVE the Backstagers and was eager to read more about them. I would say that I recommend reading the GNs first or read them soon after due to things that are being said in the book and the fact all the bonds between characters are pretty far along.
I had to get back in to the whole scene, but that wasn’t hard. After just a few pages I was back into the world of the Backstagers as if I never left. I just had to get used to the constantly switching POV, something I am never a fan of as it just too confusing. I would rather have one POV or if you want to do multiple give each their own chapter.
I loved seeing most of the characters again. See Jory and Hunter, see Beckett and his love for electrics and cola, see Aziz do his thing, see Hunter again and this time he is learning something new (I felt a bit sorry for him because it was just so much).
The rehearsals, seeing the old play come to finish and the party that followed, see the new play (which I would have liked to see for real). It was just all fun, and added to the fun is the magic of the backstage. With a portal, with strange things happening and coming out of it.
The big bad villain in this one was a scary one and the whole last part of the book was just one that set the pacing high and I loved every part of it. It really got spooky and a tad scary at times.
I wasn’t a fan of Chloe. Never trusted her from the beginning, it was just a bit too coincidental that she walked in at the right time. Then throughout the book we see her plot and plan. Her diary parts (thankfully only a chapter) were not my favourite to read. I feel sorry for her that she lost her sister, but she just went bonkers and just trusted the first ghost that answered her. Hello there is more than one ghost in the world. rolls eyes Later she did show a better side, but for most of the book she was my second most annoying character.
First would be, and also was in the graphic novels, Sasha. A boy who is supposedly 15 but acts more like 4 or 5. He doesn’t understand work ethic, randomly forgets stuff that is important, just plays games when he should be helping around, goes to find candies for a ghost, and should I go on? I don’t understand why he is even still here. Maybe if I had seen him actually take his job as Backstager seriously I would have liked him more, but in this book he is just a small kid doing dumb shit.
Also I found it completely hilarious that Bailey, queen of the stage and 3 years of main roles (which is also ridiculous give someone else a chance) loses one role and immediately starts packing up her drama stuff and thinks about joining something else. WTF? I had expected better of you Bailey. Who is this dramaqueen? I get that it hurts, but HELLO SOMETHING ALMOST KILLED YOU, no wonder that your voice cracked.
Despite my frustrations I flew through this book, really, I flew. I loved seeing the characters again, see Jory and Hunter together, see that Hunter has a special job soon, see rehearsals, go behind stage again, root for Beckett and Bailey, the illustrations were fab. I definitely will be buying the other books in the series when I can. I would recommend this novel but also recommend the graphic novels!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I bought this book… maybe this year maybe last year. I totally forgot about it because it was downstairs hidden, but I remembered it just in time for Halloween and decided to read it.
I just LOVE the Backstagers and was eager to read more about them. I would say that I recommend reading the GNs first or read them soon after due to things that are being said in the book and the fact all the bonds between characters are pretty far along.
I had to get back in to the whole scene, but that wasn’t hard. After just a few pages I was back into the world of the Backstagers as if I never left. I just had to get used to the constantly switching POV, something I am never a fan of as it just too confusing. I would rather have one POV or if you want to do multiple give each their own chapter.
I loved seeing most of the characters again. See Jory and Hunter, see Beckett and his love for electrics and cola, see Aziz do his thing, see Hunter again and this time he is learning something new (I felt a bit sorry for him because it was just so much).
The rehearsals, seeing the old play come to finish and the party that followed, see the new play (which I would have liked to see for real). It was just all fun, and added to the fun is the magic of the backstage. With a portal, with strange things happening and coming out of it.
The big bad villain in this one was a scary one and the whole last part of the book was just one that set the pacing high and I loved every part of it. It really got spooky and a tad scary at times.
I wasn’t a fan of Chloe. Never trusted her from the beginning, it was just a bit too coincidental that she walked in at the right time. Then throughout the book we see her plot and plan. Her diary parts (thankfully only a chapter) were not my favourite to read. I feel sorry for her that she lost her sister, but she just went bonkers and just trusted the first ghost that answered her. Hello there is more than one ghost in the world. rolls eyes Later she did show a better side, but for most of the book she was my second most annoying character.
First would be, and also was in the graphic novels, Sasha. A boy who is supposedly 15 but acts more like 4 or 5. He doesn’t understand work ethic, randomly forgets stuff that is important, just plays games when he should be helping around, goes to find candies for a ghost, and should I go on? I don’t understand why he is even still here. Maybe if I had seen him actually take his job as Backstager seriously I would have liked him more, but in this book he is just a small kid doing dumb shit.
Also I found it completely hilarious that Bailey, queen of the stage and 3 years of main roles (which is also ridiculous give someone else a chance) loses one role and immediately starts packing up her drama stuff and thinks about joining something else. WTF? I had expected better of you Bailey. Who is this dramaqueen? I get that it hurts, but HELLO SOMETHING ALMOST KILLED YOU, no wonder that your voice cracked.
Despite my frustrations I flew through this book, really, I flew. I loved seeing the characters again, see Jory and Hunter together, see that Hunter has a special job soon, see rehearsals, go behind stage again, root for Beckett and Bailey, the illustrations were fab. I definitely will be buying the other books in the series when I can. I would recommend this novel but also recommend the graphic novels!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
valbythebook's review
I'm just not in the mood for a middle grade book and I hadn't connected with any of the characters yet. I do intent to read more from the author though.
mckinlay's review against another edition
5.0
I love these characters so much. I can’t wait for more!
austkaine's review against another edition
3.0
A wonderful companion to the graphic novel does a great job at pushing the boundry of the world and opening it up for a more lit based style.
jdrummond's review against another edition
4.0
A fun middle-grades fantasy that focuses on the theatre production crew at an all-boys high school.
It’s fun, a little over the top, and campy in a good way. It also includes some fun in-jokes with fake show titles that are close to the names of real musicals for theatre fans.
It’s fun, a little over the top, and campy in a good way. It also includes some fun in-jokes with fake show titles that are close to the names of real musicals for theatre fans.
msmagoo502's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
4.0
alanahcw's review against another edition
5.0
UGH. I love this series. SO CUTE. SO MAGICAL. Amazing.
thereadingwren's review against another edition
5.0
5/5
I LOVE THE BACKSTAGERS WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL!!!!!!!
I was so excited to find out about the novel tie-ins to the comics. And it lived up to all my hopes and dreams.
The magic of the comics was present and all the characters still felt like themselves.
I love that we got chapters from each of the characters and really got to know more about them and their personalities.
Beckett - such a caffeine addict and I am so proud of him and excited for his relationship.
Hunter - my sweet child, you poor overwhelmed cherub, but you are still the strong leader and sensitive guy that we all fell in love with.
Jory - my heart aches for Jory, but I absolutely adored him being able to find himself. It felt like such an important story.
Aziz - my baby, what a kind and fragile soul. I want to hug him all the time. Backstagers are allowed to be noticed. He needs to be protected.
Sasha - what a gem. He never fails to bring a smile to my face. HE FIXED SOMETHING. He’s the best, always.
I am loving Reo, the coolest character!!! It was so cool to have positive witch rep and his friendship with Jory was really special. I especially love his anime hat trick.
The Ghost Light was hauntingly beautiful, and as someone who recently lost a sister it really meant a lot to me. So very beautiful and sweet.
I loved this story and I cannot wait for the next one!!
I LOVE THE BACKSTAGERS WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL!!!!!!!
I was so excited to find out about the novel tie-ins to the comics. And it lived up to all my hopes and dreams.
The magic of the comics was present and all the characters still felt like themselves.
I love that we got chapters from each of the characters and really got to know more about them and their personalities.
Beckett - such a caffeine addict and I am so proud of him and excited for his relationship.
Hunter - my sweet child, you poor overwhelmed cherub, but you are still the strong leader and sensitive guy that we all fell in love with.
Jory - my heart aches for Jory, but I absolutely adored him being able to find himself. It felt like such an important story.
Aziz - my baby, what a kind and fragile soul. I want to hug him all the time. Backstagers are allowed to be noticed. He needs to be protected.
Sasha - what a gem. He never fails to bring a smile to my face. HE FIXED SOMETHING. He’s the best, always.
I am loving Reo, the coolest character!!! It was so cool to have positive witch rep and his friendship with Jory was really special. I especially love his anime hat trick.
The Ghost Light was hauntingly beautiful, and as someone who recently lost a sister it really meant a lot to me. So very beautiful and sweet.
I loved this story and I cannot wait for the next one!!
emeraldreverie's review against another edition
4.0
I adore The Backstagers. One of my favorite comics. This book was an excellent addition to the world. The characters remain endearing and completely relatable. The tone is respectful and playfully challenging - written perfectly for its target audience. I love these boys!