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shipwrecksteph's review against another edition
4.0
Book Riot Read Harder Challenge 2020
Read a debut novel by a queer author
The Backstagers return. And I'm so happy, even if it's no longer as a graphic novel. Once again I stumbled onto a book that fit a challenge. I was going to read this anyways.
Old names return and it's wonderful to be back with them. The cast has been expanded nicely. The new characters fit in well. The balance of this story's stakes with the high school setting work a bit better than with the GN. In the GN, some of the events seemed way out of left field. Here, everything works. Adapting and existing IP must have been a daunting task. Mientus was up to the challenge. Can't wait to see what other stories he tells.
Read a debut novel by a queer author
The Backstagers return. And I'm so happy, even if it's no longer as a graphic novel. Once again I stumbled onto a book that fit a challenge. I was going to read this anyways.
Old names return and it's wonderful to be back with them. The cast has been expanded nicely. The new characters fit in well. The balance of this story's stakes with the high school setting work a bit better than with the GN. In the GN, some of the events seemed way out of left field. Here, everything works. Adapting and existing IP must have been a daunting task. Mientus was up to the challenge. Can't wait to see what other stories he tells.
djlanatron's review against another edition
4.0
I am still not sure how I feel about the chapter-booking of graphic novels, but it did make me want to read the graphic novel, so that is good, right?
s_books's review against another edition
adventurous
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
3.5 stars
If you haven't read the graphic novels before reading this book, you'll probably be a bit confused at times -- it helps to have the existing knowledge that the graphic novels give, as well as being able to visualize the Unsafe backstage area (this book has some illustrations but very few).
Overall I liked this story especially the introduction of Reo, although the cover art for the other books in this novel series suggest he maybe doesn't become a real Backstager? Or maybe he just isn't on the covers because that would be a spoiler? I hope he becomes a Backstager, I think he would fit in well with the rest of the crew. Also Chloe, I hope we see more of her, though I'm not sure how we would since she doesn't go to either St. Genesius or the Penitent Angels...currently . I'm interested to see how the other two novels play out, considering the last bit with the list of items from Mr. Rample almost suggests that there could be several novels ahead, so quite a bit will be jammed into the other two in this series.
If you haven't read the graphic novels before reading this book, you'll probably be a bit confused at times -- it helps to have the existing knowledge that the graphic novels give, as well as being able to visualize the Unsafe backstage area (this book has some illustrations but very few).
Overall I liked this story
nic190's review against another edition
So I accidentally bought this meaning to buy the comics, but I decided to give it a try anyway. But I think I’m gonna put it down for now and read the comics first, I feel kind of bored with this book.
jennyglickman's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
koriwatson's review against another edition
4.0
Aziz finally had something going on and the new characters worked. The backstage puts them through a lot and after being a missing person for 2 months then literally dying I’d quit, the charade really brave and/or stupid.
Edit: only took me that long to read because trying to get the book and audiobook from a library at the same time can be a lot.
Edit: only took me that long to read because trying to get the book and audiobook from a library at the same time can be a lot.
darcyparcy's review against another edition
4.0
i started reading this book this morning bundled in my brooklyn 99 sweatshirt in the student union. i finished it with tears going down my face, barefoot and under a soft, warm blanket. this read was perfect for the chilly, slightly stressful day i had today. i loved every single character! they all made me so happy and i could relate to all of them. all the dynamics are wonderful too. the story itself is whimsical and captivating—a bit rushed at times—and the writing style was perfect for a story like this. there were plenty of smiles and laughs, but plenty of feels, too. this has very quickly become a new favorite!
liesljrowe's review against another edition
5.0
A perfect love letter to theatre and backstage shenanigans. As a musical geek, I loved spotting the references to many of my favourite musicals and anyone who's spent a reasonable amount of time running around the endless liminal spaces of backstage in a theatre will love the concept of Backstage as being somehow outside the usual limits of space and time. I loved the ghost plot and how it resolved itself, not to mention the allusions to traditional theatre superstitions. Also the perfect balance between characters' relationship drama (I love Jory and Hunter so much!), supernatural hi-jinks and the process of putting on the school show. I absolutely have to read the original comics now!
Thank you Netgalley for giving me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley for giving me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.