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renatasnacks's review against another edition
4.0
I read & enjoyed the first Backstagers comic and wasn't sure what this prose novel would be? But I checked it out because I was curious about Andy Mientus as an author. (He's Broadway famous, not regular famous, but I was excited.) It's a really sweet and funny story, and it's something separate from the comics, although I think it helps to have had the (very inclusive cast of) characters introduced in the comics? Def recommended for all the theater nerd tweens & teens.
margi's review against another edition
adventurous
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
5.0
pictureofd0riangray's review against another edition
3.0
not the most memorable but it’s set in a theatre and i love andy mientus so it’s a no brainer that i was gonna read it
ex_libris_volantes's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
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
5.0
First of all, and mild spoiler, ***the Meta-Moment of reading Hunter battling villains using sound wave blaster weapons, and knowing this was written by the multi-talented Andy Mientus who played the Pied Piper on The Flash completely caught me up in why I already love and appreciate Mientus for his work.
On to the rest of the story though, I found Mientus to beautifully capture the soul behind these characters that I loved from the Backstagers comic series that precedes the books. I already knew he could embody the passion behind the words, especially after catching him in London in 2019 as Patrick in The View from Upstairs, but I never expected to be so roped in from him as a writer as well. He has a great talent in storytelling in all its forms, and I become a bigger fan every time I explore a new project of his.
This story was so emotional, and tackled themes from exploring new love, hiccups in first relationships, and the happy moments in friendships, to the low and anxiety-ridden points of feeling distance in friendships, the desire to belong, learning to accept disappointments on the road to your dreams without giving up, and coming back stronger to meet them, and even confronting and accepting the grief of great personal loss. I felt all of the feels on this incredible journey through the Backstage, and I can’t wait to feel more in Book 2!
Also, I am SOOOO looking forward to Mientus’ next foray into queer YA dark Academia coming this September (days before my Birthday actually=)) titled Fraternity!
On to the rest of the story though, I found Mientus to beautifully capture the soul behind these characters that I loved from the Backstagers comic series that precedes the books. I already knew he could embody the passion behind the words, especially after catching him in London in 2019 as Patrick in The View from Upstairs, but I never expected to be so roped in from him as a writer as well. He has a great talent in storytelling in all its forms, and I become a bigger fan every time I explore a new project of his.
This story was so emotional, and tackled themes from exploring new love, hiccups in first relationships, and the happy moments in friendships, to the low and anxiety-ridden points of feeling distance in friendships, the desire to belong, learning to accept disappointments on the road to your dreams without giving up, and coming back stronger to meet them, and even confronting and accepting the grief of great personal loss. I felt all of the feels on this incredible journey through the Backstage, and I can’t wait to feel more in Book 2!
Also, I am SOOOO looking forward to Mientus’ next foray into queer YA dark Academia coming this September (days before my Birthday actually=)) titled Fraternity!
lainy122's review against another edition
3.0
Not as amazing as the graphic novels, but still a fun read.
mittymyers's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The whole series is just magical. As a fellow Backstager myself it was so heartwarming to read about that experience that as a part of a high school drama department (just with a little extra portals to different dimensions and vindictive ghosts thrown in). I hope that this series can be there for a whole new generation of Backstagers to be inspired by.
missred's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
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
4.0
lindick's review against another edition
4.0
I haven’t read any of the Backstagers comics, but it was easy enough to jump into this (there’s a little clunky exposition, but it’s not too bad at all). It’s cute and funny, and it does get scary (mostly in the last 30% or so).
I don’t love omniscient 3rd, especially for a horror (it’s jarring when we jump into someone’s head for just a sentence or two), but that’s really my only criticism. This is great for kids/teens who want humor & some high school drama with bonus magic & ghosts. And then it sort of goes off the rails toward the end (in a scary & sweet way).
I think theater kids will really enjoy this.
Scare factor: 2/5
I don’t love omniscient 3rd, especially for a horror (it’s jarring when we jump into someone’s head for just a sentence or two), but that’s really my only criticism. This is great for kids/teens who want humor & some high school drama with bonus magic & ghosts. And then it sort of goes off the rails toward the end (in a scary & sweet way).
I think theater kids will really enjoy this.
Scare factor: 2/5
omgbeansgoreadabook's review against another edition
4.0
Going into this book I had no idea there were actual comics that these books are based off of. The book mentions a few adventures The Backstagers have had to endure but I didn't feel lost while reading the book because these can be read solo. It's not 100% necessary to know what's in the comics to understand the book. I love that!
I was introduced to an extremely diverse and fun-loving cast. I couldn't help but fall in love with everyone's little quirks and relationships with one another.
The illustrations scattered throughout the book are adorable! I also quite enjoy the fact that the author, Andy Mientus, is famous on Broadway. I really felt like I learned a lot about how theater is just after reading this book due to all the little tiny details he sprinkles in throughout his novel.
The plot was wild and at times, sad. I loved each and every character and the roll they played in each other's lives and the story. They're all so fun loving and care about each other so much even I felt like I was included in their little group backstage! I especially loved Jory and Beckett!
This was just the light-hearted yet kinda spooky story I wanted to read starting the fall months!
I was introduced to an extremely diverse and fun-loving cast. I couldn't help but fall in love with everyone's little quirks and relationships with one another.
The illustrations scattered throughout the book are adorable! I also quite enjoy the fact that the author, Andy Mientus, is famous on Broadway. I really felt like I learned a lot about how theater is just after reading this book due to all the little tiny details he sprinkles in throughout his novel.
The plot was wild and at times, sad. I loved each and every character and the roll they played in each other's lives and the story. They're all so fun loving and care about each other so much even I felt like I was included in their little group backstage! I especially loved Jory and Beckett!
This was just the light-hearted yet kinda spooky story I wanted to read starting the fall months!