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dgirl's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
roseleaf24's review
4.0
I loved the twin relationship here, and that some relationships are healable while others aren't, at least not within a single book. The theme that when we see the lives of those we love as perfect, we are likely overlooking something, is such an important one.
jeyn's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5
This book made me realize that, it's all about perspectives.
books4susie's review against another edition
4.0
Once again, another fabulous read from Julie Buxbaum, There are a couple of Easter eggs sprinkled in the story for fans of her previous books. A complicated love/friendship triangle/pentagon takes center stage in the plot of this story.Stick wit this one until the end to see who the arsonist is.
nicolemhewitt's review
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
A riveting YA contemporary that follows several teenagers through a school year of friendships (built and broken), romances, family issues, and the mounting pressures of the journey into adulthood. I do have to warn that this book is a character study at its heart, so it’s light on plot. Some people might be put off by that, but I was engaged enough with these teens and their complicated relationships that I didn’t mind. The story is told from multiple POV’s as we follow twins Arch and Immie, their best friend Paige, and new kid Ro. We find out at the beginning that something happened that has majorly strained the relationship between Paige and Immie – a kiss, a betrayal – but the details are murky, and the mystery of those circumstances unfolds throughout the book. Immie spends the book struggling to get back into Paige’s good graces and fighting an attraction that she fears will harm their friendship more. Meanwhile, Immie and Arch are keeping secrets, both about that night and their family, and Paige is struggling to just stay afloat when her world seems to be crumbling around her. This book is perfect for anyone who likes a character-driven story filled with emotional angst!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
A riveting YA contemporary that follows several teenagers through a school year of friendships (built and broken), romances, family issues, and the mounting pressures of the journey into adulthood. I do have to warn that this book is a character study at its heart, so it’s light on plot. Some people might be put off by that, but I was engaged enough with these teens and their complicated relationships that I didn’t mind. The story is told from multiple POV’s as we follow twins Arch and Immie, their best friend Paige, and new kid Ro. We find out at the beginning that something happened that has majorly strained the relationship between Paige and Immie – a kiss, a betrayal – but the details are murky, and the mystery of those circumstances unfolds throughout the book. Immie spends the book struggling to get back into Paige’s good graces and fighting an attraction that she fears will harm their friendship more. Meanwhile, Immie and Arch are keeping secrets, both about that night and their family, and Paige is struggling to just stay afloat when her world seems to be crumbling around her. This book is perfect for anyone who likes a character-driven story filled with emotional angst!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
bookedbaby's review
3.0
There are always lines in Julie Buxbaum’s books that make me love her writing.
This book was no exception. Sometimes I thought the mind rants were a little too much and a little too often but that’s okay. Also, this felt like a copycat version of Tell Me Three Things at some points but I honestly loved being in this world again. I loved seeing little things from that book and the fact that it was the same setting made it that much better.
I do wish this book was only in Ro and Immie’s POV’s though. I think Arch and Paige adding things to the story but it felt strongly that Immie and Ro were the main characters. I got heart tugs with those two.
This book was really good and I did enjoy reading it for the most part.
This book was no exception. Sometimes I thought the mind rants were a little too much and a little too often but that’s okay. Also, this felt like a copycat version of Tell Me Three Things at some points but I honestly loved being in this world again. I loved seeing little things from that book and the fact that it was the same setting made it that much better.
I do wish this book was only in Ro and Immie’s POV’s though. I think Arch and Paige adding things to the story but it felt strongly that Immie and Ro were the main characters. I got heart tugs with those two.
This book was really good and I did enjoy reading it for the most part.
ameserole's review
3.0
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Year on Fire was an interesting book. I think this is the third book of Julie's that I have read and so far, they've been good. It did take me a while to get into this though and I wasn't in love with all the characters either. The twins, Immie and Arch, were lovable and I adored them so much. It's just unfortunate that I really didn't like their best friend, Paige. Even the new kid, Ro, was way more likable than her.
Other than that, the drama and mystery were entertaining. Some of the secrets that came out were a little predictable. While others annoyed me a smidge because I just wanted them to come out and for everyone to know already. I definitely had a problem being patient when it came to these four and will need to work on that.
In the end, I'm happy that I got the chance to jump into this. I kind of wished that I liked Paige more than I originally did because I probably would have enjoyed this a lot more. Also, I really liked how Julie dove into certain hard topics throughout the book. She did an amazing job, and I can't wait for her next book.
Year on Fire was an interesting book. I think this is the third book of Julie's that I have read and so far, they've been good. It did take me a while to get into this though and I wasn't in love with all the characters either. The twins, Immie and Arch, were lovable and I adored them so much. It's just unfortunate that I really didn't like their best friend, Paige. Even the new kid, Ro, was way more likable than her.
Other than that, the drama and mystery were entertaining. Some of the secrets that came out were a little predictable. While others annoyed me a smidge because I just wanted them to come out and for everyone to know already. I definitely had a problem being patient when it came to these four and will need to work on that.
In the end, I'm happy that I got the chance to jump into this. I kind of wished that I liked Paige more than I originally did because I probably would have enjoyed this a lot more. Also, I really liked how Julie dove into certain hard topics throughout the book. She did an amazing job, and I can't wait for her next book.
cheeto943's review
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
i liked this, it’s an exploration into the minds of teens and was well done. didn’t really like how they all coupled off at the end
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun YA romance with lots of mental health rep and strong found family vibes. Paige is close friends with twins Arch and Immie but when Rohan, a new boy from England befriends the trio, their friendships are tested in new ways. Set against the backdrop of a California fire season, things heat up as these friends find themselves falling in love and braving new relationships. I especially enjoyed the Easter egg reference to Hope and other punch lines. Great on audio narrated by Kristen Sieh. The twins deal with an abusive father while Paige is battling overwhelming feelings of anxiety. Highly recommended, especially for Julie Buxbaum fans.
CW: homophobia, parental abuse, mental illness
CW: homophobia, parental abuse, mental illness