girlgeekcyclist's review against another edition
2.0
I was given this book for free.
It was an interesting read although quite dark and violent at times. I did like the prose and felt there was a very poetic feel to the writing.
It would have been nice to have more of a resolution. I felt like the ending was a bit abrupt.
It was an interesting read although quite dark and violent at times. I did like the prose and felt there was a very poetic feel to the writing.
It would have been nice to have more of a resolution. I felt like the ending was a bit abrupt.
rosiec's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-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
3.5
imnotadorableimpunk's review against another edition
1.0
***THIS REVIEW CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS*** read at your own risk
It took me a while to process this book and decide, ultimately, that I dislike it. I was caught between giving this book two or three stars. Obviously, I finally decided to give it two, and here’s why.
This book had so much potential. I went into it with a lot of high hopes. It was my first time reading a book in the perspective of a gay woman, and I was excited. However, I was greatly disappointed basically from the beginning. Even though the story is cute and romantic at times, the writing usually fell flat in comparison, feeling emotionless and purely concerned with moving the plot forward. The characters are two-dimensional, really only defined by their love of music and each other. Which is great to drive them together—but I need more as a reader.
Now for the freaking plot. I understand that conflict is needed to drive a story, and I usually thrive on it… But Benwell never gives the reader a chance to breathe. I was here for the emotional conflict, fighting internalized homophobia, and the conflict of trying to have a same-gender relationship in a homophobic society. However, the plot quickly turned dramatically towards violence and trauma. Here’s the spoiler my dudes: Neo, our main character, and her girlfriend, Tale, are gang-raped. Not kidding. It was so hard to read; please do not submit yourself to this reading. I understand that this is a thing that happens, but I don’t think Benwell needed to go into such detail in this scene.
Oh, and a lesbian dies. (Surprise.) I don’t recommend this book, and I’m not sure why I gave it two stars instead of only one. I guess there were times I enjoyed this book… But overall, it was not a pleasant reading experience for me.
It took me a while to process this book and decide, ultimately, that I dislike it. I was caught between giving this book two or three stars. Obviously, I finally decided to give it two, and here’s why.
This book had so much potential. I went into it with a lot of high hopes. It was my first time reading a book in the perspective of a gay woman, and I was excited. However, I was greatly disappointed basically from the beginning. Even though the story is cute and romantic at times, the writing usually fell flat in comparison, feeling emotionless and purely concerned with moving the plot forward. The characters are two-dimensional, really only defined by their love of music and each other. Which is great to drive them together—but I need more as a reader.
Now for the freaking plot. I understand that conflict is needed to drive a story, and I usually thrive on it… But Benwell never gives the reader a chance to breathe. I was here for the emotional conflict, fighting internalized homophobia, and the conflict of trying to have a same-gender relationship in a homophobic society. However, the plot quickly turned dramatically towards violence and trauma. Here’s the spoiler my dudes: Neo, our main character, and her girlfriend, Tale, are gang-raped. Not kidding. It was so hard to read; please do not submit yourself to this reading. I understand that this is a thing that happens, but I don’t think Benwell needed to go into such detail in this scene.
Oh, and a lesbian dies. (Surprise.) I don’t recommend this book, and I’m not sure why I gave it two stars instead of only one. I guess there were times I enjoyed this book… But overall, it was not a pleasant reading experience for me.
midorbz's review against another edition
4.0
The end of this book SHOOK ME TO MY CORE. It really reminds you that we have to speak up for those who can't be heard.
thebalancedbri's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia and Rape
lesbiansinthedark's review against another edition
dark
informative
sad
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? N/A
3.25
not all i was hoping for but still good. would've been better if written by an actual african lesbian
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Sexual assault
nowjamie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Homophobia, Death, Murder, and Transphobia
chaotic_abi's review
3.0
It was weirdly peaceful for most of the book with only the underlying tensions of her existence and not any big plot tensions and I really enjoyed that part of the book. The breaking point was definitely a long time coming but it felt like the resolution came too soon afterwards.
divya_s's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Homophobia, and Hate crime
Moderate: Sexism and Sexual content
frombetweentheshelves's review
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Murder, Lesbophobia, Grief, and Bullying