kays_reading_journal's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.25
4.25
This was a great book examining how three different teens react to the end of the world. The characters felt well developed, and the plot was full of amazing foreshadowing.
I’m such a sucker for dual pov, and this one was done great. You get the pov of the three MC’s, plus the citizens of Alma while they determine if they should let Earthens live. All three characters start off in different locations, so it was a ton of fun figuring out how they would come together.
I felt as if this book was really realistic. I think it captured how the end of the world would be: nonbelievers, rioters, looters, people trying to find their loved ones, people going into hiding. There was the perfect amount of dread and despair while also having moments of love and humor.
Two things that put me off: It has an open ending. I HATE open ended books so idk why I thought I’d be okay with this one (see the end of this review for how I interpreted the end). And secondly, the author uses a slur for an identity that as far as I could tell, they don’t fall into. I cannot find anyone talking about this anywhere, and I’d love to hear some opinions on it. While the character who uses it has the right to and is recapping what people have said to him, it just easily could’ve been implied without outright using it. I just wasn’t expecting it at all so it threw me out of the story for a bit.
Overall, if you want enjoy contemporary YA novels, I think you’ll like this. If you’re looking for something really Sci-Fi heavy, this might not be for you.
Spoiler
My interpretation of the end: I 100% believe they were killed. The girl who was closest to death is the one who saw it first, and it was just described as a “light” which is often associated with the end of life. Also, I don’t believe the world or characters could have gone back to normal after this, so I think they would’ve died soon anywaysGraphic: Violence, Mass/school shootings, Homophobia, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
jesthemess's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Moderate: Homophobia, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Gun violence, and Violence
Minor: Bullying and Self harm
thewildmageslibrary's review
emotional
reflective
4.0
I didn't know anything about this going in, and I ended up really liking it! It's the end of the world, and the characters are all trying to resolve their unfinished business. Adeem's and Cate's friendship was one of my favorite parts.
Graphic: Violence, Medical content, and Blood
Moderate: Gun violence and Mental illness
Minor: Death of parent and Homophobia
ace_of_spades_'s review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-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
3.75
the pacing of this book was the biggest issue. the story itself was great and i loved it but near the end it’s like the author was sick of writing and just wanted to get it over with.
i honestly expecting more from the ending of this book.
Spoiler
when everyone finally meets up there’s like three pages left of the book and the ending is so weak.i honestly expecting more from the ending of this book.
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Violence
Minor: Death and Gun violence
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