Reviews with content warning for Death - Darius the Great Deserves Better

Like the first book Darius is still going through a lot. Darius has to deal with a lot of complicated teenager feelings while also worrying about his family’s financial position, grieving his grandfather, maintining a long distance friendship, still dealing with bullies, and dealing with a boyfriend who wants more from him.

I love Darius as a character so much and i could easily read 10 more books about him. Khorram gives such a real presentation of teenage depression and regular teenage life. I really enjoyed the narration too! I literally don’t have a single bad thing to say about either of these books. I also really appreciated the inclusion of crisis lines at the end of the book.

Representation - Asthma (MC); Bahá’í (SC); Bisexual (LI); Black (BGCs); Depression (MC/A); Fat (MC); Gay (MC); Iranian (SC); Iranian American (BGC); Iranian/Persian American (MC); Korean American (BGC); Muslim (BGC); POC (SC); Queer (SC); They/Them (BGC); Trans MTF (SC); Sapphic (SCs)

TWs/CWs - Bullying; Death of a Loved One; Discrimination; Fatphobia; Homophobia; Islamophobia; Mental Illness; Racism; Weight Talk

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riannesdijkstra's review against another edition

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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? No

5.0

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aformeracceleratedreader's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Didn't like this one as much as the first one but still thoroughly enjoyed it. I love the openness of mental illness/health, the struggles of being lgbt+, the struggles of being non-white, the struggles of having family/friends in another country, and how all of it connects to an individual like Darius. As a Fractional myself, I understand so much of his struggles. I also liked seeing all the positives in his life like making new friends and connecting with his family. Sohrab is still a great bestie even if he wasn't so present in this one, and I liked seeing Chip step up as a friend as well even though he def had moments that pissed me off.

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library_kb's review against another edition

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emotional reflective fast-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

5.0

There is something about Adib Khorram's writing that just pulls me in and makes me not put the book down. His character development is amazing--so down to earth and also makes the reader empathize with the real life worries and complications of being a human in high school. Darius faces challenges with his depression and anxiety, with his relationship with Landon, and his friendships with Chip and the other guys on the soccer team, as well as family concerns like his sister's experience at school, his dad's depression, and his Babou's failing health. Everything about this is great--recommend to all who loved Darius the Great is Not Okay.

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booksbutmakeitgay's review against another edition

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4.5

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queerloras's review against another edition

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emotional 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

4.0

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ladygetslit's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted 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? It's complicated

5.0

Such a great follow-up that can truly stand on its own! I absolutely love Darius: he’s kind, and dorky, and thoughtful, and strangely insightful. I appreciate the nuanced perspective on depression, and how it’s not something that necessarily goes away, and having it also doesn’t mean you can’t be happy in your own way.

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