Reviews tagging 'Bullying'

Belle of the Ball by Mari Costa

25 reviews

samsonian's review against another edition

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emotional funny relaxing 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? Yes

4.5

very gay very slay love triangle done right

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ashylibrarian's review

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

**Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for giving me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**

This is a cute graphic novel about exploring and rediscovering who you want to be. 

I think the romance is cute and the ending is warm and fuzzy. I do feel like it was missing a little something to REALLY draw me into the story, though. 

The characters did not seem to have much spark to them that was new and different, though I think the complex dynamics between the relationships are something to praise. 

I still enjoyed the read and will recommend this. 

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caseythereader's review

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funny hopeful lighthearted 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

4.75

Thanks to Hear Our Voices Books Tours for the free copy of this book.

 - BELLE OF THE BALL is an absolutely delightful YA graphic novel. I fell immediately in love with the characters and the bouncy illustration style, which reminded me a lot of STEVEN UNIVERSE.
- I loved that even within such a short story there was a wide variety of personalities, identities, and gender expressions.
- This story is about being free to be yourself in many different ways, and it was glorious watching these characters help each other find their paths. 

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betweentheshelves's review

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funny hopeful lighthearted 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

At long last, Hawkins has finally worked up the courage to ask out her crush, the cheerleader Regina. However, there’s only one problem: Regina already has a girlfriend, Chloe, who is an underperforming English student. Luckily, Hawkins is an English tutor, so Regina uses this opportunity to get Hawkins to tutor Chloe. Because she knows Hawkins will do anything to get into her good graces.

Regina’s plan works at first, as Hawkins gets folded into their friend group. What Regina doesn’t realize is that Hawkins and Chloe knew each other when they were kids. And there just might be some chemistry there, waiting to be kindled. Especially when they both realize they can be themselves around each other.

Thanks to NetGalley and First Second for an advanced copy of Belle of the Ball by Mari Costa to review! Not only does the cover of this book look absolutely adorable, but the content inside matches it. The story itself gives me a little bit of Heartstopper vibes, so if you’re looking for something that will just make you happy, this is the book for you.

The pink color palette absolutely works for this book, and the art overall is really well done. Costa transports you to this story, and emphasizes the emotions of her characters through the writing and through the facial expressions throughout. You will fall in love with the cast of characters instantly, and the chemistry between them is just phenomenal.

I also appreciated that Hawkins fails when she first asks out her crush, but she’s eventually able to curate a friendship from that. It also makes her realize that there’s maybe someone else that has caught her eye. Bonus: there’s also a Ren Fair at one point, which is just a fun addition to this light-hearted romantic comedy.

All in all, I absolutely loved this and will probably be buying a copy when it comes out in March!

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kayladaila's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.0


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