oliverreeds's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
3.75
i fought with this rating and im still unsure in my decision but im sticking with it for now. the dialogue was good, the scenes were great, the mix of lake and reality and the characters were phenomenal. sometimes i just got a bit frustrated with how much the author leaned on adhd and dyslexia for these characters. it sometimes felt like there wasnt anything else to them and maybe that was the point— that your brainscape makes up and defines your reality but i think it may have been better to also focus on things the characters do that werent particularly relevant to their neurodivergency.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dysphoria, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Blood, Bullying, Injury/injury detail, Mental illness, Sexism, Toxic friendship, Transphobia, Violence, and Ableism
hmatt's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I always have trouble with YA, but I really struggled to finish this one. I hope the trans/enby/dylexic/ADHD/etc. rep in this one is helpful for anyone in the intended audience reading it, but the writing of it seemed a bit too on-the-nose and pedantic for me. I felt like it completely overshadowed the premise of the novel by the end. It's also too long IMO, and as much as I really want to, I don't super love Avi Roque as a narrator.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Sexism, and Bullying
Moderate: Violence and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Racism and Dysphoria
careinthelibrary's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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
2.5
I liked the characters and the representation was really tender and considerate. I did not understand the "world under the lake" aspects of this story nor did I find it compelling plot-wise. Not for me, but I would read another from the author!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Transphobia, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
prejudice against neurodivergence (from others and internalized)
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