The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! đ
bubbles_ishere's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-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
3.75
While I did really enjoy the book and the way the characters developed, I felt like it rushed at parts in order to have a lot of things happen.Â
I would have preferred further introspection from the characters before acting, but for people who like to read books where things "happen", this is a good choice.Â
The book very much feels like a romance that decides half way through that other plot events are more relevant and then decides to change genre.Â
Spoiler for how plot/character focused the book was during certain events:At first it felt like the book would focus further on the interpersonal relationships of the characters. In the beginning, a lot of time was spent on the characters panicking over being in situations. The first kisses of the couples got portrayed, after which the characters had to face various challenges to come to terms with their feelings. However, when it came to actually getting into a relationship or showing the conversations needed for that to happen the author skipped forward and just told the audience that the couples were now in functioning relationships, caused by a major plot event.Â
Personally, I would've preferred to see how the characters got to where they are, instead of being told that the threat of death made them realise their priorities and then see them kiss.
I really liked how the characters developed and got more loveable to the reader; their actions seemed to make sense in the context of their character, and the development of their actions made sense.Â
The romance itself felt a bit rushed to me, but it is still enjoyable, if somewhat frustrating because it doesn't go very in-depth and fails to resolve or address certain topics.
The book mentions a few tidbits that fans of Arthurian legends will recognise, which I thought was very nice.Â
All in all an enjoyable read, in my opinion this book would've been 5/5 stars had it been 200 pages longer and actually explored the relationships and worldbuilding further. But then again I really like high-fantasy and worldbuilding.
I would have preferred further introspection from the characters before acting, but for people who like to read books where things "happen", this is a good choice.Â
The book very much feels like a romance that decides half way through that other plot events are more relevant and then decides to change genre.Â
Spoiler for how plot/character focused the book was during certain events:
Personally, I would've preferred to see how the characters got to where they are, instead of being told that the threat of death made them realise their priorities and then see them kiss.
I really liked how the characters developed and got more loveable to the reader; their actions seemed to make sense in the context of their character, and the development of their actions made sense.Â
The romance itself felt a bit rushed to me, but it is still enjoyable, if somewhat frustrating because it doesn't go very in-depth and fails to resolve or address certain topics.
The book mentions a few tidbits that fans of Arthurian legends will recognise, which I thought was very nice.Â
All in all an enjoyable read, in my opinion this book would've been 5/5 stars had it been 200 pages longer and actually explored the relationships and worldbuilding further. But then again I really like high-fantasy and worldbuilding.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Alcoholism, Death, Violence, Death of parent, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Outing, Sexism, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Classism, Drug use, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Kidnapping, Suicidal thoughts, and Religious bigotry
janneke2302's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This was a great book. I loved the romances in it, but my favorite parts were the friendship that grew between Gwen and Art. I also really like the humor in this book
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Homophobia
Moderate: Child abuse, Religious bigotry, Violence, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Death of parent, Murder, Islamophobia, and Racism
astoryofpages's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
iâve bought this book after my friend Anna, who hadnât read it yet at that moment, convinced me to take it as we were browsing in one of our favourite bookstores. the promise of a very gay arthurian retelling was here and iâm so glad i read this book because it was all i needed!
we follow Gwendoline - the princess of Camelot - and her betrothed Arthur - son of an opponent to Gwenâs father. they are promised to each other as the sign of an alliance between their two fathers. but the problem is: they are not interested in each other at all, if you know what i mean đ
i absolutely loved this book. the story is about friendship, love, first experiences and coming-out. the characters are all incredible, from Art and Gwen, Bridget and Gabriel, Sid and Agnes. i wonât call it a romance book because for me, itâs more about discovering, accepting and loving yourself. every character is different, with their own background, fears and experiences. but they are also a unique group of friends, and i loved how Art was like « youâre gay. you too. and you as well. because everybody is secretly gay ». by the way, we love the mlm/wlw solidarity!
this book warmed my heart and i can't really explain why. but to read the story of these young queer teenagers, who overcome assumptions to love whoever they want, without fear of the gaze of others, it's just incredible. i think this book healed something in me. i couldn't stop smiling reading these lines, laughing at some sour and sarcastic responses from Gwen and Art, and being happy watching them find their soul mates and do everything to make their love possible. i think that if i had been able to read this book when i was younger, i would have asked myself a lot fewer questions and i would not have tried to bottle up what i was feeling. it just felt safe to read this book â€ïžâđ©č
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Child abuse, Death of parent, Alcoholism, Violence, Toxic relationship, Blood, Vomit, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Outing, Religious bigotry, Sexism, and War
krisalexcole's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Moderate: War, Death, Medical content, Sexism, Chronic illness, Gore, Death of parent, Hate crime, Murder, Blood, and Homophobia
Minor: Self harm, Cursing, Grief, Kidnapping, and Religious bigotry
emilo's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Sexism, Lesbophobia, and Homophobia
Minor: Religious bigotry
achingallover's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Alcohol
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Child abuse, Death, Homophobia, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, and Blood
queerloras's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Grief, Bullying, Death, Religious bigotry, Blood, Gore, and Violence
Moderate: Lesbophobia, Vomit, Homophobia, Misogyny, Alcohol, Classism, and Hate crime
ladyfaceplant's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
fast-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
5.0
God I loved this book. I just wanted more of it. Lex Croucher writes romance like no one else. One of the kissing scenes made me genuinely burst into tears. The characters were somehow all my favourite but I think Gwen will always have a special place in my heart. Sheâs very autistic coded and I really saw my younger self in her. Itâs so wonderful to read a queer historical story thatâs so full of hope and yet still feels grounded and meaningful. I would read about these six idiots for the rest of time.Â
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Alcohol, Alcoholism, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Death of parent
Minor: Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Mental illness, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Child abuse, Vomit, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Grief
rai_ishardtoplease's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you!)
âTo be truly brave, first you must be afraidâand to be afraid, you must have something you cannot bear to lose.â
Fun fact:
I LOVE historical comedies.
And when I say âhistorical comedy,â I donât mean a comedy that was written in times past (although, Pride and Prejudice can GET IT). I mean, hand a classic IP to a queer Zoomer who majored in English Lit and minored in History and tell them to make it funny.
I have no idea if Croucherâs credentials meet those specifications, but either way, it appears sheâs up to the task.
H o w e v e r
Side effects of reading this may include:
- Giggling in the dead of night like a deranged schoolgirl
- Sapphic panic
- Long-suffering sighs
- Emotional damage
- Existential dread
No, you didnât misread those last two. No, Iâm not reviewing the wrong book.
For a purportedly wholesome, Arthurian-derived YA⊠this got quite a bit more grisly and emotionally harrowing than I expected. In fact, the more I read, the more often I had to remind myself that this wasnât written by Madeline Miller and therefore (probably) wouldnât end in tragedy and buried gays.
(I wish I could say Iâm kidding)
Of course, thereâshomophobia: internalized, externalized, internalized turned into externalized. I wouldnât say that it was unexpected, given that homophobia is a staple of queer literature, but I will admit to finding it inexplicably gut-wrenching here.
Then thereâs the whole âwe can only ever be each otherâs dirty little secretâ conflict. Which, again, not unexpected⊠but still hurt a surprising amount?
Thereâs also some pretty graphic injury and violence present.
Plus multiple major-character death scares.
And a coup culminating in several gruesome battle chapters, the death of a parent, and lifelong disability.
So⊠yeah. Um. Pretty chill.
I wouldnât say any of it was handled poorly. I wouldnât even say that it ought to be tempered or taken out.
I just wish I had a little more⊠I donât know⊠warning? Transparency about what I was getting myself into? As much as I prefer cozy fiction, I can handle heavier material. I promise. I just need a chance to prepare myself first.
Iâm not quite sure if the problem here is overly-optimistic subversive advertising or a lack of self-awareness. Maybe itâs neither. For all I know, the tonal bait-and-switch mightâve worked like a charm for some readers. But the only experience I can speak to is my own, and personally, I felt a little blindsided.
That said, I still enjoyed GAAANIL. I wouldnât have minded more than two short aftermath chapters, but then again, Iâm just happy it ended on a high note.
Ya know. Considering.
âTo be truly brave, first you must be afraidâand to be afraid, you must have something you cannot bear to lose.â
Fun fact:
I LOVE historical comedies.
And when I say âhistorical comedy,â I donât mean a comedy that was written in times past (although, Pride and Prejudice can GET IT). I mean, hand a classic IP to a queer Zoomer who majored in English Lit and minored in History and tell them to make it funny.
I have no idea if Croucherâs credentials meet those specifications, but either way, it appears sheâs up to the task.
H o w e v e r
Side effects of reading this may include:
- Giggling in the dead of night like a deranged schoolgirl
- Sapphic panic
- Long-suffering sighs
- Emotional damage
- Existential dread
No, you didnât misread those last two. No, Iâm not reviewing the wrong book.
For a purportedly wholesome, Arthurian-derived YA⊠this got quite a bit more grisly and emotionally harrowing than I expected. In fact, the more I read, the more often I had to remind myself that this wasnât written by Madeline Miller and therefore (probably) wouldnât end in tragedy and buried gays.
(I wish I could say Iâm kidding)
Of course, thereâs
Then thereâs the whole âwe can only ever be each otherâs dirty little secretâ conflict. Which, again, not unexpected⊠but still hurt a surprising amount?
Thereâs also some pretty graphic injury and violence present.
Plus multiple major-character death scares.
And a coup culminating in several gruesome battle chapters, the death of a parent, and lifelong disability.
So⊠yeah. Um. Pretty chill.
I wouldnât say any of it was handled poorly. I wouldnât even say that it ought to be tempered or taken out.
I just wish I had a little more⊠I donât know⊠warning? Transparency about what I was getting myself into? As much as I prefer cozy fiction, I can handle heavier material. I promise. I just need a chance to prepare myself first.
Iâm not quite sure if the problem here is overly-optimistic subversive advertising or a lack of self-awareness. Maybe itâs neither. For all I know, the tonal bait-and-switch mightâve worked like a charm for some readers. But the only experience I can speak to is my own, and personally, I felt a little blindsided.
That said, I still enjoyed GAAANIL. I wouldnât have minded more than two short aftermath chapters, but then again, Iâm just happy it ended on a high note.
Ya know. Considering.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Religious bigotry, and Violence
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, and War
shelvesofivy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Right off the bat, this book is funny. I'm talking, "laugh out loud through nearly the entire book" funny. Even though Arthur really stole the show for me, every single character had their own humor and charm. What can I say? I'm weak for a character who uses dark humor to deflect their own pain :")
Gwen was also so so special to me; I related to her need for safety and routine, and loved seeing her development as she let herself make friends âĄÂ
And to address the actual premise of this book â I'm obsessed. I loved seeing the two very different dynamics between the two main couples (and of course Sid and Agnes!) play out through the book. Gwen and Bridget with their somewhat awkward flirtation, and Arthur and Gabe with their tortured pining? Incredible âĄÂ
I will say that I wasn't quite as invested in Gwen and Bridget as I was Arthur and Gabe, and I'm not entirely sure what to pin it on. I think ultimately, the latter felt more genuine from both parties, whereas the former felt rather surface level.Â
As a whole though, this book and the characters had so much charm and wit, and the main six have become so so special to me âĄÂ
Gwen was also so so special to me; I related to her need for safety and routine, and loved seeing her development as she let herself make friends âĄÂ
And to address the actual premise of this book â I'm obsessed. I loved seeing the two very different dynamics between the two main couples (and of course Sid and Agnes!) play out through the book. Gwen and Bridget with their somewhat awkward flirtation, and Arthur and Gabe with their tortured pining? Incredible âĄÂ
I will say that I wasn't quite as invested in Gwen and Bridget as I was Arthur and Gabe, and I'm not entirely sure what to pin it on. I think ultimately, the latter felt more genuine from both parties, whereas the former felt rather surface level.Â
As a whole though, this book and the characters had so much charm and wit, and the main six have become so so special to me âĄÂ
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Vomit, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Alcoholism, Death, Emotional abuse, Violence, and Cursing
Moderate: Outing
Minor: Medical content, Religious bigotry, and Suicidal thoughts
More...