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stress_reader's review
dark
hopeful
mysterious
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? No
5.0
"Congratulations! We are writing to inform you that you have been selected to participate in the HappyHead Project as part of its inaugural intake..."
"...Attendance is mandatory."
📖 I loved this plot, it had me hooked from the get go (partial quote ⬆️ above - tell me that doesn't leave you needing to know more ASAP). It's interesting and not something I've read much of (really nothing I can think of that I've read that's quite like HappyHead).
I appreciate the bigger themes HappyHead discusses.
✍️🏼 I enjoyed Silver's writing immensely. It flows nice and smoothly, while being descriptive and immersive. I found the dialogue to read as natural. Silver does a great job making the reader feel sufficiently creeped out and on edge. Just enough that it's visceral without being overwhelming.
⏳️ I thought the paving was excellent. The way Silver build the tension up, especially in one scene involving a test - it truly had me nervous.
👥 I loved (or loved to hate) all of the characters. They're well developed and I enjoyed their personalities. I love and appreciate that the MCs aren't hetero, and that it also shows some characters that are comfortable and open with their sexuality, while others aren't there, yet.
💞 I greatly enjoyed the slow burn romance and love that Silver takes the time to show them go from strangers to reluctant allies, then to friends, and finally to maybe more.
⚠️ CW/TW:
📚 YA versions of Squid Games meets They Both Die at the End.
It does end off on a cliffhanger. I'm excited to read the 2nd book. If you're looking for a book to creep you out a bit and like YA dystopian, give this one a try.
Thank you to @smudgecotton and @Netgalley for the opportunity to read this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
"...Attendance is mandatory."
📖 I loved this plot, it had me hooked from the get go (partial quote ⬆️ above - tell me that doesn't leave you needing to know more ASAP). It's interesting and not something I've read much of (really nothing I can think of that I've read that's quite like HappyHead).
I appreciate the bigger themes HappyHead discusses.
✍️🏼 I enjoyed Silver's writing immensely. It flows nice and smoothly, while being descriptive and immersive. I found the dialogue to read as natural. Silver does a great job making the reader feel sufficiently creeped out and on edge. Just enough that it's visceral without being overwhelming.
⏳️ I thought the paving was excellent. The way Silver build the tension up, especially in one scene involving a test - it truly had me nervous.
👥 I loved (or loved to hate) all of the characters. They're well developed and I enjoyed their personalities. I love and appreciate that the MCs aren't hetero, and that it also shows some characters that are comfortable and open with their sexuality, while others aren't there, yet.
💞 I greatly enjoyed the slow burn romance and love that Silver takes the time to show them go from strangers to reluctant allies, then to friends, and finally to maybe more.
⚠️ CW/TW:
📚 YA versions of Squid Games meets They Both Die at the End.
It does end off on a cliffhanger. I'm excited to read the 2nd book. If you're looking for a book to creep you out a bit and like YA dystopian, give this one a try.
Thank you to @smudgecotton and @Netgalley for the opportunity to read this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Slavery, Blood, Medical content, and Outing
cliona14's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Homophobia, Mental illness, and Classism
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
scarly09's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
sad
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Mental illness and Blood
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Vomit