brennalynne's review
3.0
I really thought this book could have been better in many ways. When I picked the book out I was expecting less of a romance novel and more... fighting against homophobes I guess. There was only one true seen on gay bullying and it was very small. No one can react that little to bullying.
It was still good and worth the read
It was still good and worth the read
magnetgrrl's review
5.0
Sara Ryan has her fingers on the pulse of teen emotion. The characters in this book were smart and messy and intense and throwing themselves around just like I remember doing in high school, hoping to stick to anything, or that something would stick to me. And the way Sara Ryan describes them is just brilliant - she knows exactly which details to focus on in the background to give the right echo of their emotional states, so that whether they are talking or not, everything is electrified with the intensity of their emotions. This book feels urgent, which is how I remember everything feeling in high school. Part of the reason I loved it so much I am sure is because the main character Nicola Lancaster reminded me somewhat of myself, but beyond that, her relationship with Battle Davies has some elements to it that I think everyone, no matter their age, could relate to. I just don’t think I can say enough to do it justice.
ebc_readsmut's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be a refreshing story about young love. Although it was pretty slow for about half or a third of the book it got good though out the rest.
The characters were interesting and the way they socialized and were presented really made them feel real. This story isn't just about a summer fling or a love story between (oh man!) two girls; it's about navigating the world towards finding your self, self identity, friendship, angst, confusion, and the longing to be different or to know why you're different. It's tough navigating human sexuality especially when your "preferences" may not be what's totally socially excepted or considered the norm and I think this book shows that. The writing was good and I thought the ending was perfect. You don't find out what happens after they leave but really it doesn't matter because they enjoyed their last day together and found peace within themselves. I think a lot of people can relate to the trials and tribulations that these teens went through, regardless of whether or not you're gay, straight, bisexual, etc.
The characters were interesting and the way they socialized and were presented really made them feel real. This story isn't just about a summer fling or a love story between (oh man!) two girls; it's about navigating the world towards finding your self, self identity, friendship, angst, confusion, and the longing to be different or to know why you're different. It's tough navigating human sexuality especially when your "preferences" may not be what's totally socially excepted or considered the norm and I think this book shows that. The writing was good and I thought the ending was perfect. You don't find out what happens after they leave but really it doesn't matter because they enjoyed their last day together and found peace within themselves. I think a lot of people can relate to the trials and tribulations that these teens went through, regardless of whether or not you're gay, straight, bisexual, etc.
kappareads's review
4.0
My rating is somewhere between 3 and 4 stars.
So I'm probably very biased because this is the first good LGBTQ book I've read after a bad one, but I loved it. I loved the budding romance between Battle and Nic, it felt so natural. Plus, bisexuals!!!!
Reason why this doesn't go full 4 stars for me; the climax confused me, and Battle really doesn't explain herself. Really overall the second half is lacking, but the first half makes up for it. And I can't really fault this book for being written when it was, but you can FEEL it was written early 2000s by all the gay jokes, whether teasingly or made to hurt.
I just, really enjoyed this book, despite it's flaws and slightly cliche cast. It was good and thats all I can ask for from an early 2000s book about bisexual peoplwwith a happy ending
So I'm probably very biased because this is the first good LGBTQ book I've read after a bad one, but I loved it. I loved the budding romance between Battle and Nic, it felt so natural. Plus, bisexuals!!!!
Reason why this doesn't go full 4 stars for me; the climax confused me, and Battle really doesn't explain herself. Really overall the second half is lacking, but the first half makes up for it. And I can't really fault this book for being written when it was, but you can FEEL it was written early 2000s by all the gay jokes, whether teasingly or made to hurt.
I just, really enjoyed this book, despite it's flaws and slightly cliche cast. It was good and thats all I can ask for from an early 2000s book about bisexual peoplwwith a happy ending
airclay3's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was so beautiful! Reminded me vaguely of Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass (just in terms of how the book made me think and feel while reading and that it is about high schoolers). I am so glad to have read an incredible girl*girl romance that was sweet and cute! Read so many cute gay stories that were boy*boy, I was tired of all the men on the page!! A cool thing is that I chose my Cleopatra bookmark for this book before starting it to find out that Nic is studying archeology for the summer! I like how the book described teenage feelings, and it is also a surprisingly progressive book for being published in 2001! Brings me joy to see that publishing year for this book :)
mila_nights's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
3.0
Review
‘Empress of the World’ by Sara Ryan is a great coming-of-age novel that explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the complexities of teenage relationships.
One of the strengths of the book is its portrayal of Nicola's struggle with her own sexuality. Sara Ryan handles this aspect of the story with sensitivity and authenticity, making it relatable to readers of all backgrounds.
The Protagonist’s character development in the novel is great, Nicola is a well-rounded, three-dimensional character with a strong voice. The supporting characters add depth to the story and provide a sense of community that is essential for young adults. The interactions and dynamics between the characters are beautifully written and help drive the narrative forward.
The novel overall is a thoughtful exploration of the intricacies of teenage relationships, including the confusion and emotions that often come with them. Nicola's journey is not just about understanding her sexuality, but also about discovering who she is as a person and what she wants from her relationships and life in general. This makes 'Empress of the World' a relatable and powerful story for any teenager going through similar experiences.
‘Empress of the World’ by Sara Ryan is a great coming-of-age novel that explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the complexities of teenage relationships.
One of the strengths of the book is its portrayal of Nicola's struggle with her own sexuality. Sara Ryan handles this aspect of the story with sensitivity and authenticity, making it relatable to readers of all backgrounds.
The Protagonist’s character development in the novel is great, Nicola is a well-rounded, three-dimensional character with a strong voice. The supporting characters add depth to the story and provide a sense of community that is essential for young adults. The interactions and dynamics between the characters are beautifully written and help drive the narrative forward.
The novel overall is a thoughtful exploration of the intricacies of teenage relationships, including the confusion and emotions that often come with them. Nicola's journey is not just about understanding her sexuality, but also about discovering who she is as a person and what she wants from her relationships and life in general. This makes 'Empress of the World' a relatable and powerful story for any teenager going through similar experiences.
jnlletrry's review
2.0
More of 1.5 rating. *Spoileryish*
I had been wanting to read this book for some time now. None of the local libraries had it, so I was happy when I found it online. I jumped right into it, and as I kept reading, I got this odd feeling that I was missing pages because there were things about this book I felt like didn't fit together.
Battle and Nic's relationship for one. It didn't seem like they had any romantic connection at all. It seemed more like an intense friendship with some kissing. And then the whole "I love you" thing after a few weeks. I mean, that's teenagers in reality, but there was nothing that led me to believe they actually loved each other besides hurt feelings.
I was confused about the setting/time period. The kids had computers, but none of them seemed to have cell phones or cameras. The only mention of the Internet - with a capital I - was towards the end of the book. Couldn't tell anything by their dress or the way the characters talked. On that note, the dialogue felt forced and unrealistic. I've never read a book or participated in a conversation where characters/people talk this way. And I felt like there was an over-usage of the word "dyke". It felt almost offensive every time I read it. Granted, "dyke" tends to be used as an insult to lesbians, but for it be to thrown around in conversation like it's everyday terminology felt wrong.
Lastly, there was very little character development for any of the characters. Nic learned to not over-analyze things/want an answer for everything, and Battle as able to be a bit more open, but we weren't taken through their journey. THAT was the disappointing part. It was like the book gave us these characters, some pages in between, and then at the end said, "Oh, look! They're different people!"
I don't know. I feel like I've been overly judgmental of books lately. Maybe I'm judging this book to harshly, but I'm glad I didn't waste more than a day on it.
I had been wanting to read this book for some time now. None of the local libraries had it, so I was happy when I found it online. I jumped right into it, and as I kept reading, I got this odd feeling that I was missing pages because there were things about this book I felt like didn't fit together.
Battle and Nic's relationship for one. It didn't seem like they had any romantic connection at all. It seemed more like an intense friendship with some kissing. And then the whole "I love you" thing after a few weeks. I mean, that's teenagers in reality, but there was nothing that led me to believe they actually loved each other besides hurt feelings.
I was confused about the setting/time period. The kids had computers, but none of them seemed to have cell phones or cameras. The only mention of the Internet - with a capital I - was towards the end of the book. Couldn't tell anything by their dress or the way the characters talked. On that note, the dialogue felt forced and unrealistic. I've never read a book or participated in a conversation where characters/people talk this way. And I felt like there was an over-usage of the word "dyke". It felt almost offensive every time I read it. Granted, "dyke" tends to be used as an insult to lesbians, but for it be to thrown around in conversation like it's everyday terminology felt wrong.
Lastly, there was very little character development for any of the characters. Nic learned to not over-analyze things/want an answer for everything, and Battle as able to be a bit more open, but we weren't taken through their journey. THAT was the disappointing part. It was like the book gave us these characters, some pages in between, and then at the end said, "Oh, look! They're different people!"
I don't know. I feel like I've been overly judgmental of books lately. Maybe I'm judging this book to harshly, but I'm glad I didn't waste more than a day on it.
michellewalsh's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0