Reviews

The Goodbye Kids by Debbie Iancu-Haddad

books_highlighters_me's review against another edition

5.0

Absolutely adorable! I always love a well-written YA and making it sci-fi is just like the cherry on the top.
Towards the beginning, the pace is a little slow, but once Haley gets introduced, there's no going back. That's the promising dual POV that this book offers! You just have to keep on going, it's irresistible! The way the main leads' dynamic changes is so sweet and precious. I loved the way the plot was carried out. It was unique and I loved it through and through.
The book, towards the end, also gives an insight into the sequel. Honestly, that scared me, I didn't want to read it. I wanted to leave the story where it ended... but in the end, I read it and I think I won't be disappointed by the next book either, although I'm a bit disappointed in Jorden. Well, why? That's for you to read and find out!

rion_gale's review

adventurous dark mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I got this book through a storygraph giveaway. 

I found the start a bit rocky, but the story hooked me about 50 pages in so I'm glad I kept reading.

lucysmithyy's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

sathyadgs95's review

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

I always love a well-written YA and making it sci-fi is just like the cherry on the top.
Towards the beginning, the pace is a little slow. Promising dual POV. You just have to keep on going, it's irresistible. The way the main leads dynamic changes is so sweet and precious. I loved the way the plot was carried out. It was unique and I loved it through and through.
The book, towards the end, also gives an insight into the sequel. Honestly, that scared me, I didn't want to read it. I wanted to leave the story where it ended, but in the end, I read it and I think I won't be disappointed by the next book either.

scarcoll's review

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

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

3.25

professorhelmkenreads's review

adventurous dark emotional funny inspiring reflective sad tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

mjenae's review

I received an ARC of this book. I got a new phone. I lost the ARC. Am I annoyed that I did not get to finish the story? Quite. Well. So it goes.

ladyalbion's review

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

3.5

The Goodbye Kids, by Debbie Iancu-Haddad, came to me through a giveaway organised on TheStorygraph. The synopsis quickly caught my attention. A future where the Earth is practically uninhabitable as a result of pollution and the few lucky people can start a new life on a space colony. The story, told through the relationship between two teenagers, is an interesting take on climate change and how, as is often the case in real life, measures are put in place to adapt to it rather than trying to change course. Despite this, there are certain aspects that didn't quite click for me.

The narration was a bit heavy and it wasn't until halfway through the book that the story really hooked me. Also, despite understanding the path Jorden was taking, he had certain behaviours that I think bordered on toxic in his relationship with Haley. The girl also sometimes gave in to the protagonist's requests, which made her character a bit empty.

Overall, I found The Goodbye Kids to be an interesting story, albeit with some aspects that I didn't quite like. Still, it leaves you wanting more to discover the future in the stars.

the_wistful_word_witch's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Wow!! I won a copy of The Goodbye Kids here on StoryGraph and I'm so glad I did. 

This book was a wild ride, from the ravages of an Earth that we've destroyed into the silent darkness of space, following the path of two star-crossed teens as humanity tries to make a new home in a galaxy far, far away. 

**POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD**

Despite his intentions, much like Haley, you can't help falling at least a little in love with Jorden. This poor kid never even had a chance until he meets Haley, and even then, as the story progresses, you see he never had a choice. 

And poor Haley! She's been hurt and betrayed by someone she loved with all her heart. But Jorden's not the only one hiding secrets. Haley's parents are definitely up to something. But what? 

I can't wait for book 2 to be published so I can see how everything's going to be resolved and if Haley and Jorden can move beyond all the hurt and finally find the love they've both been needing without knowing they needed it. 

lyramurdock's review

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

I received a copy during a giveaway.


Great YA sci-fi. Couldn't put it down.
Characters have flaws and kept me on my toes.