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nickywheeler's review
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Sexual content, Abandonment, and Dysphoria
dododenise's review
emotional
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
4.0
I really enjoyed reading this. Maybe it wasn’t a masterpiece, some things could’ve been worked out better, but I was invested. I’m also just a sucker for band stories.
What I appreciated about it a lot was the balance of the characters being deeply flawed and still having to learn so much, while making both of their perspectives sympathetic. I could always understand where either of them came from, and that was so important.
Chance and David’s relationship is complicated. I can’t tell you where they would be in a few years time. Throughout the book their relationship goes through so many phases while the characters also changed themselves. I loved reading about the changes within their relationship.
My biggest issue was Ridley. For one she was a source of too many pop culture references but most importantly she made me uncomfortable. The way she saw Chance as a sex object instead of a human being was so icky.
I wouldn’t have minded the book to be longer. I would have liked to see the ramifications of queerness within the music industry. But perhaps that would’ve gone beyond what the book wanted to tackle, as its focus was elsewhere.
Overall I just had a fun time reading. A fun YA read!
What I appreciated about it a lot was the balance of the characters being deeply flawed and still having to learn so much, while making both of their perspectives sympathetic. I could always understand where either of them came from, and that was so important.
Chance and David’s relationship is complicated. I can’t tell you where they would be in a few years time. Throughout the book their relationship goes through so many phases while the characters also changed themselves. I loved reading about the changes within their relationship.
My biggest issue was Ridley. For one she was a source of too many pop culture references but most importantly she made me uncomfortable. The way she saw Chance as a sex object instead of a human being was so icky.
I wouldn’t have minded the book to be longer. I would have liked to see the ramifications of queerness within the music industry. But perhaps that would’ve gone beyond what the book wanted to tackle, as its focus was elsewhere.
Overall I just had a fun time reading. A fun YA read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Homophobia, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content
abitbetterbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this book really didn’t work for me. I could see perhaps why someone else may enjoy it, but I couldn’t really get behind a lot of the decisions made in this book.
I didn’t actively dislike it per se, it was fairly easy and quick to read with lots of humour and good banter, which I appreciated! But the things I really liked about the book (David and his carpentry, David & his dad talking about his mom leaving, the impact of grief on our relationships and the damage of losing a friend young) were in short supply and the things I wasn’t as much of a fan of felt a lot more prominent.
I found David to be profoundly unlikeable, especially towards the end of the book. I couldn’t really understand what Chance would see in him and I couldn’t really find a solid reason why David was into Chance either. I found myself suspending a lot of disbelief as the whole situation just felt not believable. David was so selfish, jealous, and resentful that I had a really hard time believing that he had really changed and could be a good boyfriend by the end of the novel, because I didn’t see evidence of much growth throughout the book.
There were also some questionable and frankly problematic decisions made for the year 2023: Chance referring to his mother as “Mom Führer”, two Harry Potter references (in a queer book no less!!), and some flippant comment about how the police would “at least give them a warning before shooting” because the MC is white and the LI is famous.
Overall, I think if you’re really into the pop star / boy band genre and don’t mind a difficult main character, this might work for you, but ultimately I was disappointed by it.
Unfortunately, this book really didn’t work for me. I could see perhaps why someone else may enjoy it, but I couldn’t really get behind a lot of the decisions made in this book.
I didn’t actively dislike it per se, it was fairly easy and quick to read with lots of humour and good banter, which I appreciated! But the things I really liked about the book (David and his carpentry, David & his dad talking about his mom leaving, the impact of grief on our relationships and the damage of losing a friend young) were in short supply and the things I wasn’t as much of a fan of felt a lot more prominent.
I found David to be profoundly unlikeable, especially towards the end of the book. I couldn’t really understand what Chance would see in him and I couldn’t really find a solid reason why David was into Chance either. I found myself suspending a lot of disbelief as the whole situation just felt not believable. David was so selfish, jealous, and resentful that I had a really hard time believing that he had really changed and could be a good boyfriend by the end of the novel, because I didn’t see evidence of much growth throughout the book.
There were also some questionable and frankly problematic decisions made for the year 2023: Chance referring to his mother as “Mom Führer”, two Harry Potter references (in a queer book no less!!), and some flippant comment about how the police would “at least give them a warning before shooting” because the MC is white and the LI is famous.
Overall, I think if you’re really into the pop star / boy band genre and don’t mind a difficult main character, this might work for you, but ultimately I was disappointed by it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Abandonment, and Alcohol
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.5
When David quit his band in high school, he never imagined the fame his ex-best friends would achieve. Now he's living a normal high school live while Chance, the ex-best friend, lives a life of stardom and fame.
However, when tragedy strikes, David and Chance are thrown back together. As they reconnect, they throw away their enemy status for a newfound, secret romance. And a chance for David to possibly rejoin the band. As things start to get serious, David finds that his opportunity to get back in the band might also mean losing his new romance.
Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday books for an advanced copy of Darkhearts by James Sutter to review! It's pitched for fans of Alice Oseman and Red, White, and Royal Blue, and it may be the first book in a while that actually fits the vibes of those two things.
The characters and the romance are really at the center of this book, focusing on the way David realizes his feelings for chance--and thus, realizing aspects of his own sexuality. There are some great moments between them, and the texting exchanges add some lightheartedness to the darker moments found throughout the book.
The story itself does have a little bit of a rough start, but once you get into Chance and David's romance, it is smooth sailing. Not necessarily for them, but for the writing style. You'll be swept up into this secretive, boy band romance, referencing moments from both of their pasts. It's not a true enemies to lovers, but more best friends turned enemies turned lovers. Which really is a fantastic trope in and of itself.
All in all, if you are a fan of Red, White, and Royal Blue and looking for a more YA alternative, this is a book I'd definitely put in your hands!
However, when tragedy strikes, David and Chance are thrown back together. As they reconnect, they throw away their enemy status for a newfound, secret romance. And a chance for David to possibly rejoin the band. As things start to get serious, David finds that his opportunity to get back in the band might also mean losing his new romance.
Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday books for an advanced copy of Darkhearts by James Sutter to review! It's pitched for fans of Alice Oseman and Red, White, and Royal Blue, and it may be the first book in a while that actually fits the vibes of those two things.
The characters and the romance are really at the center of this book, focusing on the way David realizes his feelings for chance--and thus, realizing aspects of his own sexuality. There are some great moments between them, and the texting exchanges add some lightheartedness to the darker moments found throughout the book.
The story itself does have a little bit of a rough start, but once you get into Chance and David's romance, it is smooth sailing. Not necessarily for them, but for the writing style. You'll be swept up into this secretive, boy band romance, referencing moments from both of their pasts. It's not a true enemies to lovers, but more best friends turned enemies turned lovers. Which really is a fantastic trope in and of itself.
All in all, if you are a fan of Red, White, and Royal Blue and looking for a more YA alternative, this is a book I'd definitely put in your hands!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Alcohol
Moderate: Body shaming, Death, and Grief
Minor: Fatphobia and Sexual content
tiredcath's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Darkhearts starts off with a bang, during the funeral of our mc's, David's, ex-band mate's funeral. This is the catalyst that leads to David and Chance spending time together as they attempt to deal with the grief of their friend, old resentment, and new feelings.
There are lots I did like about Darkhearts. Chance was a very realistic and sympathetic character, at first, I was so unsure of him but as his character opened and grew I appreciated him a lot. I liked the setup, and the brutally honest feelings of abandonment, jealousy, and resentment, and how fame affects him. Some of the lines are devastatingly beautiful. I don't think I'll forget hearing: "He looked up at the sky. Starlight playing over the beautiful shipwreck of his grief." Gorgeous. The build-up between David and Chance was done well, the entire chapter of them in the forest- I wish the entire book was THAT. That was good, that sold me, that made me want to read (well, listen.)
Now... for what I didn't like. If you're expecting a hard-hitting novel about the effects of a sudden death- this is not it. Except for minor moments, Eli's death is just a plot device. Which sucks because I truly wanted to feel for this character I'll never get to meet.
Writing wise is a bit repetitive with David's inner monologue consistently voicing his biases and jealousy. I understood it's an essential part of his character, but it didn't make it any easier to listen to over and over again. David himself is an interesting character. For the most part, he's extremely unlikable- which again, I understand is a part of his character. But really the main issue is David is dumb. He makes very obviously bad choices and is surprised when things are bad. He actively doesn't listen and continues to be selfish throughout the story.
I'll also just say: hated Ripley. I hate that kind of character archetype in general because it's never done right. Ripley was gross, selfish, and insensitive. I love a strong female character who's loud and brash, but she was just faults.
There's more I wish the author dove into that would've made the story richer, so unfortunately, a lot of the big moments felt flat or undeserved.
Mostly, the effects of David's mother's behavior and how it affected it. I expected a payoff with his mom, but other than the conversation with his dad it went nowhere. Just like the church plot and the woodworking, David's Etsy store- so many things mentioned and lead up to nothing. I also don't understand not making David bisexual from the beginning of his sexual journey was going to be just "welp I like this guy now", I didn't feel the progression at all.
About the audiobook:
I didn't love Ramon de Ocampo for David. It isn't unpleasant but I wouldn't purchase the audiobook personally. Especially when some of the "sexy" lines are read. Not for me.
In all, Darkhearts has the foundations of a great story about grief, pain, abandonment, and the price of fame, however, most of what makes this book good is lost in poor characters and dumb decisions. With that being said, I still enjoyed listening to it and would recommend if you want a palette cleanser.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
There are lots I did like about Darkhearts. Chance was a very realistic and sympathetic character, at first, I was so unsure of him but as his character opened and grew I appreciated him a lot. I liked the setup, and the brutally honest feelings of abandonment, jealousy, and resentment, and how fame affects him. Some of the lines are devastatingly beautiful. I don't think I'll forget hearing: "He looked up at the sky. Starlight playing over the beautiful shipwreck of his grief." Gorgeous. The build-up between David and Chance was done well, the entire chapter of them in the forest- I wish the entire book was THAT. That was good, that sold me, that made me want to read (well, listen.)
Now... for what I didn't like. If you're expecting a hard-hitting novel about the effects of a sudden death- this is not it. Except for minor moments, Eli's death is just a plot device. Which sucks because I truly wanted to feel for this character I'll never get to meet.
Writing wise is a bit repetitive with David's inner monologue consistently voicing his biases and jealousy. I understood it's an essential part of his character, but it didn't make it any easier to listen to over and over again. David himself is an interesting character. For the most part, he's extremely unlikable- which again, I understand is a part of his character. But really the main issue is David is dumb. He makes very obviously bad choices and is surprised when things are bad. He actively doesn't listen and continues to be selfish throughout the story.
I'll also just say: hated Ripley. I hate that kind of character archetype in general because it's never done right. Ripley was gross, selfish, and insensitive. I love a strong female character who's loud and brash, but she was just faults.
There's more I wish the author dove into that would've made the story richer, so unfortunately, a lot of the big moments felt flat or undeserved.
About the audiobook:
I didn't love Ramon de Ocampo for David. It isn't unpleasant but I wouldn't purchase the audiobook personally. Especially when some of the "sexy" lines are read. Not for me.
In all, Darkhearts has the foundations of a great story about grief, pain, abandonment, and the price of fame, however, most of what makes this book good is lost in poor characters and dumb decisions. With that being said, I still enjoyed listening to it and would recommend if you want a palette cleanser.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Alcohol