jennguare's review
dark
sad
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
4.0
moanimgard's review against another edition
emotional
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
3.5
helterskelliter's review
3.0
17-year-old Denver wants to be heard. She’s a writer, a singer, a dreamer.
She believes in herself even when no one else does. With the support of her co-artists Dali and Shak, Denver’s passion and ambition lead her to seek out the attention of Sean “Mercury” Ellis, a renowned musician. Once they have his eyes on them, they find themselves thrust into the spotlight. Songs are recorded and lavish gifts bestowed. Opportunities abound. Even when friends and family begin to question the extravagance and intentions of Merc, Denver ignores the concern. Casts these worries off as haters hating.
But, catching Merc’s attention soon reveals itself to not be the gift it seems.
When accusations start pouring in against Merc, calling him out for grooming and kidnapping young vulnerable girls, Denver finds the evidence impossible to ignore. Will she allow herself to be muted? Or will she reclaim her voice?
….So, I really wanted to like this story. It’s really compelling content, especially as more information comes out about powerful men abusing their power and manipulating young women. But, I think this story was trying to be too many things in too small a package. Lots of important issues fell through the cracks for me with this one. Lots of important questions went unanswered too. I wish there was more said in regards to the stories of the other women in this story who are all victims too in different ways. Without their stories, this book feels shallow.
That said, this book is trying to describe a criminally concerning predatory dynamic that is all too common in the music industry. Young women of color are already so vulnerable in society, making them unfortunate targets for these predators. It’s hard to fault the young girls in this story too much for their actions when they have so few choices open to them. I think more stories like this one need to be told.
She believes in herself even when no one else does. With the support of her co-artists Dali and Shak, Denver’s passion and ambition lead her to seek out the attention of Sean “Mercury” Ellis, a renowned musician. Once they have his eyes on them, they find themselves thrust into the spotlight. Songs are recorded and lavish gifts bestowed. Opportunities abound. Even when friends and family begin to question the extravagance and intentions of Merc, Denver ignores the concern. Casts these worries off as haters hating.
But, catching Merc’s attention soon reveals itself to not be the gift it seems.
When accusations start pouring in against Merc, calling him out for grooming and kidnapping young vulnerable girls, Denver finds the evidence impossible to ignore. Will she allow herself to be muted? Or will she reclaim her voice?
….So, I really wanted to like this story. It’s really compelling content, especially as more information comes out about powerful men abusing their power and manipulating young women. But, I think this story was trying to be too many things in too small a package. Lots of important issues fell through the cracks for me with this one. Lots of important questions went unanswered too. I wish there was more said in regards to the stories of the other women in this story who are all victims too in different ways. Without their stories, this book feels shallow.
That said, this book is trying to describe a criminally concerning predatory dynamic that is all too common in the music industry. Young women of color are already so vulnerable in society, making them unfortunate targets for these predators. It’s hard to fault the young girls in this story too much for their actions when they have so few choices open to them. I think more stories like this one need to be told.
tallulahchanel's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse, Kidnapping, Rape, and Drug use
ilovebooks30's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
melissapalmer404's review against another edition
5.0
This young adult verse novel is powerful, disturbing and unputdownable. Three teen girls dream of becoming musicians. A star musician takes them under his wings....but is he really a good thing for him. Strong R Kelly vibes....this is a cautionary tale and a must read.
the_laibararian's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
steel_city_peach's review against another edition
5.0
Wow!
I was hooked from the first page. I had to see what would happen next. I was waiting for the big blow up to happen. The story just kept getting more interesting. I couldn’t read fast enough. I felt myself holding my breath for the final pages. The ending wasn’t what I expected, but it was amazing.
I was hooked from the first page. I had to see what would happen next. I was waiting for the big blow up to happen. The story just kept getting more interesting. I couldn’t read fast enough. I felt myself holding my breath for the final pages. The ending wasn’t what I expected, but it was amazing.
candacem's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0