Reviews with content warning for Death - Darius the Great Is Not Okay

I was surprised how much I loved this book. Darius developed so well throughout the book and I loved seeing his journey and him grow as a character. The book made me laugh at parts and cry at others. Getting to see Darius make his first best friend, become closer to his family, deal with depression, expierence a new place/culture, and see him and his family deal with the impending loss of Darius' grandfather was such a bittersweet and emotiona journey to read about but so enjoyable.

Darius as a character is a bit cringey a times with some of the things he says and thinks but overall I ended up growing to really enjoyed him as a character.

I was a bit disappointed that this is marketed as a gay book but the gayness was so subtle it was nonexistent. Darius never says he's gay in any way and the hints at him being so are so subtle that I probably wouldn't have picked up on them if I hadn't gone into this knowing that Darius liked boys.

It's a beautiful coming of age story with a focus on family and friendship. It's definitely worth the read but if you're going into this looking only for gay content you might leave disappointed. The sequel from the description looks like it's actually explicitly gay though so I'm looking forward to reading that!

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anniestevens's review against another edition

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adventurous 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

5.0

5/5 stars.

god this book is just absolutely incredible. originally, i thought this was going to b a gay love story, it isn't — it's something completely different, but beautiful. this story perfectly depicts how suicide is not the only way you can lose someone to depression.

although, this was not the gay romance i was hoping, it shows a blossoming relationship between 2 young teen boys who are both outcast in different ways. their relationship is absolutely beautiful & breathtaking. i truly did fall in love w sorhab & darius.

i highly suggest this book to anyone & i hope everyone gives it a read.

p.s. i may love the book, but darius calling masturbating "going number 3" is just completely unforgivable & he needs to stop. like pls, darius. never say that shit again.

Content Warnings