Reviews

Artifacts of an Ex by Jennifer Chen

the_cover_contessa's review

funny hopeful medium-paced

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

2.5

illidia316's review

4.0

I really enjoyed this book! I really related to Chloe in being transplanted from one place to another - I also had a cross country move and felt completely out of my element in my new location. Having something in common made me a lot more invested in Chloe's character.

The plot really intrigued me. I loved the idea of taking memories from a relationship and using them to create an art exhibition. It's an entire new way to get closure for those in the ended relationships. This particular art exhibition is more than that, though. For Chloe, Heartifacts (this should have been the name of the book!) was actually the beginning. It was the beginning of her new life in California, new friendships, and many other things.

Artifacts of An Ex is a fun book that really shows when one door closes, another opens. I look forward to reading more by Jennifer Chen in the future.

gmd316's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

2.75

I need to stop with the YA romance, it just does not vibe with me. This book is too fast paced, we don't have real insight into the character's decision making, the whole thing feels like a sped up rom com without any of the actual fun parts. Thanks to author, publisher, and netgalley for the ARC

ebosscher's review

3.0

While the concept was cute, I didn't love this. I felt like this book was originally written for characters in college and got edited to be high school instead and for me there was a dissonance that made it feel unrealistic. 

lydiahephzibah's review against another edition

DNF

Setting: California
Rep: Asian-American protagonist

There is nothing wrong with this book. It just isn't for me. I think it's more a case of wrong book, wrong time for me on this one. I made it to the 50% back in May and haven't touched it since. I'm just not vibing with it, and it's time to admit defeat.

sandiereads's review

emotional hopeful lighthearted 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? No

4.0

over_bookedblonde's review

4.0

Book : Artifacts of An Ex
Author : Jennifer Chen
Pub Date : 14 Nov 2023

Thank you NetGalley, St Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books & the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This book was so cute from the cover to the storyline/plot etc. I typically do not gravitate towards YA but I’m happy I’m branching out. I sat down yesterday evening and could put this book down until I had finished. I adore Chloe , our MC. I loved watching her grow through the book and develop.

I have recommended this book to my daughter who I feel as a YA would love this book as well. The book was written in such a way it appeases both the YA and Adult readers. I can’t wait to see what else the author comes out with.

bookwormbullet's review

emotional lighthearted relaxing slow-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

anniekslibrary's review

4.0

This is exactly what I was hoping from it, and more. It's a solid debut YA romcom, and one that has me very excited to see more from this author!

What really stood out for me in this book are two elements: the incredible eye for detail, and the focus on art. Every description in the book is so vivid and detailed that it was so easy to picture everything, and it made for such an enjoyable read to know so many details about every scene. It made everything feel very real.

And it was so fun to read about Chloe's art project, which was given a lot of thought and attention, and sounded so very interesting. Chloe goes through a lot of growth through working on this project, so it's truly entwined with the story.

hanking0528's review

4.0

Rating this 4 stars only because it took me a few chapters to really get into it. I loved all of the characters. Even Ahma was amazing. Having Chloe’s grandmother be a part of the side story just tied everything together for me. I loved how Daniel didn’t immediately say yes to Chloe. I loved the suspense. After I got past the first few chapters, I could not put it down! Even the minor characters made such an impact in this story. I loved the message that heartbreak doesn’t have to be awful forever and only leads to even better things.

Thank you bet galley for this ARC!!