A review by ethan_libra
If You're Reading This, It's Too Late by Pseudonymous Bosch
2.0
DISCLAIMER: If You're Reading This, It's Too Late is the sequel to The Name of This Book Is Secret, so if you haven't read my review for that book, you might want to, given that I reference my opinion on that book quite a bit in this review. Thanks!
Although it still has its problems, and although I wouldn't call it a "good" book by any means, this was definitely a step up from the previous novel in the series. For one, the A Series of Unfortunate Events influence has certainly lessened, and I can sense this series gaining more of an individual voice. If this continues, I might actually start enjoying these books! Another noticeable change is Cass, our main protagonist. She is a lot more likable in this novel, and acts a lot more kindly towards Max-Ernest (our other protagonist) and others she meets. Max-Ernest hasn't really changed at all, though. Finally, the author's interruptions have lessened since the last book, which is still an improvement even if they haven't gotten less obnoxious.
However, this still wasn't exactly a good book. One issue I keep coming back to in my mind revolves around a new character: Yo-Yoji. It feels like he only serves to drive a half-baked "jealousy" conflict between our two main characters, because he really doesn't do anything besides that. Also, the reader is supposed to believe he's "cool" because he plays electric guitar and says "yo" and "sick" all the time, which has just aged terribly. The illustrations haven't improved, either; they're still as hard to look at and misleading as before. Lastly, the pacing in the second act feels like nothing is happening, and the author tends to repeat phrases a lot (one such offender being "which is a polite way of saying ___") So, I'd call this book a definite improvement, although there is still work to be done before this series can be enjoyable to read. Cheers!
Although it still has its problems, and although I wouldn't call it a "good" book by any means, this was definitely a step up from the previous novel in the series. For one, the A Series of Unfortunate Events influence has certainly lessened, and I can sense this series gaining more of an individual voice. If this continues, I might actually start enjoying these books! Another noticeable change is Cass, our main protagonist. She is a lot more likable in this novel, and acts a lot more kindly towards Max-Ernest (our other protagonist) and others she meets. Max-Ernest hasn't really changed at all, though. Finally, the author's interruptions have lessened since the last book, which is still an improvement even if they haven't gotten less obnoxious.
However, this still wasn't exactly a good book. One issue I keep coming back to in my mind revolves around a new character: Yo-Yoji. It feels like he only serves to drive a half-baked "jealousy" conflict between our two main characters, because he really doesn't do anything besides that. Also, the reader is supposed to believe he's "cool" because he plays electric guitar and says "yo" and "sick" all the time, which has just aged terribly. The illustrations haven't improved, either; they're still as hard to look at and misleading as before. Lastly, the pacing in the second act feels like nothing is happening, and the author tends to repeat phrases a lot (one such offender being "which is a polite way of saying ___") So, I'd call this book a definite improvement, although there is still work to be done before this series can be enjoyable to read. Cheers!