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A review by kestrel_of_the_pages
A Darker Mischief by Derek Milman
dark
emotional
tense
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? Yes
3.5
Dark academia, but make it DaVinci Code and Gay.
Writing was great, Milman does an excellent job of capturing the anxiety and claustrophobia of bording/prep schools, and also the microaggressions faced by queer teens (also outright aggressions). The overwhelmingness of first feelings was sweetly done too.
The outcome was super rushed and I actually read the last few chapters multiple times to make sure I understood what unfolded. I can't say without spoilers, but the final reveal was frustrating and underwhelming. Also, how tf does this school have so much unknown, underground, closed off spaces?? Is the East Coast really like that?
I think if I had read the physical it would have been more enjoyable. The audio narrator made the boys so... unlikable? Like, ultra angsty and btchy when the lines seemed more neutral or heartfelt. I know teens can be angsty, but good lord, it was too much.
Writing was great, Milman does an excellent job of capturing the anxiety and claustrophobia of bording/prep schools, and also the microaggressions faced by queer teens (also outright aggressions). The overwhelmingness of first feelings was sweetly done too.
The outcome was super rushed and I actually read the last few chapters multiple times to make sure I understood what unfolded. I can't say without spoilers, but the final reveal was frustrating and underwhelming. Also, how tf does this school have so much unknown, underground, closed off spaces?? Is the East Coast really like that?
I think if I had read the physical it would have been more enjoyable. The audio narrator made the boys so... unlikable? Like, ultra angsty and btchy when the lines seemed more neutral or heartfelt. I know teens can be angsty, but good lord, it was too much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Sexual content, Blood, Kidnapping, Toxic friendship, and Classism
Moderate: Drug use and Alcohol
Minor: Terminal illness and Religious bigotry