A review by wardenred
We're Here, We're Here by K.M. Szpara

emotional hopeful 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? It's complicated

3.0

We weren’t handed rulebooks and it’s not in our contracts. These are the rules we’ve learned by working with Jeff. By the tour riders suggested for each of us, the wardrobes we’re given, the interview questions we’re asked.

I really liked the character cast and the concept: a boy band with a controlling manager who, thanks to some high-tech voice implants, has the ability to literally silence the singers if they stop going along with his plans. However, sadly, the execution felt somewhat underdeveloped. The first half of the story was reasonably engrossing, with the tension gradually rising up and the sci-fi elements subtly sneaking in. There was a nice moment of friendship and unity after the halfway point, too. But the ending really wasn't satisfying for me, and felt a lot like the author wasn't sure how they wanted to finish the story. Still, I wouldn't mind learning more about these guys and the shiny musical dystopia they live in!