I tried… really hard with this one. I finally just let myself tap out before 60%. I could tell I wasn’t enjoying it so much as I was reading but I hoped it would get better (it didn’t). I didn’t like the audiobook narrator or the main character but I did appreciate that Wong’s voice fit the main character. I just didn’t like either so it was difficult for me to try to enjoy. Sid (the main character’s name) was very much “I’m not like other girls. I’m plain, my hair doesn’t do this or that. No one looks at me” – please it’s halfway through 2024 ENOUGH. Since the book was in first person pov and solely hers, we got this line of thinking constantly from the start of the book

I also didn’t really care for much of the other characters. They weren’t really interesting to me, they were written okay, but other than that, nothing. Plus their dialogue, especially with Sid, was lacking. Dialogue is a big part of enjoying a book for me, especially with an audiobook and I could very much tell I wasn’t listened properly. I might’ve been interested if the book was multi-pov instead of just Sid’s. Or maybe just her pov but not first person (as I think that was one of the reasons for not finishing).

There was so much packed into the book (of what I read) and it wasn’t done well in my opinion, which was also an issue for me. There were Guardians and Guardians had the keys. Everyone outside the town didn’t believe or maybe they did and came to see if they could see anything. Only the Guardians had powers and then suddenly everyone had powers. Just too confusing. I very much don’t mind a lot of world-building in my books but I mind if they’re not done well. The book is over 400 pages, which would account for more world-building (which is fine) but at least explain it all properly? The bit I was reading (before I chose to stop reading) introduced alternative worlds? Don’t get me wrong, I love that concept, but introduce it SOONER??

I was going to rate this book 4 stars actually. But I think, in my most humble personal opinion, that Brian is high quality BB material and he is up in my top five so he deserves a whole star for himself.

Why 4 stars? I was not a fan of the pacing of this book. Some parts were draggy some were very action packed but overall the plot was plotting for the most part and the main cast was likable enough. The teenager drama I would've skipped tho lol but I'm glad that Syd and Nell got to talk about their feelings and reassure their friendship on a stronger foundation. Good for them.
Well, that's what I didn't like. On a positive note, I think that the funny dialogue and Syd quirky personality were a perfect balance for the gore and violence.
Some reviews say that they didn't like Syd because of her "not like the other girls" vibe but to me she was the exact opposite. Very relatable in her insecurities and coping mecanisms... (note: those were dnf reviews so they didn't even try to connect with the FMC at all they just assumed things about her and bailed so there's that).
Anyway, I really enjoyed this book. I knew I would the very second I recognized the narrators voice, she's an absolute delight.