Representations: https://trello.com/c/poNGrsJF

I first read this book when I was going through a traumatic illness, so I didn't really remember any of it - I just remember enjoying it a lot. And I was right, this book is such a rollercoaster in a great way! After recently reading Sonido's latest book - To Our Untamed Core - I figured why not go back to this one.

Characters work well overall, I loved Yami mostly, despite her PoV taking a little bit to get used to. She was a little annoying at points, and the writing is absolutely YA, but the book was good enough overall that I could keep going. Side characters though were a little hit or miss. Ceser, Bo and the mum were pretty solid, but other side characters just felt a little bit too lacking/flat tbh.

Fast paced plot, and a lot goes on, but it makes it work really well. So many conversations about race, mental health, queerness and all sorts but each feels like it had enough time to be explored and discussed with care. There is the fake dating trope, but not sure I could recommend it for someone specifically seeking out that trope. It's done well, but without spoiling, the fake dating part is intentionally... Not accurate. But the romances are cute, how the characters connect and talk about each other are real cute. That whole ending is just so adorable 🥹

Definately real interesting to see how Sonido's writing has improved, cause it has quite a lot! Really gotta read Golden Boy soon to see how the characters are improved and expanded on.