I don't really know where to start with this review. I guess, to put it briefly, I'll just start by saying I really enjoyed the book and sped my way through reading it in only two days.
The book goes in a completely different direction than I expected from the first opening chapters. I really expected this to be very heavy reading with a lot of emphasis on the mental health side of things and (whilst it is still mentioned and discussed) I was pleasantly surprised by how well it was used as a device to help the story rather than a story itself.
Both main characters have very clear plotlines with problems originating from very real places (grief, homophobia, loss, family). At times the plot can feel a little extravagant, but Muchamore does a great job balancing this to make the story exciting and fun to read whilst still making both characters very believable. They have their flaws, fears and feelings that let the reader feel invested in each one and really root for them both. The side characters are also incredibly well thought out and brilliantly executed.
All in all, I really liked the book. It's fast paced, intriguing and the ending was really satisfying too.
The book goes in a completely different direction than I expected from the first opening chapters. I really expected this to be very heavy reading with a lot of emphasis on the mental health side of things and (whilst it is still mentioned and discussed) I was pleasantly surprised by how well it was used as a device to help the story rather than a story itself.
Both main characters have very clear plotlines with problems originating from very real places (grief, homophobia, loss, family). At times the plot can feel a little extravagant, but Muchamore does a great job balancing this to make the story exciting and fun to read whilst still making both characters very believable. They have their flaws, fears and feelings that let the reader feel invested in each one and really root for them both. The side characters are also incredibly well thought out and brilliantly executed.
All in all, I really liked the book. It's fast paced, intriguing and the ending was really satisfying too.