What started out as an undoubtedly clunky read ended up turning into, for better or for worse, the most difficult review I’ve ever written. Not because of the subject matter hitting me hard or whatever, that was only the case with Lakelore(and that is staying on my now defunct Tumblr), but because although I can’t call this book a terrible read, it is not one I would recommend. 

I’ll start with things I liked. I haven’t read many books focusing specifically on the drag scene, that was nice! Especially drag *kings*, which, like our MC Nima, I didn’t know even existed until recently. (By that I mean 1-2 years ago.) Granted, it took a while for Nima *herself* to become involved and start doing drag herself, but she’s exposed to some sprinklings of the performance as she’s figuring out where she fits within the LGBTQ community. Not that she’s confused as to what she identifies as—she knows she’s a “girl who likes girls”, through and through—just unsure where in the *community* she is comfortable putting herself. Especially as she finds it difficult to be connected to terms she has only derogatory associations with(she faces some homophobia in this book, but only from a few characters). I enjoyed how drag was an outlet for that! And some of the little moments with the queens made me think of some drag folks I know, but if I were a little older and could mingle with their circles. I’m very glad that it maintained a relatively lighthearted story, and didn’t turn into a queer tragedy when these different forms of gender exploration and identity were introduced.

Nima in general was a darling, too!! I’ll defend her ‘till my last breath. Her teenage awkwardness was incredibly realistic and I could connect to her thought process. Yes, she was impulsive at times or didn’t think things through, but in my opinion, she noticeably matured. And nothing could make me hate her! Her heart seemed in the right place and I sympathized with the numerous emotions she underwent through the story. Because of her, a lot of “Kings, Queens, And In-Betweens” works as a coming of age novel. Her father was also very sweet, and made me miss my own at times. (He needs to check in with his kid more, though, lmao)

I was also one of the people who liked Gordon’s arc—although yes, I know I’m in the minority. He(?) definitely still has some shit to unpack, but Nima and crew acknowledge that, and although he is sympathized with and given a non-toxic environment to be better in, he’s not absolved of his previous behavior. It’s just emphasized he needed some kinder people in his life, and to actually open up to them. I also am okay with Gordon still questioning! I don’t care that he doesn’t find a label by the end, although it’s clear Gordon experiences some kind of gender dysphoria. The queer experience is not about fitting yourself into a neat little word or box all of the time, which was reflected in some of the expression present in this novel. 

But now that I’ve got those paragraphs out of the way, you’re probably very confused. I don’t blame you. My words are glowing, my praises are detailed, and I still have this a 2 star rating. Is there a catch?

Yes! There is one. I hated the romance.

No, I do not mean that it was too cheesy for me. I don’t even mean that it was only mediocre. I have read many a book romance, some venturing into either or both of those territories, and that is not my issue. Why is 21 year-old Winnow pursuing a 17 year-old Nima, and this is completely glossed over?!?! Yes, Nima had to lie about being 18 to get into some of the drag places, and that’s probably part of how that happened, but SHE KNOWS NIMA IS STILL IN HIGHSCHOOL EITHER WAY!! Back off!! And this book is a romance, so it is impossible to ignore. And never once is it addressed in the book, the relationship is even encouraged by two or so characters. (Which is why I had a couple issues with Deidre. I wanted to like her as a Fairy Dragmother, and she had some very sweet moments with Nima, but why would you encourage this lmao??) 

Nima’s introduction to Winnow’s world, specifically, also brought forth a lot of questionable ethics. Why are the bars Nima goes to conveniently not ID’ing? How is Nima’s dad okay with her going to Winnow’s house without actually meeting Winnow or knowing how old she is?!?! (I get he’s non-confrontational but oh my goodness! Again, CHECK UP ON YOUR KID MORE!) And in general, Nima had a couple interactions with her and Luce that I felt were too sexual considering they’re both old enough to drink and Nima’s a minor. Although I get that 17 is the age of consent in some places, again, SHE’S STILL IN HIGHSCHOOL and there is a clear maturity difference! And both Winnow and Luce are drag performers, something that feels especially icky when a current argument against drag performers existing or expressing themselves is that they groom kids. We don’t need to have a book involving them in minor-adult relationships, oh my god. 

This wasn’t an excruciating read the entire time—most of my issues with the writing style in particular(not the plot! We already went over that) came from the repetitive and comparatively more cringey first chapter. But I will say it was a very uncomfortable one.