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ninetalevixen 's review for:
The Hand on the Wall
by Maureen Johnson
3.5 stars
As series finales go, this provides satisfying reveals and explanations. Previous assumptions are challenged, relationships are tested, loose threads from as early as the first few chapters of the first book are finally woven in.
I spent the second half or so thinking that this series would make an awesome miniseries or movie, in part because of the multimedia aspects and in part because of some really striking visuals and in part because I think some of the jokes would play even better in real time. Not that this isn't engaging in book format — I was up long past my bedtime, reading this one until I passed out.
But to be quite honest, I was a little disappointed that the focus seems to shift so overwhelmingly to the ongoing mysteries. The tone of the series doesn't change, and the characters are consistent; compared to the previous two books, though, this one seemed underdeveloped as a whole. Which seems even to me like a weird thing to complain about in a series finale, I'll admit. But that's how I felt.
Oh, one thing did really annoy me:. And honestly, I felt like the whole ending was aggressively cheesy?
All that said, I've really enjoyed this trilogy. I don't know that I'll want to revisit it anytime soon, but it's been a fun time.
rep:
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CONVERSION: 9.4 / 15 = 3.5 stars
Prose: 6 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 4 / 10
Emotional Impact: 8 / 10
Development / Flow: 7 / 10
Setting: 7 / 10
Diversity & Social Themes: N/A
Intellectual Engagement: 2 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: 4 / 5
Rereadability: N/A
Memorability: 3 / 5
As series finales go, this provides satisfying reveals and explanations. Previous assumptions are challenged, relationships are tested, loose threads from as early as the first few chapters of the first book are finally woven in.
I spent the second half or so thinking that this series would make an awesome miniseries or movie, in part because of the multimedia aspects and in part because of some really striking visuals and in part because I think some of the jokes would play even better in real time. Not that this isn't engaging in book format — I was up long past my bedtime, reading this one until I passed out.
But to be quite honest, I was a little disappointed that the focus seems to shift so overwhelmingly to the ongoing mysteries. The tone of the series doesn't change, and the characters are consistent; compared to the previous two books, though, this one seemed underdeveloped as a whole. Which seems even to me like a weird thing to complain about in a series finale, I'll admit. But that's how I felt.
Oh, one thing did really annoy me:
Spoiler
Stevie and David being endgame, happy ever after, et cetera. As much as I love a charming (fictional) asshole who wields his privilege somewhat for good, he's been such a jerk to Stevie and I didn't feel like that was satisfactorily addressed. Yes, attraction is weird as heck, and yes, his dad is a bigger asshole, but that doesn't give him a free passAll that said, I've really enjoyed this trilogy. I don't know that I'll want to revisit it anytime soon, but it's been a fun time.
rep:
Spoiler
MC with anxiety, F/NB secondary (established) relationship, queer Black major character, nonbinary secondary character (they/them)-----------
CONVERSION: 9.4 / 15 = 3.5 stars
Prose: 6 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 4 / 10
Emotional Impact: 8 / 10
Development / Flow: 7 / 10
Setting: 7 / 10
Diversity & Social Themes: N/A
Intellectual Engagement: 2 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: 4 / 5
Rereadability: N/A
Memorability: 3 / 5