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ravensandpages 's review for:
Squad
by Maggie Tokuda-Hall
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
ARC received from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
You've seen this story before, but not like this: new girl transfers to a new high school and gets noticed by the popular squad, only to discover that there's something wrong with them. Only this time? The popular girls are vicious, morally grey werewolves who prey on date-rapey dudebros every full moon. Vibrant artwork with a retro lean brings this sharp, fast-paced story to life.
The story was fun enough, and I deeply enjoyed the art style and character design, but the story began to fall a bit flat for me once the romance arc began (though I did love the sapphic rep). It felt forced and resolved strangely quickly, and while I can't speak to the race aspect, the love interest was homophobic in passing and (appeared to me to) fetishize and other Becca. I really didn't expect them to get together and really thought Becca disliked that character until they suddenly kissed after three pages of being alone for once. This was the only part where the pacing felt odd and otherwise enjoyed the general plot pacing.
This book's big selling point is the patriarchy smashing, and I will say it delivered on that front. I finished this book with lukewarm feelings, but if this sounds like your cup of tea, I encourage you to give this book a try.
❧ 3.5 ★
You've seen this story before, but not like this: new girl transfers to a new high school and gets noticed by the popular squad, only to discover that there's something wrong with them. Only this time? The popular girls are vicious, morally grey werewolves who prey on date-rapey dudebros every full moon. Vibrant artwork with a retro lean brings this sharp, fast-paced story to life.
The story was fun enough, and I deeply enjoyed the art style and character design, but the story began to fall a bit flat for me once the romance arc began (though I did love the sapphic rep). It felt forced and resolved strangely quickly, and while I can't speak to the race aspect, the love interest was homophobic in passing and (appeared to me to) fetishize and other Becca. I really didn't expect them to get together and really thought Becca disliked that character until they suddenly kissed after three pages of being alone for once. This was the only part where the pacing felt odd and otherwise enjoyed the general plot pacing.
This book's big selling point is the patriarchy smashing, and I will say it delivered on that front. I finished this book with lukewarm feelings, but if this sounds like your cup of tea, I encourage you to give this book a try.
❧ 3.5 ★