This book was...pretty much just like every other YA dystopia that was all the rage circa 2014, when I was in middle school. Let me tell you, I read a lot of it. This took me right back to that time, but not really in a good way. The Fever King reminded me of all of the more forgettable examples of the genre.

The plot twists were painfully predictable, the love story felt underdeveloped, the world-building was lackluster. It wasn't total garbage, but it followed a tried and true formula and was left with very little that was unique.

There were elements of The Fever King that were quite clearly reflections on the current political climate in America, but to be honest, I'm not sure those reflections really said anything. The social issues that divided the citizens were similar to those dividing us now. Political groups in the book had obvious real-life counterparts. In the end, though, the book wasn't really about those things. It didn't have anything to say about them, per se, and instead just used them as a motivator for our main character, Noam. That's fine, and I have nothing against it. But Lee didn't explore those themes deeply enough for them to be particularly affecting.

I don't want to be entirely critical -- 3 stars for me means that I thought this book was fine. This genre is popular for a reason: most books in it are at least somewhat entertaining. The plot of The Fever King moved (frankly almost too briskly for my tastes) and kept me engaged, and I was at least somewhat attached to Noam and Dara. Lee checked all the boxes for your standard, garden variety YA dystopia.

If that kind of book is something you're a fan of, this is a pretty decent example of it. I'm a big fan of the LGBTQ rep. YA dystopia/fantasy is a genre that is filled to the brim with 3 star books, though, and if you can't do better, then I'm just kind of over it.

This was...much more piracy and much fewer old-timey-parties than I was expecting and also.... a thoroughly infuriating MC but thank goodness for the side characters because without them this book would have been Nothing

Y'all I am so glad I got this from my library before buying it (which I almost, almost did). I was sucked in, like most, I assume, by the hype. This book had a v cute trailer. It has a nice cover. Those sprayed edges though! Fake dating trope? We stan!

In actuality, the love story felt very surface level and I was incredibly uncomfortable during Frank's entire relationship with Brit Means. I had so much trouble just getting through this book. I probably should have DNFed it, but here we are. It's fine.

Two stars instead of one just because I didn't hate the parts about Frank's relationship with his parents.

3.5 stars

this was really quick and fun and sexy (while still tackling some serious issues) and just what i was looking for

This book was frustrating and I don't think that's a bad reflection on the author or the book - on the contrary, it was probably was Jaigirdar was going for. Side characters (and even main characters) are relentlessly racist and homophobic, and while Nishat stands up for herself some of the time, she often holds her tongue and chooses to avoid the fight. It's accurate, to be sure, that when faced with bigotry, people often choose passivity when they don't want a fight or don't want to expend the energy. Some of my frustration, though, came from the way I felt this was approached by the narrative rather than by Nishat as a character. She was treated in racist and homophobic ways by bullies, friends, her love interest, and family members. Often, these characters would come around off-page and arrive at the end with a half-baked apology, where they would be forgiven by Nishat and they all lived happily ever after. I wish Jaigirdar had shown how they realized their errors, or had them earn that forgiveness more thoroughly.