Hopkins's depiction of child sexual abuse in Identical is deeply unsettling. While I understand that making readers uncomfortable can be an intentional choice—since the subject matter itself is horrifying—her portrayal often feels excessive and disturbing. When I first read Crank and Glass, I didn’t pick up on this as much. Smoke and Burned were more tolerable, but many of her other books come across as gratuitous in their descriptions, to the point that I’m surprised more people don’t call it out. That said, I recognize that my reaction may be influenced by my own morals and experiences. And, in a contradictory way, I did enjoy this novel—it was just as frustrating as it was compelling. 

Not even Ginger's perspective could save this one. At least it wasn't as pornographic, more of the healing stories and the brutal reality of relapsing / old habits not dying hard. Still. Boring. I did enjoy the closure. 

Eh ..

I'm not much a fan of audio books, and unfortunately that was the only version I could find for Tricks. That and I've found that I'm not much a fan for all the shifting stories in Hopkins's novels either - I didn't like it in Fallout, and I was equally as disappointed in this one. Ginger's perspective and Seth's perspective were the saving graces, the only reason this gets any stars and the only reason I'll feel obligated to read the sequel. The way Hopkins writes SO much about teenagers having sex - whether it be to bring awareness or whatever - feels too wrong and pornographic. Books like these almost seem pedophilic, and I hate saying that when some of her novels I genuinely enjoy. 

Not compelling in the very least. 

So boring. Crummiest take on gun violence and activism I've ever seen. Hopkins is an extremist in her writing style, and sometimes that proves to be good, sometimes it fails...like with this novel. Couldn't get attached to any of the characters. A premise that seemed promising only disappointed. Almost put me in a reading slump. She's such a 50)50 author, it's frustrating. 

Zack Smedley has done it again—I’m absolutely shaken by Deposing Nathan! I could have powered through it in one go last night, but I made the wise choice to sleep, which meant I could fully immerse myself in it this morning. And wow, was that the right decision. This book is raw, gripping, and emotionally intense, tackling the complexities of religion and LGBTQ+ identity in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally important. The courtroom-style storytelling, the unraveling of truth, the way it explores love, loyalty, and self-acceptance—absolute chef’s kiss. A masterpiece through and through!

It took me far too long to start this book, as I kept pushing it aside for other reads. But once the looming library due date forced me past the prologue, I tore through it quickly—and was thrilled to discover it's part of a trilogy. Last summer, I read a similar book, and the whole "traveling West while disguised as a boy" trope has only appeared in these two novels (at least in my reading experience), but it was brilliantly executed. Partway through, I also realized I’ve read Rae Carson’s work before—Any Sign of Life is a treasured book on my shelf, and now I feel like I need to give it a re-read! Long story short, I was completely hooked and giddy by the end. I can't wait to dive into the sequel!

When a novel illicits tears, you know it gets 5 stars. Amazing sequel to Burned, not one I even thought entirely necessary until I finished it.