e-ARC, 304 pages
Release Date: November 12, 2024
Published by: Roaring Brook Press
Read from: December 5-11, 2024
Stand-alone
Source: Netgalley (I received a copy of this e-ARC from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for a just and honest review. This did nothing to influence my review.)
Content Warning: Toxic Relationship, Emotional Abuse, Lesbophobia, Homophobia, Eating Disorder, Body Shaming, Alcohol. Fatphobia, Cursing
For Readers Interested In: Graphic Novels, Emotional, Coming of Age, Romance, Dance, Contemporary, 2sLGBTQ+, Realistic Fiction, E-ARC, Set Outside the US, Stand-alone, YA
A coming-of-age graphic novel following two dancers at a conservative performing arts school―exploring friendship, first love, and what it means to fall out of step with your own dreams.
Ana has been studying contemporary dance since she was little, but her heart isn’t in it anymore. Instead her focus is on Carina―a beautiful, ambitious ballerina whose fear of being outed keeps Ana in the closet and their fragile relationship from seeing the light of day. Risking her own career, Ana gives up more and more in order to fit into the shadows of Carina’s life.
Sara, on the other hand, is fielding whispers she may be the best dancer their school has produced in years. Much of that is thanks to her mentor and instructor, Marlena, who plucked Sara from the classical track and encouraged her to blossom as a contemporary dancer. Sara has always been in awe of Marlena, but recently, that admiration has sparked into something more, and Sara’s not sure what to do about it.
As junior year at their performing arts school begins, Ana and Sara are assigned as roommates. What starts off as a tentative friendship soon becomes a much-needed anchor.
*MY THOUGHTS*
I always realize at the end of the year all the fantasy books or other formats I’ve missed reading throughout out the year. And this one is no different. No it doesn’t matter that it came out in November lol I still count it as missed. Anyway, this one graphic novel made me check out all the graphic novels to read over the break I have because I missed them so much.
Ok so the writing in this was ok, but it was so repetitive. And it was unfortunate because I wanted to love this enough to use it for one of our work things. But it really felt like the same thing over and over. She didn’t learn from the 30 times people told her, but then magically she just got it? And I didn’t even understand what made her change her mind then? It was just out of nowhere. It could have been the other times that they were telling her. I can say tho when she finally “broke” I was excited. Because I was yelling “STAND UP!” at her the whole time. That chick did not deserve her. And as far as Sara, I was shocked at her. I get that she had a crush, but like, she was really reaching. I was so scared that she was going to get that lady in trouble lol But I was glad they found each other. They needed each other to act as mirrors to show how foolish both of them were. I also wish they spent less time showing that girl being a less than girlfriend, and more time talking about Ana and the fatphobia she faced. But that wasn’t even touched.
The art in this one was actually my favorite part. I loved the way Popescu showed them dancing. The way she made their bodies “move” was so cool. I even looked up contemporary dance to make sure I was seeing the right thing from her illustration. I also liked the color scheme. It’s the same as it is on the cover, purple, lavender, and pink being the one that comes out the most. The other colors are there, but they’re like accents if that makes sense. But it was so good. Besides the way she danced, I think my favorite part was the last image. Them on the dock and both of them being all smiles was what my heart needed. I was very proud of them both.
In short, (lol) this could have done with some edits, but for the most part i thought it was entertaining. Still, it’s one to remember. I hope to see more from this author/artist later.
Overall, I give this
