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emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Terminal illness, Suicide attempt
Thank you to the publisher for a finished copy in exchange for an honest review.
CW
🔵 Suicidal Thoughts
⭐⭐⭐💫
See You On Venus is a dual-POV story following Mia, a teen in the foster care system who has a heart condition, and Kyle, a teen struggling to come to terms with a horrible tragedy he experienced just a month prior. Though connected in a way Kyle doesn’t realize, he goes on a trip with Mia to Spain as she tries to find her birth mother.
What stood out to me was the theme of the book. I think it’s important for people to realize that, even in a world where it feels like everyone is against you, there is someone that is happy you exist. While I think the theme could be handled a bit less heavy-handedly in the story, I do think it came across well and with a positive tone.
Set against the backdrop of Spain was a great touch. Neither of the main characters had been to the country before, so it was fun to experience how each of them felt about their experience. It certainly has made me want to visit Spain and see the locations and try the food Mia and Kyle described.
The dialogue is what kept me from rating See You On Venus a bit higher. It often felt stilted and unnatural, making the story feel like it may have originally been designed for a middle grade audience rather than a young adult audience. Ultimately, I think it’s minor and it does serve the story, it just wasn’t always my cup of tea, and that’s okay.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt