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A review by orionmerlin
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Characters: 9/10
These characters walked straight out of a rock-and-roll fever dream and into my brain, where they will likely remain forever. Daisy is a beautiful, chaotic mess, Billy is a control freak with a redemption arc, and everyone else? Absolutely crucial to the drama. Even the so-called "side characters" like Karen and Camila pack enough depth to make other books’ main characters look like cardboard cutouts. I cared. I ranted. I debated with myself in the mirror. If that’s not proof of strong character work, I don’t know what is.
These characters walked straight out of a rock-and-roll fever dream and into my brain, where they will likely remain forever. Daisy is a beautiful, chaotic mess, Billy is a control freak with a redemption arc, and everyone else? Absolutely crucial to the drama. Even the so-called "side characters" like Karen and Camila pack enough depth to make other books’ main characters look like cardboard cutouts. I cared. I ranted. I debated with myself in the mirror. If that’s not proof of strong character work, I don’t know what is.
Atmosphere/Setting: 9/10
If I didn’t know this was fiction, I’d be Googling old concert footage of Daisy Jones & The Six like a fool. The 1970s rock scene practically oozes off the page—smoky clubs, chaotic recording sessions, tour bus drama, and all the sex, drugs, and shattered dreams that come with it. The mood shifts from electric to tragic at the drop of a tambourine, and I felt every second of it.
If I didn’t know this was fiction, I’d be Googling old concert footage of Daisy Jones & The Six like a fool. The 1970s rock scene practically oozes off the page—smoky clubs, chaotic recording sessions, tour bus drama, and all the sex, drugs, and shattered dreams that come with it. The mood shifts from electric to tragic at the drop of a tambourine, and I felt every second of it.
Writing Style: 8/10
The interview-style format is a bold move, and for the most part, it pays off. It’s fast, engaging, and makes everything feel real—like I’m reading some epic Rolling Stone exposé. The dialogue-heavy approach means you get multiple perspectives on every situation, which is both brilliant and, at times, frustrating (because someone is always lying). The only downside? Sometimes I wanted a deeper dive into certain moments, and the format didn't always allow for it. Still, Reid’s writing is crisp, addictive, and packed with emotion.
The interview-style format is a bold move, and for the most part, it pays off. It’s fast, engaging, and makes everything feel real—like I’m reading some epic Rolling Stone exposé. The dialogue-heavy approach means you get multiple perspectives on every situation, which is both brilliant and, at times, frustrating (because someone is always lying). The only downside? Sometimes I wanted a deeper dive into certain moments, and the format didn't always allow for it. Still, Reid’s writing is crisp, addictive, and packed with emotion.
Plot: 8/10
The story isn’t about shocking plot twists—it’s about watching a train wreck happen in slow motion while desperately hoping someone pulls the brake. The pacing is solid, though there are a few repetitive moments (yes, Billy and Daisy have chemistry; yes, it’s a problem; yes, we get it). The ending, however, hits hard and makes all the build-up worth it.
The story isn’t about shocking plot twists—it’s about watching a train wreck happen in slow motion while desperately hoping someone pulls the brake. The pacing is solid, though there are a few repetitive moments (yes, Billy and Daisy have chemistry; yes, it’s a problem; yes, we get it). The ending, however, hits hard and makes all the build-up worth it.
Intrigue: 9/10
I had plans. I had responsibilities. This book said, No, you don’t. I was hooked from the first page and would have happily canceled life to keep reading. I needed to know how the band fell apart, and Reid kept me hanging on every bitter, emotional, tension-filled moment. Even when I knew where things were headed, I still couldn’t look away.
I had plans. I had responsibilities. This book said, No, you don’t. I was hooked from the first page and would have happily canceled life to keep reading. I needed to know how the band fell apart, and Reid kept me hanging on every bitter, emotional, tension-filled moment. Even when I knew where things were headed, I still couldn’t look away.
Logic/Relationships: 9/10
These characters are all gloriously, frustratingly human. Their relationships—romantic, professional, toxic, codependent—are messy, but in the best way possible. The love triangles (yes, plural) are painful in all the right ways, and the friendships and betrayals are just as gripping as the romance. The world-building is seamless because it doesn’t feel like world-building. It just feels like we’re eavesdropping on real people with real problems.
These characters are all gloriously, frustratingly human. Their relationships—romantic, professional, toxic, codependent—are messy, but in the best way possible. The love triangles (yes, plural) are painful in all the right ways, and the friendships and betrayals are just as gripping as the romance. The world-building is seamless because it doesn’t feel like world-building. It just feels like we’re eavesdropping on real people with real problems.
Enjoyment: 9/10
I devoured this book. The highs felt euphoric, the lows wrecked me, and by the end, I had that bittersweet “I wish this was real” feeling. It’s compelling, dramatic, and makes you wish you could sit down with Daisy, Billy, and the rest of the gang for one last jam session. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Would I sell my soul for an actual Aurora album? Probably.
I devoured this book. The highs felt euphoric, the lows wrecked me, and by the end, I had that bittersweet “I wish this was real” feeling. It’s compelling, dramatic, and makes you wish you could sit down with Daisy, Billy, and the rest of the gang for one last jam session. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Would I sell my soul for an actual Aurora album? Probably.
Overall Score: 8.7/10
A wild, emotional, rock-and-roll rollercoaster that left me feeling like I’d just lived through the rise and fall of a real band. Almost too good to be fake.
A wild, emotional, rock-and-roll rollercoaster that left me feeling like I’d just lived through the rise and fall of a real band. Almost too good to be fake.