A review by asipofcozy
The Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa

adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

DNFed at 220 pages.

I really tried to get through the last 100 pages but I just couldn't do it any more. I found myself just flipping pages to get to the end and that's not how reading should be.

I had high hopes for this one - culture and queer representation with pirates! How could I not want to devour that. I went in with high expectations and 70 pages in...I was just so bored. 

I loved the premise of the book, I loved the Spanish and Caribbean representation, I loved the queer representation but the actual delivery of the plot was not executed well. As I said I was just flipping pages because nothing was happening. You have our main character who just lulled around a ship "hmmming" and "Haaing" about their magia and whether or not to save their father. Yes there were a few action scenes but nothing to keep me entertained for long.

And the relationship was just not my thing. I kept in mind that this is YA with YA romance tropes but I just couldn't stand the interactions between Mar (MC) and Bas (love interest #1?). 

Even though I didn't enjoy it please give this book a go yourself! I know a lot people enjoyed and it does have amazing representation. Just wasn't for me!