Sadly, I found myself quite disappointed in this recent instalment. I've got to be quite careful about how I word this hmmm...

I strongly believe that books can tackle some big topics that readers may need to experience in the safe format of a novel. H.S.#5 in particular is all about sexual exploration, the idea of the 'first time', and how big of a moment this is in someone's life. I also strongly believe in representation and LOVE that a LGBT+ book series has garnered such a big audience. My disappointment does NOT stem from either of these things. Instead, I found myself getting a bit bored as I felt like I was stuck in a plot point without much progression.

The previous instalments of this series had me wanting to see the next challenge Charlie and Nick overcame. The pace of books 1-4 felt like they moved so much faster and as though there was more going on. Unfortunately, I felt like I was stuck in a 'Will they? Won't they?' loop throughout book 5.

With this in mind, this graphic novel is still an important book; I recognise and respect what these novels are doing for our queer population (the youth especially). Triggers include alcohol consumption, sexual content, references to mental illness, references to eating disorders.