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Fence #1
Striking Distance
The boys of Kings Row bout with drama, rivalry, and romance in this original YA novel by The New York Times bestselling author Sarah Rees Brennan—inspired by the award-nominated comic series by C.S. Pacat and Johanna The Mad.
Sixteen-year-old Nicholas Cox is the illegitimate son of a retired fencing champion who dreams of getting the proper training he could never afford. After earning a place on the elite Kings Row fencing team, Nicholas must prove himself to his rival, Seiji Katayma, and navigate the clashes, friendships, and relationships between his teammates on the road to state championships—where Nicholas might finally have the chance to spar with his golden-boy half-brother.
Coach Williams decides to take advantage of the boys' morale after a recent victory and assigns them a course of team building exercises to further deepen their bonds. It takes a shoplifting scandal, a couple of moonlit forest strolls, several hilariously bad dates, and a whole lot of introspection for the team to realize they are stronger together than they could ever be apart.
The first installment of this enticing original YA novel series by Sarah Rees Brennan, rich with casual diversity and queer self-discovery, explores never-before-seen drama inspired by C.S. Pacat's critically acclaimed Fence comic series and boasts original cover and interior art by Johanna The Mad.
Text and Illustration copyright: © 2020 BOOM! StudiosFence(TM) and © 2020 C.S. Pacat
Sixteen-year-old Nicholas Cox is the illegitimate son of a retired fencing champion who dreams of getting the proper training he could never afford. After earning a place on the elite Kings Row fencing team, Nicholas must prove himself to his rival, Seiji Katayma, and navigate the clashes, friendships, and relationships between his teammates on the road to state championships—where Nicholas might finally have the chance to spar with his golden-boy half-brother.
Coach Williams decides to take advantage of the boys' morale after a recent victory and assigns them a course of team building exercises to further deepen their bonds. It takes a shoplifting scandal, a couple of moonlit forest strolls, several hilariously bad dates, and a whole lot of introspection for the team to realize they are stronger together than they could ever be apart.
The first installment of this enticing original YA novel series by Sarah Rees Brennan, rich with casual diversity and queer self-discovery, explores never-before-seen drama inspired by C.S. Pacat's critically acclaimed Fence comic series and boasts original cover and interior art by Johanna The Mad.
Text and Illustration copyright: © 2020 BOOM! StudiosFence(TM) and © 2020 C.S. Pacat
368 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2020
199 people are currently reading
9,322 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Rees Brennan
77 books5,747 followersSarah Rees Brennan is Irish and currently lives in Dublin. She's been writing YA books for more than ten years, which is terrifying to contemplate! She hopes you (yes you!) find at least one of them to be the kind of book you remember.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,175 reviews
June 20, 2021
A totally welcomed edition as an fence comics fan and a QUEER SPORTS ROM-COM ALL NEWBIES HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR !
I totally didn't see this coming :- Fence (ofc) + enemies to friends to bestfriend ( hopefully ) + fake dating + bestfriend to lovers ( maybe in next book)
I’ve been following Fence graphic novels for a while now and when I got the chance to read and review this novel, I jumped at the chance (with a lot of enthusiasm and screaming, may I add).
It is a fun and fast paced filled with witty one-liners(totally loved those) and snappy dialogues, angst, friendships, and relationship drama! It was pretty heavy on that last bit, but I can’t say I really minded that even if it was slightly unexpected.(but that's why we are getting a second book)
It's a sin to compare the graphic book and the novel but the thing is I can't help but compare both of them!
Graphic book has its own perks and I loved it better than the book though the book is not bad either but at times it feel like the novel is not moving at all , like there were chapters where I felt like we are stuck at the same place for like a whole 3 chapters.
But the novel gave depth to the characters which the readers wanted like ,
🎿 Seiji Katayama Whenever I read his chapters I feel like I am listening to data from stars trek and that's totally why I loved him so much , like He's my spirit animal , we are more or less the same person , we are like cold on outside and marshmallow on inside ( I am not bragging about myself). He is very literal, no-nonsense guy and I am really curious to see what will come of his friendship with Nicholas in the future books or maybe romance if we are a bit lucky!
No please , stay away!
Moving on,
A wise man once said ,
Yes my friends presenting to you my second fav character ,
🎿 Aiden Kane a Sexy-gay-rich-asshole but a cinnamon ball in front of that someone special , I root for you baby!
He is presented in Fence as this charming flirt who couldn’t care less about fencing or feelings of others – and while this is still the front he keeps up in this novel, we also get to dig deeper with his chapters. We get to really know him and his past and you can’t help but root for him (and break down at his failures).
🎿Harvard Lee ,sweetest oblivious sunshine EVER, the captain, and the heart of the fencing team. I literally used to smile so hard whenever his chapters came like ahhhhhh he's so cute !
Now please Aiden and Harvard be boyfriends , like I can't handle their slow burning romance any more , it's their baby you just need to accept it , please fulfill my grumpy × sunshine love trope heart!
🎿 Nicholas Cox :- Let's say I am bit disappointed here , because nothing was new from last 12 issue of Fence here , he's the same and I didn't liked his character there and I disliked it even more here! The chapters were dull and boring and they didn't stood out for me.
Well that's not the only thing I am disappointed with , I mean it's a sport rom -com book right , but where are the sports elements , like as a fan of Fence comic book I missed them a lot and I think that's exactly where comics stood out the most . However, this is the first book in a series and it set the characters and their upcoming plot lines up very well. I get why this choice was more than likely made; Sarah Rees Brennan was focusing on character development and more internal emotions. But you have to admit, with a title like Fence: Striking Distance, there needs to be more fencing!
To say I’m excited to see what it to come, is a bit of an understatement!✨✌️♥️
I totally didn't see this coming :- Fence (ofc) + enemies to friends to bestfriend ( hopefully ) + fake dating + bestfriend to lovers ( maybe in next book)
I’ve been following Fence graphic novels for a while now and when I got the chance to read and review this novel, I jumped at the chance (with a lot of enthusiasm and screaming, may I add).
It is a fun and fast paced filled with witty one-liners(totally loved those) and snappy dialogues, angst, friendships, and relationship drama! It was pretty heavy on that last bit, but I can’t say I really minded that even if it was slightly unexpected.(but that's why we are getting a second book)
It's a sin to compare the graphic book and the novel but the thing is I can't help but compare both of them!
Graphic book has its own perks and I loved it better than the book though the book is not bad either but at times it feel like the novel is not moving at all , like there were chapters where I felt like we are stuck at the same place for like a whole 3 chapters.
But the novel gave depth to the characters which the readers wanted like ,
🎿 Seiji Katayama Whenever I read his chapters I feel like I am listening to data from stars trek and that's totally why I loved him so much , like He's my spirit animal , we are more or less the same person , we are like cold on outside and marshmallow on inside ( I am not bragging about myself). He is very literal, no-nonsense guy and I am really curious to see what will come of his friendship with Nicholas in the future books or maybe romance if we are a bit lucky!
" Do you think I am in the mood for more physical contact today?”
No please , stay away!
Moving on,
A wise man once said ,
"People who talk sense before noon should be fired from cannons into the sun. Especially on the weekend.”
Yes my friends presenting to you my second fav character ,
🎿 Aiden Kane a Sexy-gay-rich-asshole but a cinnamon ball in front of that someone special , I root for you baby!
He is presented in Fence as this charming flirt who couldn’t care less about fencing or feelings of others – and while this is still the front he keeps up in this novel, we also get to dig deeper with his chapters. We get to really know him and his past and you can’t help but root for him (and break down at his failures).
🎿Harvard Lee ,sweetest oblivious sunshine EVER, the captain, and the heart of the fencing team. I literally used to smile so hard whenever his chapters came like ahhhhhh he's so cute !
Now please Aiden and Harvard be boyfriends , like I can't handle their slow burning romance any more , it's their baby you just need to accept it , please fulfill my grumpy × sunshine love trope heart!
🎿 Nicholas Cox :- Let's say I am bit disappointed here , because nothing was new from last 12 issue of Fence here , he's the same and I didn't liked his character there and I disliked it even more here! The chapters were dull and boring and they didn't stood out for me.
Well that's not the only thing I am disappointed with , I mean it's a sport rom -com book right , but where are the sports elements , like as a fan of Fence comic book I missed them a lot and I think that's exactly where comics stood out the most . However, this is the first book in a series and it set the characters and their upcoming plot lines up very well. I get why this choice was more than likely made; Sarah Rees Brennan was focusing on character development and more internal emotions. But you have to admit, with a title like Fence: Striking Distance, there needs to be more fencing!
To say I’m excited to see what it to come, is a bit of an understatement!✨✌️♥️
May 8, 2021
SUDDENLY A FENCE STAN AGAIN
____
One of my favorite authors (Sarah Rees Brennan) writing a novel of my favorite author's (C.S. Pacat) graphic novel? Is this gay heaven??
____
One of my favorite authors (Sarah Rees Brennan) writing a novel of my favorite author's (C.S. Pacat) graphic novel? Is this gay heaven??
June 15, 2021
Bursting with humour, Fence: Striking Distance had me smiling throughout. It was so great to see the Kings Row fencing team brought to life in this novel adaptation!
After enjoying every bit of the Fence comics, I hardly expected to love the novel even more. Alas, I couldn’t’ve been more wrong. Sarah Rees Brennan stays true to C.S. Pacat’s characters and adds onto their backstories in a way that feels perfectly in tune with the original story.
Seiji and Nicholas’ developing friendship is everything. I felt elated being able to watch them grow comfortable with each other as both teammates and companions.
“‘Seiji. Hey, Seiji. Seiji, I just had a thought. No problem at all if not, obviously, but I thought it might be cool. If you agreed that it would be cool?’
‘What is it now?’ asked Seiji in a weary tone. ‘We’re going to be late for our social engagement.’
Nicholas asked shyly, “Do you maybe… wanna be best friends?’”
MY HEART.
Despite everything, the shining stars of this book were Aidan and Harvard. Their dynamic is just wonderful; we get so much incite into their pasts that we didn’t in the comics. Aidan is still secretly in love with Harvard, and it was a joy to see them “practice date” and navigate their feelings in this one. I’m so eager for book two in hopes that they get together!
Fence: Striking Distance is easily a new favourite book of mine. I felt utterly joyous while reading, and know fans of the graphic novel series will love this adaptation!
“I don’t believe in songs or promises. I don’t believe in hearts or flowers or lightning strikes.” Aiden snatched a breath as though it was his last before drowning. “I never believed in anything but you.”
After enjoying every bit of the Fence comics, I hardly expected to love the novel even more. Alas, I couldn’t’ve been more wrong. Sarah Rees Brennan stays true to C.S. Pacat’s characters and adds onto their backstories in a way that feels perfectly in tune with the original story.
Seiji and Nicholas’ developing friendship is everything. I felt elated being able to watch them grow comfortable with each other as both teammates and companions.
“‘Seiji. Hey, Seiji. Seiji, I just had a thought. No problem at all if not, obviously, but I thought it might be cool. If you agreed that it would be cool?’
‘What is it now?’ asked Seiji in a weary tone. ‘We’re going to be late for our social engagement.’
Nicholas asked shyly, “Do you maybe… wanna be best friends?’”
MY HEART.
Despite everything, the shining stars of this book were Aidan and Harvard. Their dynamic is just wonderful; we get so much incite into their pasts that we didn’t in the comics. Aidan is still secretly in love with Harvard, and it was a joy to see them “practice date” and navigate their feelings in this one. I’m so eager for book two in hopes that they get together!
Fence: Striking Distance is easily a new favourite book of mine. I felt utterly joyous while reading, and know fans of the graphic novel series will love this adaptation!
September 8, 2020
Thank you very much to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing me with an advance review copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
"While you two were busy studying the blade, I was busy having a lot of fun."
Sarah Rees’ Brennan’s addition to the Fence universe is the novel of the year, I’m calling it! I’ve loved C.S. Pacat’s fun graphic novel series since the very first issue and even celebrated along with her during the launch party back in 2017. Fence: Striking Distance takes everything that is delightful, exciting and addicting about the comics and puts it into book form, imbued with Brennan’s unique style.
Fence: Striking Distance follows Nicholas, Seiji, Aiden and Harvard, the loveable characters of the comic series, as they navigate high school, fencing matches, dating, friendship and learning to become a team. Coach Williams knows the boys can win the state championships, but they’re not going to do it until they learn to bond and trust one another. So she sets them the task of doing just that: connecting as a group of friends so they can become stronger as teammates. Along the way, the boys purposely commit a crime, fail to talk about their feelings properly, and forge lifelong friendships.
Nicholas, the protagonist of the comics, is on a scholarship at Kings Row and is doing everything he can to prove that he belongs there, especially as his fencing needs a lot of work. Nicholas comes from a poor background and struggles to relate to his peers, although some of them go out of their way to make sure he knows he belongs there. I have to say that Nicholas really is just the purest character: he has such a light in him and can always see the best in situations, no matter how many times he’s beaten back.
Seiji is the fencing virtuoso who has focused a majority of his life on fence training and ignoring everything else, including cultivating friendships. But as he’s Nicholas’ roommate, he soon discovers that he doesn’t really have a choice in becoming Nicholas’ friend — Nicholas basically forces his friendship on him. Seiji very soon stops complaining about this and even begins to enjoy Nicholas’ company, and it isn’t long before the pair start to get in trouble together. I’m not kidding when I say that Seiji and Nicholas literally share one braincell — the boys are ridiculous and silly and absolutely terrible at picking up on social cues! Be prepared to laugh until your sides hurt.
Even though Nicholas is the central protagonist of the comics, Fence: Striking Distance is Aiden and Harvard’s novel. From the moment they appeared in the comics, I knew I’d love Aiden and Harvard, and boy was I right! Aiden is the school playboy and dates as many boys as he possibly can because he can’t have the one person he’s actually in love with: his best friend, Harvard … who is completely oblivious to this fact. So Aiden puts up a wall between his feelings and Harvard and tries so desperately to not allow himself to cross that barrier, because he can’t abide anything ruining their friendship. As a result, he’s angry a lot of the time, pretty mean to anyone who is not Harvard, and disappoints the team time and time again. But Harvard’s the only one who is able to see behind the mask Aiden puts up for the world.
Speaking of Harvard, has there ever been a sweeter or lovelier character in the history of YA fiction? I seriously doubt it. This boy is so charming, you just want to give him a massive hug. I mean, he calls his mum everynight and ends each call by telling her he loves her! You really can’t get any better than Harvard, and Aiden is well aware of this. Which is why Aiden gets extremely jealous and anxious when Coach suggests that Harvard should start dating. Aiden and Harvard’s story is my favourite element of Fence: Striking Distance and I guarantee it will be yours too. You will laugh and cry and squeal with happiness — and then desperately desire the next book in the series.
As usual, Brennan’s writing shines in each story she writes and Fence: Striking Distance is no exception. She has a great gift for capturing the teen voice and taking the reader on a nostalgic journey of first romance, heartbreak, friendship and all the ups and downs of adolescence, as if we ourselves are back in high school again.
If you’re a fan of fake dating, silly jocks befriending a horrified notorious loner, thieving escapades, bullies get their just desserts, characters passing one braincell between each other, and the slow dawning realisation of love, then you’re going to love Fence: Striking Distance. Get your hands on a copy as soon as it’s out!
________________________________
Buddy reading with Shan !!
________________________________
I GOT A REVIEW COPY I'M SCREAMING 😱
________________________________
I'm so used to giving and now I get to receive
"While you two were busy studying the blade, I was busy having a lot of fun."
Sarah Rees’ Brennan’s addition to the Fence universe is the novel of the year, I’m calling it! I’ve loved C.S. Pacat’s fun graphic novel series since the very first issue and even celebrated along with her during the launch party back in 2017. Fence: Striking Distance takes everything that is delightful, exciting and addicting about the comics and puts it into book form, imbued with Brennan’s unique style.
Fence: Striking Distance follows Nicholas, Seiji, Aiden and Harvard, the loveable characters of the comic series, as they navigate high school, fencing matches, dating, friendship and learning to become a team. Coach Williams knows the boys can win the state championships, but they’re not going to do it until they learn to bond and trust one another. So she sets them the task of doing just that: connecting as a group of friends so they can become stronger as teammates. Along the way, the boys purposely commit a crime, fail to talk about their feelings properly, and forge lifelong friendships.
Nicholas, the protagonist of the comics, is on a scholarship at Kings Row and is doing everything he can to prove that he belongs there, especially as his fencing needs a lot of work. Nicholas comes from a poor background and struggles to relate to his peers, although some of them go out of their way to make sure he knows he belongs there. I have to say that Nicholas really is just the purest character: he has such a light in him and can always see the best in situations, no matter how many times he’s beaten back.
Seiji is the fencing virtuoso who has focused a majority of his life on fence training and ignoring everything else, including cultivating friendships. But as he’s Nicholas’ roommate, he soon discovers that he doesn’t really have a choice in becoming Nicholas’ friend — Nicholas basically forces his friendship on him. Seiji very soon stops complaining about this and even begins to enjoy Nicholas’ company, and it isn’t long before the pair start to get in trouble together. I’m not kidding when I say that Seiji and Nicholas literally share one braincell — the boys are ridiculous and silly and absolutely terrible at picking up on social cues! Be prepared to laugh until your sides hurt.
Even though Nicholas is the central protagonist of the comics, Fence: Striking Distance is Aiden and Harvard’s novel. From the moment they appeared in the comics, I knew I’d love Aiden and Harvard, and boy was I right! Aiden is the school playboy and dates as many boys as he possibly can because he can’t have the one person he’s actually in love with: his best friend, Harvard … who is completely oblivious to this fact. So Aiden puts up a wall between his feelings and Harvard and tries so desperately to not allow himself to cross that barrier, because he can’t abide anything ruining their friendship. As a result, he’s angry a lot of the time, pretty mean to anyone who is not Harvard, and disappoints the team time and time again. But Harvard’s the only one who is able to see behind the mask Aiden puts up for the world.
Speaking of Harvard, has there ever been a sweeter or lovelier character in the history of YA fiction? I seriously doubt it. This boy is so charming, you just want to give him a massive hug. I mean, he calls his mum everynight and ends each call by telling her he loves her! You really can’t get any better than Harvard, and Aiden is well aware of this. Which is why Aiden gets extremely jealous and anxious when Coach suggests that Harvard should start dating. Aiden and Harvard’s story is my favourite element of Fence: Striking Distance and I guarantee it will be yours too. You will laugh and cry and squeal with happiness — and then desperately desire the next book in the series.
As usual, Brennan’s writing shines in each story she writes and Fence: Striking Distance is no exception. She has a great gift for capturing the teen voice and taking the reader on a nostalgic journey of first romance, heartbreak, friendship and all the ups and downs of adolescence, as if we ourselves are back in high school again.
If you’re a fan of fake dating, silly jocks befriending a horrified notorious loner, thieving escapades, bullies get their just desserts, characters passing one braincell between each other, and the slow dawning realisation of love, then you’re going to love Fence: Striking Distance. Get your hands on a copy as soon as it’s out!
________________________________
Buddy reading with Shan !!
________________________________
I GOT A REVIEW COPY I'M SCREAMING 😱
________________________________
I'm so used to giving and now I get to receive
October 18, 2020
Caveat: I am sure both SRB and Pacat had good intentions with this tie-in, and they both seem like nice, friendly folks. A lot of fans loved Striking Distance and I am happy for them and glad to make our small fandom grow.
That said, as a long time fan of the comics I'm afraid that the extreme contrast between Pacat and SRB's writing styles made reading Striking Distance an off-putting experience for me, to say the least. SRB has a palpable, tangible, in your face style, and while Pacat can be funny, she has a more tongue in cheek, sly sense of humor-- and in SD, never the twain shall meet. In fact, a recurring pattern in SD involves a sustained fixation on various in jokes that occurred in the original series, amplifying them and revisiting them over and over in the text until they are unrecognizable, with all subtlety and finesse lost in the translation, reminding one of nothing so much as a magnifying glass over an anthill. I lean much more to the subdued side of the spectrum, and too much direct, focused attention is the death knell of humor, at least for me.
Let me give you an example of what I mean. Fans of the comic will remember a certain cute moment at the end of one of the later issues (#11) where Aiden is fencing a former fling, Jay. Eugene makes an offhanded reference to Jay hooking up with Aiden being the reason behind why he's losing his cool in the fight, and both Nicholas and Seiji are utterly (and adorably) befuddled.
And that was that. A cute little wink to the pair of them being oblivious, in terms of romantic tension or anything romantic at all, and also portended the torture of their extremely slow burn romance (we have yet to get a kiss ;).
But in Striking Distance, this obliviousness is belabored to the point where it defies belief. I have seen many reviews that pointed out how Seiji and Nicholas read as much younger than their years, and I think part of the issue stems from the focus the text places on how ignorant they both are when it comes to anything involving romance.
For instance, there is a scene in the book where they are talking about Aiden having guys over, and Eugene, just like in the comic, gives a little wink wink to the implication that they are hooking up. Unfortunately, the rest of the scene possesses the delicacy of a crowbar to the head. I’m afraid this is rather long, but I am posting it here in its entirety, because I think you have to read the entire snippet to get the full effect.
I’m cutting it off there but, trust, it goes on past that. Seiji keeps hammering the point home, and no one enlightens them. Again, they are both 16. I know there are some 16 year olds who are delightfully unaware of the physical realm, but for them both to be that naive rings hollow. I’ve read other reviews that spoke of feeling like Seiji and Nicholas belong in a middle grade book, and I agree. They would be fine in that setting. But they are high schoolers. And this was meant to be (I thought) a young adult book. The juxtaposition of their innocence against Aiden’s louche ways and casual flings is supremely odd and makes the tone of the book veer all over the place.
This leads me to my other major issue with SD: the characterization.
If the humor of the original series fared poorly from this obsessive focus, then the characterization does two fold. In the comics, Nicholas is maybe not on the level of his private school educated trust fund half brother, but he’s canny and can hold his own (witness, *he’s* the one who got himself into fencing lessons AND Kings’ Row, with what seems like very little help from his mother or anyone else).
In SD, Nicholas has the IQ of a tree stump.
Surely, you say, I exaggerate. Alas, no. Here are some lines:
Ok, I can hear you saying. Well, that isn’t so bad, maybe he just has a bit of a vocabulary probl--
Yeah. So A) that doesn’t sound like the word at all, which means that B) this reads like Nicholas has literally one brain cell, and not in that cute way we flail about in fandom.
Again, I know these kind of throw away lines are largely meant as a sort of humorous aside, but the problem with SD is that there are simply *too many of these asides* and it makes it all but impossible to take the book or its characters seriously. On both a micro and macro level, the book sacrifices the characterization (and to a certain extent, the plot) for the sake of humor. And if you are like me, and the humor hits wrong to you, then basically the entire book is a wash.
Another example of this oversimplification occurs with one of my favorite side characters, Eugene. In the comics, Eugene is a jock, yes, but he isn’t *just* a jock-- he roots for Nicholas to get on the team, and he is shown as being devoted to his family, and he’s really kindhearted but also super playful and-- basically, he’s a three dimensional person.
In SD Eugene is two things. One-- a person who uses the word “bro” around 70 times, give or take (not kidding, I went and did a find on my kindle and that’s a rough, but largely accurate count), far past the point where it would make sense. And two, a big giant scaredy cat. In Rivals, Eugene is really anxious a lot of the time, but it made sense because we’ve seen how much he loves his family (he has a few different scenes with his little siblings and his parents and it is very clear he adores them and vice versa) and we know that his family has had to save for him to go to school to have the chance to fence, which has always been his dream-- so for him to be terrified to disappoint them by fighting poorly makes sense from a character perspective.
But in SD, he is *constantly* freaking out, over bears, or Seiji, or Harvard, or Coach, take your pick. Even worse, he too is stupid, and there’s a particular part that was awful, where he is fanboying Aiden hardcore for no apparent reason (“Oh no, you’ve got Aiden all wrong, he’s an amazing fencer, everyone agrees,” “[he's] the best-looking guy in school” etc etc), right after we’ve had an Aiden POV where Aiden looks down on him and calls him his least favorite teammate, and the contrast between his dumb hero worship and Aiden’s casual disdain just… really stings.
Again, just like with Nicholas, I felt that key characteristics and qualities of the character were sacrificed in order to make him a punchline for various plot developments and it really made me sad.
I guess for me the things that made me love the comics are the things that made me dislike this book. The comics did much more in terms of characterization with much less. SD feels like a zany spoof of the comics to me, and maybe if that’s what I had been expecting, I wouldn’t have been so disappointed, but I had thought the idea was to deep dive into the characters. Striking Distance is anything but that, except perhaps for Aiden, but sadly for me I really disliked his character so even that wasn’t enough to save it.
I know other fans have had a much more positive reaction and I am happy for them. But as for me, I will be skipping the next book, and sticking to the comics exclusively from now on.
That said, as a long time fan of the comics I'm afraid that the extreme contrast between Pacat and SRB's writing styles made reading Striking Distance an off-putting experience for me, to say the least. SRB has a palpable, tangible, in your face style, and while Pacat can be funny, she has a more tongue in cheek, sly sense of humor-- and in SD, never the twain shall meet. In fact, a recurring pattern in SD involves a sustained fixation on various in jokes that occurred in the original series, amplifying them and revisiting them over and over in the text until they are unrecognizable, with all subtlety and finesse lost in the translation, reminding one of nothing so much as a magnifying glass over an anthill. I lean much more to the subdued side of the spectrum, and too much direct, focused attention is the death knell of humor, at least for me.
Let me give you an example of what I mean. Fans of the comic will remember a certain cute moment at the end of one of the later issues (#11) where Aiden is fencing a former fling, Jay. Eugene makes an offhanded reference to Jay hooking up with Aiden being the reason behind why he's losing his cool in the fight, and both Nicholas and Seiji are utterly (and adorably) befuddled.
Seiji: “I don’t understand why Jay is fencing so emotionally.”
Gene: "It’s because they, you know."
Seiji: "I don't know."
Nicholas: "I don't know either."
And that was that. A cute little wink to the pair of them being oblivious, in terms of romantic tension or anything romantic at all, and also portended the torture of their extremely slow burn romance (we have yet to get a kiss ;).
But in Striking Distance, this obliviousness is belabored to the point where it defies belief. I have seen many reviews that pointed out how Seiji and Nicholas read as much younger than their years, and I think part of the issue stems from the focus the text places on how ignorant they both are when it comes to anything involving romance.
For instance, there is a scene in the book where they are talking about Aiden having guys over, and Eugene, just like in the comic, gives a little wink wink to the implication that they are hooking up. Unfortunately, the rest of the scene possesses the delicacy of a crowbar to the head. I’m afraid this is rather long, but I am posting it here in its entirety, because I think you have to read the entire snippet to get the full effect.
“Well,” said Eugene, “I guess it’s possible Harvard is tired of having Aiden’s guys over at all hours. If you know what I’m saying.”
“Wow,” murmured Nicholas, as realization dawned. “Are you saying…?”
Eugene nodded. Bobby and Dante were as well, in a resigned fashion. Apparently this was common knowledge.
“Aiden has his friends over, like, at night? And in the mornings?” Nicholas demanded.
“Well… yeah, bro,” said Eugene. “From night until morning. Sometimes.”
Nicholas was scandalized.
“Does he throw parties? That’s gotta be distracting for Harvard. The captain’s fencing shouldn’t suffer because his roommate is a party animal.”
A silence settled over the table. Nicholas assumed everyone was as horrified as he was, but their expressions had gone strangely fixed. He looked toward Seiji, whose eyebrows had drawn sharply and disapprovingly together.
“I agree completely, Nicholas,” said Seiji. “Aiden shouldn’t be throwing parties! Do you realize what’s happening here? Because it seems completely obvious to me.”
“Oh, thank God, someone’s going to tell him,” murmured Bobby.
Seiji leaned across the table to Nicholas, as though he might whisper to him and still be heard over the buzz of chatter rising to the rafters. Nicholas leaned forward to hear what was so obvious to everyone else.
“I suspect that if Harvard wasn’t being deprived of sleep by these social gatherings, the captain would be higher ranked…”
I’m cutting it off there but, trust, it goes on past that. Seiji keeps hammering the point home, and no one enlightens them. Again, they are both 16. I know there are some 16 year olds who are delightfully unaware of the physical realm, but for them both to be that naive rings hollow. I’ve read other reviews that spoke of feeling like Seiji and Nicholas belong in a middle grade book, and I agree. They would be fine in that setting. But they are high schoolers. And this was meant to be (I thought) a young adult book. The juxtaposition of their innocence against Aiden’s louche ways and casual flings is supremely odd and makes the tone of the book veer all over the place.
This leads me to my other major issue with SD: the characterization.
If the humor of the original series fared poorly from this obsessive focus, then the characterization does two fold. In the comics, Nicholas is maybe not on the level of his private school educated trust fund half brother, but he’s canny and can hold his own (witness, *he’s* the one who got himself into fencing lessons AND Kings’ Row, with what seems like very little help from his mother or anyone else).
In SD, Nicholas has the IQ of a tree stump.
Surely, you say, I exaggerate. Alas, no. Here are some lines:
“Utterly was a fancy way of saying totally, he was pretty sure. Nicholas didn’t see what was wrong with saying totally, but he made a private note to write utterly in his essay. The way I grew up was utterly fine. Yep, that sounded good.”
Ok, I can hear you saying. Well, that isn’t so bad, maybe he just has a bit of a vocabulary probl--
“These are bow ties.” Nicholas grimaced as he gestured to the buildings. Eugene looked puzzled. “You know, stores so tiny and expensive you’re not supposed to call them stores?”
“Oh! You mean boutiques, bro.”
Yeah. So A) that doesn’t sound like the word at all, which means that B) this reads like Nicholas has literally one brain cell, and not in that cute way we flail about in fandom.
Again, I know these kind of throw away lines are largely meant as a sort of humorous aside, but the problem with SD is that there are simply *too many of these asides* and it makes it all but impossible to take the book or its characters seriously. On both a micro and macro level, the book sacrifices the characterization (and to a certain extent, the plot) for the sake of humor. And if you are like me, and the humor hits wrong to you, then basically the entire book is a wash.
Another example of this oversimplification occurs with one of my favorite side characters, Eugene. In the comics, Eugene is a jock, yes, but he isn’t *just* a jock-- he roots for Nicholas to get on the team, and he is shown as being devoted to his family, and he’s really kindhearted but also super playful and-- basically, he’s a three dimensional person.
In SD Eugene is two things. One-- a person who uses the word “bro” around 70 times, give or take (not kidding, I went and did a find on my kindle and that’s a rough, but largely accurate count), far past the point where it would make sense. And two, a big giant scaredy cat. In Rivals, Eugene is really anxious a lot of the time, but it made sense because we’ve seen how much he loves his family (he has a few different scenes with his little siblings and his parents and it is very clear he adores them and vice versa) and we know that his family has had to save for him to go to school to have the chance to fence, which has always been his dream-- so for him to be terrified to disappoint them by fighting poorly makes sense from a character perspective.
But in SD, he is *constantly* freaking out, over bears, or Seiji, or Harvard, or Coach, take your pick. Even worse, he too is stupid, and there’s a particular part that was awful, where he is fanboying Aiden hardcore for no apparent reason (“Oh no, you’ve got Aiden all wrong, he’s an amazing fencer, everyone agrees,” “[he's] the best-looking guy in school” etc etc), right after we’ve had an Aiden POV where Aiden looks down on him and calls him his least favorite teammate, and the contrast between his dumb hero worship and Aiden’s casual disdain just… really stings.
Again, just like with Nicholas, I felt that key characteristics and qualities of the character were sacrificed in order to make him a punchline for various plot developments and it really made me sad.
I guess for me the things that made me love the comics are the things that made me dislike this book. The comics did much more in terms of characterization with much less. SD feels like a zany spoof of the comics to me, and maybe if that’s what I had been expecting, I wouldn’t have been so disappointed, but I had thought the idea was to deep dive into the characters. Striking Distance is anything but that, except perhaps for Aiden, but sadly for me I really disliked his character so even that wasn’t enough to save it.
I know other fans have had a much more positive reaction and I am happy for them. But as for me, I will be skipping the next book, and sticking to the comics exclusively from now on.
May 26, 2021
“I don’t believe in songs or promises. I don’t believe in hearts or flowers or lightning strikes.” Aiden snatched a breath as though it was his last before drowning. “I never believed in anything but you.”
Por favor, es que me muero de amor. Desde que descubrí la serie de cómics de Fence he estado absolutamente obsesionada con los personajes. Me fascina ver lo diferentes que son todos y la extraña dinámica que tiene cuando los vuelven un equipo. Así que, nada, cuando supe que Fence: Striking Distance era una novela que continuaba un poco la historia tras el cuarto volumen de los cómics, supe que tenía que leerla.
Aquí nos encontramos con que la entrenadora les dice a todos los miembros del grupo que tienen que trabajar sus habilidades de trabajo en equipo, así que van a tener que pasar más tiempo juntos, hablar más, socializar, etc. Evidentemente, al único que le emociona esta idea es a Harvard (cosita linda) y a Nicholas (porque este chico se apuntaría hasta a un bombardeo), pero Seiji, Aidan y los demás no dudan en mostrar su disgusto. Sea como sea, todos deben hacer parte de estas actividades de equipo o la entrenadora no los dejará hacer parte de las competencias. Y es así como empiezan unas historias locas de Seiji dándose cuenta de lo mal que tratan a Nicholas, de Nicholas intentando acercarse más a su archienemigo/mejor amigo, de Harvard teniendo citas por primera vez en su vida y de Aidan muriéndose de los celos porque claramente siempre ha querido a Harvard. ¡Y luego todo se pone mejor porque alguien propone el fake dating! Y todos sabemos cómo acabará eso…
A mí denme el trope de fake dating y es que ya estoy living. A pesar de que en el libro tanto Nicholas como Seiji tienen protagonismo y cimentan mucho más su incipiente amistad, definitivamente el foco aquí se lo llevan Aidan y Harvard. Y no saben lo mucho que los amo. Incluso desde los cómics, se nota muchísimo que, aunque Aidan tiene fama de playboy y de salir con un chico distinto cada día, está enamoradísimo de Harvard y ama tenerlo como roommate, mejor amigo y confidente. Sin embargo, cuando Harvard, animado por la entrenadora, empieza a salir con gente en citas, Aidan se da cuenta de lo mucho que eso le molesta. Y amé todos sus debates internos sobre si confesarle sus sentimientos a Harvard o no. Ay, es que, en serio, los dos son un par de tontitos por no darse cuenta de todo esto mucho antes.
Pero, evidentemente, lo que más amé fue la inocencia de Harvard. Nunca ha besado a nadie, nunca ha salido en citas y no tiene ni la más mínima experiencia. Así que adoré el momento en el que le pidió ayuda a Aidan para ser mejor en ello. Y, si bien soy fan porque así empezó lo del fake dating, me dolió muchísimo leer los capítulos desde la perspectiva de Aidan porque el pobre sólo pensaba que le estaba enseñando a Harvard cómo estar con alguien más… y no con él.
Anyway, podría seguir fangirleando como una loca por esto, pero ya vale. Sólo espero que me den más contenido hermoso de ellos dos y de Seiji y Nicholas (¡PORQUE ELLOS DOS TAMBIÉN TIENEN QUE ACABAR JUNTOS!) en los próximos libros y cómics.
Por favor, es que me muero de amor. Desde que descubrí la serie de cómics de Fence he estado absolutamente obsesionada con los personajes. Me fascina ver lo diferentes que son todos y la extraña dinámica que tiene cuando los vuelven un equipo. Así que, nada, cuando supe que Fence: Striking Distance era una novela que continuaba un poco la historia tras el cuarto volumen de los cómics, supe que tenía que leerla.
Aquí nos encontramos con que la entrenadora les dice a todos los miembros del grupo que tienen que trabajar sus habilidades de trabajo en equipo, así que van a tener que pasar más tiempo juntos, hablar más, socializar, etc. Evidentemente, al único que le emociona esta idea es a Harvard (cosita linda) y a Nicholas (porque este chico se apuntaría hasta a un bombardeo), pero Seiji, Aidan y los demás no dudan en mostrar su disgusto. Sea como sea, todos deben hacer parte de estas actividades de equipo o la entrenadora no los dejará hacer parte de las competencias. Y es así como empiezan unas historias locas de Seiji dándose cuenta de lo mal que tratan a Nicholas, de Nicholas intentando acercarse más a su archienemigo/mejor amigo, de Harvard teniendo citas por primera vez en su vida y de Aidan muriéndose de los celos porque claramente siempre ha querido a Harvard. ¡Y luego todo se pone mejor porque alguien propone el fake dating! Y todos sabemos cómo acabará eso…
A mí denme el trope de fake dating y es que ya estoy living. A pesar de que en el libro tanto Nicholas como Seiji tienen protagonismo y cimentan mucho más su incipiente amistad, definitivamente el foco aquí se lo llevan Aidan y Harvard. Y no saben lo mucho que los amo. Incluso desde los cómics, se nota muchísimo que, aunque Aidan tiene fama de playboy y de salir con un chico distinto cada día, está enamoradísimo de Harvard y ama tenerlo como roommate, mejor amigo y confidente. Sin embargo, cuando Harvard, animado por la entrenadora, empieza a salir con gente en citas, Aidan se da cuenta de lo mucho que eso le molesta. Y amé todos sus debates internos sobre si confesarle sus sentimientos a Harvard o no. Ay, es que, en serio, los dos son un par de tontitos por no darse cuenta de todo esto mucho antes.
Pero, evidentemente, lo que más amé fue la inocencia de Harvard. Nunca ha besado a nadie, nunca ha salido en citas y no tiene ni la más mínima experiencia. Así que adoré el momento en el que le pidió ayuda a Aidan para ser mejor en ello. Y, si bien soy fan porque así empezó lo del fake dating, me dolió muchísimo leer los capítulos desde la perspectiva de Aidan porque el pobre sólo pensaba que le estaba enseñando a Harvard cómo estar con alguien más… y no con él.
Anyway, podría seguir fangirleando como una loca por esto, pero ya vale. Sólo espero que me den más contenido hermoso de ellos dos y de Seiji y Nicholas (¡PORQUE ELLOS DOS TAMBIÉN TIENEN QUE ACABAR JUNTOS!) en los próximos libros y cómics.
December 1, 2020
I wanted to read this for Nicholas and Seiji, but I liked the other storyline maybe a little bit more. I mean, of course, it was DRAMA, but what can one expect when it's about best friends to lovers? Of course they are afraid of losing each other completely.
I admit, I despised Aiden most of the time, I thought he hated his father so much, yet he became just like him, but I think I was wrong about that. I don't approve of what he does with others, but the others are the stupid ones. Everyone knows how he is, yet still, no one ever said no to him. Even that random hetero guy. Like ??
Look, I'm all for the gays, the more they are the better, but this was almost too much even for me. In this book there were no straight people and no sane people.
I liked Neil, he was actually a decent person and I 100% supported his relationship with Harvard. They would've been a stable couple in my opinion.
What I most liked about the Aiden storyline (and probably about the whole book) was his relationship with his stepmom who went to his matches. I'm a sucker for not-blood-related families. I'm really, really looking forward to seeing where their relationship will go in the next book.
We must protect Harvad at all costs! He is so soft and nice and dutiful and protective and everything good. He is just too good.
Also, does anyone think he may be on the ace spectrum? Not just because he never wanted a partner, but because even when he realised he is in love with Aiden, he never thought of any part of Aiden's body. All he cared about is Aiden, Aiden, Aiden and that he couldn't hurt Aiden, everything for Aiden, whatever Aiden needs. Aiden is everything.
Once I wrote that Seiji's povs are like being in a child's mind. First I thought it's just bad writing but after a while (especially after the conversation with his father) I started to suspect it's someting else. I don't want to misdiagnose him, so if someone agrees with me and knows what it might be, let me know!
I adored their developing friendship with Nicholas! They are so different, but bring the best out of the other, making the other evolve. Even if Nicholas lives in a whole different world and so oblivious about everything.
They are all in high school, yet Seiji and Nicholas seem like babies compared to Aiden and Harvard. Can't wait see them grow up!
------------------------------------------------
Get, set, ready... Go!
I admit, I despised Aiden most of the time, I thought he hated his father so much, yet he became just like him, but I think I was wrong about that. I don't approve of what he does with others, but the others are the stupid ones. Everyone knows how he is, yet still, no one ever said no to him. Even that random hetero guy. Like ??
Look, I'm all for the gays, the more they are the better, but this was almost too much even for me. In this book there were no straight people and no sane people.
I liked Neil, he was actually a decent person and I 100% supported his relationship with Harvard. They would've been a stable couple in my opinion.
What I most liked about the Aiden storyline (and probably about the whole book) was his relationship with his stepmom who went to his matches. I'm a sucker for not-blood-related families. I'm really, really looking forward to seeing where their relationship will go in the next book.
We must protect Harvad at all costs! He is so soft and nice and dutiful and protective and everything good. He is just too good.
Also, does anyone think he may be on the ace spectrum? Not just because he never wanted a partner, but because even when he realised he is in love with Aiden, he never thought of any part of Aiden's body. All he cared about is Aiden, Aiden, Aiden and that he couldn't hurt Aiden, everything for Aiden, whatever Aiden needs. Aiden is everything.
Once I wrote that Seiji's povs are like being in a child's mind. First I thought it's just bad writing but after a while (especially after the conversation with his father) I started to suspect it's someting else. I don't want to misdiagnose him, so if someone agrees with me and knows what it might be, let me know!
I adored their developing friendship with Nicholas! They are so different, but bring the best out of the other, making the other evolve. Even if Nicholas lives in a whole different world and so oblivious about everything.
They are all in high school, yet Seiji and Nicholas seem like babies compared to Aiden and Harvard. Can't wait see them grow up!
------------------------------------------------
Get, set, ready... Go!
October 14, 2020
“I don’t believe in songs or promises. I don’t believe in hearts or flowers or lightning strikes.” Aiden snatched a breath as though it was his last before drowning. “I never believed in anything but you.”
Guys. I think I might have OD'd on cuteness and wholesomeness.
So my October TBR, ambitious as it is, obviously has very octoberesque books. And that would mean, not cute and wholesome and rainbows and sunshine. However, the last book that I read two days ago (from my Sep. TBR pile. I know I am running late, screw me) had left me quite devastated by the end and I had needed someone lighter and brighter before I went into the dark, gothic, horror themes. This book was just what I needed. It was a very impulsive read but I do not regret it one bit.
This book is set after the events of Volume 4 of the graphic novel series. This isn't written by C.S. Pacat who is the original creator of the graphic series. Instead, it is written by another author, Sarah Rees Brennan with the help of the original creator, of course. I haven't read Sarah Rees's any other books so I can't compare but I definitely enjoyed this so much. While I have loved the graphic series and I am glad I had read em so I can imagine certain things much better, I definitely found myself enjoying the novel far more. Because of obvious reasons. You get a much deeper insight into each character's lives, thoughts, and emotions.
And you realize things, that perhaps you hadn't fully with the graphic novels. You realize how absolutely, and I can't stress enough on the absolutely, dumb these boys are. All of them. Each one of them. I am not even kidding. I am not exaggerating. They are the biggest dumbfucks I have ever seen. And I love it.
I genuinely had so much fun with them. They are so stupid it's honestly hilarious. And severely endearing, of course. I enjoyed Seini's narrative the best because I cannot with him. I just can not. I laughed so much. All of these boys are strange but he honestly is the most peculiar.
“So is he going to be your boyfriend?” Seiji asked.
“I’m, uh,” said Harvard. “I’m not sure.”
“When will you know?”
“For now, we’re just dating.”
Wasn’t dating what you did with boyfriends and girlfriends? Wasn’t that what they were specifically for? Was there a probationary period? That seemed stressful. Stress was bound to affect the captain’s game. Why was nobody sensible?
Was there a probationary period for being friends? Seiji glanced at Nicholas in alarm.
Why did nobody ever tell Seiji the rules of social behavior? He’d been taught the rules for fencing, and he excelled in that. He didn’t see why everybody expected him to excel in life with no training.”
Also, it was so amazing to see Seiji and Nicholas progressing as friends. It was super adorable.
“From now on, when we speak of a prank that is truly legendary, we will call it a Seiji,” vowed Chad. “Boys, grab him!”
To Seiji’s evident and overwhelming horror, Eugene’s weight-lifting bros seized him and lifted him bodily over their heads.
Nicholas moved very fast, using all the speed he’d been born with. He grabbed Eugene’s phone out of his hands and took a picture of Seiji’s expression at the moment they were lifting him. Then Nicholas texted the photo to his own number. He’d found his new phone background.”
I don't know if the writer ever plans to make them more than friends or not but I don't mind even if that doesn't happen.
Because I was more than sated in the romance department.
Aiden and Harvard.
*insert insane madwoman fangirling noises*
I am not going to say anything about them other than the fact that they made my day. They are perfect. And I am so invested in them, it's not even funny anymore.
I need the next book ASAP ;_;
December 20, 2020
Well that was a cute but also intensely annoying book.
I am going to put it out there that this novel could have been called 'Chess', 'Rugby', or 'Flower arranging'. I say this because there was almost no fencing in this book. The story was entirely about the boys and their relationship dramas. Don't read this if you hate miscommunication because you will, like me, want to shake everyone and shout, "Just tell them how you really feel and for Pete's sake listen to the other person without making assumptions!"...sorry...I have a lot of feelings right now. It is definitely a fun YA book that is very pointed in it's diversity. I found the characters to be quite endearing as they navigated the trials and tribulations of love and friendship.
I also didn't know it was a comic series first which, judging by some reviews, may have worked in my favour.
I am going to put it out there that this novel could have been called 'Chess', 'Rugby', or 'Flower arranging'. I say this because there was almost no fencing in this book. The story was entirely about the boys and their relationship dramas. Don't read this if you hate miscommunication because you will, like me, want to shake everyone and shout, "Just tell them how you really feel and for Pete's sake listen to the other person without making assumptions!"...sorry...I have a lot of feelings right now. It is definitely a fun YA book that is very pointed in it's diversity. I found the characters to be quite endearing as they navigated the trials and tribulations of love and friendship.
I also didn't know it was a comic series first which, judging by some reviews, may have worked in my favour.
September 29, 2020
THIS BOOK IS UNHINGED
i am absolutely emotionally distressed. srb voice why would someone do this [standing over my corpse which she shoot a second ago]
first of all, i cant believe i finished it in a DAY this doesn't happen anymore
secondly, is it five stars objectively? not sure. have i enjoyed it immensely? fuck yes
i hope sarah rees brennan has a good day. good days. for the rest of her life. because she just gave me everything i wanted?? can i have book 2 like IMMEDIATELY
idk if a review to come but im certainly goin to yell a little more about it, wait for it
i am absolutely emotionally distressed. srb voice why would someone do this [standing over my corpse which she shoot a second ago]
first of all, i cant believe i finished it in a DAY this doesn't happen anymore
secondly, is it five stars objectively? not sure. have i enjoyed it immensely? fuck yes
i hope sarah rees brennan has a good day. good days. for the rest of her life. because she just gave me everything i wanted?? can i have book 2 like IMMEDIATELY
idk if a review to come but im certainly goin to yell a little more about it, wait for it
October 3, 2020
I was SO excited about this. So fucking excited, and I just feel so let down. The way I interpreted the characters MUCH differently than Brennan, obviously, and honestly, I only read it for Seiji and Nicholas' pov. I don't care for Aiden and Harvard, and honestly, I was bored by them. The writing was extremely childish like I felt like a 12-year-old wrote it. Nicholas also acted very immaturely and naive, much different from the way he acted in the comics. And do not get me started on the whole enemies thing Nicholas and Seiji had going on before this book, now they were besties, and omg I hate it. There wasn't even a slow burn to be friends, it was just hey they're friends now even after they hated each other's guts. This is going to sound cruel, but I wished CS Pacat had written this instead. Not that Brennan isn't an adequate author, but it felt wrong and a little off. Like the characters were wrong and their personalities didn't match. I still love the comics, and hopefully, more of them come out bc I will def read them.
Want to read
October 2, 2020I didn't even know this was going to be a thing!
How did this become a thing?
When did this become a thing?
How long has this been an actual thing?
When the freaking hell did I turn into a "Thing" that didn't know this thing was happening?! *lol*
I can't even right now!!!
I needed this in my life, like, yesterday!!!
AHHHHHHH!!!!
How did this become a thing?
When did this become a thing?
How long has this been an actual thing?
When the freaking hell did I turn into a "Thing" that didn't know this thing was happening?! *lol*
I can't even right now!!!
I needed this in my life, like, yesterday!!!
AHHHHHHH!!!!
October 7, 2020
Keep moving, Nicholas. If you’re fast enough, none of it can catch you.
So I've been waiting for 2 days to get my thoughts together so I can at least make it look like a coherent review but my brain cells, like those of this team, are not working. So I'm just putting up my thoughts while the feelings are still raw.
Boys, you are ridiculous, impossible, and in the eyes of all sane people, practically past hope,” said Coach. “But I’m proud of you.”
So I pretty much knew since the day I realised this was going to happen that I was going to love it. Those comics while totally excellent left me at hanging at that edge, wanting more closure with these characters and story. I thought this will get me through. Guess what? I was wrong. Instead of satisfying my thirst, it gave me a sip and took away the glass.
But fencing mattered more than faces.
This book has nothing and everything to do with fencing. While not having a single match, Fencing is still that thing that binds them together. Being a sports fan, I've always yearned for more novels on that subject, especially after the masterpiece that was All For The Game. (No, I won't talk about how much they both are similar because that will make this attempt at a review futile. Feel free to message me for that discussion). This has that perfect representation of what role a goal and a team can play in the life of a person.
This book is basically about team bonding more than the actual sport. The team is given assignments that will help them build trust and team spirit. That's practically what this book is about. It also has a significant insight on the characters life which was not possible in the graphic books. This made me appreciate the characters even better. Equal parts sad and happy, this book touched me deep somewhere.
***Character section. Tread with caution. May have some spoilers***
Nicholas
Nicholas was the only thing in this school that was in rough shape. Even the lawns here seemed made of smooth green velvet.
My very own Neil Josten, totally unaware of what's going on around him, about the people who care about him and desperately in search of a friend. I absolutely adore him! He knows when to take his stand and when to let go. I love how the author tried to show the vulnerabilities of each character in the best way possible. His was the inability to fit in.
Seiji
“You act like you don’t even know what words mean,” Seiji continued reproachfully. “ Best implies that someone excels at an activity. It should be perfectly obvious that I am not practiced at being friends and cannot be expected to excel.”
Our Kevin Day. In the graphics, I did not find him very interesting. I saw dedication there but no team spirit. Full arrogance about his abilities and no care about others. But after reading this, I seriously doubt my judgements. He cares. He has feelings. Yes, he is different and is often unable to express himself but that does not make him arrogant. He has problems and he is trying to deal with them. Everything he did in this book is proof. Especially that confrontation with Jesse at the end.
“You don’t know who I am? Find out on the piste ,” Seiji suggested, and turned away.
Yes, that!!
Aiden
It was that when Aiden turned away from Coach, his roving gaze fell on the stage where he’d stood, gleaming and empty, and he thought, Do you want to put on a show for the rest of your life?
Frankly, he was the character I liked the least in the previous books bit this book highlights his vulnerabilities. Yes, he is stupid(they all are) but I know how he feels. His friendship with Harvard is a gem!! Plz just get your shit together.
Harvard
The time you learn if someone’s a loser,” said Harvard, “is when you see how they lose.”
Our captain cool still is the best soul on earth, helping his teammates, making them happy, thinking about others before ever having a thought about himself... Just spare some time for yourself and think for once what you want is all I'll ask..
Harvard and Aiden
“I don’t believe in songs or promises. I don’t believe in hearts or flowers or lightning strikes.” Aiden snatched a breath as though it was his last before drowning. “I never believed in anything but you.”
Friends to lovers??? We were almost there and then they want to act stupid. Fake dating! Ya I'm not making sense but it was good.
Nicholas and Seiji
“You’re not a mirror,” said Nicholas. “You’re real.” “It’s a metaphor, Nicholas.” Nicholas shrugged. “You’re still not a mirror.Mirrors break. You never do.”
Frankly, I could have devoured an entire book about these two without a single word of complain but I can work with these small sips for the time being. It's slow. Very. We are still left to step up from friends to best friends but when the day comes, when the 'thing' starts, Gods help, the world is going to explode!!
“I was thinking,” Nicholas offered. “Now that we’re friends, maybe we don’t need the curtain at all? I could take it down.” Seiji clung to the curtain as if it was a security blanket and he was a big baby. “I need the curtain.” “You need me,” said Nicholas. Seiji blinked. “What?”
At least that sky blue duck curtain was half opened. We are getting there! Fingers crossed..
They might all be winners in the end.
Arrêt
November 14, 2020
Fencing is far more fun than team bonding, that’s for sure!!
Over the last year, I’ve read four volumes of a great YA graphic novel series called Fence , by CS Pacat and Johanna the Mad. The series follows the adventures of the Kings Row fencing team, the rivalries, relationships, and challenges they face.
Sarah Rees Brennan has now written Fence: Striking Distance , an original novel featuring these characters. It was fun to spend an extended amount of time with them. This book delved more deeply into the dynamics between teammates and the emotions involved.
While Coach Williams knows that her team has some solid fencing skills, they can’t seem to work together. She knows if she can foster a sense of teamwork it may improve their success in competition as well.
She makes Harvard, Aiden, Seiji, Nicholas, and Eugene try to bond with each other. What she doesn’t count on is how much work that will require, particularly in some cases. It’ll take a few disastrous dates, a major prank carried out by an unlikely prankster, and lots of self-realization for this to work—if it will at all.
I love this series because the dynamics between the characters feel natural. I enjoyed getting to spend more in-depth time exploring their relationships than you usually get in the graphic novels. The book also treats sexuality as a non-issue, and I love the relationships between Nicholas and Seiji and Harvard and Aiden.
Looking forward to another graphic novel—or another novel—soon!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Over the last year, I’ve read four volumes of a great YA graphic novel series called Fence , by CS Pacat and Johanna the Mad. The series follows the adventures of the Kings Row fencing team, the rivalries, relationships, and challenges they face.
Sarah Rees Brennan has now written Fence: Striking Distance , an original novel featuring these characters. It was fun to spend an extended amount of time with them. This book delved more deeply into the dynamics between teammates and the emotions involved.
While Coach Williams knows that her team has some solid fencing skills, they can’t seem to work together. She knows if she can foster a sense of teamwork it may improve their success in competition as well.
She makes Harvard, Aiden, Seiji, Nicholas, and Eugene try to bond with each other. What she doesn’t count on is how much work that will require, particularly in some cases. It’ll take a few disastrous dates, a major prank carried out by an unlikely prankster, and lots of self-realization for this to work—if it will at all.
I love this series because the dynamics between the characters feel natural. I enjoyed getting to spend more in-depth time exploring their relationships than you usually get in the graphic novels. The book also treats sexuality as a non-issue, and I love the relationships between Nicholas and Seiji and Harvard and Aiden.
Looking forward to another graphic novel—or another novel—soon!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
May 16, 2023
THIS IS MY NEW COMFORT BOOK! FIVE STARS AND MORE 😭
I can’t believe all the emotions I felt while reading this book. Words are not enough to describe my experience reading this. It felt like a warm blanket was wrapped around me. It was like this book knew I needed comfort the most these past few days. It was really funny at times and heartwarming at best.
I absolutely adored each and every one of the characters. I loved how they developed: from can’t stand to be talk to one another to roasting marshmallows by the bonfire.
• Seiji. God, Seiji. He can be very thoughtful without even knowing it. He’s come so far and I’m so proud of him. Loved how he changed and broke free of the holds that Jesse has on him. At Kingsrow, he can be just Seiji.
• Nicholas is absolutely Seiji’s rival and best friend. He’s always casually dropping words of wisdom and maybe Seiji can learn a thing or two from Nick’s book.
• Aiden. I love this guy. I love how he shows his vulnerability and I loved watching him realize that there are people out there who cares and loves him. I absolutely adore his diva moments (even if Nicholas is only half listening at times haha)
• Harvard, from the start, I have always liked his personality. I loved how loyal he is, specially to Aiden. He was such a kindhearted and overall amazing guy. He and Aiden will be the death of me but sure, why not? I just hope these two will figure things out soon because they’re keeping me at the edge of my seat every time!
• Last but certainly not the least, we have Eugene. Eugene who helped Seiji plan the heist lol jk (he would faint) 😂 Speaking of heists, I love how he supports his friends even if it involves being friends with a criminal mastermind 😂
dates read:
✨ August 15-19, 2022
✨ May 16, 2023
I can’t believe all the emotions I felt while reading this book. Words are not enough to describe my experience reading this. It felt like a warm blanket was wrapped around me. It was like this book knew I needed comfort the most these past few days. It was really funny at times and heartwarming at best.
I absolutely adored each and every one of the characters. I loved how they developed: from can’t stand to be talk to one another to roasting marshmallows by the bonfire.
• Seiji. God, Seiji. He can be very thoughtful without even knowing it. He’s come so far and I’m so proud of him. Loved how he changed and broke free of the holds that Jesse has on him. At Kingsrow, he can be just Seiji.
• Nicholas is absolutely Seiji’s rival and best friend. He’s always casually dropping words of wisdom and maybe Seiji can learn a thing or two from Nick’s book.
• Aiden. I love this guy. I love how he shows his vulnerability and I loved watching him realize that there are people out there who cares and loves him. I absolutely adore his diva moments (even if Nicholas is only half listening at times haha)
• Harvard, from the start, I have always liked his personality. I loved how loyal he is, specially to Aiden. He was such a kindhearted and overall amazing guy. He and Aiden will be the death of me but sure, why not? I just hope these two will figure things out soon because they’re keeping me at the edge of my seat every time!
• Last but certainly not the least, we have Eugene. Eugene who helped Seiji plan the heist lol jk (he would faint) 😂 Speaking of heists, I love how he supports his friends even if it involves being friends with a criminal mastermind 😂
dates read:
✨ August 15-19, 2022
✨ May 16, 2023
October 2, 2020
If you do not like miscommunication or lack of proper communication between characters which leads to them standing in the way of their own happiness - RUN.
Personally, I am so, so glad we're getting Fence content in novel format now, too, and I'm tempted to immediately ask, "When are we getting more?" To me, this whole universe is such a wonderful place of low stakes, stupid fun and just a cast of adorable, heartwarming characters. While the experience was definitely a different one from the graphic novel series, I think that aside from some characterisations that were, for my liking, a little exaggerated, the essence of the story was captured very well by Sarah Rees Brennan, and I am eager to see how these events influence the comics in the future.
I absolutely appreciated that this book was focused more on characters and personal relarionships than the actual fencing, which is the other way around with the graphic novel series, I would say. While a lot of their emotions and personal struggles are implied there, they were spelled out and expanded upon in this novel, and I thought that was wonderful. It didn't have a super elaborate plot, but the writing and understanding of the relationships were what really shone.
Another difference would be that where the comics are more focused on Nicholas and Seiji, this book surprisingly spent the most time following Aiden and Harvard. And that was such a pleasant surprise!! I loved getting to see more of them for a change, and oh my god, the drama they put me through. The pain. The happiness. The FRUSTRATION. I swear no one has more than two braincells but I love them still. I cannot wait to see where their relationship goes next. (Also, not to give anything away, but... the spicy scenes in this were a 10/10.)
Fence has very quickly become one of my biggest comfort universes ever. I highly recommend any and all content related to it if you want something light and funny set in a world where queerphobia doesn't exist and you're looking to yell at boys to JUST KISS ALREADY.
Personally, I am so, so glad we're getting Fence content in novel format now, too, and I'm tempted to immediately ask, "When are we getting more?" To me, this whole universe is such a wonderful place of low stakes, stupid fun and just a cast of adorable, heartwarming characters. While the experience was definitely a different one from the graphic novel series, I think that aside from some characterisations that were, for my liking, a little exaggerated, the essence of the story was captured very well by Sarah Rees Brennan, and I am eager to see how these events influence the comics in the future.
I absolutely appreciated that this book was focused more on characters and personal relarionships than the actual fencing, which is the other way around with the graphic novel series, I would say. While a lot of their emotions and personal struggles are implied there, they were spelled out and expanded upon in this novel, and I thought that was wonderful. It didn't have a super elaborate plot, but the writing and understanding of the relationships were what really shone.
Another difference would be that where the comics are more focused on Nicholas and Seiji, this book surprisingly spent the most time following Aiden and Harvard. And that was such a pleasant surprise!! I loved getting to see more of them for a change, and oh my god, the drama they put me through. The pain. The happiness. The FRUSTRATION. I swear no one has more than two braincells but I love them still. I cannot wait to see where their relationship goes next. (Also, not to give anything away, but... the spicy scenes in this were a 10/10.)
Fence has very quickly become one of my biggest comfort universes ever. I highly recommend any and all content related to it if you want something light and funny set in a world where queerphobia doesn't exist and you're looking to yell at boys to JUST KISS ALREADY.
October 28, 2020
Borderline one-star book, and I should have stopped reading . . . but I just like the comic book series so much!
The comic is a sports drama about fencing with a generous dollop of LGBTQ+ romance. This novel is all about the romance. While fencing is constantly referenced in the prose as metaphor and pun, actual fencing is limited to maybe one page out of the 356 offered up here.
Picking up right after Volume 4 of the graphic novel collections, nothing happens in this book except young lads at an all boys high school thinking swooning thoughts about other young lads. Anything that looks like progress is really a loop that will be closed in time for a status quo ending that won't necessarily effect the comic book series at all. Or perhaps the comic will cover all this same material in a single issue, because most of this could easily be condensed down to a few panels.
I won't even go into the stupid coincidences and misunderstandings the author had to use to drive along the thin plot. Or that Seiji Katayama seems to have morphed completely into Sheldon Cooper.
My wife loved this book, having never read the comics and refusing to even consider that notion, but I found myself having to assign forty pages a night as homework in order to get through to the end. If Sarah Rees Brennan writes a second novel, I will no longer be a Fence completist.
The comic is a sports drama about fencing with a generous dollop of LGBTQ+ romance. This novel is all about the romance. While fencing is constantly referenced in the prose as metaphor and pun, actual fencing is limited to maybe one page out of the 356 offered up here.
Picking up right after Volume 4 of the graphic novel collections, nothing happens in this book except young lads at an all boys high school thinking swooning thoughts about other young lads. Anything that looks like progress is really a loop that will be closed in time for a status quo ending that won't necessarily effect the comic book series at all. Or perhaps the comic will cover all this same material in a single issue, because most of this could easily be condensed down to a few panels.
I won't even go into the stupid coincidences and misunderstandings the author had to use to drive along the thin plot. Or that Seiji Katayama seems to have morphed completely into Sheldon Cooper.
My wife loved this book, having never read the comics and refusing to even consider that notion, but I found myself having to assign forty pages a night as homework in order to get through to the end. If Sarah Rees Brennan writes a second novel, I will no longer be a Fence completist.
Want to read
February 9, 2020there are few things in life i have been this excited for
October 20, 2023
3.5 🌟
"Nicholas asked shyly, “Do you maybe... wanna be best friends?”
“Oh my God”, exclaimed Seiji. “No!”"
Okay, first of all: this book is hilarious and not to sound like a complete asshole, but I need a book about Nicolas and Seji and Nicolas and Seji only.
Because let’s be real, we all know which pairing is carrying this book.
And it certainly is not Aiden and Harvard.
Aiden and Harvard are just... well, they just aren’t that interesting.
Maybe I am the problem because I am not a fan of childhood friends to lovers at all, or maybe (which is more possible because my taste is immaculate) I am not the problem and they are just boring as hell.
And it’s not just that they make a snoozefest of a couple, they are also not great characters in general. Ok, Aiden is still up for debate, I actually liked that the author tried to give him a more personality with ** dramatic gasp*** actual feelings, which is probably the most shocking part of the book (if you read the comics, you’ll know what I mean).
But it was still hard for me to really feel for him when all he does is do dramatic pinning and in between, hook up with literally any male creature he stumbles across.
I know, I know he is already a bit of a slut in the graphic novels, but the number of guys here was getting so high that the whole thing was more ridiculous and laughable than anything.
The worst thing was the pinning, though, I almost preferred the Aiden without feelings.
Well, at least he is still better than Harvard. Not that there is anything wrong with Harvard, but that is exactly the problem. I don’t want to read about a perfect character without any problems who is always happy and thriving. (Give me some grumpy misanthropes and I will be happy!)
Nah, but for real, I can’t even say much about that guy besides that he had no personality and I never want to read about “practice-dating-for-your-boyfriend” ever again.
But enough of these losers and onto what really matters:
Seiji and Nicholas.
I love Seiji and Nicolaus. I already loved them in the graphic novels, but now I love them even more.
Nicolas basically stays the same (a big puppy that just wants to be friends, can be a bit dumb, but most of all wants to fence Seiji.) but then again, the comics were from his point of view, so we already knew a lot about him and his feelings and so on.
But can we talk about Seji???
Because turns out book Seiji is way different from graphic novel Seiji. In the graphic novels, he is that cold, rude, untouchable, I-am-so-much-better-than-you kind of guy and here... ok, here he is also an asshole - but he is a hilarious asshole.
My guy has no clue about anything other than fencing and seeing him struggle through the most normal social interactions made this book so damn entertaining. I love how he relies on Nicolas whenever he has to act even remotely like a normal human being.
Not that Nicolas is any better, really, he is almost as oblivious to anything going on around him. I swear those two are sharing a single brain cell and that’s about fencing.
But hey? That’s probably why they are so good together and will be so good together as a couple…. At some point... far… far in the future, because this is the slowest slow burn you will ever encounter, trust me. But surprisingly, I didn’t mind that and was just having a good time.
So overall, it might not be the greatest book ever and has a flaw or two, (It’s two. Aiden and Harvard, to be exact.) but Seiji and Nicholas alone make it worth it.
"Nicholas asked shyly, “Do you maybe... wanna be best friends?”
“Oh my God”, exclaimed Seiji. “No!”"
Okay, first of all: this book is hilarious and not to sound like a complete asshole, but I need a book about Nicolas and Seji and Nicolas and Seji only.
Because let’s be real, we all know which pairing is carrying this book.
And it certainly is not Aiden and Harvard.
Aiden and Harvard are just... well, they just aren’t that interesting.
Maybe I am the problem because I am not a fan of childhood friends to lovers at all, or maybe (which is more possible because my taste is immaculate) I am not the problem and they are just boring as hell.
And it’s not just that they make a snoozefest of a couple, they are also not great characters in general. Ok, Aiden is still up for debate, I actually liked that the author tried to give him a more personality with ** dramatic gasp*** actual feelings, which is probably the most shocking part of the book (if you read the comics, you’ll know what I mean).
But it was still hard for me to really feel for him when all he does is do dramatic pinning and in between, hook up with literally any male creature he stumbles across.
I know, I know he is already a bit of a slut in the graphic novels, but the number of guys here was getting so high that the whole thing was more ridiculous and laughable than anything.
The worst thing was the pinning, though, I almost preferred the Aiden without feelings.
Well, at least he is still better than Harvard. Not that there is anything wrong with Harvard, but that is exactly the problem. I don’t want to read about a perfect character without any problems who is always happy and thriving. (Give me some grumpy misanthropes and I will be happy!)
Nah, but for real, I can’t even say much about that guy besides that he had no personality and I never want to read about “practice-dating-for-your-boyfriend” ever again.
But enough of these losers and onto what really matters:
Seiji and Nicholas.
I love Seiji and Nicolaus. I already loved them in the graphic novels, but now I love them even more.
Nicolas basically stays the same (a big puppy that just wants to be friends, can be a bit dumb, but most of all wants to fence Seiji.) but then again, the comics were from his point of view, so we already knew a lot about him and his feelings and so on.
But can we talk about Seji???
Because turns out book Seiji is way different from graphic novel Seiji. In the graphic novels, he is that cold, rude, untouchable, I-am-so-much-better-than-you kind of guy and here... ok, here he is also an asshole - but he is a hilarious asshole.
My guy has no clue about anything other than fencing and seeing him struggle through the most normal social interactions made this book so damn entertaining. I love how he relies on Nicolas whenever he has to act even remotely like a normal human being.
Not that Nicolas is any better, really, he is almost as oblivious to anything going on around him. I swear those two are sharing a single brain cell and that’s about fencing.
But hey? That’s probably why they are so good together and will be so good together as a couple…. At some point... far… far in the future, because this is the slowest slow burn you will ever encounter, trust me. But surprisingly, I didn’t mind that and was just having a good time.
So overall, it might not be the greatest book ever and has a flaw or two, (It’s two. Aiden and Harvard, to be exact.) but Seiji and Nicholas alone make it worth it.
December 19, 2020
One star because I'm feeling incredibly petty today.
I was so excited to read this it's embarrassing. Striking Distance manages to completely unravel all of the characterization that occurs in the fence comics and turn each person into someone completely different. The writing was so juvenile I felt as though I was reading a wattpad book written by a twelve year old. And the sheer amount of times I had to read the word "bro" is unbelievable.
I'm also incredibly upset in how none of this book seemed to revolve around fencing. It was just romance. And yeah, Seiji and Nicholas explore their friendship a little, but so much of that happened "off-screen" and was just resolved quickly in the end. The reason I fell in love with the fence comics was because of the sports, but I got none of that here.
For high-school boys, every single character came off as much younger. So many scenes were dragged out and bad jokes were overused. I can't believe how dense each one of them was. It was funny at first, but drawing this out for 368 pages is ridiculous.
As disappointed as I am, I'm still going to read the next Fence novel in hopes that it improves, and I'm still going to read the comics. I just wish I never read this. There is no way this is the same story I fell in love with.
I was so excited to read this it's embarrassing. Striking Distance manages to completely unravel all of the characterization that occurs in the fence comics and turn each person into someone completely different. The writing was so juvenile I felt as though I was reading a wattpad book written by a twelve year old. And the sheer amount of times I had to read the word "bro" is unbelievable.
I'm also incredibly upset in how none of this book seemed to revolve around fencing. It was just romance. And yeah, Seiji and Nicholas explore their friendship a little, but so much of that happened "off-screen" and was just resolved quickly in the end. The reason I fell in love with the fence comics was because of the sports, but I got none of that here.
For high-school boys, every single character came off as much younger. So many scenes were dragged out and bad jokes were overused. I can't believe how dense each one of them was. It was funny at first, but drawing this out for 368 pages is ridiculous.
As disappointed as I am, I'm still going to read the next Fence novel in hopes that it improves, and I'm still going to read the comics. I just wish I never read this. There is no way this is the same story I fell in love with.
October 16, 2020
(4.5/5)
(i took away half a star because the characters were weirdly childlike in the beginning, but it got better)
This book shouldn't have ended. At least, not the way it did.
SO MANY UNRESOLVED PLOT POINTS. MY SHIPS.
AJLSKDJALSKJDALKJSDLAKJDSLJASD
I really liked this book, especially since some of the aspects of character building, etc, could be developed - things that couldn't be developed as much when in graphic novel form.
I just. I love everything about this, okay? And I don't think I'm emotionally stable after that last Harvard chapter.
I'm y e a r n i n g for more. I NEED.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
WHY AM I ONLY FINDING OUT ABOUT THIS NOW????
(i took away half a star because the characters were weirdly childlike in the beginning, but it got better)
This book shouldn't have ended. At least, not the way it did.
SO MANY UNRESOLVED PLOT POINTS. MY SHIPS.
AJLSKDJALSKJDALKJSDLAKJDSLJASD
I really liked this book, especially since some of the aspects of character building, etc, could be developed - things that couldn't be developed as much when in graphic novel form.
I just. I love everything about this, okay? And I don't think I'm emotionally stable after that last Harvard chapter.
I'm y e a r n i n g for more. I NEED.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
WHY AM I ONLY FINDING OUT ABOUT THIS NOW????
February 14, 2025
Oh boy, do I have mixed feelings about this. The thing is, I enjoyed this a lot. I had a lot of fun reading it, and it was really exciting getting to see these characters in a new format. There were some excellent interactions between them, and it was such a joy to see Nicholas and Seiji's friendship evolve and Aiden and Harvard (FINALLY) venture into romance territory. But there were also many things that I didn't like about it. Here's a list.
• I know everyone loves Sarah Rees Brennan, but I... wasn't a fan of her writing style (although I can only speak for this book because I haven't read any of her other stuff) (EDIT: I have now read In Other Lands. Absolute masterpiece. Turns out Brennan is indeed a genius and you guys were right. This one though... Well!).
• The entire book, and particularly Nicholas and Seiji's chapters, had an almost childish tone to them. Yes, I know, they're teenagers and they're dumb as hell. I love reading about teenagers that are dumb as hell. But, you know, the writing doesn't need to be silly to get that point across, methinks.
• There were just too many instances in which the characters were a little bit too carisicaturesque for my liking. Which works fine and is sometimes hilarious in the original format, but in a novel... it just didn't work as well. I felt like the author was trying a bit too hard to be funny and witty; and don't get me wrong, sometimes it worked. I found myself laughing out loud several times. But the rest of the time it felt overdone and a tiny bit annoying.
• Here's a good thing: I really, really loved those few glimpses we got into the boys' backgrounds and family lives (that conversation Seiji has with his father towards the end? YEAH). BUT there wasn't nearly enough of that! It left me wanting more, especially because that's what I was expecting from the novel: a broader look into the characters' minds and backstories. In that sense, it also didn't quite deliver.
• This may be a me-thing, because I'm not a fan of series, BUT I don't really understand why there needs to be a sequel? The book has barely any plot, so I don't really know what's the point of a second book. Sure, there's stuff that was left unresolved (actually, it was just one thing and I'm really bitter it didn't get the conclusion it deserved), but I think it could've been neatly tied up in this one.
So yeah, this is one of those this sort of sucked but I had such a great time reading it three stars (they make no sense and I hate them). All in all, if you've read the comics and enjoyed them, then I think you could also have a great time reading it! Otherwise, I honestly wouldn't bother.
• I know everyone loves Sarah Rees Brennan, but I... wasn't a fan of her writing style (although I can only speak for this book because I haven't read any of her other stuff) (EDIT: I have now read In Other Lands. Absolute masterpiece. Turns out Brennan is indeed a genius and you guys were right. This one though... Well!).
• The entire book, and particularly Nicholas and Seiji's chapters, had an almost childish tone to them. Yes, I know, they're teenagers and they're dumb as hell. I love reading about teenagers that are dumb as hell. But, you know, the writing doesn't need to be silly to get that point across, methinks.
• There were just too many instances in which the characters were a little bit too carisicaturesque for my liking. Which works fine and is sometimes hilarious in the original format, but in a novel... it just didn't work as well. I felt like the author was trying a bit too hard to be funny and witty; and don't get me wrong, sometimes it worked. I found myself laughing out loud several times. But the rest of the time it felt overdone and a tiny bit annoying.
• Here's a good thing: I really, really loved those few glimpses we got into the boys' backgrounds and family lives (that conversation Seiji has with his father towards the end? YEAH). BUT there wasn't nearly enough of that! It left me wanting more, especially because that's what I was expecting from the novel: a broader look into the characters' minds and backstories. In that sense, it also didn't quite deliver.
• This may be a me-thing, because I'm not a fan of series, BUT I don't really understand why there needs to be a sequel? The book has barely any plot, so I don't really know what's the point of a second book. Sure, there's stuff that was left unresolved (actually, it was just one thing and I'm really bitter it didn't get the conclusion it deserved), but I think it could've been neatly tied up in this one.
So yeah, this is one of those this sort of sucked but I had such a great time reading it three stars (they make no sense and I hate them). All in all, if you've read the comics and enjoyed them, then I think you could also have a great time reading it! Otherwise, I honestly wouldn't bother.
Want to read
July 9, 2020SO THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN!! I'M SO EXCITED!! 🤩💓
October 18, 2020
This book was so fun!
I loved it. I'm a huge fan of the Fence comics and I think this novel served them well--I truly had a blast. But it's not 5 stars because 1) sometimes the writing felt stilted and forced, and 2) I think it had the potential to be even more fun.
But all in all, I adored this.
I loved it. I'm a huge fan of the Fence comics and I think this novel served them well--I truly had a blast. But it's not 5 stars because 1) sometimes the writing felt stilted and forced, and 2) I think it had the potential to be even more fun.
But all in all, I adored this.
September 30, 2020
me, crying myself into unconsciousness: sarah rees brennan can do no wrong ❤
I NEED MORE LIKE RIGHT NOW I AM NOT OKAY
I NEED MORE LIKE RIGHT NOW I AM NOT OKAY
August 25, 2020
HOW COULD SARAH AND C.S. DO THIS TO ME. I'M UPSET! I'M HURT! I CAN'T BELIEVE I STILL HAVE TO WAIT 5 MONTHS TO BUY THIS AND READ IT ALL OVER AGAIN IN PRINT! YES THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!
TLDR; IF YOU LOVE FENCE, READ THIS. IT'S AMAZING AND QUEER AND HILARIOUS AND ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL
Anyyyyywaay, whether you did or didn't read all the spoilery ranting I just did, here's the gist. Fence: Striking Distance does a phenomenal job of linking fans of the comics into prose that is funny, holds the same tone, and dives into the antics and romance of our favorite team of fencers. I adored this book, I adore Sarah's writing, I adore the world C.S. and Johanna the Mad dreamed up, and I can't wait to consume even more content about these boys as it continues to come out. Until next time!
This e-ARC was provided to me by Edelweiss and Little Brown Books in exchange for an honest review.
TLDR; IF YOU LOVE FENCE, READ THIS. IT'S AMAZING AND QUEER AND HILARIOUS AND ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL
Anyyyyywaay, whether you did or didn't read all the spoilery ranting I just did, here's the gist. Fence: Striking Distance does a phenomenal job of linking fans of the comics into prose that is funny, holds the same tone, and dives into the antics and romance of our favorite team of fencers. I adored this book, I adore Sarah's writing, I adore the world C.S. and Johanna the Mad dreamed up, and I can't wait to consume even more content about these boys as it continues to come out. Until next time!
This e-ARC was provided to me by Edelweiss and Little Brown Books in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2020
CWs:
Allusions to alcohol abuse (parent), mentions of child neglect, allusions to long-term illness (parent), some instances of bullying, incurred classism
First thing's first: do you have to read the comic series before reading this book? Strictly speaking, no. There's enough recap built in that pretty much anyone could pick up this book and have enough context to enjoy it. That said, I think people who have read the comic series will get so much more out of this story. It takes place right after volume 4, so if you do read the series, make sure you're caught up!
With that out of the way: hi, I love these dumb fencing boys a lot and this book brought me so much happiness. The whole premise of this book is building team work through team shenanagins, and that's exactly what it is!
It kind of starts off as a joke, this idea that the team has to do all those horribly cliché team building exercises like writing personal essays and reading them out loud, or doing trust falls, or suffering through night runs together in order to build camaraderie. But then you realize that there is a deeper disconnect between these fencers. In some ways, they often talk past each other (which is usually played for laughs with pitch perfect comedic timing), but at the same time they see the flaws and weaknesses in each other that they try to hide from everyone else.
So it becomes about closing that gap, about how they can respect each other's perspectives and strengths along with understanding those weaknesses. And the best part is that they avoid the actual assigned team exercises by concocting their own extremely stupid team bonding experiences. They grow closer to each other almost by accident, which is what makes it all the more endearing.
I just love that these Kings Row boys share one collective braincell in total, and that braincell contains a solitary love of fencing. But the second they get off-piste, absolute chaos and idiocy breaks out.
The actual fencing is more decorative than anything else in this novelization, but if you enjoy these characters half as much as I do, that won't be an issue for you. And because the story cycles through four main POVs, there's not necessarily one major overarching conflict to carry the story, since each character is dealing with smaller conflicts.
What I did notice, though, was that the backstories for these characters felt a little stereotypical and surface level. For example, the fact that Aiden is this ultra playboy because his rich daddy cycled through women and never showed him what love was, or how Nicholas grew up poor with a negligent, alcoholic mother. These are things hinted at in the comics, and they are real enough issues, but I kept waiting for the story to go deeper and to get beneath those issues, but it never quite got there.
But overall this was fun, hilarious, surprisingly romantic (and devastating?), and it left me feeling incredibly satisfied and hungry for even more "Fence" content! To see these friendships continuing to grow and these teammates continuing to push each other's boundaries, both athleticially and emotionally, just does so much good for my heart. "Fence" fans will not be disappointed by the gift that is this book come September!
First thing's first: do you have to read the comic series before reading this book? Strictly speaking, no. There's enough recap built in that pretty much anyone could pick up this book and have enough context to enjoy it. That said, I think people who have read the comic series will get so much more out of this story. It takes place right after volume 4, so if you do read the series, make sure you're caught up!
With that out of the way: hi, I love these dumb fencing boys a lot and this book brought me so much happiness. The whole premise of this book is building team work through team shenanagins, and that's exactly what it is!
It kind of starts off as a joke, this idea that the team has to do all those horribly cliché team building exercises like writing personal essays and reading them out loud, or doing trust falls, or suffering through night runs together in order to build camaraderie. But then you realize that there is a deeper disconnect between these fencers. In some ways, they often talk past each other (which is usually played for laughs with pitch perfect comedic timing), but at the same time they see the flaws and weaknesses in each other that they try to hide from everyone else.
So it becomes about closing that gap, about how they can respect each other's perspectives and strengths along with understanding those weaknesses. And the best part is that they avoid the actual assigned team exercises by concocting their own extremely stupid team bonding experiences. They grow closer to each other almost by accident, which is what makes it all the more endearing.
I just love that these Kings Row boys share one collective braincell in total, and that braincell contains a solitary love of fencing. But the second they get off-piste, absolute chaos and idiocy breaks out.
The actual fencing is more decorative than anything else in this novelization, but if you enjoy these characters half as much as I do, that won't be an issue for you. And because the story cycles through four main POVs, there's not necessarily one major overarching conflict to carry the story, since each character is dealing with smaller conflicts.
What I did notice, though, was that the backstories for these characters felt a little stereotypical and surface level. For example, the fact that Aiden is this ultra playboy because his rich daddy cycled through women and never showed him what love was, or how Nicholas grew up poor with a negligent, alcoholic mother. These are things hinted at in the comics, and they are real enough issues, but I kept waiting for the story to go deeper and to get beneath those issues, but it never quite got there.
But overall this was fun, hilarious, surprisingly romantic (and devastating?), and it left me feeling incredibly satisfied and hungry for even more "Fence" content! To see these friendships continuing to grow and these teammates continuing to push each other's boundaries, both athleticially and emotionally, just does so much good for my heart. "Fence" fans will not be disappointed by the gift that is this book come September!
October 2, 2020
Hi, yes, okay, this was delightful! But also, any kind of Fence content always leaves me craving MORE, and while there definitely was progress to the romantic aspect of the story (finally!!), it was still such a slow burn and PLEASE, get me out of my misery!
On a more serious note, I really liked how this novel delved more into the characters' lives outside of fencing, and I feel like it was a good opportunity to get to know them better.
You might be wondering if you can read this novel without having read the graphic novels, and while I do think you can, I also think a lot of the novel's entertainment value hinges about you already caring about these characters, and I think you'll appreciate it most if you've read the graphic novels (up until the most recent one - volume 4).
On a more serious note, I really liked how this novel delved more into the characters' lives outside of fencing, and I feel like it was a good opportunity to get to know them better.
You might be wondering if you can read this novel without having read the graphic novels, and while I do think you can, I also think a lot of the novel's entertainment value hinges about you already caring about these characters, and I think you'll appreciate it most if you've read the graphic novels (up until the most recent one - volume 4).
February 16, 2021
Hell yeah! I can't wait for book 2!
Excellent slow-burn romance, just as I love it. <3
Excellent slow-burn romance, just as I love it. <3
July 29, 2021
Aiden is a hoot 😂😂😂
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