Thursday, February 21, 2013

Review: Blaze (or Love in the Time of Supervillains) by Laurie Boyle Crompton

From Goodreads: Blaze is tired of spending her life on the sidelines, drawing comics and feeling invisible. She's desperate for soccer star Mark to notice her. And when her BFF texts Mark a photo of Blaze in sexy lingerie, it definitely gets his attention. After a hot date in the back of her minivan, Blaze is flying high, but suddenly Mark's feelings seem to have been blasted by a freeze-ray gun, and he dumps her. Blaze gets her revenge by posting a comic strip featuring uber-villain Mark the Shark. Mark then retaliates by posting her "sext" photo, and, overnight, Blaze goes from Super Virgin Girl to Super Slut. That life on the sidelines is looking pretty good right about now ... 

My Rating: 2.5 hearts

Thoughts on the Novel: I hadn’t read any reviews of Laurie Boyle Crompton’s Blaze (or Love in the Time of Supervillains) before I dove into it, and so had no idea of what to expect from it. Usually, I’ve had good luck with these types of books because I’ve ended up liking them way more than I thought I would in hindsight, but that wasn’t the case with Blaze (or Love in the Time of Supervillains). And to think it started off so well!

At first, I found Blaze to be an endearing character. She was responsible, made me smile with her thoughts, and had a great relationship with her brother and his friends. It was also pretty easy to relate to her crush on a guy above her social ranking. At some point prior to the halfway mark though, Blaze became more annoying than endearing; and eventually, became one of the stupidest main characters I’ve ever encountered. Here’s why:
  • Her infatuation with Mark – we never really get to know much about him other than the fact that he loves soccer and likes blondes – started to feel obsessive. 
  • She and her friends continually talk about what a slut one of their classmates is and thereby continue to perpetuate that rumour. 
  • After Blaze suggests that her friend, Amanda, flirt with a buddy of Mark and he ignores her, Amanda sexts a picture of Blaze in a fit of anger. Instead of dumping her frenemy, Blaze remains best friends with her. 
  • Even before Mark takes an interest in Blaze, Blaze’s younger brother hints that his coach might be a player. Blaze chooses to ignore Josh’s warnings and promptly proceeds to lose her virginity to Mark – after one movie date where she lets him get to second base! – in the back of her van … without using a condom! Blaze then assumes Mark is her boyfriend for some reason. WTF?!
  • Although it’s clear that her dad doesn’t give a damn about his family after leaving them to pursue his acting dreams, Blaze thinks her dad can help solve her problems and decides to drive to New York from Pennsylvania (without letting him know she’s coming).
Though Blaze essentially ruined the book for me, the big positive about Blaze (or Love in the Time of Supervillains) was that Crompton showed the serious ramifications of sexting.

Blaze (or Love in the Time of Supervillains) was released by Sourcebooks Fire on February 1, 2013. 

Comments About the Cover: I like the pink hair, but why is the model’s entire face covered by her hair? The windblown look makes it seem as if there’s a hairdryer or something positioned at the back of her head? 

Note: Unlike my ARC, the finished copy has illustrations that resemble those of a comic book.

In exchange for an honest review, this book was received from the publisher (Sourcebooks) for free via NetGalley.  

9 comments:

  1. Ughh... no. Just no. I really can't stand these types of characters. There is nothing at all likeable about them. Sorry this one didn't work out for you, but I'm glad to be getting an insight into what it is about from your review. I'm definitely not a fan of this kind of immature high school drama either, so I'll be skipping it. Thanks for the honest review, Zahida!!

    ReplyDelete

  2. It is so not good that a character (Blaze, you fool!) ruined the book for you. Unacceptable. lol. ;)
    I'm not sure about this book, I do like drama in my books, but Blaze sounds so immature & foolish. Great review.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I was a bit upset when I wasn't approved for this title and a lot of people seemed to like it, but now after reading your review, Z, I'm glad that I didn't waste time on reading this one. Blaze is a character that would frustrate me to no end. She's nonsensical and I don't think I could ever empathize with her, especially with her lack of judgement. Seems like we both read duds today. Hopefully, our next books will be better!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I actually really liked this book! Eh, I can understand why some people would get annoyed about Blaze's obsession with Mark, but I actually found it funny. Its what girls nowadays at high school do!! ( and I know, since im in high school ) But thanks for your honest review!
    - Farah @ MajiBookshelf

    ReplyDelete
  5. great review, Blaze does sound like an infatuated and careless girl but like you said, good thing crompton showed the seriousness of such carelessness.
    great review!
    - Juhina @ Maji Bookshelf

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've read a series of glowing reviews for this book Z, so it was really interesting for me to come here and read a differing opinion. I have to say some of the things you listed (particularly the losing her virginity in a van sans condom part) have me worried about how I'll handle Blaze, as I kind of want to shake her at the moment. Still, I do still want to read this one just to find out how I'll react to everything:)

    ReplyDelete
  7. From what you've mentioned there, I'm pretty sure I won't have much patience for Blaze's character. I can understand a few wrong choices, but thoughtless sex isn't something I'd be able to overlook. It's a shame as I was hoping this might have been interesting. Thanks for the helpful review, Z! Sorry it didn't completely do it for you but I hope your next read if better. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm so behind on the new books that are out now. The summary sounded good but I'd probably get annoyed with Blaze too just reading some of the things you mentioned about her.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hm, honestly, this is the exact opposite of what I usually like to read so I think I'll stay away from it altogether. I really appreciate your honesty. :)
    Thanks for the review.

    ReplyDelete

I love comments and will reply back via either email or stopping by your blog. Please note that this is an award-free zone.