Book Review: I Wanna Fall. Bright Side (Die, #1)
When I first stumbled upon "I Wanna Fall" by T.A. Tilley, the combination of a captivating book cover and the allure of illegal street racing drew me in. The promotional buzz on TikTok only added to my excitement—so much so that I approached the book with high hopes. Unfortunately, my anticipation quickly turned into disappointment, warranting a frank conversation about my reading experience.
Plot and Characters
From the outset, the plot revolves around adrenaline-fueled illegal races and the complexities of relationships among a tight-knit group of thrill-seekers. However, it didn’t take long for me to realize that the protagonist, Lea, and her love interest, Raise, lacked depth. Their dialogue often felt contrived; I couldn’t shake the feeling that even the characters were more suited to middle school than college. At times, it seemed like the characters floated along on the surface without any substantial development.
The relationship dynamics added another layer of frustration. Raised with a cycle of ghosting and inconsistency, Raise’s actions left me baffled. One moment, he’s absent and aloof, claiming to be an introvert, and the next, he’s back with open arms. I found myself wishing Lea had more self-respect, demonstrating a disappointing lack of agency in her choices. The chaotic pacing and abrupt transitions between significant events made it challenging to stay invested in their evolving relationship.
Writing Style and Pacing
On the writing front, Tilley’s style felt simplistic, almost juvenile at times. Lines that aimed to be witty instead came off as cringe-worthy, leading me to roll my eyes more than chuckle. The chaotic nature of the narrative contributed to an overwhelming sense of randomness. I often found myself wondering if there had been a skipped chapter, as relationships seemed to evolve without the necessary groundwork.
Despite these pitfalls, there were a few elements that sparked joy—a series of mysterious text messages from an unknown number built tension in an otherwise lackluster story. Additionally, the frequent racing scenes did satisfy my craving for action, though I wish they had been more vividly described.
The Verdict
So why did "I Wanna Fall" only earn a meager two stars from me? My disappointment stems from the lost potential within its pages. While the racing backdrop had promise, the shaky plot, flat characters, and lackluster dialogue overshadowed my initial excitement. Will I be diving into the sequels? Probably not. Yet, I genuinely wish T.A. Tilley the best in her journey; the promotional work on her TikTok is commendable and certainly draws attention.
If you’re someone who enjoys light reads filled with racing and tumultuous relationships and are okay with shallow character exploration, you might find some enjoyment here. But for those craving deeper narratives, I’d recommend chasing down a different title. Happy reading!
Discover more about I Wanna Fall. Bright Side (Die, #1) on GoodReads >>