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Jek/Hyde
Lulu and Jek are science nerds, and have been best friends since they were young…or at least they used to be. Lately Jek has been pulling away from Lulu, just as she's coming to terms with how she really feels about him. Just as she was ready to see if there could be something more between them.
But Lulu's thoughts are derailed by a mysterious new guy who's showing up at local parties. Hyde is the definition of a bad boy, and everybody knows it…but no one can seem to resist his charms. Girls can't stay away from him, and guys all want to be him. And even though Lulu's heart belongs to Jek, she can't deny Hyde's attraction either.
She also knows that there's something not quite right about Hyde. That the rumors of his backwoods parties make them sound a little more dangerous than what any of her friends are accustomed to. And she doesn't like the fact that Hyde seems to be cozying up to Jek, and that they seem to be intertwined in ways that have Lulu worrying for Jek's safety.
If Hyde has a dark secret, Lulu is determined to find out what it is, and to help Jek…before it's too late for both of them.
But Lulu's thoughts are derailed by a mysterious new guy who's showing up at local parties. Hyde is the definition of a bad boy, and everybody knows it…but no one can seem to resist his charms. Girls can't stay away from him, and guys all want to be him. And even though Lulu's heart belongs to Jek, she can't deny Hyde's attraction either.
She also knows that there's something not quite right about Hyde. That the rumors of his backwoods parties make them sound a little more dangerous than what any of her friends are accustomed to. And she doesn't like the fact that Hyde seems to be cozying up to Jek, and that they seem to be intertwined in ways that have Lulu worrying for Jek's safety.
If Hyde has a dark secret, Lulu is determined to find out what it is, and to help Jek…before it's too late for both of them.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published October 3, 2017
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1199 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 12, 2017
Ah yes, the dreaded 3 star review. The “It wasn’t a bad read but it didn’t blow me away” regurgitation. This will likely be a brief summary of my thoughts, as I don’t have much I can add past the description, but I’m hoping to at least make the reader aware of what my expectations were and where the book leads us so that other readers can adjust their own thoughts according to what they are hoping for when they read this one. Again, this wasn’t a bad book by any means; while the beginning was a little slow, this was overall a quick read that kept me interested and was fully entertaining. I will point out that, due to the amount of “mature” content (meaning drugs, alcohol, and sex), this is recommended for older teens as this is a clear case of the “absent adulting” narrative.
I think the reason why I was slightly disappointed here was that this was pretty much just a re-writing of the original Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I was hoping for some sort of originality here, maybe a new twist or spin on an old classic, but I guess the fact that this retelling featured characters of a different age was supposed to be the unique aspect? I feel like readers going in knowing this will enjoy the story much more than if they are blindsided by this plot device; if you can take this story at face value for what it is, you’ll have a great time reading it. My favorite part was the science behind what was happening; there was a side plot that I would have loved to see further developed and was really intriguing, along with the sheer fact that the author did a great job of making the science feel believable and realistic. If you’re looking for an entertaining read that’s a retelling of an old classic, this may be for you. Recommended to readers looking for a YA version of an old classic that is simply straight-forward.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy; it was a pleasure to provide my honest thoughts here.
I think the reason why I was slightly disappointed here was that this was pretty much just a re-writing of the original Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I was hoping for some sort of originality here, maybe a new twist or spin on an old classic, but I guess the fact that this retelling featured characters of a different age was supposed to be the unique aspect? I feel like readers going in knowing this will enjoy the story much more than if they are blindsided by this plot device; if you can take this story at face value for what it is, you’ll have a great time reading it. My favorite part was the science behind what was happening; there was a side plot that I would have loved to see further developed and was really intriguing, along with the sheer fact that the author did a great job of making the science feel believable and realistic. If you’re looking for an entertaining read that’s a retelling of an old classic, this may be for you. Recommended to readers looking for a YA version of an old classic that is simply straight-forward.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy; it was a pleasure to provide my honest thoughts here.
October 6, 2017
This full review can be viewed on my blog along with others at: shesgoingbookcrazy.com
#1 for the #MonthofMonstrosities tag!
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Release date, October 03, 2017.
I will start this review out with saying that I was not a fan of this book. I will also point out that this review will be a short one, because I have very little good, and too much bad to say about it that I just don't even want to discuss it all. I want to also make it clear that in no way does this review reflect upon the author herself!
So, we start off following the main character, Lulu, a high school teenager who has a love for science. She often helps her best friend Jek, with science experiments he conducts for fun. The two have been inseparable for years, but when Lulu notices Jek secluding himself more than normal, Lulu becomes worried about him.
Lulu knows that Jek dabbles in experimenting with, and developing drugs, but it isn't until a new friend of his shows up that she becomes more suspicious of his activities. Hyde, a man of secrets, becomes a more prominent figure as the story goes on.
When Lulu discovers Hyde's unwholesome parties, strange character, and devious acts, she tries to warn Jek of his actions. But Jek mysteriously disappearances during the time Hyde is present. she begins to unwind a sinister tale that will leave her heartbroken in the end.
Now, for the few things that I did like about this story:
#1 Seeing how the original The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story is steeped in sci-fi, I liked how this retelling followed suite in having a strong science-related theme.
#2 The depiction of Hyde's character was constructed well--what I read was pretty close to how I would imagine a "Hyde" would be. Elusive, changeable, and impressionable.
The things that I didn't like:
#1 This book is being marketed in the Young Adult genre. BY NO MEANS other than the fact that the characters are teenagers, is this book appropriate for young adult readers. I can't believe the amount oftrashy unwholesome material this book has to offer for teen readers. Orgies, drugs, parties, murder, rape, and the like make up a majority of the discussion and setting in the book. Not to mention, the teens are completely unsupervised, and making drugs in their own homes, as well as having absolutely no guidance from their parents about the dangers of their actions.
#2 There is little to-no-surprise factor to the plot. It is very predictable from the beginning how things will end up, making me wish it was told in a different perspective altogether. There is no real mystery!
#3 Character development in the main character Lulu (as well as others), was heavily lacking. She worried about a lot of things, but was resistant to noticing the obvious staring her right in the face.
#4 Jek's character was ethnically different than majority of others, and it was supposed to be a positive trait. However, it actually turned out to be negative as Lulu's mother constantly commented on how "a guy like him" wasn't worth her daughter's time. There wasn't a point where his race was looked at in a positive light.
#5 The overall message:
Wait...WHAT!? THIS is the takeaway that this book has to offer it's readers!? You MUST be joking, especially when you read it in full context of the passage.
(SPOILERS AHEAD) Lulu goes on to think:
...She says/thinks that just after watching her best friend commit suicide.
I think I'm hyperventilating.
I concur, Marion. I concur.
Seriously, folks. This book is a huge problem. Lulu is saying that she now appreciates the part of her that can morph into a psychopathic murderer, rapist, drug-dealer? Yeah...NO. I can't help but wonder what would inspire such a resolution to a story like this.
I cannot rate this book more than 1 star, as I am thoroughly convinced it has hardly anything to offer any reader.
Vulgarity: Lots.
Sexual content: Lots. Including rape, orgies, and overall dark content.
Violence: Lots, including suicide.
#1 for the #MonthofMonstrosities tag!
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Release date, October 03, 2017.
I will start this review out with saying that I was not a fan of this book. I will also point out that this review will be a short one, because I have very little good, and too much bad to say about it that I just don't even want to discuss it all. I want to also make it clear that in no way does this review reflect upon the author herself!
So, we start off following the main character, Lulu, a high school teenager who has a love for science. She often helps her best friend Jek, with science experiments he conducts for fun. The two have been inseparable for years, but when Lulu notices Jek secluding himself more than normal, Lulu becomes worried about him.
Lulu knows that Jek dabbles in experimenting with, and developing drugs, but it isn't until a new friend of his shows up that she becomes more suspicious of his activities. Hyde, a man of secrets, becomes a more prominent figure as the story goes on.
When Lulu discovers Hyde's unwholesome parties, strange character, and devious acts, she tries to warn Jek of his actions. But Jek mysteriously disappearances during the time Hyde is present. she begins to unwind a sinister tale that will leave her heartbroken in the end.
Now, for the few things that I did like about this story:
#1 Seeing how the original The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story is steeped in sci-fi, I liked how this retelling followed suite in having a strong science-related theme.
#2 The depiction of Hyde's character was constructed well--what I read was pretty close to how I would imagine a "Hyde" would be. Elusive, changeable, and impressionable.
The things that I didn't like:
#1 This book is being marketed in the Young Adult genre. BY NO MEANS other than the fact that the characters are teenagers, is this book appropriate for young adult readers. I can't believe the amount of
#2 There is little to-no-surprise factor to the plot. It is very predictable from the beginning how things will end up, making me wish it was told in a different perspective altogether. There is no real mystery!
#3 Character development in the main character Lulu (as well as others), was heavily lacking. She worried about a lot of things, but was resistant to noticing the obvious staring her right in the face.
#4 Jek's character was ethnically different than majority of others, and it was supposed to be a positive trait. However, it actually turned out to be negative as Lulu's mother constantly commented on how "a guy like him" wasn't worth her daughter's time. There wasn't a point where his race was looked at in a positive light.
#5 The overall message:
Hyde forced me to acknowledge a darkness I wanted to deny in myself...and in his way, he taught me to appreciate and respect that side of me as much as any other.
Wait...WHAT!? THIS is the takeaway that this book has to offer it's readers!? You MUST be joking, especially when you read it in full context of the passage.
(SPOILERS AHEAD) Lulu goes on to think:
With his passion for understanding the universe, it must have tortured him to know that the thing that was destroying him was beyond his comprehension. I owe it to Jek to seek out the truth he couldn't uncover.
If I can find it--if I can isolate that mysterious compound that caused Jek's transformations--what doors might that open? Jek's experiment produced results beyond his wildest imagining, but there is still so much left untested. What effects might his drug have on a different subject? On me, for example. Would I split off and produce another Hyde, or someone completely different?
I can't stop wondering what my own shadow-self would be like...
And I can't wait to meet her.
...She says/thinks that just after watching her best friend commit suicide.
I think I'm hyperventilating.
I concur, Marion. I concur.
Seriously, folks. This book is a huge problem. Lulu is saying that she now appreciates the part of her that can morph into a psychopathic murderer, rapist, drug-dealer? Yeah...NO. I can't help but wonder what would inspire such a resolution to a story like this.
I cannot rate this book more than 1 star, as I am thoroughly convinced it has hardly anything to offer any reader.
Vulgarity: Lots.
Sexual content: Lots. Including rape, orgies, and overall dark content.
Violence: Lots, including suicide.
June 30, 2017
Before I begin, I must admit I have not read “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," but I feel like the story is very well known, at least in terms of broad strokes, and in this review, I will assume that people know the general premise. If not, this is a little spoilery.
So this was entertaining enough, but I feel like the fact that it is a retelling of “Jekyll and Hyde” removes most of the suspense and tension. Just from the title it is obvious. To be fair though, I only asked for this because I was curious to about the retelling aspect, but still, by making it so obvious, I feel like even readers who have no knowledge of the story will know exactly what is going to happen.
I liked the modern day presentation of the story, but it had way too many flaws. I felt like the very close relationship between Jek and Lulu did not ring true; even when they had an evening that was “almost like old times,” I didn’t see the connection Lulu kept talking about. Sometimes the writing rang a little false, and I just didn’t really connect with Jek in any way, or Lulu for that matter.
It also had one of the worst cases of absent teen parents I have read. Jek’s mom shows up quite a bit, and although her hand’s off parenting style is explained, it just reads as ridiculous.
I read through this fast, it went quick, and it was fairly entertaining, despite it’s many flaws, but as I was reading it, I couldn’t help thinking it would have made a much better adult book, particularly a dark romance/horror sort of blend. There was some interesting looks at the nature of desire, and people’s hidden selves, which wasn’t overly delved into, because- teen book. Even as is, I think this book feels a bit mature for most teens content wise.
There was also a whole tiny subplot about some farm workers who were getting sick from the chemicals that they were working with, even though officially they were perfectly safe that could have been interesting, but wasn’t really ever dug into. So, this was entertaining enough, but a bit of a mess. Plot and characterization felt a bit forced, and all suspense was missing with the obviousness of the story being retold. It might appeal to readers looking for retellings, but again, it is pretty obvious what is going to happen.
Side note, my brother (who is a scientist, said the scientific language was solid, but that it would kill the subject.)
*I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Indigo Books and Music Inc. in exchange for an honest review.*
So this was entertaining enough, but I feel like the fact that it is a retelling of “Jekyll and Hyde” removes most of the suspense and tension. Just from the title it is obvious. To be fair though, I only asked for this because I was curious to about the retelling aspect, but still, by making it so obvious, I feel like even readers who have no knowledge of the story will know exactly what is going to happen.
I liked the modern day presentation of the story, but it had way too many flaws. I felt like the very close relationship between Jek and Lulu did not ring true; even when they had an evening that was “almost like old times,” I didn’t see the connection Lulu kept talking about. Sometimes the writing rang a little false, and I just didn’t really connect with Jek in any way, or Lulu for that matter.
It also had one of the worst cases of absent teen parents I have read. Jek’s mom shows up quite a bit, and although her hand’s off parenting style is explained, it just reads as ridiculous.
I read through this fast, it went quick, and it was fairly entertaining, despite it’s many flaws, but as I was reading it, I couldn’t help thinking it would have made a much better adult book, particularly a dark romance/horror sort of blend. There was some interesting looks at the nature of desire, and people’s hidden selves, which wasn’t overly delved into, because- teen book. Even as is, I think this book feels a bit mature for most teens content wise.
There was also a whole tiny subplot about some farm workers who were getting sick from the chemicals that they were working with, even though officially they were perfectly safe that could have been interesting, but wasn’t really ever dug into. So, this was entertaining enough, but a bit of a mess. Plot and characterization felt a bit forced, and all suspense was missing with the obviousness of the story being retold. It might appeal to readers looking for retellings, but again, it is pretty obvious what is going to happen.
Side note, my brother (who is a scientist, said the scientific language was solid, but that it would kill the subject.)
*I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Indigo Books and Music Inc. in exchange for an honest review.*
November 12, 2017
Though I've never actually read The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde I feel like the author took a classic and made it a modernized version and did a freaking good job of it (and now I have to read the original story).
A full review will be up on my blog soon.
A full review will be up on my blog soon.
October 15, 2017
Yikes. A big let down because the premise had a lot of potential. So sad to see the phenomenal story of Jekyll and Hyde be butchered this way.
January 4, 2021
what. the. FUCK. WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK. I LITERALLY CANT EVEN WAHT THE FUCK FHE WHOLE TOME IM THINKING WHATS THE POINTNOF THIS SHIT BOOK AND IN THE LAST DUCKING 10 PAGES VERUTHING GETS SO FUCKED UP IM SO CONFUSED SHUSHUUHSGAGABWN
zzzzz-did-not-finish
June 15, 2017Started this on a whim, got a little bored, flipped to the end. And I gotta say, that last mini chapter is a terrifying in the best way.
September 27, 2017
I loved this book, it was so refreshing and it was so beautifully written. I have yet to read the classic but I did my research before reading this novel. I loved the characters and how well the story followed the original because even though I knew what was going to happen the journey getting there was incredible and I love Hyde and Jek. I did read the author interview and how she came up with the idea and why she wanted to write a re-telling and I found it so inspiring because Amy Ross talks with so much passion for her work, I am lost for words, it was amazing.
Let’s get into the thick of it. I loved how the story fit well with the characters and thatthey made me feel something. I saw a lot of diversity in this book, however it isn’t the main point, but I was quiet shocked because in novels and movies we don’t see much, although things are about to change. There was a lot of classism as readers saw how money was a big deal but so was the characters personality and how intelligent they were. It was a really good aspect of the book and it was emphasised more in the novel rather than their race.
The plot was amazing of course but I definitely think that the characters that Ross developed made the book.
Overall I suggest you give this a read because you are missing out! I was brilliantly re written and 12+ should read this because they talk about drugs and sex. I also need to buy this book!
100/5- cause it was that good.
January 9, 2018
The first truly terrible read of 2018.
I'm a tiny bit obsessed with the story of Jekyll and Hyde, so I had to snatch this up when I spotted it at the library. I am so disappointed. Ugh. Let's give our teenage readers the benefit of the doubt and encourage them to read the original, because this ... it is just very, very bad.
Lots of sex, drugs, mature themes. Would not recommend you touch with a 10 foot pole. Blech.
I'm a tiny bit obsessed with the story of Jekyll and Hyde, so I had to snatch this up when I spotted it at the library. I am so disappointed. Ugh. Let's give our teenage readers the benefit of the doubt and encourage them to read the original, because this ... it is just very, very bad.
Lots of sex, drugs, mature themes. Would not recommend you touch with a 10 foot pole. Blech.
August 10, 2017
Before I get into my review, I just wanted to thank Harlequin Teen yet again for sending me an advance copy of this novel. Make sure to pick up your copy when it comes out October 3 2017.
Jek/Hyde by Amy Ross is a modern day retelling of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. This novel follows our main character Lulu who is a science nerd along with her best friend Jek, who she's had a crush on forever. Suddenly, there's a new guy named Hyde who starts showing up at the local parties. Hyde is trouble but the teenagers of the town can't help but still be drawn to him. Lulu's heart belongs to Jek but she is also drawn to Hyde. Lulu sees that Jek and Hyde are intertwined in some way that has Lulu worrying for Jek's safety. Lulu is determined to figure out Hyde's dark secret and to help Jek before it's too late and something truly terrible happens.
This was actually Amy Ross's debut in YA, and I absolutely adored her writing style. I found that even if at first it was a bit slow, you just have to give the story time and I promise that it will pick up and you will love it. The writing I found just flowed and it definitely fit the base of a modern retelling. It showed all the drugs and parties of high school but it also focused on how they all want to still go to school and they have that aim for themselves. I'm not sure if that made any sense but if you can tell I highly enjoyed the story.
I saw the character development that our main character went through. The last chapter was a sort of monologue I guess you could say and I felt like there was that finality of closing the story, but still an openness for if there was ever another novel. I loved how the character reflected on her change and I loved seeing that change while reading the novel. I also loved seeing how passionate Jek was about his science.
Overall, I gave this book a four out of five stars because there was one things I didn't like about this book. Maybe I misinterpreted it, but I kept seeing drugs in a positive light with people mentioning that what they were doing was legal. But it was a great book and I can't wait for everyone else to be able to read this novel.
Jek/Hyde by Amy Ross is a modern day retelling of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. This novel follows our main character Lulu who is a science nerd along with her best friend Jek, who she's had a crush on forever. Suddenly, there's a new guy named Hyde who starts showing up at the local parties. Hyde is trouble but the teenagers of the town can't help but still be drawn to him. Lulu's heart belongs to Jek but she is also drawn to Hyde. Lulu sees that Jek and Hyde are intertwined in some way that has Lulu worrying for Jek's safety. Lulu is determined to figure out Hyde's dark secret and to help Jek before it's too late and something truly terrible happens.
This was actually Amy Ross's debut in YA, and I absolutely adored her writing style. I found that even if at first it was a bit slow, you just have to give the story time and I promise that it will pick up and you will love it. The writing I found just flowed and it definitely fit the base of a modern retelling. It showed all the drugs and parties of high school but it also focused on how they all want to still go to school and they have that aim for themselves. I'm not sure if that made any sense but if you can tell I highly enjoyed the story.
I saw the character development that our main character went through. The last chapter was a sort of monologue I guess you could say and I felt like there was that finality of closing the story, but still an openness for if there was ever another novel. I loved how the character reflected on her change and I loved seeing that change while reading the novel. I also loved seeing how passionate Jek was about his science.
Overall, I gave this book a four out of five stars because there was one things I didn't like about this book. Maybe I misinterpreted it, but I kept seeing drugs in a positive light with people mentioning that what they were doing was legal. But it was a great book and I can't wait for everyone else to be able to read this novel.
November 17, 2017
I love how close this is to the original story! I think this is a great way to get a new generation to know the whole story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in today's setting!
January 25, 2018
Nice read. Very well done.
July 31, 2017
Jek/Hyde by Amy Ross was an older YA retelling of the classic Jekle and Hyde story. Lulu the girl between the two boys was a science nerd, which I enjoyed, instead of just another pretty girl. I appreciate it when the female high school girls are interested in something other than cheer leading. It was a quick read. There was a lot of drugs, alcohol and sex so it was for older teens. I wanted it to one up the original or go somewhere so totally new and so I was a little disappointed, but it was a solid quick teen read.
September 24, 2017
Thanks to Amy Ross and Harlequin Teen for the advance copy I received of this book!
To start with, this book thoroughly confused me. Not in regards to the plot or characters, but in the way it was written and structure.
This book is YA/Teen retelling of the classic Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde story. However this book reads very young, yet deals with very mature themes like excessive drug and alcohol use. It made the majority of the book seem very disjointed as characters had actions and thoughts not meeting their age brackets and I think that the mark was missed regarding realistic teenage drug use.
The book is in my opinion a very simplistic retelling of the story with only limited changes – including a female narrator and the inclusion of many races. Both of these could have opened the novel up to some really intriguing creative licence, however it fell flat. The continuous repetitions of racial fluidity and the lack of diversity felt forced and unoriginal.
If you want to read this book as a modernised original, I think you’ll enjoy this book. However in comparison to the many wonderful retellings available now (I see you Marissa Meyer) this book falls sadly short.
The world created felt one dimensional which to me was a real shame. With such a high emphasis on science being the centre of all characters lives, exploration of this could have taken this book to greater heights.
I wanted to love this book and was hoping to find in Ross another author’s retellings I could love, but unfortunately it was not meant to be.
2.5/5 Stars
More reviews available at www.lilymcdevitt.com
To start with, this book thoroughly confused me. Not in regards to the plot or characters, but in the way it was written and structure.
This book is YA/Teen retelling of the classic Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde story. However this book reads very young, yet deals with very mature themes like excessive drug and alcohol use. It made the majority of the book seem very disjointed as characters had actions and thoughts not meeting their age brackets and I think that the mark was missed regarding realistic teenage drug use.
The book is in my opinion a very simplistic retelling of the story with only limited changes – including a female narrator and the inclusion of many races. Both of these could have opened the novel up to some really intriguing creative licence, however it fell flat. The continuous repetitions of racial fluidity and the lack of diversity felt forced and unoriginal.
If you want to read this book as a modernised original, I think you’ll enjoy this book. However in comparison to the many wonderful retellings available now (I see you Marissa Meyer) this book falls sadly short.
The world created felt one dimensional which to me was a real shame. With such a high emphasis on science being the centre of all characters lives, exploration of this could have taken this book to greater heights.
I wanted to love this book and was hoping to find in Ross another author’s retellings I could love, but unfortunately it was not meant to be.
2.5/5 Stars
More reviews available at www.lilymcdevitt.com
July 5, 2017
Unique take on a classic. Great for young adults who enjoy science. There is a lot of drug use and sex discussed with little parental oversight.
October 16, 2017
I received a review copy from the author which in no way swayed my opinion about the work.
Jek/Hyde is more a rehashing and less a retelling.
The book—Ross’ debut in young adult literature—centers on Lupita “Lulu” Gutierrez and Jayesh Emerson “Jek” Kapoor, two science nerds who have been best friends for as long as long as they can remember. But just as Lulu is coming to terms with her more-than-platonic feelings for her best friend, Jek starts distancing himself and spending all his time holed up in his room/lab with his experiments. It doesn’t help that there’s a mysterious—and unmistakably alluring—new guy in town, who is the very definition of a bad boy, and who may or may not have connections with Jek. Confession time: I have not read the Stevenson classic. Nor have I seen any of the bajillion movie adaptations. But I feel like The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde has been so embedded into our collective cultural consciousness that it’s almost as if I have read the book without actually having read it. And Jek/Hyde totally validates my judgment; whatever hope I had of mystery, I went to the wrong party.
To be fair, the novel kept me relatively entertained ’til the very last page. It took a couple of chapters for the story to find its footing, but find it it did and it maintained a good pacing all through out the book. I also like how the tone and setting effectively conjure a sense of helplessness and perpetual confinement. The book is set in a small town in the Midwestern, and that was executed well. But then we get to the actual narrative and it gets less than stellar. There is little character development, cases of present-but-not-present adults, and underdeveloped subplots, all culminating in a heavily expository conclusion and one that is out of touch with the rest of the main character’s journey.
There’s also a huge disconnect between what the reader is being told versus what he is being shown. Lulu has a tendency to pine for Jek, which is fine, that’s her thing. But not once was I convinced of the friendship—or any sort of connection—between her and Jek she often talks about. He was a jerk to her and when the story reaches the part where certain things happen, it felt forced. And I’m not buying her science nerdiness either. Meanwhile, Jek’s arc had an interesting start. He is biracial; his mother is Indian, his father is black. And there’s a scene where he goes about being the only black person in town, even in his own house. About having “this whole part of [himself] that’s completely cut off from anyone like [him],” and I think that’s a fascinating conversation the author could’ve explored. Just as much as the minor plot line of LondonChem, an agrichemical/pharmaceutical company who may be causing its workers’ unidentified illness. Instead, they became background noises.
I’ve read in a conversation the author had with Cat Hellisen that the point is to keep the story as close to the original as possible, and I get that. Ross accomplished what she set out to do. But even so, I can’t help feeling cheated on because of how the book is marketed (“an inventive modern retelling”) which couldn’t have been more misleading. Sure, the story is set in modern-day suburban America and it has a racially diverse cast—albeit, the latter struck me as contrived in places. But that’s as modern as it gets. The other half of the equation, forgotten.
Jek/Hyde had potentials. It really did. But with plot holes and character-development inconsistencies that feel quite unresolved even towards the end, it leaves a lot to be desired.
Jek/Hyde is more a rehashing and less a retelling.
The book—Ross’ debut in young adult literature—centers on Lupita “Lulu” Gutierrez and Jayesh Emerson “Jek” Kapoor, two science nerds who have been best friends for as long as long as they can remember. But just as Lulu is coming to terms with her more-than-platonic feelings for her best friend, Jek starts distancing himself and spending all his time holed up in his room/lab with his experiments. It doesn’t help that there’s a mysterious—and unmistakably alluring—new guy in town, who is the very definition of a bad boy, and who may or may not have connections with Jek. Confession time: I have not read the Stevenson classic. Nor have I seen any of the bajillion movie adaptations. But I feel like The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde has been so embedded into our collective cultural consciousness that it’s almost as if I have read the book without actually having read it. And Jek/Hyde totally validates my judgment; whatever hope I had of mystery, I went to the wrong party.
To be fair, the novel kept me relatively entertained ’til the very last page. It took a couple of chapters for the story to find its footing, but find it it did and it maintained a good pacing all through out the book. I also like how the tone and setting effectively conjure a sense of helplessness and perpetual confinement. The book is set in a small town in the Midwestern, and that was executed well. But then we get to the actual narrative and it gets less than stellar. There is little character development, cases of present-but-not-present adults, and underdeveloped subplots, all culminating in a heavily expository conclusion and one that is out of touch with the rest of the main character’s journey.
There’s also a huge disconnect between what the reader is being told versus what he is being shown. Lulu has a tendency to pine for Jek, which is fine, that’s her thing. But not once was I convinced of the friendship—or any sort of connection—between her and Jek she often talks about. He was a jerk to her and when the story reaches the part where certain things happen, it felt forced. And I’m not buying her science nerdiness either. Meanwhile, Jek’s arc had an interesting start. He is biracial; his mother is Indian, his father is black. And there’s a scene where he goes about being the only black person in town, even in his own house. About having “this whole part of [himself] that’s completely cut off from anyone like [him],” and I think that’s a fascinating conversation the author could’ve explored. Just as much as the minor plot line of LondonChem, an agrichemical/pharmaceutical company who may be causing its workers’ unidentified illness. Instead, they became background noises.
I’ve read in a conversation the author had with Cat Hellisen that the point is to keep the story as close to the original as possible, and I get that. Ross accomplished what she set out to do. But even so, I can’t help feeling cheated on because of how the book is marketed (“an inventive modern retelling”) which couldn’t have been more misleading. Sure, the story is set in modern-day suburban America and it has a racially diverse cast—albeit, the latter struck me as contrived in places. But that’s as modern as it gets. The other half of the equation, forgotten.
Jek/Hyde had potentials. It really did. But with plot holes and character-development inconsistencies that feel quite unresolved even towards the end, it leaves a lot to be desired.
May 7, 2018
The novel encompasses many of the aspects of modern American society: children of color trying to make it in a world that seems perpetually geared for white people; local pollution that may or may not have something to do with a local chemical plant; teenaged angst, defiance and misbehaving; an almost stunning lack of parental supervision and the dangers and delicious temptations of designer drug use.
Lulu Gutierrez and her friend Jayesh are obvious outsiders but they’ve got a lot of intelligence going for them. Yet you understand how the deck can be stacked against them. Lulu struggles with the peer pressure of her friend Camila who sees her as being a Goody Two-Shoes and Jayesh (or Jek as he’s called) is a loner whose genius with re-ordering chemicals on a molecular level makes him seem destined for great things but isolates him from his peers, parents and Lulu herself.
The attraction of Hyde, Jek’s terrible alter ego, isn’t in learning his real identity (anybody who’s read Stevenson’s original classic knows who he is). It’s in the way that characters perceive him. Hyde is difficult to pin down; no one can quite describe his features or his racial identity. His deeds are considered to be foul and depraved but the novel never quite states what he’s done, much like in Oscar Wilde’s novel The Portrait of Dorian Gray. We learn that Hyde is a violent, bi-sexual and slutty drug dealer. But other acts are merely hinted at, mentioned but not described, spoken of through innuendo or told from a second- or third-party perspective.
Ms. Ross’s elliptical way of describing her subject makes reading this frustrating as hell and yet it’s an undeniable page-turning ploy. We want to know what happens. We want to know if Lulu saves Jek from himself. We want to know the outcome of walking on the dark side.
Ms. Ross makes Jek’s dilemma terrifying but enticing as well. The yearning to know ourselves fully is one that is as old as the human race itself and the roads we have taken to get to this self-knowledge are varied and some so strange as to lead us down tragic roads. The ending of the novel dangles this enticement in front of us with the tantalizing what-if scenario…and the possibility that Jek’s ground-breaking dark vision didn’t die with him.
Lulu Gutierrez and her friend Jayesh are obvious outsiders but they’ve got a lot of intelligence going for them. Yet you understand how the deck can be stacked against them. Lulu struggles with the peer pressure of her friend Camila who sees her as being a Goody Two-Shoes and Jayesh (or Jek as he’s called) is a loner whose genius with re-ordering chemicals on a molecular level makes him seem destined for great things but isolates him from his peers, parents and Lulu herself.
The attraction of Hyde, Jek’s terrible alter ego, isn’t in learning his real identity (anybody who’s read Stevenson’s original classic knows who he is). It’s in the way that characters perceive him. Hyde is difficult to pin down; no one can quite describe his features or his racial identity. His deeds are considered to be foul and depraved but the novel never quite states what he’s done, much like in Oscar Wilde’s novel The Portrait of Dorian Gray. We learn that Hyde is a violent, bi-sexual and slutty drug dealer. But other acts are merely hinted at, mentioned but not described, spoken of through innuendo or told from a second- or third-party perspective.
Ms. Ross’s elliptical way of describing her subject makes reading this frustrating as hell and yet it’s an undeniable page-turning ploy. We want to know what happens. We want to know if Lulu saves Jek from himself. We want to know the outcome of walking on the dark side.
Ms. Ross makes Jek’s dilemma terrifying but enticing as well. The yearning to know ourselves fully is one that is as old as the human race itself and the roads we have taken to get to this self-knowledge are varied and some so strange as to lead us down tragic roads. The ending of the novel dangles this enticement in front of us with the tantalizing what-if scenario…and the possibility that Jek’s ground-breaking dark vision didn’t die with him.
September 10, 2017
Lulu and Jek have been friends for years, growing up together in the town of London, a scientific community built up around a high end science and agriculture facility. But lately, Jek has been distant and Lulu doesn't know why. When the dark, dangerous, and mysterious Hyde starts making appearances at local parties, Lulu becomes just as intrigued as everyone else. But the relationship that Hyde has with Jek worries Lulu, who is determined to figure out what exactly that relationship is in order to protect her friend, no matter the cost.
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Overall, this book just didn't work for me on a lot of levels. The first being that the chemical science that was done by a high school student felt totally unbelievable to me. It was hard to suspend reality as far as necessary to believe what I had to believe for this book to work. The not-so-subtly hinted at sex and drugs in this book also felt really uncomfortable because the author was trying to tiptoe around the subject, but it just came off more cringy than anything else. Also all of the fighting - Lulu gets into SO MANY FIGHTS with Jek that it was hard to believe that she'd keep going back to him, even if he was her childhood crush and everything.
I think that the concept of taking a classic like Jekyll and Hyde and turning it into a modern YA retelling might have worked in different circumstances, but it takes a LOT of suspension of disbelief for this particular one to work. It was a quick read. The concept was enjoyable. There were just a lot of things that didn't work for me to fully enjoy the book. I'd give a 2.5 out of 5.
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Overall, this book just didn't work for me on a lot of levels. The first being that the chemical science that was done by a high school student felt totally unbelievable to me. It was hard to suspend reality as far as necessary to believe what I had to believe for this book to work. The not-so-subtly hinted at sex and drugs in this book also felt really uncomfortable because the author was trying to tiptoe around the subject, but it just came off more cringy than anything else. Also all of the fighting - Lulu gets into SO MANY FIGHTS with Jek that it was hard to believe that she'd keep going back to him, even if he was her childhood crush and everything.
I think that the concept of taking a classic like Jekyll and Hyde and turning it into a modern YA retelling might have worked in different circumstances, but it takes a LOT of suspension of disbelief for this particular one to work. It was a quick read. The concept was enjoyable. There were just a lot of things that didn't work for me to fully enjoy the book. I'd give a 2.5 out of 5.
November 30, 2018
This book was sent to me by Harlequin Aus. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was super excited about this book when I first received it. I haven’t actually read the original Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story, so I had no idea what to expect but it was a dark thriller so I thought it would be right up my alley. But I was wrong there. It didn’t excited and grab me in the way I was hoping and with its increasingly weird and unsavoury content, half of the book was just plain disturbing.
Even though I had never read the original story, I guessed the outcome literally the first time Hyde was introduced, so that kinda put a downer on the big climax as I wasn’t very surprised or shocked. What I was shocked at was some of the content this book had in it. This book was targeted at YA, but I feel like the only YA thing is that the characters are teenagers. I didn’t really like any of the characters and I didn’t feel any growth or character development in them which made the book increasingly boring. Don’t even get me started on the ending paragraph. Can Lulu get any more stupid? That is the way you wanted to end the book?
Overall, this book had a lot of problems and I can’t say I enjoyed it at all. I probably wouldn’t recommend it but if you are persistent and really want to for some idiotic reason, I definitely wouldn’t recommend it if you are in the younger half of YA readers.
You can read my full review on The Fictional Realm
I was super excited about this book when I first received it. I haven’t actually read the original Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story, so I had no idea what to expect but it was a dark thriller so I thought it would be right up my alley. But I was wrong there. It didn’t excited and grab me in the way I was hoping and with its increasingly weird and unsavoury content, half of the book was just plain disturbing.
Even though I had never read the original story, I guessed the outcome literally the first time Hyde was introduced, so that kinda put a downer on the big climax as I wasn’t very surprised or shocked. What I was shocked at was some of the content this book had in it. This book was targeted at YA, but I feel like the only YA thing is that the characters are teenagers. I didn’t really like any of the characters and I didn’t feel any growth or character development in them which made the book increasingly boring. Don’t even get me started on the ending paragraph. Can Lulu get any more stupid? That is the way you wanted to end the book?
Overall, this book had a lot of problems and I can’t say I enjoyed it at all. I probably wouldn’t recommend it but if you are persistent and really want to for some idiotic reason, I definitely wouldn’t recommend it if you are in the younger half of YA readers.
You can read my full review on The Fictional Realm
October 18, 2018
I won this book some time ago as a Goodreads giveaway. It finally made it to the top of a pile, so I read it.
I remember when this giveaway came up, my interest was piqued from the blurb. I ended up winning a copy, and I was excited. But, because I was getting books faster than I could read them, it went in the pile of books with all the others and forgotten for a bit.
Now I'm 50 pages in and on the verge of DNFing the book. Why? Well, Let's start off by saying this is a book targeted at teens, but the subject matter is most definitely NOT something I would want a teen to read. They are already bombarded by all kinds of bad influences in today's society, and adding a book that glorifies underage drinking and drug use, sex and rape, and absentee parenting (just exactly HOW could an ENTIRE damn town be so full of absentee/bad parents?). And the writing itself? Marginal, at best.
I'm going to give this book another 50 pages or so to see if it improves.
Still plugging away, but more and more inconsistencies are popping up. Like how Lulu's mother is a maid and her dad laborer, and they can't afford a new computer or tablet for her (she only gets second hand ones) and yet she has a car? Puh-lease.
Okay, officially DNFing this book at page 105. I just can't anymore. It's just an awful, awful, AWFUL book, and Harlequin should be ashamed they published it.
I remember when this giveaway came up, my interest was piqued from the blurb. I ended up winning a copy, and I was excited. But, because I was getting books faster than I could read them, it went in the pile of books with all the others and forgotten for a bit.
Now I'm 50 pages in and on the verge of DNFing the book. Why? Well, Let's start off by saying this is a book targeted at teens, but the subject matter is most definitely NOT something I would want a teen to read. They are already bombarded by all kinds of bad influences in today's society, and adding a book that glorifies underage drinking and drug use, sex and rape, and absentee parenting (just exactly HOW could an ENTIRE damn town be so full of absentee/bad parents?). And the writing itself? Marginal, at best.
I'm going to give this book another 50 pages or so to see if it improves.
Still plugging away, but more and more inconsistencies are popping up. Like how Lulu's mother is a maid and her dad laborer, and they can't afford a new computer or tablet for her (she only gets second hand ones) and yet she has a car? Puh-lease.
Okay, officially DNFing this book at page 105. I just can't anymore. It's just an awful, awful, AWFUL book, and Harlequin should be ashamed they published it.
November 3, 2017
I received this book in a Giveaway from the author but I will always provide an honest review.
I was really really excited for this book. I had such high hopes for it but it fell so flat for me.
I was expecting a great story and retelling but somethings seemed just so off for me.
One: they mention Jek’s race so many times! Why? It was stated before there is no reason to restate it if it lends nothing to the story. There was so much potential for diversity but I feels as is maybe it was a bit forced.
There was also a lot missing from the book. It could have been longer and better written in my opinion. I feel like the end was rushed just to explain everything to the reader.
And the very last chapter was just bad. Why would Lulu continue Jek’s experiment if she was so appalled by it. It looks as if there is a sequel coming but I wouldn’t read it.
I was so excited I showed this book off all over my bookstagram and even did a makeup look inspired by it but I’m so underwhelmed.
There was so much drug use and sex it felt like it was supposed to be for adults yet some of the characters read like children so what’s up with that?
I wouldn’t recommend this 😞
I was really really excited for this book. I had such high hopes for it but it fell so flat for me.
I was expecting a great story and retelling but somethings seemed just so off for me.
One: they mention Jek’s race so many times! Why? It was stated before there is no reason to restate it if it lends nothing to the story. There was so much potential for diversity but I feels as is maybe it was a bit forced.
There was also a lot missing from the book. It could have been longer and better written in my opinion. I feel like the end was rushed just to explain everything to the reader.
And the very last chapter was just bad. Why would Lulu continue Jek’s experiment if she was so appalled by it. It looks as if there is a sequel coming but I wouldn’t read it.
I was so excited I showed this book off all over my bookstagram and even did a makeup look inspired by it but I’m so underwhelmed.
There was so much drug use and sex it felt like it was supposed to be for adults yet some of the characters read like children so what’s up with that?
I wouldn’t recommend this 😞
January 12, 2019
OH MY GOODNESS, this was so gooood! I’ve never read the classic book, but what I do know of the story, this was a modern retelling. It was intriguing and made me felt like I was on eggshells wondering what was the underlining secret that was there and pulled me along UNTIL. The. Very. END.
Lulu and Jek have always been science 🧪 nerds and have been best friends since forever. Lulu has a long standing crush on Jek, but lately he’s been pulling away from her and she wants to know why. There’s also Hyde who has recently moved and Lulu is magnetically attracted to him and why it seems why he has everyone under his spell. Lulu doesn’t like how close Hyde is cozying up to Jek.
Those of you who have read the classic, you know it’s completely science related and this was done really well. I didn’t feel like I was overwhelmed, but felt like I was introduced it slowly. This was done really well.
Lulu and Jek have always been science 🧪 nerds and have been best friends since forever. Lulu has a long standing crush on Jek, but lately he’s been pulling away from her and she wants to know why. There’s also Hyde who has recently moved and Lulu is magnetically attracted to him and why it seems why he has everyone under his spell. Lulu doesn’t like how close Hyde is cozying up to Jek.
Those of you who have read the classic, you know it’s completely science related and this was done really well. I didn’t feel like I was overwhelmed, but felt like I was introduced it slowly. This was done really well.
November 13, 2017
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Teen for the opportunity to read and review Jek/Hyde by Amy Ross! Lulu is best friends with Jek, Jayesh Emerson Kapoor, who’s a scientific genius. It seems that someone named Hyde has stolen Jek’s bank account information and Lulu wants to get to the bottom of it. This guy Hyde also paid off a teenage girl that he presumably assaulted and people are talking about him and not at all in a good way. Lulu, with the rest of the community, is trying to figure out who Hyde really is and how he’s connected to Jek, especially since Hyde seems to be wreaking havoc and ultimately commits murder. When Lulu discovers the mystery of all that is Hyde, her life changes forever. 5 stars for this engaging young adult mystery with an ending that leaves space for the imagination!
*I received a complimentary copy for voluntary consideration.
*I received a complimentary copy for voluntary consideration.
August 27, 2017
I haven't read the original story, but I knew the basic story. While this story was an easy read, I did find parts that were unbelievable. The backstory of Jek and Lulu needed a little more flushed out. It wasn't believable that they would hook up to me. And it was especially weird about the relationship between Lulu and Hyde. This was a quick read, but it left me wanting something different. The end did set up a sequel, but I can't believe Lulu would want to continue Jek's experimenting after what happened to him.
September 18, 2017
I'm not sure readers even need to know the source material for this book because that might ruin the suspense over What Will Happen. As it is, Jek's chemistry experiments (designer, barely legal drugs, of course) will intrigue them, as will who Hyde is and why his relationship with, or hold over, Jek is so strong. The false notes that I noticed - the school's administration's laissez-faire attitude towards students, the town's structure - will probably not occur to teens, and my bigger quibble about Lulu's somewhat dispassionate account does get answered at the end (no spoilers!).
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.
May 3, 2023
I really enjoyed the concept of this book and finished it in 2 days. Though I haven't read the original to make a comparison.
My issue with the book wasn't the communication, or very obvious lack thereof, between supposed best friends, as I think this was written quite realistically. But I wanted more out the ending in terms of a loss of control from Jek.
Also, did it bother anyone else that we never found out Lulu desire? That really bugged me that they had the whole conversations about jealousy without saying anything. Frustrating.
But overall I did enjoy the story!
My issue with the book wasn't the communication, or very obvious lack thereof, between supposed best friends, as I think this was written quite realistically. But I wanted more out the ending in terms of a loss of control from Jek.
Also, did it bother anyone else that we never found out Lulu desire? That really bugged me that they had the whole conversations about jealousy without saying anything. Frustrating.
But overall I did enjoy the story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2023
I really enjoyed the concept of this book and finished it in 2 days. Though I haven't read the original to make a comparison.
My issue with the book wasn't the communication, or very obvious lack thereof, between supposed best friends, as I think this was written quite realistically. But I wanted more out the ending in terms of a loss of control from Jek.
Also, did it bother anyone else that we never found out Lulu desire? That really bugged me that they had the whole conversations about jealousy without saying anything. Frustrating.
But overall I did enjoy the story!
My issue with the book wasn't the communication, or very obvious lack thereof, between supposed best friends, as I think this was written quite realistically. But I wanted more out the ending in terms of a loss of control from Jek.
Also, did it bother anyone else that we never found out Lulu desire? That really bugged me that they had the whole conversations about jealousy without saying anything. Frustrating.
But overall I did enjoy the story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2017
I mean I don't hate it... it's not boring, it's just not that spectacular.
I know what the major plots from the original source material. it's just an aight book.
my only problem is that we don't see more of psycho hyde. i'm glad it didn't drag into a 400+ page book, but there is literally no character development.
this is just classic tale told from the perspective of a 17 y.o. girl who adopts a "special snowflake" persona.
I know what the major plots from the original source material. it's just an aight book.
my only problem is that we don't see more of psycho hyde. i'm glad it didn't drag into a 400+ page book, but there is literally no character development.
this is just classic tale told from the perspective of a 17 y.o. girl who adopts a "special snowflake" persona.
August 2, 2017
This was definitely interesting and I wanted to read read read until I reached the end, and I did. The ending was so sad, but there was no more options, sadly, for Jek. I didn't like all of the swearing, sex and drug use, but I'm no typical teenager who is into all that. The ending has me a bit concerned for Lulu...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2017
Not having read the original story “The strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” I went into this YA novel with a fresh perspective and I was not disappointed. I loved the setting, the plot themes, the characters and the way the author so carefully leads us to the reveal. Now I think I’d like to read the original story!
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