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I Don't Like Blue
Nothing could ever replace Azure. So why do they feel like he's still alive when they're together?
Riley was in love with Azure. They were outed as non-binary at school, and they transferred into what had been Azure’s school—but he died by suicide at the end of the previous school year. Now, Riley is alone, and they can’t stop wondering why their best friend would choose to leave them. The only thing holding them together is their role as vice president of the newly-formed Gay-Straight Alliance.
Then Riley meets Zane, the boy Azure couldn’t stop talking about. They’re drawn to him, but Zane can’t seem to get over Azure any more than Riley can.
Azure was in love with Zane. But Zane’s straight, so there’s nothing he could have done differently. When he meets Riley, he wonders whether he’s really seeing them for who they are, or who he wants them to be. Riley is determined to find out the truth behind Azure’s death, and at first, Zane encourages it. But as Riley grows closer to Zane’s ex-friend, the president of the GSA, Zane struggles with his feelings for Riley and the knowledge of what really happened the night Azure died.
Riley was in love with Azure. They were outed as non-binary at school, and they transferred into what had been Azure’s school—but he died by suicide at the end of the previous school year. Now, Riley is alone, and they can’t stop wondering why their best friend would choose to leave them. The only thing holding them together is their role as vice president of the newly-formed Gay-Straight Alliance.
Then Riley meets Zane, the boy Azure couldn’t stop talking about. They’re drawn to him, but Zane can’t seem to get over Azure any more than Riley can.
Azure was in love with Zane. But Zane’s straight, so there’s nothing he could have done differently. When he meets Riley, he wonders whether he’s really seeing them for who they are, or who he wants them to be. Riley is determined to find out the truth behind Azure’s death, and at first, Zane encourages it. But as Riley grows closer to Zane’s ex-friend, the president of the GSA, Zane struggles with his feelings for Riley and the knowledge of what really happened the night Azure died.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2022
4 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Lyric C. Faulder
2 books18 followersA writer from an early age, Lyric has a passion for representing both mental health and marginalized issues in a way that is honest, but hopeful. They studied psychology at Colorado State University, and spend time reading or drawing when they're not writing or working. Their cat, Jellybean, says hello.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 22, 2022
Best book I've read in a long time.
Such a well written story. The characters are relatable and complex. My partner was right when he said I was going to stay up until I finished. I said no. It's now after 4 am. I was wrong. He was right. Absolute must read.
Such a well written story. The characters are relatable and complex. My partner was right when he said I was going to stay up until I finished. I said no. It's now after 4 am. I was wrong. He was right. Absolute must read.
July 21, 2022
The genre of this book may be romance, but I felt that it was just as much about friendship, forgiveness, and overcoming grief or fear. It is a touching story throughout. The events of the story feel original and true to the author’s heart, and the representation of the issues faced by people in the LGBTQ+ community is absolutely spot on. I also really appreciated the fact that every character is well-rounded regardless of orientation or race and there is no stereotyping. The characters truly are the heart and soul of this story.
The prose is a bit awkward at first as the author seems to be finding their footing, but improves by leaps and bounds and becomes pretty powerful by the latter chapters. I also think that one of the conflicts between two characters was resolved a little too easily. However, interpersonal relationships are always highly subjective and it is likely that others may feel differently about the plot. The romance is an excellent example of why cliche tropes are popular in the first place — it’s realistic, keeps the readers on our toes, and does not feel forced at all.
All in all, I enjoyed reading the book. It’s very difficult for me to get into original fiction without forcing myself through the pages but I didn’t have that problem at all with this book, it maintains a great grip and the pacing is well done. A great first book from the author, I look forward to more!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The prose is a bit awkward at first as the author seems to be finding their footing, but improves by leaps and bounds and becomes pretty powerful by the latter chapters. I also think that one of the conflicts between two characters was resolved a little too easily. However, interpersonal relationships are always highly subjective and it is likely that others may feel differently about the plot. The romance is an excellent example of why cliche tropes are popular in the first place — it’s realistic, keeps the readers on our toes, and does not feel forced at all.
All in all, I enjoyed reading the book. It’s very difficult for me to get into original fiction without forcing myself through the pages but I didn’t have that problem at all with this book, it maintains a great grip and the pacing is well done. A great first book from the author, I look forward to more!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2022
OMG is what I was screaming this entire read. Every turn of the page left me wanting more, and I easily got invested into the story and it's characters.
Despite having quite a few LGBT characters, non fell into any harmful stereotypes, and I enjoyed watching them have real, healthy relationships with others as they battled with the lost of their friend. I liked how none of the straight characters were villainized for being straight, and everyone treated each other with respect despite their orientations (...mostly.)
Zane and Riley's love story filled me with tears of both joy and excitement as I watched them help each other grieve and battle challenges in their lives.
I hope to see more from this author soon!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Despite having quite a few LGBT characters, non fell into any harmful stereotypes, and I enjoyed watching them have real, healthy relationships with others as they battled with the lost of their friend. I liked how none of the straight characters were villainized for being straight, and everyone treated each other with respect despite their orientations (...mostly.)
Zane and Riley's love story filled me with tears of both joy and excitement as I watched them help each other grieve and battle challenges in their lives.
I hope to see more from this author soon!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2022
**Trigger warnings for suicide and abuse**
If you feel like this review will be too long for you, allow me to summarize. Here are some reasons you might enjoy I Don't Like Blue.
-if you want something new
-if you like romance novels
-if you're starved for good queer representation
-if you enjoy well-rounded and fleshed-out characters who you can honestly relate to
-if you want to see controversial subjects openly and eloquently discussed
"I Don't Like Blue" by Lyric Faulder is both a romance, and a tale of recovery. Fifteen-year-old Riley is trying to move on from their best friend Azure's recent suicide when he meets Zane, another student who knew Azure. But as time goes on and the two grow closer, it turns out that a lot more lies between them than they originally believed. They find their faith in one another tested as the truth comes to light and secrets are revealed.
I genuinely think that this is a book that anyone can get into. If you like romance, you're sure to enjoy it. If you're curious to see more authors delving into controversial or taboo subjects, you will enjoy it. If you - y'know what? I think I made the point. However, my favorite part of the whole novel is simply how Faulder crafts characters. Their stories appear on the page, and you have the pleasure of watching them come to life. They consistently display a penchant for building realistic, lifelike characters who can quickly swing in or out of the reader's favor, depending on the perspective the chapter is told from. Take Zane - stubborn, courageous, and loving, while Riley is quieter, kind, and brave. I've grown embarrassingly attached over the last 210 pages. Read this book. You won't regret it.
If you feel like this review will be too long for you, allow me to summarize. Here are some reasons you might enjoy I Don't Like Blue.
-if you want something new
-if you like romance novels
-if you're starved for good queer representation
-if you enjoy well-rounded and fleshed-out characters who you can honestly relate to
-if you want to see controversial subjects openly and eloquently discussed
"I Don't Like Blue" by Lyric Faulder is both a romance, and a tale of recovery. Fifteen-year-old Riley is trying to move on from their best friend Azure's recent suicide when he meets Zane, another student who knew Azure. But as time goes on and the two grow closer, it turns out that a lot more lies between them than they originally believed. They find their faith in one another tested as the truth comes to light and secrets are revealed.
I genuinely think that this is a book that anyone can get into. If you like romance, you're sure to enjoy it. If you're curious to see more authors delving into controversial or taboo subjects, you will enjoy it. If you - y'know what? I think I made the point. However, my favorite part of the whole novel is simply how Faulder crafts characters. Their stories appear on the page, and you have the pleasure of watching them come to life. They consistently display a penchant for building realistic, lifelike characters who can quickly swing in or out of the reader's favor, depending on the perspective the chapter is told from. Take Zane - stubborn, courageous, and loving, while Riley is quieter, kind, and brave. I've grown embarrassingly attached over the last 210 pages. Read this book. You won't regret it.
August 6, 2022
3.5 rounded up to a 4. I'm conflicted.. I enjoyed the premise of this story, the idea behind the characters, the plot.. everything but how it was written. I don't mean to sound harsh but something just didn't mesh well for me. The story at times felt really disjointed and disconnected, I don't know what it was exactly. I was left feeling raw and emotional after reading this story though, despite what I said above I did really enjoy the story. These characters were brought together by a person they all knew and were all grieving in their own way. And the letter that Riley wrote at the end of the book? Instant waterworks. There are really serious topic matters in this book that may be potential triggers for some people. There is mentions of homophobia, bullying, suicide, abuse, characters made to feel as though they're sinners, if any of these are triggers for you proceed with caution. I do recommend this book, I have lost loved ones (not to suicide) but I'm still grieving. That's my favorite part about what the author wrote, they didn't gloss over loss and grief they embraced it. They said that everyone grieves differently and it isn't going to magically go away. You can still feel happy and have good days even when your grieving, and that is so true.
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
April 15, 2024
"Lyric has a passion for representing both mental health and marginalized issues in a way that is honest but hopeful"
You read this in the resume behind the book, I can happily say that is what I did find in it.
The story and the caracthers will last with me and this is all the inner power of a significant writing.
I definetely I learned something here about sexual identity, on myself and what reality can be like for other people, and I don't think there are still so many book that talk about these topics.
I would definetely suggest this one.
Yes, it can be heartbreaking, sweet and bitter at the same time, my stomach definetely twitched hard at the abuse described here, it might be triggering as well (keep that in mind eventually) but in the same time I can't stress enough how much care and honesty I found in the way these subjects are described, and, yes, we must talk about it.
A word about suicide, a subject that I know.
It's an heavy subject and you might not find all the answers you look for because simply there aren't.
Any situation is different and we might not be able to know the truth, if truth were a word to use.
To conclude it's definetely a book that I would raccomand and I hope Lyric will write more.
Gioia
You read this in the resume behind the book, I can happily say that is what I did find in it.
The story and the caracthers will last with me and this is all the inner power of a significant writing.
I definetely I learned something here about sexual identity, on myself and what reality can be like for other people, and I don't think there are still so many book that talk about these topics.
I would definetely suggest this one.
Yes, it can be heartbreaking, sweet and bitter at the same time, my stomach definetely twitched hard at the abuse described here, it might be triggering as well (keep that in mind eventually) but in the same time I can't stress enough how much care and honesty I found in the way these subjects are described, and, yes, we must talk about it.
A word about suicide, a subject that I know.
It's an heavy subject and you might not find all the answers you look for because simply there aren't.
Any situation is different and we might not be able to know the truth, if truth were a word to use.
To conclude it's definetely a book that I would raccomand and I hope Lyric will write more.
Gioia
July 28, 2022
I Don't Like Blue is the debut YA novel by Lyric C. Faulder. It tells the story of two high school students who meet after their mutual friend takes their own life.
As expected, the subject matter can be heavy and heartbreaking. Riley and Zane's grief feels tangible, with the questions left behind showing how devastating it is to lose someone so senselessly. Nevertheless, the story is heartwarming and hopeful too as we see Riley and Zane bond over their mutual loss.
Another strength of the novel is Faulder's authentic exploration of queer identities. We have characters here who identify as gay, bisexual, asexual, and non-binary. Faulder explores the various struggles that such identities can bring—particularly in a high school environment—and how, while today's queer youth may have it better than ever, we still have a ways to go.
As a debut novelist, Faulder has begun to establish themselves as a credible voice in YA literature, and I look forward to reading more of their work!
As expected, the subject matter can be heavy and heartbreaking. Riley and Zane's grief feels tangible, with the questions left behind showing how devastating it is to lose someone so senselessly. Nevertheless, the story is heartwarming and hopeful too as we see Riley and Zane bond over their mutual loss.
Another strength of the novel is Faulder's authentic exploration of queer identities. We have characters here who identify as gay, bisexual, asexual, and non-binary. Faulder explores the various struggles that such identities can bring—particularly in a high school environment—and how, while today's queer youth may have it better than ever, we still have a ways to go.
As a debut novelist, Faulder has begun to establish themselves as a credible voice in YA literature, and I look forward to reading more of their work!
July 29, 2022
If you’re new to the LGBTQ+ community but want to know more, this book is a great place to start.
Not only do the characters draw you in, they also lead you through their own struggles as they come to terms with the tragedy of losing their friend and accepting their sexuality and the struggles that come with that.
This book covers many dark topics, but leaves you hopeful that the characters will have their happy ending. And the parents in this book so so supportive which is incredible to see.
You’ll find it difficult to put the book down!
Not only do the characters draw you in, they also lead you through their own struggles as they come to terms with the tragedy of losing their friend and accepting their sexuality and the struggles that come with that.
This book covers many dark topics, but leaves you hopeful that the characters will have their happy ending. And the parents in this book so so supportive which is incredible to see.
You’ll find it difficult to put the book down!
December 2, 2022
I picked this up because of the blurb and the cover, and I adored it from the first page. I loved Riley, loved Zane and loved reading their story, loved the dynamic between the two of them, the loss they both endured and loved getting to see them slowly come together and grow. Faulder has a way with words, and I adored their way of telling the story. As a parent of an enby writer, it was nice to see some enby characters told by an enby themselves. Overall, I only paused reading because I had to sleep, and loved this book very much. Highly recommended!
July 19, 2022
This book is amazing! It contains the most tenderly handled and well written character arcs I have ever had the pleasure of following, along with a sweet, and natural feeling love between the protagonists. The seriously handled topics never feel overbearing, but rather empathetic. If you are looking for a story about being queer, about being in love, and about all the grief and sadness coming with it, this book is perfect for you.
August 2, 2022
This is the first queer book I've ever read and it is so good. It's very enjoyable and easy to follow. It represents actual queer people's experiences from it's ups and downs, the fact that it is relatable makes it easier to get immersed into the story especially for a queer kid like me as well. Though, there are sensitive topics that might trigger some people so please check the warnings first! Overall I really love this book <3
July 18, 2022
Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, with characters you love to root for. No one is one-dimensional, every person you meet feels like a complex creature with a good and bad side. Captures the joys and tragedies of young love without shying away from the violence in their lives. A great book for a reader of any age.
February 20, 2023
Having found Lyric through their fanfictions, I had extremely high hopes for this books. Indeed, this book delivered. Albeit short, I felt deeply invested in the drama and discovery present in this book. 10/10 recommend!!
July 24, 2022
This book was a roller coaster of emotions. i was laughing, crying, and I really fell in love with the two main characters. It’s a really incredible story and I highly recommend it.
October 11, 2022
A nice young adult love drama with modern twists and social issues, that need representation.
At times the story feels like a soap opera, though.
At times the story feels like a soap opera, though.
July 28, 2022
Good story
This story is about Riley and Zane. They met after they had a mutual friend pass away from completing suicide. They begin a friendship that eventually leads to more. This is a heartwarming story to have read.
This story is about Riley and Zane. They met after they had a mutual friend pass away from completing suicide. They begin a friendship that eventually leads to more. This is a heartwarming story to have read.
November 16, 2022
I Don't Like Blue is an absolutely amazing read about the complex nature of grief and the finding of one's truest self and best companions. Every character felt so real to me, and their anxieties and joys were compelling and genuine.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews