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Frenemies #1
Frenemies
What happens when two besties become full-blown worsties?
Avalon Greene rules the fashion scene at her sunny SoCal middle school with a diamond-clad fist, calling out classmates for their fashion-do's and most unfortunate clothes-pas. She's determined to host the social event of the season—a soiree in honor of her forever-friendship with Halley! Unfortunately, Halley's new look is one thing Avalon just can't celebrate. . . .
Halley Brandon is just back from art camp and can't wait to share her funky new style with her best friend, Avalon. But when Avalon cries fashion foul, Halley realizes her best friend's true colors may clash with her own. Has their ultra-fabulous friendship finally gone out of style?
From sharing custody of their puppy, Pucci, to drawing up a list of who gets which friends, Avalon and Halley discover what happens when you battle the person who knows everything about you—and isn't afraid to use your secrets to get what she wants.
Best friends. Worst enemies. Frenemies.
Avalon Greene rules the fashion scene at her sunny SoCal middle school with a diamond-clad fist, calling out classmates for their fashion-do's and most unfortunate clothes-pas. She's determined to host the social event of the season—a soiree in honor of her forever-friendship with Halley! Unfortunately, Halley's new look is one thing Avalon just can't celebrate. . . .
Halley Brandon is just back from art camp and can't wait to share her funky new style with her best friend, Avalon. But when Avalon cries fashion foul, Halley realizes her best friend's true colors may clash with her own. Has their ultra-fabulous friendship finally gone out of style?
From sharing custody of their puppy, Pucci, to drawing up a list of who gets which friends, Avalon and Halley discover what happens when you battle the person who knows everything about you—and isn't afraid to use your secrets to get what she wants.
Best friends. Worst enemies. Frenemies.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2008
11 people are currently reading
509 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Young
18 books40 followersAlexa Young began her professional life working in the music industry—first, assisting executives at the legendary Capitol Records, and then writing and editing for the supremely hilarious trade magazine Hits, where she got to interview recording artists such as Everclear, kd Lang, Michael Penn and Maxwell. She later worked as an editor for the teen magazine Jump, where she interviewed a just-starting-out Jessica Simpson, as well as Gwen Stefani/No Doubt, among others. From there, Alexa went on to become senior editor for the hugely popular women’s fitness magazine Shape and, more recently, she was deputy editor for Natural Health. She’s also a freelance writer, and has contributed to magazines, including Family Circle, Fitness, Parents, Woman’s Day and Women’s Health. Plus, she’s the coauthor of two nonfiction books for adults and is currently working on junior novels for the Disney Channel!
Frenemies was Alexa’s first novel, and is the first in a four-book series produced by Alloy Entertainment. The books follow the lives of Halley Brandon and Avalon Greene, two fashion-obsessed best friends who suddenly find themselves developing new interests, relationships and identities that threaten to break them up forever. The books have been translated into several languages and are bestsellers in France, where they were also made into graphic novels.
In 2012, the Disney Channel premiered the Original Movie based on Frenemies, starring teen sensations Bella Thorne and Zendaya Coleman (who also star on the network’s hit show, “Shake It Up”). The movie was the day’s top telecast among kids and tweens, and cable’s top show in the time period with 4.2 million total viewers. It’s also been viewed and rated by more than half a million viewers on Netflix! (Instant streaming available here.) In 2015, Alexa continued the love affair with Disney and began working on a variety of projects for the company, including a series of junior novels based on the hit television series Girl Meets World.
Alexa graduated from the University of California, San Diego, with a degree in Literature/Writing. She now lives in the Los Angeles area.
Frenemies was Alexa’s first novel, and is the first in a four-book series produced by Alloy Entertainment. The books follow the lives of Halley Brandon and Avalon Greene, two fashion-obsessed best friends who suddenly find themselves developing new interests, relationships and identities that threaten to break them up forever. The books have been translated into several languages and are bestsellers in France, where they were also made into graphic novels.
In 2012, the Disney Channel premiered the Original Movie based on Frenemies, starring teen sensations Bella Thorne and Zendaya Coleman (who also star on the network’s hit show, “Shake It Up”). The movie was the day’s top telecast among kids and tweens, and cable’s top show in the time period with 4.2 million total viewers. It’s also been viewed and rated by more than half a million viewers on Netflix! (Instant streaming available here.) In 2015, Alexa continued the love affair with Disney and began working on a variety of projects for the company, including a series of junior novels based on the hit television series Girl Meets World.
Alexa graduated from the University of California, San Diego, with a degree in Literature/Writing. She now lives in the Los Angeles area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 24, 2011
Avalon and Halley have been Havalon, aka, best friends for as long as they can remember. But after Halley comes back from summer art camp in California, and Avalon had stayed home, things are different.
They decide to throw a Friendapalooza – but that was before Havalon got into a fight. The only way their moms will let them throw the party is if they act like they’re still friends, however. They do this in front of their parents, but lead separate lives at school.
The one thing I found wrong with this book is that sometimes Avalon and Halley seemed like they were too old to be their real age. I kept having to remind myself that Halley and Avalon were in the beginning of their eighth grade year. They seemed to be more around the age of fifteen or sixteen at some points in the book.
And a few of my friends that have read the book were saying that there was too much drama in it, but I didn’t think so. I thought there was just the right amount of drama. I know my class last year in the eighth grade year produced that much drama and more!
I liked how the blog posts were in between the chapters. It was a nice break from the story and even at some points kind of summed up the chapter. At the same time, it can even help you brush up on your fashion tips!
While we’re on the topic of fashion, I loved how I could understand what people were wearing. I get reading other books like Gossip Girl and It Girl and the fashion-name-dropping is horrible and I can’t understand it – I’ll be the first to tell you I’m not the greatest expert at fashion. There was some name dropping, but it was also in a way where you can understand it and aren’t looking up what things mean all the time.
Also, I don’t think I found one single swear word in this book! YAY! This is the first young adult book I’ve read in a long time that didn’t have any swearing at all – which is a definite plus!
Alexa Young used just the right amount of drama, friendship trouble, and fashion to write an amazing book, which is why I’m granting it a four and a half hearts.
They decide to throw a Friendapalooza – but that was before Havalon got into a fight. The only way their moms will let them throw the party is if they act like they’re still friends, however. They do this in front of their parents, but lead separate lives at school.
The one thing I found wrong with this book is that sometimes Avalon and Halley seemed like they were too old to be their real age. I kept having to remind myself that Halley and Avalon were in the beginning of their eighth grade year. They seemed to be more around the age of fifteen or sixteen at some points in the book.
And a few of my friends that have read the book were saying that there was too much drama in it, but I didn’t think so. I thought there was just the right amount of drama. I know my class last year in the eighth grade year produced that much drama and more!
I liked how the blog posts were in between the chapters. It was a nice break from the story and even at some points kind of summed up the chapter. At the same time, it can even help you brush up on your fashion tips!
While we’re on the topic of fashion, I loved how I could understand what people were wearing. I get reading other books like Gossip Girl and It Girl and the fashion-name-dropping is horrible and I can’t understand it – I’ll be the first to tell you I’m not the greatest expert at fashion. There was some name dropping, but it was also in a way where you can understand it and aren’t looking up what things mean all the time.
Also, I don’t think I found one single swear word in this book! YAY! This is the first young adult book I’ve read in a long time that didn’t have any swearing at all – which is a definite plus!
Alexa Young used just the right amount of drama, friendship trouble, and fashion to write an amazing book, which is why I’m granting it a four and a half hearts.
May 5, 2008
Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com
Move over THE CLIQUE and THE ASHLEYS…the FRENEMIES are here to stay.
Avalon and Halley have been best friends forever. Their backyards connect and they share custody of their dog, Pucci. They are the fashion gurus at Seaview Middle School.
The summer going into eighth grade changes everything between the two BFFs. Halley has gone off to an art program at Berkley for the summer, leaving Avalon alone. While at Berkley, Halley befriends Sofee, the girl that up until the end of school, Avalon and Halley had nicknamed Softee. To while away her summer alone, Avalon has become friends with Brianna Cho, the head cheerleader. Neither girl approves of the new friendships.
From the first day home from Berkley, Halley can tell things aren't the way they had been with Avalon. The two try to catch up on how they spent their summer as they prepare for the first day of school. Avalon shares her idea of having a back-to-school party, celebrating their friendship. Halley has a hard time getting into the excitement, but goes along with the plan.
Before long, it seems like the new friendships each has built over the summer have caused a major rift in their own friendship. The two start feuding in deliciously snarky (trust me, this word is used a lot in the book!) ways. With the intervention of their parents, the two girls develop a truce. But by the time the combined party rolls around, is the truce
going to last?
The story was a lot of fun, especially with all the catty maneuvers they pull on each other. With best friends like these, who needs enemies?
Move over THE CLIQUE and THE ASHLEYS…the FRENEMIES are here to stay.
Avalon and Halley have been best friends forever. Their backyards connect and they share custody of their dog, Pucci. They are the fashion gurus at Seaview Middle School.
The summer going into eighth grade changes everything between the two BFFs. Halley has gone off to an art program at Berkley for the summer, leaving Avalon alone. While at Berkley, Halley befriends Sofee, the girl that up until the end of school, Avalon and Halley had nicknamed Softee. To while away her summer alone, Avalon has become friends with Brianna Cho, the head cheerleader. Neither girl approves of the new friendships.
From the first day home from Berkley, Halley can tell things aren't the way they had been with Avalon. The two try to catch up on how they spent their summer as they prepare for the first day of school. Avalon shares her idea of having a back-to-school party, celebrating their friendship. Halley has a hard time getting into the excitement, but goes along with the plan.
Before long, it seems like the new friendships each has built over the summer have caused a major rift in their own friendship. The two start feuding in deliciously snarky (trust me, this word is used a lot in the book!) ways. With the intervention of their parents, the two girls develop a truce. But by the time the combined party rolls around, is the truce
going to last?
The story was a lot of fun, especially with all the catty maneuvers they pull on each other. With best friends like these, who needs enemies?
October 28, 2015
Ik vond dit een mooi boek. Over hoe 2 beste vriendinnen opeens elkaars ergste vijanden kunnen worden. Ze schreven ook de ergste dingen over elkaar.het gaat hier in dit boek over Avalon en Halley. de ruzie gaat over van alles en nog wat.
het was een leuk boek om te lezen. ik had het in een keer uit. ook was het niet heel moeilijk om te lezen.
het was een leuk boek om te lezen. ik had het in een keer uit. ook was het niet heel moeilijk om te lezen.
May 1, 2011
I don't like this book because it's TOO childish and very lame.
May 1, 2018
I read so many fantasy books and science fiction lately, it is cool to read other things. And this book is really a quick and fun read. The two main characters are so ridiculous, it really is entertaining.
May 7, 2025
à l'époque où je l'ai lu, je croyais que c'était trop swag parce que c'était écrit en mode MSN des fois omg!!! *0*
July 29, 2025
Parfait pour celles et ceux qui kiffent la mode, les crushs et les dramas de vengeance 🙏🏼⚘️
August 24, 2025
Sympa pour les enfants et adolescents.
July 26, 2019
I really liked it and recommend it for writers at all levels.
January 28, 2009
I'm bad at listing out reasons I liked certain books. Frenemies is one of those - I can't pinpoint exactly what worked here. If I had to take a guess, I would say it's the execution. The plot itself wouldn't be able to carry the novel as strongly as the writing did. For that Alexa Young deserves a commended performance. Her snappy, subtly-engaging narrative is brilliant, graceful and effortless. Tip of the iceberg though.
I'm sure we all remember what it was like to be thirteen, when even the slightest weird sidelong glance from our best friends would shake our self-confidence. So it's no wonder that when Halley comes back from art camp and is styling in a whole new (and weird, according to Avalon) way, Avalon's quips about her new fashion choices put a strain on their friendship. It's a fast transition, and before they know it, they're parting ways.
My only criticism for this novel comes in here, at the friendship portion: We never really see just how good of friends these two girls are. There isn't a lot of back story, which is fine since this is a series. Alexa assures me she's working on making people realize how deep this friendship runs. (Which means character development and character soul-searching, and that makes me go squee!) That said, the split was handled particularly well in the sense that the reader gets to really feel the hardship it poses on both Halley and Avalon. While they're both working hard at establishing new scenes and new personas, they both also miss each other very much, even if they'll never admit it. This rang true. Very much so.
I know some reviewers seem to think this book is either immature or too fashion-focused. They're entitled to their own opinion, of course, but I respectfully disagree with both. If anything, I thought both Halley and Avalon were, all things considered, very mature girls. Sure, they got childish when playing pranks to get back at one another (friendship feud, hello), but who doesn't? Some of the things they did were outright hilarious. And the fashion thing was there, sure, but it didn't reach overkill levels; in fact, I hardly even noticed it. Then again, this isn't something that really bothers me.
I will never bash Gossip Girl, A-List, It Girl, The Clique, or any other Poppy novel because of their shallow and somewhat unrealistic characters. Those books are serving their marketable purpose and they're pretty damn good for what they're designed to do, which is be guilty pleasures. All I know is this: if Alexa Young set out to create a series resembling any of the Poppy books for the younger set, she failed. This book embodies good writing, fashion, friendship and foes seamlessly. Frenemies isn't the cheap-entertainment good; it's the genuine kind.
I'm sure we all remember what it was like to be thirteen, when even the slightest weird sidelong glance from our best friends would shake our self-confidence. So it's no wonder that when Halley comes back from art camp and is styling in a whole new (and weird, according to Avalon) way, Avalon's quips about her new fashion choices put a strain on their friendship. It's a fast transition, and before they know it, they're parting ways.
My only criticism for this novel comes in here, at the friendship portion: We never really see just how good of friends these two girls are. There isn't a lot of back story, which is fine since this is a series. Alexa assures me she's working on making people realize how deep this friendship runs. (Which means character development and character soul-searching, and that makes me go squee!) That said, the split was handled particularly well in the sense that the reader gets to really feel the hardship it poses on both Halley and Avalon. While they're both working hard at establishing new scenes and new personas, they both also miss each other very much, even if they'll never admit it. This rang true. Very much so.
I know some reviewers seem to think this book is either immature or too fashion-focused. They're entitled to their own opinion, of course, but I respectfully disagree with both. If anything, I thought both Halley and Avalon were, all things considered, very mature girls. Sure, they got childish when playing pranks to get back at one another (friendship feud, hello), but who doesn't? Some of the things they did were outright hilarious. And the fashion thing was there, sure, but it didn't reach overkill levels; in fact, I hardly even noticed it. Then again, this isn't something that really bothers me.
I will never bash Gossip Girl, A-List, It Girl, The Clique, or any other Poppy novel because of their shallow and somewhat unrealistic characters. Those books are serving their marketable purpose and they're pretty damn good for what they're designed to do, which is be guilty pleasures. All I know is this: if Alexa Young set out to create a series resembling any of the Poppy books for the younger set, she failed. This book embodies good writing, fashion, friendship and foes seamlessly. Frenemies isn't the cheap-entertainment good; it's the genuine kind.
April 30, 2008
Avalon Greene and Halley Brandon have been best friends since forever. Avalon decides to throw a party to celebrate this friendship right after the beginning of eighth grade, and event Halley isn’t too wild about at first but eventually accepts. They are coauthors of their school’s fashion blog which nearly the entire school reads. But after their first summer apart from one another, it seems as if each girl has found new friends and a new style. Or is it all just a big understanding? Either way, it seems that their almost lifelong friendship is going down the drain.
Avalon, the true daughter of two lawyers, draws up an “agreement” for this awkward arrangement, but it doens make their non-friendship any easier. From petty arguments to attacks on each other’s fashion sense (or lack thereof), this is full out war. But it is temporary? Will their friendship survive, or is it truly over?
For me, Frenemies was interesting at best. The cover misleading; the cover girls may have accurate hair colors, but similarities with the main characters stop at that. The twists and arguments were repetitive; just when everything seemed like it was going to be okay, something had to go wrong. The whole plot was a bit too “middle school” for my taste, but I think that’s the intended audience. I also liked how the story was consistently focused on friendship.
Also, I found it slightly annoying that there was so much obsession about fashion. The obsession itself wasn’t bad, but the references to certain designer left me confused. I am by no means a fashion guru. I did not understand the majority of these references, and I was only able to discern who these people were from the context. Nevertheless, I did like the fashion blog and fashion advice scattered throughout the book (minus the fashion insults).
As this novel is more for the middle school crowd, I recommend it for fans of the Clique series by Lisi Harrison. Reviewers who liked Lucky by Rachel Vail (it’s not out yet) will also like Frenemies because of the similarities. Other fashion forward readers who liked Poseur by Rachel Maude and Violet on the Runway by Melissa Walker will also appreciate this book. Frenemies is going to be turned into a series, but since the first one didn’t completely wow me or capture my attention, it’s not a book I will run out to buy (which doesn’t mean I won’t read it, because I probably will).
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
Avalon, the true daughter of two lawyers, draws up an “agreement” for this awkward arrangement, but it doens make their non-friendship any easier. From petty arguments to attacks on each other’s fashion sense (or lack thereof), this is full out war. But it is temporary? Will their friendship survive, or is it truly over?
For me, Frenemies was interesting at best. The cover misleading; the cover girls may have accurate hair colors, but similarities with the main characters stop at that. The twists and arguments were repetitive; just when everything seemed like it was going to be okay, something had to go wrong. The whole plot was a bit too “middle school” for my taste, but I think that’s the intended audience. I also liked how the story was consistently focused on friendship.
Also, I found it slightly annoying that there was so much obsession about fashion. The obsession itself wasn’t bad, but the references to certain designer left me confused. I am by no means a fashion guru. I did not understand the majority of these references, and I was only able to discern who these people were from the context. Nevertheless, I did like the fashion blog and fashion advice scattered throughout the book (minus the fashion insults).
As this novel is more for the middle school crowd, I recommend it for fans of the Clique series by Lisi Harrison. Reviewers who liked Lucky by Rachel Vail (it’s not out yet) will also like Frenemies because of the similarities. Other fashion forward readers who liked Poseur by Rachel Maude and Violet on the Runway by Melissa Walker will also appreciate this book. Frenemies is going to be turned into a series, but since the first one didn’t completely wow me or capture my attention, it’s not a book I will run out to buy (which doesn’t mean I won’t read it, because I probably will).
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
August 1, 2009
Avalon and Halley have always been the ultimate best friends. They live right behind each other, they share their beloved puppy Pucci, and this year they even get to co-host a fashion blog for their school's newspaper. At the beginning of eighth grade Avalon decides to throw a huge party in honor of the girls' friendship. Halley's not that keen but, for the sake of her friend, she goes along with it. Things start to go down hill from there. The girls can't seem to agree on anything, be it fashion advice or who to hang out with. Soon the jabs between the girls become lethal and full out war is declared between them. Avalon's even gone as far as to draw up an agreement between them as to who gets custody of Pucci, who gets which friends, and who's in charge of the blog. As the weeks go by the girls develop new friendships and keep on fighting with each other. Even their blog posts start turning into malicious jabs at each other. As to their party Avalon seems to have taken over the whole thing, but Halley still feels that since her name is attached to the invitation she should have some say in what goes on at the party. Will the party be a big bang or bust? Will the girls ever get over their differences and become besties once again?
I'm not sure I quite loved this book. By no means was the book bad for me there just wasn't that extra something that made the book sparkle. Still, there were many parts that I loved about it. For one, I thought the book was hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud many times. The comments that Avalon and Halley made to each other were the best. At times I felt like shouting "burn" and then laughing some more! After contemplating the whole book I think the reason it didn't sparkle for me was that it was geared more toward a younger audience. If I was a little younger I don't think I would have found some of the things that Halley and Avalon fought over so petty. For fans of the Clique books I would definitely recommend Frenemies as I think you would really like it. The book finishes with many questions still left unanswered, but don't fret they will be answered by the time the series finishes (there will be four book total). I am defnintely hooked enough that I look forward to reading the rest of the books as they come out!
I'm not sure I quite loved this book. By no means was the book bad for me there just wasn't that extra something that made the book sparkle. Still, there were many parts that I loved about it. For one, I thought the book was hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud many times. The comments that Avalon and Halley made to each other were the best. At times I felt like shouting "burn" and then laughing some more! After contemplating the whole book I think the reason it didn't sparkle for me was that it was geared more toward a younger audience. If I was a little younger I don't think I would have found some of the things that Halley and Avalon fought over so petty. For fans of the Clique books I would definitely recommend Frenemies as I think you would really like it. The book finishes with many questions still left unanswered, but don't fret they will be answered by the time the series finishes (there will be four book total). I am defnintely hooked enough that I look forward to reading the rest of the books as they come out!
April 5, 2009
This is the first MG novel I have written a review for and as such I am trying to keep in mind the target audience and not think about how old I am! There is so much brand dropping that I was lost in the knowledge that I have zero fashion recall. But I know that the girls that I teach will relish in every label, every description and every colour and it's fabulously fun.
Halley and Avalon came across as blatantly superficial but I really didn't mind as their exploits were freaking hilarious. But this book has a heart, it may be clothed in Stella McCartney but these girl's actions are always motivated by the hurt the other has inflicted upon them. Friendships inevitably change and/or grow as we age. Despite their preoccupation with their garb, these girls are terrified they will lose one another in the shuffle. I did wonder what bonded them in the first place. We read of their Vogue fascination and being neighbours, was that all it took to become besties? What united them before art school and the summer forced them to grow independent of one another? It will be interesting to see what the fallout of the last event of this book will lead to in Faketastic.
This is a great, fun representation of what happens when you let snark go too far. As a teacher, I am no Ms Frey. I have the style of a blind woman with no friends but I was supremely irritated that she let it get as far as it did and then allowed it to go further. That being said, I loved the Daily posts and the comments made by random school bystanders.
There is a great sense of fun in Young's words but she also has a grasp on what the emotional beats of the story are. The snark keeps the story propelling forward while the introspection allows for the girls to question their actions (retrospectively of course!) I hope some of my students will read it, enjoy it, laugh at the hi jinks and maybe think twice about saying or writing something that may harm a beloved friendship.
**I also want to add that I felt the Aussie love in this book (or maybe I was reading way too much into it lol). From the Dead Romeos playing a birthday party as The Wiggles to a Crowded House t-shirt, I felt appreciated. Cheers.
Halley and Avalon came across as blatantly superficial but I really didn't mind as their exploits were freaking hilarious. But this book has a heart, it may be clothed in Stella McCartney but these girl's actions are always motivated by the hurt the other has inflicted upon them. Friendships inevitably change and/or grow as we age. Despite their preoccupation with their garb, these girls are terrified they will lose one another in the shuffle. I did wonder what bonded them in the first place. We read of their Vogue fascination and being neighbours, was that all it took to become besties? What united them before art school and the summer forced them to grow independent of one another? It will be interesting to see what the fallout of the last event of this book will lead to in Faketastic.
This is a great, fun representation of what happens when you let snark go too far. As a teacher, I am no Ms Frey. I have the style of a blind woman with no friends but I was supremely irritated that she let it get as far as it did and then allowed it to go further. That being said, I loved the Daily posts and the comments made by random school bystanders.
There is a great sense of fun in Young's words but she also has a grasp on what the emotional beats of the story are. The snark keeps the story propelling forward while the introspection allows for the girls to question their actions (retrospectively of course!) I hope some of my students will read it, enjoy it, laugh at the hi jinks and maybe think twice about saying or writing something that may harm a beloved friendship.
**I also want to add that I felt the Aussie love in this book (or maybe I was reading way too much into it lol). From the Dead Romeos playing a birthday party as The Wiggles to a Crowded House t-shirt, I felt appreciated. Cheers.
October 26, 2008
Avalon Green, blond and beautiful, and Halley Brandon, dark-haired and breathtaking, have been best friends since forever. The one thing that they’ve always had in common is fashion. The girls are getting ready to start eighth grade after their summer apart. Avalon has planned a huge party celebrating their friendship, but when Halley arrives home from her summer at art camp the girls realize that something is different.
The girls have grown apart during the summer. Or perhaps they have just discovered who they are and are coming into their own. Either way, when their disagreement reach epic proportions, a dissolution of the friendship is written up. They take out all the stops to get back at each other, everything from verbal bashing to public humiliation.
Will the girls be able to look past everything they’ve put each other through to become best frenemies?
First off props to Alexa Young for giving me a signed copy of her book. And just in case you readers are wondering if that at all holds some kind of bias over my reviews, it doesn’t. I like to write positive reviews, but if I don’t like a book. I’m not afraid to say it. Now on to my review! I had read some let’s say mediocre reviews for Frenemies, so I wasn’t exactly sure what to think. But I actually really liked Frenemies! I read on my day off and I couldn’t put it down. I have to admit I was laughing out loud throughout the book, I’m glad I read it at home. Alexa seems like such a fun and energetic person and you can totally see she puts all of that into her writing. The lady cracks me up! And the story has relevance, you’ve all seen the girls and guys for that matter who were childhood friends, and then realize that maybe they are going in different directions. I’m sure it wasn’t played out as dramatic as this story, but that is what makes it so entertaining. I think readers of Poseur and Melissa Walker’s Violet on the Runway would enjoy this book. It’s very fashion orientated, but I thought that aspect was fun! My fashion exploits tend to run in the t-shirt and jeans department, what can I say. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the Frenemies saga, Faketastic!
The girls have grown apart during the summer. Or perhaps they have just discovered who they are and are coming into their own. Either way, when their disagreement reach epic proportions, a dissolution of the friendship is written up. They take out all the stops to get back at each other, everything from verbal bashing to public humiliation.
Will the girls be able to look past everything they’ve put each other through to become best frenemies?
First off props to Alexa Young for giving me a signed copy of her book. And just in case you readers are wondering if that at all holds some kind of bias over my reviews, it doesn’t. I like to write positive reviews, but if I don’t like a book. I’m not afraid to say it. Now on to my review! I had read some let’s say mediocre reviews for Frenemies, so I wasn’t exactly sure what to think. But I actually really liked Frenemies! I read on my day off and I couldn’t put it down. I have to admit I was laughing out loud throughout the book, I’m glad I read it at home. Alexa seems like such a fun and energetic person and you can totally see she puts all of that into her writing. The lady cracks me up! And the story has relevance, you’ve all seen the girls and guys for that matter who were childhood friends, and then realize that maybe they are going in different directions. I’m sure it wasn’t played out as dramatic as this story, but that is what makes it so entertaining. I think readers of Poseur and Melissa Walker’s Violet on the Runway would enjoy this book. It’s very fashion orientated, but I thought that aspect was fun! My fashion exploits tend to run in the t-shirt and jeans department, what can I say. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the Frenemies saga, Faketastic!
November 28, 2008
Frenemies is a Middle-Grade novel that focues on best friends, Halley and Avalon, who have grown up side by side as soon as they were born. Throughout the years they planned to start their own fashion magazine and were always there for each other. Now that the pair have turned 13 years old and spent a whole summer apart, they're starting to realize that best friends forever is harder than it sounds. Starting school, the two best friends turn into each other's two worst enemies...after all, the person who knows you the best knows how to hurt you the most.
I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book, because I'm not the most fashion oriented person, as well as the fact that it was a novel aimed towards middle schoolers. After reading the book, however, I realized that it wasn't all that bad. It was a quick read, with some funny moments and lovely characters (Halley's new friend Sofee became a favorite of mine). The designer brands that were mentioned a lot were quite tedious after awhile, but I did enjoy hearing about the outfits people were wearing...again, it might get old for some, but I was amazed at the thought that the author had to give to figuring out what a certain person was wearing at a particular time.
The girls enter a column competition in the book, but when their fighting really begins, they decide to split the column and both offer their own fashion advice. I highly enjoyed these posts, whether because they made me laugh or shake my head in wonder at what girls will do to each other (and that was another thing I wanted to mention...girls are cruel in this book, but girls are often cruel and it was interesting seeing just how bad it can get). Along with these posts, they had random comments that were very reminiscent of our own blogs.
So, to conclude, this book is an interesting and fast read that will show the types of struggles girls go through in school, even dealing with feuds between friends. It's very focused on fashion, but it's not just about a group of shallow girls that don't care about anything.
I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book, because I'm not the most fashion oriented person, as well as the fact that it was a novel aimed towards middle schoolers. After reading the book, however, I realized that it wasn't all that bad. It was a quick read, with some funny moments and lovely characters (Halley's new friend Sofee became a favorite of mine). The designer brands that were mentioned a lot were quite tedious after awhile, but I did enjoy hearing about the outfits people were wearing...again, it might get old for some, but I was amazed at the thought that the author had to give to figuring out what a certain person was wearing at a particular time.
The girls enter a column competition in the book, but when their fighting really begins, they decide to split the column and both offer their own fashion advice. I highly enjoyed these posts, whether because they made me laugh or shake my head in wonder at what girls will do to each other (and that was another thing I wanted to mention...girls are cruel in this book, but girls are often cruel and it was interesting seeing just how bad it can get). Along with these posts, they had random comments that were very reminiscent of our own blogs.
So, to conclude, this book is an interesting and fast read that will show the types of struggles girls go through in school, even dealing with feuds between friends. It's very focused on fashion, but it's not just about a group of shallow girls that don't care about anything.
August 16, 2009
In Frenemies Alexa Young has struck just the chord when it comes to teenybopper friendships. Individually, Halley Brandon and Avalon Greene are both likeable enough characters. Together though, they're explosive. Throughout the course of Frenemies, characterization was well done. Although a little more development before the major fall out would have been nice, sometimes tween-teen friendships can be fickle, especially since at that age, even little things can seem like the end of the world.
Emotions are portrayed nicely and readers are able to emphathize with what the characters are going through. The plot is nicely woven, leading through a series of spikes before getting to the climax. And of course, what's a book nowadays without a love interest? Wade fills the role of Romeo beautifully - a nice play-on, considering that he's in a band called the Dead Romeos. The supporting characters are also characterized relatively well, but in Frenemies, they seem to be just that - support. It works though, in this case. The ending also seemed a little abrupt, but it melds seamlessly into Faketastic.
The writing itself was crisp, fresh, and snarky. In short, entertaining; and surprisingly hard to put down. It was actually a pretty pleasant surprise that Frenemies delved deeper into the intricacies of friendship and thirteen year old behaviour than some of its counter parts for older teens. It's the kind of insight that you don't really realize right away. Frenemies is an entertaining read brimming with witty play-ons and banter. Snarky.
Emotions are portrayed nicely and readers are able to emphathize with what the characters are going through. The plot is nicely woven, leading through a series of spikes before getting to the climax. And of course, what's a book nowadays without a love interest? Wade fills the role of Romeo beautifully - a nice play-on, considering that he's in a band called the Dead Romeos. The supporting characters are also characterized relatively well, but in Frenemies, they seem to be just that - support. It works though, in this case. The ending also seemed a little abrupt, but it melds seamlessly into Faketastic.
The writing itself was crisp, fresh, and snarky. In short, entertaining; and surprisingly hard to put down. It was actually a pretty pleasant surprise that Frenemies delved deeper into the intricacies of friendship and thirteen year old behaviour than some of its counter parts for older teens. It's the kind of insight that you don't really realize right away. Frenemies is an entertaining read brimming with witty play-ons and banter. Snarky.
June 14, 2009
Avalon Greene and Halley Brandon, two of Socal middle school’s “it” girls, are always on top of the latest fashion trend. They’re used to being on top of the chain when it comes to clothes but once they disagree on something, they will strangle each other! Find out what happens when two best friends get into a trivial fight and end up being in a war that even involves their cute little puppy, Pucci.
I picked this book up because the blurb was funny and interesting. This book really shows you how trivial your fights are when you are feuding with your best friend. Though you may know everything about someone, you should not use every aspect of their life against them because it’s just wrong and you might actually end up hurting the person who you really care about. I’ll recommend this book to people who want a good laugh since this book can get really silly at times.
I picked this book up because the blurb was funny and interesting. This book really shows you how trivial your fights are when you are feuding with your best friend. Though you may know everything about someone, you should not use every aspect of their life against them because it’s just wrong and you might actually end up hurting the person who you really care about. I’ll recommend this book to people who want a good laugh since this book can get really silly at times.
December 11, 2009
Frenemies was a cute novel that I am sure many young girls can relate to. The plot was very good and didnt take awhile to get into and I just kept reading. Before I knew it I was done. This is definitely a good light, weekend read.
One thing I really liked about about Alexa's writing was that she put a lot of description in and that helps to make the picture in my head more distinct and I know exactly what she was seeing while she wrote.
I would recommend this book for almost any young adult reader who enjoy a "fluffy" novel.
Cover - 4
Plot - 4
Characters - 4
Writing - 5
Ending - 5 (It left me wondering what was gonna happen next. Not in a suspenseful way but in more of a way like the book shouldn't have ended yet.)
One thing I really liked about about Alexa's writing was that she put a lot of description in and that helps to make the picture in my head more distinct and I know exactly what she was seeing while she wrote.
I would recommend this book for almost any young adult reader who enjoy a "fluffy" novel.
Cover - 4
Plot - 4
Characters - 4
Writing - 5
Ending - 5 (It left me wondering what was gonna happen next. Not in a suspenseful way but in more of a way like the book shouldn't have ended yet.)
Read
August 5, 2019The author is an incredibly talented writer, and what kept me reading was her witty, clever use of language. That said, I found the biting, catty tone of some of it more than I wanted to read ... or introduce to my one-day-pre-teen daughter.
See what our teen reader thinks in the full review at the Reading Tub.
Semi-spoiler: I'm not a big fan of the elite-teen scene and how that has transcended into how we treat (or mistreat) others. I kept hoping that the author was going to add some depth to the characters OR clearly play up that this is meant to be a farce. Unfortunately, neither happened.
See what our teen reader thinks in the full review at the Reading Tub.
Semi-spoiler: I'm not a big fan of the elite-teen scene and how that has transcended into how we treat (or mistreat) others. I kept hoping that the author was going to add some depth to the characters OR clearly play up that this is meant to be a farce. Unfortunately, neither happened.
January 14, 2012
This book was very good as well as being absolutely hilarious, though it is definitely a book for the younger set of teens that are around the same ages as Avalon and Halley (i.e. 12 or so). It was a real page-turner to see what was happening with Avalon and Halley as their lives seperated, and they each did their own thing and I was sad to see it end, but more books are on the way, which is great! Reading their fashion column (also done seperately once they become frenemies) was a great addition to the novel. A very good book about the intricacies of friendships and how they change as people grow older and develop new tastes.
November 25, 2010
I thought that Frenemies was alright. I feel like I’ve read this before, so it was a type of book where I knew what would happen when the story ended. I thought the characters had good personalities. Avalon is very fashionable and isn’t afraid to get what she wants, while Halley is nice and caring. Both of them share personalities in different ways which makes the story more enjoyable. Though I don’t think I will continue to read this series. I recommend this book to fans of Pretty Little Liars, Gossip Girl, Private, and the Luxe Series.
http://teenagereader.com/frenemies-by...
http://teenagereader.com/frenemies-by...
May 20, 2008
This is a fun read, and not totally snarky like I thought. Well...a little snarky. But it definitely reminded me of relationships I've had with girl friends over the years, and how volatile they can be. Girls at this age feel their emotions intensely, and this book showed that. I loved the internal struggle Avalon and Halley had, fighting between their own hurt and protecting their feelings, but still having great love for each other.
June 28, 2013
If you are a girly girl you will like it!
Avalon Greene and Hayley Brandon are best friends. Avalon is the queen bee of the group while Hadley is more the kick ass girl who knows what she wants. Some hilarious bits "'But not from tar jay!' Avalon added. 'of course not!' Diana or something added looking disturbed". Some great middle school bitchiness"Haha they should put it on boob tube!" but overall great for kids going into cliquey stages. 5 stars!!
Avalon Greene and Hayley Brandon are best friends. Avalon is the queen bee of the group while Hadley is more the kick ass girl who knows what she wants. Some hilarious bits "'But not from tar jay!' Avalon added. 'of course not!' Diana or something added looking disturbed". Some great middle school bitchiness"Haha they should put it on boob tube!" but overall great for kids going into cliquey stages. 5 stars!!
September 2, 2008
Well here's the other straight YA book that was mis-shelved at the Strand under teen LBGT. This might be considered campy for all the endless description about clothing, but no lesbians in sight.
Want to read
April 3, 2008Released May 2008
June 24, 2009
Yeah it was good, but what are 8th graders doing obsessing over fashion and well, I get the boys thing!
December 27, 2009
Pretty good book. The story is a little bit too young for the age group it is written about
December 30, 2009
It dragged on a little bit. But i want to be a designer and all the fashion talk was driving me NUTS!
April 15, 2011
Its such a grat book.
I couldnt put it down when I was reading it!!!!!!
I couldnt put it down when I was reading it!!!!!!
Want to read
October 12, 2011I think it will be about two girls that where friends then stuff from one person to another person then they be came freemies
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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