I have been excited about this book for so long now. As I very much adore Marissa and would read anything by her. Despite not really having a thing for contemporary, I was excited to try this one. The cover is gorgeous. The story sounded awesome. Felt sure I would love this. And yet, I ended up not loving it. Oh.

Which is breaking my heart just a little. Giving this book three stars. There were parts that I found to be all kinds of adorable. But there were too many meh parts for me, and things I just did not like. Will still read anything by Marissa, but yes, hoping she will write more fantasy books, as those are more my thing, ha.

I am going to end up writing way too much about this book. And so I am apologizing in advance, haha. Turns out I have much I need to share about this story. And a few spoilers with warning farther down. Will try my best to explain what I liked and what I didn't like about this book. I might just ramble a little too much. I simply have so many thoughts about this book. It's told from the point of view of Prudence, about sixteen years old. She lives in a smallish town near the beach. Which I found to be interesting. This is a story about her and Quint getting to know each other better, getting to become friends, maybe something more. It is a book about Prudence learning so much more about life, as she was so clueless in the beginning of this book. She did get better, though, thankfully. I fully liked getting to know both of them.

There is a little bit of magic among the contemporary of this book. Prudence begins this book by falling down and hitting her head. When she wakes up, she had this special kind of power. She can bring instant karma on people she sees. If she witnesses someone doing wrong, she just has to squeeze her fist, and karma happens to them. Which she loved taking advantage of. It was fun, except that it often led to bad things happening to others, which was not a good thing all the time. Still, this was a twist that I did enjoy.

We see a little bit of Pru's family in this story. Her twin brother Jude, whom I liked a lot. More there during the beginning of this book, then mostly missing. She had three younger sisters, all of them pretty much adorable. Their parents were pretty great too. I liked that they owned a vintage record store. But liked less that they were haven't trouble keeping it, and that Pru could have helped more, but always said she didn't have time for it. Which was true, but oh, I wish she could have had time to help her family out a little too.

We meet her friend, Ari too, mostly during the beginning of the book. And I very much adored her as well. I loved her love for music. And I loved their friendships. We get to know Pru a lot in this book as well. And for the most part I adored this girl. I loved that she was curvy, that she was insecure about a few things. It made me love her more. I had a few issues with her thinking she was the best at everything, better than everyone else. A few of the things she did made me crazy. Ack. But for the most part, I liked her a bunch.

Then there was Quint. He and Prudence did not fit together at all. They had been school lab partners for nine months. Hating each other the most, not working together like they should have been. And so their final grade before the summer was low. Pru wanted to change it. But they had to work together. Which seemed impossible for two people who hated each other. But they tried. Prudence went looking for an animal rescue center he had mentioned in his report. Where she found out he and his mom worked at.

Which is what this book is all about. Prudence and Quint trying their hardest to work together. Pru having to volunteer at the rescue center. Her not knowing anything about animals or caring about them before she got there. Quint trying to make her understand why rescuing these animals were important. And I did like that a whole lot. The scene with them snorkeling was the best thing. But then, a time jump. I did like Quint a lot, mostly. And I did ship them too. I just wish there had been more, more details, more together.

What I disliked most about this book was the time jumps during the one summer. We get to see Prudence have her first day as a volunteer at the animal center, which was pretty great. But then it jumps forward four weeks. So we barely get to read about her being there, four days a week. Which was depressing to me, as I wanted to know more about the animals and the work done there. Then at the very end of this book, there is a three weeks time jump. And that bothered me the very most. I did not like it one bit. Sigh.

Especially because of why this time jump was there. So, spoilers. Because I cannot not talk about it. As is always the case with every contemporary book I have read, there must be a part where the couple breaks up, because of some insult and such. And of course, that happened here too. Sigh. The reason for why I almost always hate this genre, ha. In this book, it was because Pru was accused of stealing money from the center. Quint and his mom was sure she had done it. He was awful to her, didn't listen. And I hated it.

But also because Prudence did not even try hard enough to explain how she had not stolen the money. And so they broke up, the very day after they had first kissed. Sigh. And then there was suddenly three weeks gone by. With Pru alone and hurt, no one trying to find out the real truth. And Quint and the rescue center continued to plan Pru's gala idea, doing all without her, without giving her credit for anything. And I just. No. That was not okay for me. It was all her idea. Prudence was the one who got it to work. Hmph.

And then the book ended. With Quint apologizing, and Prudence just forgiving him. To me, it was way too little, way too fast. It had been three weeks. He had not gone to see her, he had not tried to find out the real truth. I am still angry with him. And a little with Pru too, that she didn't try finding out the truth either, until the day of the gala. Sigh. But even so. I did like the ending. I just wish there had been more, done a little better. I wish that there had been more romance too, ha. They only have two kissing scenes. Rude.

Even though I was a little disappointed, Instant Karma was still a great book. I liked reading about the sea animals and how this small town had a rescue center for them. I liked reading about all that they did. And I did like Prudence and Quint, despite having some issues with them both. I liked their friends too, though they weren't there much. The small magic part of this was good too, but felt like it was forgotten about for much of the book. I am glad that I read this one. Only sad that I couldn't love it more. You must all read it.

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(I read this book in December 2020. As a hardcover, as I was too slow to read the eARC.)

I love Marissa Meyers books! I think the cover for this book is great and very appealing. I liked this story enough but didn't love the story. I would recommend it but I don't think I'll remember a ton from it.
Cute story but not overly memorable

Thank you netgalley for the ARC

I'm used to Marissa's more sci-fi/fantasy tales, so this was an adjustment! The romance could be cliched at times but overall I still really enjoyed it and thought the magical element to this story was a great twist!

A very cute and quick read. Marissa Meyer has a wonderful writing style that I really enjoy. This book was just okay for me and not entirely unforgettable just became I didn't connect deeply with the main characters. However, the focus on animal rescue was unique and highly enjoyable to read about. A light, quirky read that can be devoured in one evening.

I won this netgalley and didnt get the one I wanted. This book is a no no for me due to the subject matter being not so bueno. Will rate 3 stars.

I've loved Marissa Meyer's books since reading the Lunar Chronicles and I adored the Renegades trilogy, so I was so excited to read her attempt at a YA contemporary. Unfortunately, I didn't love this as I expected to.

There's nothing necessarily wrong with Instant Karma; Marissa Meyer's writing is great as usual, and the plot felt well-paced and everything. I think this was just a case of "it's not you it's me." I think this book felt a little to juvenile than I would have liked- the characters are fifteen, but real like middle schoolers. Meyer's characters always read a litte young, and without a fantastical setting it shows much more.

I also agree with everyone saying that Prudence is unlikeable. She has a major superiority complex, especially in the beginning, She's also super judgey, and all around snobby. It did get better over the course of the book, but I still didn't find her character arc that satisfying. I wish she was more bearable.

Overall, Instant Karma was just not a book for me. But if you're at all inclined to pick up the book, I'd recommend you to do it!

Marissa Meyer never disappoints. She is one of the few authors on my auto-buy list and I have yet to be uninterested in one of her novels. Highly recommend.

I'm a huge fan of Marissa Meyers work on the Lunar Chronicles series and was interested in reading her first foray into contemporary romantic fiction. Taking into account that contemporary rom coms are not my favorite teen genre, I thought this was a really solid entry into the genre. I really enjoyed the underlying conservation/environmental theme and the romance between the main characters was sweet. The story was perhaps a bit too long and dragged a bit at certain points, but I would still recommend this title to my library patrons who love teen rom coms.

You guys I loved this book! In true Meyer fashion she created an amazing story, with great characters and character development that will hook you in from the get go.

The story follows Prudence, a sophomore girl who loves to make plans and following them to a T, she knows if she does this her plans will always yield the results she hopes for.

Sadly for Prudence, life doesn't always go according to her plans.

In comes Quint.

Quint is a free spirit guy who likes to go with the flow of things and who has bigger issues than showing up on time or following some girl's meticulously made plan.

Quint and Prudence have been science partners all year and their last project has been something Prudence has been working on for weeks because she is sure Quint is not going to pull it off. He's been late more times than she can count, and he doesn't even explain why (more like she doesn't let him explain).

Yet, Prudence still hopes he will show up on time during the presentation for their last project.

That's all she is asking for. For him to be on time during the most important project for the class.

But that's not how things work. In true Quint fashion, he comes in to interrupt her during the presentation and things just go downhill from there for Pru. The one day she needed him to be there on time he wasn't and she is having the worst day.

To top it all off when she thinks this will be the las time she has to deal with him, he shows up at her favorite restaurant during karaoke night and even though she doesn't want to sing, someone plays a prank on her and writes her name down so she has to go and perform.

There is a weird moment when she notices Quint noticing her in a different way, but is over as soon as the song is. Once she gets off stage she has a freakish accident where she falls and hits her head.

Once she comes back from her blackout, somehow she comes back with a little power.

She is able to give instant karma to those who are rude, liars and just plain mean. Yet for some reason it doesn't work with Quint.

Prudence would really like for it to work on him because not only did he ruined her sophomore year by being late almost every time to their morning class, but for some reason he got a better grade in the class and when she asks him to redo the project he just flat out refuses.

For someone as persistent and perfectionist as Prudence that "no" is just not going to cut it. Somehow she is going to make him do the project again, even if it takes her all summer to convince him.

Obviously it doesn't take all summer, she quickly finds a way to convince him to work together so they can redo the project the right way this time and bump their grades up.

Prudence doesn't expect to actually enjoy working with Quint. She learns why he was late all the time and she is able to see a different side of him. The charming side, the one everyone could see, but her.

Quint also starts to understand Prudence, why every little plan she does means so much to her, why him being late and not reliable all the time in class meant, and in a way hurt her so much.

They both have so much to learn from each other and the perfect way to do it is by working together to breathe in new life to his mother's rescue center.

Instant Karma is a beautiful story about learning to listen, learning to trust others and enjoying the little things in life. Meyer created a cute story, with relatable characters that actually behave the age they are supposed to be.

Meyer's first shot at contemporary is a straight win! Completely recommend to everyone looking for a cute, relatable, feel-good story,  with one of the cutest love stories!

Prudence can't wait to get through this one final project with the worst lab partner in the world- Quint. He is lazy, always late, and worst of all- doesn't take anything seriously! He is the opposite of Pru in almost every way. Of course, he is late for their presentation- unbelievable after all the hard work SHE put into it! When their project earns her a C, Pru is determined to redo it even though that will mean using up part of summer break- only problem is Quint's refusal to help! She will have to get him on board if they have any hope of getting a better grade!

The published summary of this book focuses more on Pru's acquisition of the ability to deploy karmic justice on those around her when she perceives wrong-doing on their part. While Pru learns something important through this ability (that not knowing the whole story leads to judging wrongly), it felt like it was more sprinkled into the book rather than the driving force. The focus in the book on how human behavior impacts the environment was a beautiful way to highlight the struggles and triumphs of the characters.

I always enjoy Meyer's writing- though I would say I prefer her more fantastical narratives, this dip into magical realism was also worth the time.

Prudence is a focused, dedicated, type-A girl who has no patience for those who do not seem as driven. Being lab partners with Quint has stretched what little patience and feelings of good will she has. On the last day of school, they get their group project grade (which they did separately together) and Prudence was horrified at the low cumulative grade and the fact that Quint got a higher individual grade than her. Her teacher agrees to let her resubmit the project at the end of the summer, but only if Quint agrees and it becomes a true team effort. Prudence ends up working at Quint's mom's sea animal rescue facility. Also happening on the last day of school, Prudence slips and hits her head at a restaurant with her friends and gains the ability to cause "instant karma" for people who she thinks are behaving obnoxiously - all people except for Quint.

I thought it would be a fairly light read with some hilarious little karma episodes. However I found Prudence to be shallow, self-centered, and pretty much awful. Of all the characters in the story, she deserved the biggest doses of karma. I'm sure that was the intended point of the story, but for me, this book was a struggle to get through. It's one thing for the main character to have some obnoxious qualities, but there is simply nothing to connect or sympathize with in Prudence.

A super-cute feel-good love story. Plus who doesn't love a little "good karma?" A nice change of scene from Meyer who is best known for her Cyborg series. Teens and YA/new adults will enjoy this light romance.

I really really wanted to love this book. But I just couldn't seem to get into it even after reading over half of the story.

3.5 stars for me!

Getting to read and review Marissa Meyer's book was a treat, and I was SO excited to be a part of her incredible panels during Yall Write right after reading it! Meyer will forever be one of my favorite authors, and the premise behind this one was different from her other books, but sounded like such a fun title!

Add in a bit of karaoke, quirky teenage characters that fit really well together, & all she needs is love. (get it? Beatles references aplenty in this book and I was here for it!) While Prudence certainly won't make my list for favorite protagonists, her somewhat self-centered focus on her wants and needs were absolutely vital for her character growth & story ARC, and in my opinion, made the secondary characters even more loveable!

This YA romance leaves a feel-good feeling as Prudence suddenly has the ability to cast instant karma on those around her - except when it comes to the one person who she NEEDS to work with her. Insert her lab partner & bane of her existence, Quint. Will she learn how to work with him to save her grade? & learn from the situation to get over her teenage know it all attitude?

Meyer's writing style is the thing that kept this book going, with a unique setting and storyline I couldn't help but fall for - love when a YA title is relatable and different!

Thank you to NetGalley & Feiwel & Friends for gifting me an advance reader copy in exchange for my personal review.

This is a cute book. However, I almost quit reading it several times because the main character is just so annoying. Prudence is a horrible human being and it's pretty unpleasant to hang out with her over the course of the book. I can't recommend this one.

I was unsure of this book at the start--we're introduced to our protagonist Prudence, an over-achieving perfectionist, on the morning of her end-of-semester presentation that she's sure she will nail (without or without or flaky partner Quint). Despite Quint's tardiness, Prudence's attitude toward him in the beginning made her a hard character to get behind for the first few chapters. But as the story progressed and she got to see a different side of Quint, she also became a kinder, more caring person, which was a great pay-off. I loved the promotion of marine life conservation. It was presented in a way that made me want to find my nearest beach and start picking up trash! The main joys of this book are Prudence's growth, the hate-to-love romance between Quint and Prudence, and seeing Prudence use her powers of instant karma in a way that helped her to grow while also punishing or rewarding those the universe saw fit. The story had a great twist and the climax was very exciting. Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. Whether you're a die-hard Marissa Meyer fan or this is your first venture into her books, there's a good chance you will enjoy the beach-side contemporary that is Instant Karma.

Prudence despises her marine biology lab partner, Quint. After Quint earns a better grade on their final project, Pru is determined to convince Quint to resubmit the project, one way or another. When Pru actually reads the report Quint submitted originally and learns about the local sea rescue center, she thinks maybe this could be something she could use to redo the project. At the same time, during a karaoke night, Pru slips and hits her head, which gives her the power to grant instant karma to those who are doing wrong, will the power go to Pru's head? Will working with Quint for a good portion of the summer drive Pru crazy, or will she change her mind about him?

While I enjoyed the premise of animal rescue and volunteerism, I felt that Pru's character was overly naive and determined to have her way at the expense of other things. I love Meyer's fantasy/sci fi series books, but this doesn't have as well rounded of characters and immediate appeal. A good, simple summer romp.

My students will love to the enemies-to-friends romance story in this novel. Though it's not my favorite Marissa Meyer novel, it will definitely be one to put on the shelves for my students.

Prudence is a Type-A perfectionist, controlling, and slightly overbearing. When she has to partner with Quinten as a lab partner all semester, her frustration reaches dizzying peaks as everything he does seems to sabotage her plan for the perfect project and perfect GPA. When a karaoke night and a slip and bump on the head seems to grant her instant karmic powers, Prudence sees a way to right the wrongs in the world around her. The first victim of justice, naturally, Quinten, for having made her sophomore year so difficult. However, things change as circumstances find her spending more and more time with him and karmic retribution isn't exactly what the universe has in mind.
Instant Karma was a fun read though there was nothing terribly exciting despite the karmic powers and mystery (which was thrown-in in the last three or so chapters). Prudence was a difficult character to like to the point of cringing at some of her interactions with others (roaring in frustration? Snark and sarcasm for days, oh my!), which does lead to her character arc of growth by the end of the book. The chemistry with Quinten was fine; although the first-person narration is limiting and, thus, seemed one-sided (was he not dating someone at the start of the book?). There were some instances where the karmic justice seemed tacked on without adding much substance to the plot aside from a handful of instances that are actually relevant to the storyline. Additionally, I would have enjoyed more plot around Ari and Jude (Prudence's best friend and twin brother, respectively) rather than the sideline and plot-driving role they seemed to play. Overall, it was a quick, fun read with the ability to get Dear Prudence (and many of the other Beatles songs) stuck in my head for days...

This was a fun book by an author whose sci-fi-fi books I have read previously. Prudence is a high school perfectionist while her lab partner Quint seemingly has a lackadaisical attitude. When she hits her head and finds that she now has the power to dispense karma (good or bad), she finds out some truths about others and herself. As she and Quint try to help a struggling sea animal rescue organization, Prudence learns how to see the good in others and in herself.