Have you ever been reading Romeo and Juliet and thought, "You know, this story is great, but it needs two things--a happier ending and a heavy dose of queer."? If you have, then I have some GREAT news for you!

This retelling did a masterful job at pulling things from the original Shakespeare play and combining them with new twists. The Shakespeare nerd in me--we're not going to discuss how many complete works and individual plans I own--was kicking her feet in pure delight as I read. And on top of that delightful interpretation, the queer rep in this book is *chef's kiss*, with not only an Achillean relationship at the center but also ace and aro/ace side characters. There were so many positive affirmations of queerness in the book, I was tearing up. It was so beautiful and what every queer teen deserves to hear.

Now, was this book perfect? No. Some of the language was a bit flowery and complicated at times, but it did fit with the scene and time period. And some of the descriptions were a bit long and I was tempted to skim. But am I holding any of that against the book as a whole? Also no. Why? Because the happy vibes and utter enjoyment I received from this book far outweigh any of the insignificant bits I didn't care for. If I could dig through the couch cushions and find more than five stars to throw at this book, I would.

My gratitude for the ARC of this book goes to NetGalley and the publisher. It was an amazing read and every word of this review is 100% my own gushing feelings.

A great entry in the Remix series! The language in this was flowery without being overly complex. Another entry in a series that will help to make classic stories more accessible and relevant to new audiences.

3.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is the third book I've read in this series of remixes (the other two being MY DEAR HENRY and SELF-MADE BOYS) and I think this is my least favorite so far. It's not bad, but it's not great either. I thought the romance was really sweet, though a bit insta-lovey, and I liked Romeo's friendships with Mercutio and Benvolio. I also really liked Romeo's relationships with Juliet and Friar Laurence, and I particularly love the messaging in this book, though it is a bit heavy-handed. The pacing of this is a bit strange, but since the pacing of its source material is also suspect, it wasn't a huge deal to me. I do wish that we got more development for Romeo and Valentine. As I said, they were a bit insta-love, and even though og Romeo and Juliet were The Insta-Love couple, I still wanted more from Romeo and Valentine.

Overall this was cute with some nice messages, but not something I'll be aching to reread.

I love Shakespeare and I tend to like queer retellings but this just didn’t come together for me. There was a specific exchange where the characters complained about how boring and bad poetry is, and when you’re trying to put your own spin on some of the most famous verses in the English language that just falls flat. I think this maybe just wasn’t for me.

So, if anyone has been paying attention, I've been reading Shakespeare for one of my summer classes (Which I've been acing. Go me!). Granted, they were only histories and comedies, so, besides when I read Hamlet in high school, I still have not read his other renowned works, Romeo and Juliet, included. Despite me never reading a lick of the original work, I still feel insulted on how this remix tackled its adaptation.

Firstly, the writing irritated me so much. It feels so faux, as if trying too hard to sound flowery and pronounced as Shakespeare. It's just so limp and mind-numbing.

Secondly, the characters are big ole nothing burgers: All carbs but no meat nor flavor. Romeo is boring, Ben and Mercutio are more interested in Romeo's love life than any person should, and the rest are one note and/or forgettable. I did find Juliet interesting, as it's implied she's aroace and has got a pretty strong backbone against her stupid male relatives, but it wasn't enough to make me care too much.

As I said, I haven't read the original Romeo and Juliet yet, so I don't know how to compare this to the original story. But I think I can safely say Shakespeare put much more thought into the themes and hidden meaning behind his work than the author did when adapting it. I still generally know the beats the original story plays out, and the remix hit those without fail and without making it more interesting.

All in all, the queer Romeo and Juliet angle did not work here. I kinda wish I spent the 3 hours I spent reading this on the original play, instead.

In my opinion, this retelling fell short and didn't live up ANY of my expectations. The writing itself felt lacking in strength and depth. Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE retellings. Some of the best ones like the splintered series by A.G. Howard, Roseblood by A. G. Howard, Bridgid Kememerer's Cursebreaker Trilogy, ACOTAR or TOG by SJM or Marissa Meyers Gilded duo or The Lunar Chronicles are some of my favorite retellings and with all of them they took the skeleton of a story and ran with it making it their own. The aim is typically to offer a fresh and unique perspective. This book missed that mark. Instead, it felt like a poorly executed rendition of the same story.

Teach The Torches to Burn is the optimistic rendition of a famous story that spans from a moral lesson to a forever love story, and this remix by Caleb Roehrig has woven those two unforgettable aspects beautifully. The weariness I felt going into this novel is expected; A tragedy about two two teens who fall in love amidst family rivalries and societal expectations among the two most influential families in Italy.

What I loved most of all in this novel is Juliet. Though she has a significant role in the story as a badass ( presumedly with aro ace represntation ) heroine whose fighting for her autonomy as the Capulet daughter, in an arranged marriage in a society where women hold no privacy, rights or a voice of their own, Juliet is a force to reckon with. Against all odds she's found herself in this life and taken it by the reins, and I thoroughly loved every scene she was in. Juliet was by all accounts the most fleshed out character despite only coming in late into the book, and having ended the story with her hopes and dreams and happiness.

My only complaints are these: I felt that this story was written in such a way that it only felt like a story. There were times I felt drawn into the world in which I felt invested so much so that I could see this story playing out in my head. However, on the other side there were times where I felt uninvested during the journey. The two characters Romeo and Valentine suffer from Insta Love just like the original Romeo and Juliet, only in this hopeful reverse, we are meant to believe that their voices are genuine. My opinion is that the author intended for the reader to fall for Romeo and Valentine and to know them, and see their love as genuine and to, unlike the play, understand them as "people" rather than characters. Unfortunately I wasn't entirely swayed, and found Valentine's character direly lacking of important features as a love interest and pivotal character in the story, both this and the inspiration.

A couple of times I was taken out of the story from dislike of the character interactions. This was a long story by all accounts, and I will say that more than all of the supporting characters had more flare, dramatics, and intrigue than the main character and love interest, the two sole characters centering this world. I simply felt like the author perhaps didn't know them well enough, though I was able to feel the intensity of Romeo's soul as a queer person.

Slight disappointments aside, if you enjoy this novel you will quickly find yourself tabbing or highlighting impressive dialogue and comical moments that linger after you've read them. Benvolio is hilarious, Mercutio is to simp for, Romeo is authentic, and Juliet is a QUEEN.

I enjoyed reading this story and I will always be grateful for having a copy such as this in my hands. It's an incredibly important piece of HOPEFUL queer literature with minimal disaster, a lot of gay pining, and feminism!

Highly recommend.

It was so refreshing to see a more diverse version of the classics that bored me so much in school. I am always a fan of LGBTQ representation, and this was well-written. Valentine and Romeo were both likeable and engaging, and I rooted for them the whole way through.

This book was absolutely fantastic. I've already added it to our list for order next year and will recommend it to students.

(NetGalley eARC)
This is exactly what a retelling should be. One of the challenges that has cropped up with this series of retellings – and all queer retellings – is how to write a queer retelling of a tragedy critiquing humanity’s greatest flaws that’s really just kind of a bummer…without falling into the age-old trap of “bury your gays.” Too much deviation from the original, and you lose the emotional and intellectual core of the story – some of you might remember my frustration with the Great Gatsby retelling earlier in this series. Too loyal to the original, and not only have you not created anything new but you’ve also bought into one of the most insidious, heart-breaking ways that our society tells queer people our existence is inherently a joyless burden. Without getting into spoiler territory, I just want to say: this book absolutely nailed the balancing act. Fundamentally, Romeo and Juliet is a story about young people who are so trapped by their parents and society and what’s expected of them that they’re forced into horrible positions and decisions, pinned between who they are and those who should love them. The author’s note puts it beautifully, writing “it is, at its core, the story of two young people who are so neglected and manipulated by their selfish, self-involved parents that their lives end in senseless and unavoidable tragedy [...] we disrespect our children’s self-determination at great peril to their safety.” This statement beautifully captures the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet’s story, and although this book doesn’t follow Shakespeare’s original blow for blow, it absolutely conveys the same meaning. I do, however, think it would be remiss to end this review without pointing out the lack of racial diversity here. The author himself observes that Romeo and Juliet is based on Shakespeare’s rather romanticized version of historical Italy, and as we know, Italy is located on the Mediterranean, a hub of trade with the Middle East and North Africa (ironically, Shakespeare himself wrote about this in “Othello,” which is some analysis that there just isn’t room for in this review). There was absolutely room for non-white characters in this book, and – unless I missed a description – they were not given that room. I still really enjoyed the book, but it’s important to keep in mind intersectionality and the obligation white authors, even those with marginalized identities, have to be aware of their privilege and how they use it in their work.

Probably a wonderful read, but a bit too YA for me, so I did not finish it. Will happily recommend this to anyone looking for queer classic retellings or queer YA lit! This book is very well-written; I did not finish as I think I was not the intended audience.

Oh I am a sucker for all things Romeo & Juliet so naturally I had to read this one.

A very clever retelling of Romeo Montague and his true love (hint: NOT Juliet Capulet). I really enjoyed the author's writing style here: so many Shakespeare revisions use very modern language yet keep the setting of 16th C Verona which I find jarring. Caleb Roehrig modernizes the dialogue but doesn't completely abandon the feeling of Shakespeare. The details are just-right and feel authentic to the time period.

Admittedly I am a fan of Roehrig's books so I'm not surprised I liked this one too. Definitely recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley for the arc to review.

Romeo is living in Verona trying his best to avoid all marriage attempts by his parents. When he goes to the party at the Capulets he meets Valentine, Mercurio‘s brother and it is through this meeting that the love story begins to grow. Romeo also meets Juliet Capulet a young lady who just wants freedom. This story takes the typical story of Romeo and Juliet, and turns it on his head. Now it is Romeo and Valentine two men, who want to find their true calling in life. The writing in this book was lyrical, which fits well with the Shakespeare redo vibes. The story is compelling and full of little winks and nods to the play. It is wonderful for a young reader or a seasoned Shakespeare reader alike. This was sweet and I loved the story beginning to end, especially the addition of a certain cat.

This book was a sweet queer remix of Romeo and Juliet. Romeo is under the pressure of his family and society to find a wife and have children, but all he wants to do is create art and marry for love. Even if that live is with another boy. Valentine is a beautiful and quiet boy, back in town after being away for three years and Romeo falls in love at first sight (something he’ll do in any universe). Their love is sweet and you can help but root for them. I can’t wait for this to be released so I can have this gorgeous book on my bookshelf!

While I don't expect Romeo and Juliet to end happily, I was really rooting for the couple in this version! Great ace representation and a nuanced exploration of queer desire, family restrictions, and using a familiar story to tell an updated version.

Prepare to be swept away into a mesmerizing world of star-crossed love and breathtaking imagination in "Teach the Torches to Burn: A Romeo & Juliet Remix" by Caleb Roehrig. In this spellbinding retelling, Roehrig weaves a tapestry of romance, danger, and the indomitable spirit of two young lovers destined for tragedy.

Roehrig's storytelling brilliantly shines brightly as he reimagines the timeless tale of Romeo and Juliet. With his exquisite prose, he paints a vivid and evocative picture of the fictional Verona Beach, a place where rival factions and forbidden love converge. The beauty of his words enchants me, casting a spell that makes it impossible to resist turning the pages.

Verona Beach comes alive with vibrant colors, intoxicating scents, and a rich world of cultures. Roehrig’s attention to detail is extraordinary, transporting readers to a place where love and tragedy intertwine against a backdrop of sumptuous visuals and vivid emotions.

At the heart of this enthralling narrative are the two star-crossed lovers, whose connection leaps off the page. Roehrig has masterfully crafted characters with depth and complexity, capturing the essence of Romeo and Juliet's passion while giving them a fresh and modern twist. Their love is electric, their chemistry palpable, and readers will find themselves immersed in their breathtaking journey of love, sacrifice, and redemption.

"Teach the Torches to Burn" also explores relevant and timely themes. Roehrig illustrates the destructive power of prejudice, the consequences of unchecked hatred, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through his reimagined Verona Beach, he invites readers to reflect upon the parallels between the fictional world and our own, reminding us of the importance of love, acceptance, and empathy.

The pacing of the novel is masterful, creating a momentum that propels the story forward with each chapter. Roehrig effortlessly balances moments of heart-stopping tension and heartwarming intimacy, keeping us on the edge of our seats as we yearn for a happy ending that seems just out of reach.

"Teach the Torches to Burn" is a mesmerizing and romantically imaginative retelling that breathes new life into Shakespeare's classic tale. Roehrig's eloquent prose, vibrant world-building, and compelling characters combine to create a reading experience that is both emotionally resonant and utterly captivating. This enchanting novel will transport readers to a world where love transcends boundaries and where the light of hope flickers even in the darkest of times.

Prepare to be enraptured by "Teach the Torches to Burn," and let yourself be carried away by its intoxicating blend of romance, tragedy, and the enduring power of love. Caleb Roehrig has crafted a true masterpiece that will leave you breathless and longing for more.

Teach the Torches to Burn: A Romeo and Juliet Remix offers a delightful twist to the timeless tale of two star-crossed lovers yearning to break free from their manipulative parents' power play. In this satisfying reimagining, the essence of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet remains intact, providing a sturdy foundation for a captivating retelling that breathes new life into the characters and their circumstances, transforming Romeo's narrative into an authentic love story.

Meet Romeo Montague, a seventeen-year-old artist burdened by his prominent family's expectations in Verona, Italy. Disregarding his father's disapproval of his artistic pursuits, Romeo seeks solace in drawing and painting, rather than conforming to the family business. His cousin Benvolio, or Ben as he prefers to be called, acts as a womanizer and endeavors to help Romeo find companionship. However, Romeo struggles to articulate his disinterest in girls, unable to fully understand his own feelings. As a convenient excuse, he fixates on the virtuous Rosalind, who has taken a vow of chastity, making her an ideal object of admiration from a distance. Together with their friend Mercutio, Ben and Romeo embark on a mischievous adventure at a costume ball hosted by the Capulet family, setting the stage for a transformative encounter.

At the Capulet masquerade, Romeo encounters Juliet, a sharp-witted and independent young woman who shares his disdain for the feud between their families. Unlike her counterpart in the original play, Juliet rebels against societal expectations imposed by her father, refusing to be treated as a mere bargaining chip in political or financial exchanges. This portrayal of Juliet is empowering, showcasing her feminist ideals, cleverness, and courage.

Mercutio remains true to his Shakespearean persona, exuding audacity, charm, and an unwavering loyalty towards Romeo. However, the story takes a new turn when Mercutio's family, once prosperous but now fallen from grace, suffers a tragic loss. As a result, Mercutio's younger brother, Valentine, was sent away to live with distant relatives. Romeo vaguely remembers Valentine, who returns to Verona years later, evoking intense infatuation within Romeo's heart. This development sets the stage for conflicts, deceptions, and intricate schemes.

Caleb Roehrig skillfully interweaves Romeo and Valentine's story with the key plot points from the original play. The twists and turns that lead to crypts and poison retain the essence of Shakespeare while exploring the expanded narratives of the characters. Though some reactions to Romeo and Valentine's relationship may seem overly convenient, the resolution to the predicament faced by Romeo, Juliet, and Valentine feels believable and gratifying.

Teach the Torches to Burn by Roehrig is an exceptional reimagining of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Bursting with action, adventure, and heartache, it presents a captivating queer romance that will enchant young adults, Shakespeare enthusiasts, and anyone who has contemplated alternative endings for this tragic tale.

Wow, I absolutely loved this. I truly have no notes. Caleb did such a phenomenal job in remixing this tale to be an Achillean romance full of angst, care and hope! This felt true to the original, but make it gay and make it beauuuuutiful! I am so glad I received this ARC & I will be yelling off every rooftop to ask people to add this to their TBRs.

I also was not expecting the aro/ace representation & delighted once I read it!!! The side characters, especially Juliet, Mercutio & Friar Laurence were absolutely darling. I want spinoffs of their own HEAs haha. It was refreshing to have so much acceptance and tender moments for the characters who come out in this story.

I will continue to read more from Caleb & I am so grateful for this story. This is now officially my favorite Romeo & Juliet remix/retelling/reimagining.

I loved this story, so romantic and innovative. I thought it would involve the children from both houses, thinking the author would change Juliet somehow, but it was a nice surprise he didn't.

I’m such a Shakespeare nerd, and I love queer retellings so I was really looking forward to reading this book. I think the main issue I had is the challenge of novelizing a play. Something felt lost in translation. I enjoyed the YA queer romance themes, and there is some great self-discovery and coming of age in this book. I also loved the research that went into getting the time period and setting of Verona right. I didn’t get wrapped up in the characters or the romance as much as I wanted to.

All that aside, I still love queer retellings and giving queer characters a good ending rather than ending in death or tragedy.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.