I genuinely appreciate how young adults are getting more novels and other forms of entertainment where they can feel represented by the characters. Overemotional seems like a fantastic addition to the growing amount of lgbtq+ focused books in the YA genre, just from a sample. The characters are sure to represent any young adult looking to find their self in a read. The diverse cast of characters just from the cover art alone has a chance of someone seeing it and feeling that they are important and have content to represent them. The fantasy genre has always been something I've looked to be interested in as a member of the queer community because the characters typically are "weird: or left out because of the magic, and I've felt that there's a bigger message behind that, but now the messages are right in front of us. I am really excited for the full text to be released and read as a huge YA genre reader.

i really enjoyed this! after seeing that most of the reviews were like “meh” i was a bit sceptical but i actually really liked it. i do get that the writing style might not work for a lot of people, but personally i didnt mind it at all, and liked it even. the magic system was super interesting as id never read one based on emotions before, and i liked that the mc was still different even in that system. i loved that there were more of the calmer scenes between characters, just talking, along with the action-y ones! i know some people get bored by that but i was personally really engaged throughout the whole sampler. i loved all of the characters in their own way and i really liked that we got to see all of their povs. ive seen some reviewers that didnt like the modern references and stuff but i thought they were ok. i liked the love triangle going on and felt it was one that actually made sense, rather than the usual in a lot of ya. i loved the queer representation! overall, i really liked what i read in this sampler and would love to read the rest when it is released!

I loved this excerpt so much!! The characters, the setting, the questions!!! I would love to continue reading this book once it is officially released :)

unfortunately i am unable to post this review online to my goodreads as this preview has not been posted there.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!!

This snippet of the book is amazing. I did not get bored even once, the world building around the powers is so interesting and new in some way. The format of the book is innovative too, as we have chats, dialogues through telephone, and police reports, and I’m excited to see what else could the book bring us.

There are many povs (mainly 3 for now, I do not count Marcus) but it does not feel like too much, and we get to meet every character not only through a filter (the main character or the narrator) but by being into each of their thoughts.

Every character is so lovable in their own way, I love Troy so much and he is literally the definition of a teenager with a crush, so cringey and awkward is so real. Steven’s emotions feel so genuine every time, and as he is incapable of controlling the consequences of them, you know the real emotion even if it is masked because of the magic happening in him.

Finally, just wanted to highlight how natural it reads. It portrays teenagers’ lives and thoughts and actions so well, it feels like someone studied really hard how they are just to write about it. It’s a fresh read, so new with a plot that keeps you want to read and characters you want to protect at all cost. Need the full version like right now!!

Simple queer fic, easy to read and understand. I did like the different characters and how they acted, but a lot of the views towards them seems to be repeating a lot of the same thing?? Due to the simpler style, I also think it would be better for upper middle grade perhaps? Though there are some darker themes, they’re mostly just said in passing and never brought up again. For a character who is supposedly emotional, I didn’t really feel the whole depth of his emotions.

Thank you #NetGalley for the sample arc of Overemotional!

Unfortunately, I wound up not finishing the arc. It was only a few chapters anyways, I believe. I thought that it would be a fun read and maybe it just wasn't for me.

The story is really interesting, I like the idea of a teenager struggling with their emotions in a more... magical way. I think it's a little funny to read about this kid going through this but it also just feels kind of awkward in a weird writing way not a weird average teenager way. The book, from what I read, was very tell not show and it kind of took me out of the experience.

The other issue I had with this book was that it almost seemed to be catering to a specific audience. It felt like bits and pieces were plucked from trending terms or societal acknowledgements made by Gen Z and plopped right into the story for relevance. I feel like doing things like this isn't the best way to get an audience. In fact, I think that it's depersonalizing and almost a little offensive as someone in generation Z. Maybe it's my own bone to pick, but it was a little silly and cheesy.

Now, would I purchase this for myself? Probably not, no. I would not buy this book but if my library had gotten a copy I would check it out and read it. It's good, and I like the premise, but some things just aren't worth it to me.

thank you NetGalley for providing a free sampler of this book.

I didn't know what to expect when I started reading the first chapter, but I thought the premise sounded really good. I was eager to start, but unfortunately, it felt flat for me relatively quickly, and I didn't finish it.
Will I understand I am not the primary target for this book, I still felt that the main character was childish, I didn't connect with him. I expected him to be more scared than annoyed by all the events happening to him.

To me it lacked more feelings, felt too much like tell but not show.

Thank you to David Fenne and NetGalley for providing me with a free sampler of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Overemotional" by David Fenne is a captivating and refreshing debut that left me enthralled from start to finish. The concept of emotions turning into superpowers is brilliantly explored, and Steven's journey to control his intense feelings kept me on the edge of my seat.

Fenne's writing style, reminiscent of a diary, lends a personal touch to the story and allows for a deep connection with the characters. Despite the shifting points of view, I found myself fully immersed in Steven's narrative, rooting for him as he navigated his emotions and the challenges that came his way.

The small, gloomy town of Grunsby-on-Sea was vividly brought to life through Fenne's descriptive prose, creating an atmospheric backdrop that perfectly complemented the story's themes. The author's British voice added a delightful charm, and the occasional American references were both endearing and amusing.

The representation of LGBTQ characters was a standout element of the book. It was wonderful to see queer characters at the forefront, and the budding romance and complex relationships added an extra layer of depth to the narrative. The found family dynamic among Steven, Freya, Marcus, and Troy was heartwarming and beautifully portrayed.

Although I only had a sample, the story's pacing was well-executed, balancing action-packed moments with character interactions and vivid setting descriptions. Fenne's ability to maintain a strong focus on Steven's journey while exploring the dynamics of the group was impressive.

"Overemotional" offers a unique blend of magic, relatable emotions, and unexpected plot twists. It is a heartfelt and enchanting YA fantasy that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. David Fenne's debut is a definite must-read for fans of TJ Klune, Rainbow Rowell, and Adam Silvera.

This was super cute! I love the cheat sheet in the beginning. Of course, this is only a sample, but I think this is an adorable YA queer book full of friendship that explores the depths of emotions in a youth friendly and healthy way. Visceral and creative.

I received a sample of this book so my review only reflects the first hundred pages. Overemotional is a story about Steven, a teen with emotion based superpowers, learning how to control them in the face of a government agency coming after him. His best friend Freya is there to help along with her boyfriend Marcus and their mutual American friend Troy. I enjoyed the writing and pacing of what I was able to read. I found it didn't dawdle too much and got straight to the point without compromising character interactions or setting descriptions. The way that Fenne describes the environment where the story primarily takes place is beautifully done and I can really imagine the small gloomy town of Grunsby-on-Sea. What I didn't understand or necessarily enjoy is the constant changing of point of views from the 4 main characters. It would have been less confusing if there was just 1 point of view per chapter because the constant shifting distracts from it being Stevens story.
The addition of the small cheat sheet for understanding Steven's emotions and their connection to certain superpowers was quite helpful while reading. Especially since I'm a rather forgetful person. The author is British and it definitely comes across while you are reading which is fun to me as an American reader who doesn't read many British books. This being said there were times when the American stereotyping didn't really work (the kettle scene), but there are other times were I was genuinely smiling because he nailed it. I unfortunately didn't get far enough into the book (because I only got a sample) to see any of the romance play out, but the crushing going on in the book is really cute especially from Troy's point of view. I will definitely be waiting for this book to come out so I can finish it. Off of what I was given with the sample, I would say it's a solid 4 stars.

I was interested in this sampler when I saw it involved queer characters, intense emotions, and found family. It definitely delivered on all of those points! The writing felt a little choppy during sections (especially transitions as the plot moved along), but I remained interested in learning what would happen next. This seems like an enjoyable and heartfelt debut! Thank you to David Fenne, Ink Road Books, and Netgalley for a free sampler in exchange for honest feedback.

Unfortunately, after reading the sample, I didn't feel as though I wanted to spend any more time with the characters. Not sure why there were so many gibes against Americans.

I am OVER-THE-MOON to read this novel, because the Sampler is absolutely delicious and so tantalizing!! I surely hope for US publication as well as UK. These characters, the exciting premise, and the plot line are to die for, and the LGBTQ rep (even a budding Love Triangle?) is super exciting!! Bring this book ON!!!