Member Reviews

Thank you to #NetGalley, Morgan Matson, and the publisher of the book for the eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Cass Isaac has gotten really good at moving...... and ghosting. She's had to move a lot due to her dads' house-flipping business—always a different school, a new friend group. She’s learned that there’s no need for drawn-out-goodbyes. Especially with people you'll never talk to again. Which is why Cass wants to make Grad Nite at Disneyland the perfect way to finish up high school since she'll be moving again..

The night soon turns into one big disaster. When she meets cute British bassist Freddie, she accidentally ruins his big break, but that's not the worse part. Cass gets in a major fight with best friend Bryony. When she tries to leave Disneyland and this place for good, she’s thrown for a literal time loop. Forced to relive the most dramatic night of her life over and over, Cass will have to find a way to make set things right . . . or be stuck at Grad Nite forever.

A fun and adventure filled YA novel! It took awhile for Cass to grow on me. It seemed like she was always making excuses to her old classmates on why she left and didn't say goodbye. As time went on though, I think she realized what a mistake this was and each time she tried to genuinely apologize and make things better. I loved this book and will recommend it to others.

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After reading Promchanted last year, which was Morgan Matson’s first novel for Disney, I was a bit worried that I would have the same reaction to Gradchanted. Promchanted had a great premise, but the writing fell rather flat for me (it wasn’t in the same style as Matson’s other YA novels) and the protagonist was too flawless and not endearing enough to capture my interest in the long run. Gradchanted, however, feels more in line with Matson’s traditional style, though there are still several points that need to be addressed if a third collaboration is to follow.

At first, Cass’s personality comes across as cold and indifferent with respect to the way in which she has handled ghosting her friends after each move. Truly, Matson doesn’t really develop the backstory and hurt Cass claims as reasons for why she continuously chooses to cut off all contact. It’s all just provided as exposition for the reader. Therefore, when she encounters some of her former friends during Grad Night, Cass once again comes across as unlikeable. As someone who moved a lot as a child and teenager, I experienced the same scenarios, either accidentally cutting off all contact, or having relationships and communication slowly peter out. Cass’s deliberate choice to make a clean break just seems very unrealistic. Even as she starts to realize her flaws and attempts to make amends, the way in which Matson describes the process still makes it seem as though Cass hasn’t learned very much. There is no one moment in which Cass truly breaks and recognizes the errors of her ways, which is something each of Matson’s other YA protagonists always experience. That said, Freddie is well fleshed out and surprisingly, all of the supporting characters are too. The plot and the pacing are great, which is a vast improvement from Promchanted.

Therefore, after reading the Disney collaborations and Matson’s prior YA novels, I am now left wondering whether the differences and issues that plague both Promchanted and Gradchanted should be chalked up to something related to the editor and publisher.

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Sweet story about learning to face your problems set in Disneyland with a Groundhog Day redo plot. The MC grows tremendously through the book, and there are plenty of sweet and hopeful moments. Enjoyable read.

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I recieved a free eARC of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read it!

Cass has moved a lot in high school. And I mean a LOT. Her dads flip houses, and move to a new one whenever finished. She’s attended 16 high schools. And she’s learned not to say goodbye, just to move on. But she’s finally graduated, and is going to grad night at Disneyland, with her best friend Bryony. It should be the best night ever.

Except…something is wrong. Cass keeps running into people from her past, and reliving mistakes. And she can’t get out. Grad night keeps repeating. Can she right the wrongs she’s made…and connect with a hunky British musician along the way?

This is a light, fun romantic read for anyone who enjoys the genre. It’s a fun book, although a predicable one, and would be a good beach read for anyone who enjoys a clean romance, The Disney setting helps to make it feel very familiar and comfortable—-and where else but Disney should magic happen?

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This was another fun Disney read. I loved Promchanted so I knew that I would love this book. So cute!🥰

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Morgan Matson’s Gradchanted is a captivating and heartwarming journey that perfectly encapsulates the bittersweet nature of growing up and the significance of relationships. Eighteen-year-old Cass Issac, who has mastered the art of leaving people behind, heads to Disneyland for what she thinks will be a magical Grad Nite with her best friend, Bryony. Morgan skillfully blends humor and heartfelt moments as Cass navigates a night filled with unexpected twists.

When a series of mishaps—especially involving the charming Freddie Sharma—plunges Cass into a time loop, she is forced to confront her fear of commitment and what true friendship means. The vivid descriptions of Disneyland bring the magic of the park to life, immersing readers in the vibrant atmosphere.

Cass’s transformation is both relatable and compelling, showcasing her struggle between the desire for freedom and the deep need for connection. The evolving dynamic with Bryony adds emotional depth, highlighting how misunderstandings can threaten even the strongest friendships.

Morgan’s writing is engaging and sharp, striking a perfect balance between humor and emotion. Gradchanted is not just a fun adventure; it’s a poignant exploration of the importance of making memories and the courage to embrace connections. This book will resonate with anyone who has faced the challenges of moving on while cherishing meaningful moments. Highly recommended for fans of contemporary YA, this story is sure to linger in your heart.

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Gradchanted by Morgan Matson is a fun, heartwarming adventure that blends the excitement of high school graduation with a magical twist. Cass Issac is no stranger to moving on—her dad's house-flipping business means she's always the new girl, never sticking around long enough for goodbyes. But when she attends Grad Nite at Disneyland with her best friend Bryony, Cass expects a fun, carefree night to wrap up her high school years. Instead, everything goes wrong: she ruins British bassist Freddie Sharma's big break, has a major falling-out with Bryony, and ends up stuck in a time loop, forced to relive the same chaotic night over and over. Now, Cass must figure out how to make things right before she’s trapped at Grad Nite forever.

The premise is creative, and I loved how Cass's journey is both emotional and hilarious as she navigates the fallout from her actions and tries to fix her relationships. Matson’s writing captures Cass’s growth beautifully, and the mix of humor, friendship, and romance makes for a delightful read. If you're into time loops, magical realism, and stories about finding closure, *Gradchanted* is a perfect pick for your next read!

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Ground hog day meets high school graduation. What's worse they having a fight with your best friend ruining someone's big back.? Having to relieve that day over and over. Unless you can find away to stop it. It was cute and read that teens would like more than I did.

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Unpopular opinion: I don't love a time loop BUT I love a Morgan Matson book so of course I had to request this book and it was a delight. I loved the story and the way that Matson wrote a time loop story that was set in one of the most magical places on earth. Cass finds herself reliving her grad night at Disneyland over and over and over again after she makes a wish while leaving one of the most magical places on earth. Cass finds herself on a course to right some wrongs, rebuild some relationships and maybe form some new ones. I devoured this story and I really enjoyed the way that the author had Cass deal with re-do of this one night. This will be a hit with my high school students! Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

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