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.

Thank you always to NetGalley for the ARC!

Caleb Roehrig does an excellent job of turning a tragedy into a novel of hope, love, and friendship. An easy, laid-back read with high stakes through much of the journey.

When Romeo's cousin Mercutio drags him along to a party in rival Capulet territory, Romeo doesn't expect to fall in love. He's always known that girls aren't his thing. But Valentine isn't a girl. After Romeo is accused of sneaking into the party to steal the chastity of headstrong Juliet, he grapples with his feelings for Valentine and they try to come up with a plan to escape and be together. Then tragedy strikes, and Romeo must make a new plan if he hopes for a happy ending.

This remix of Romeo and Juliet does have a happy ending, for both of them and for Valentine. I couldn't really imagine this ending in a tragedy, and for me the romance felt a bit forced and the plot slow moving - but maybe that was only because I knew what was going to happen, and readers who haven't read any Shakespeare won't have any spoilers. While I liked that Juliet was presented as asexual, she seemed like a convenient way out for the two male leads. Even though it slowed the plot down, I liked the historical details.

5/5 stars

god this was everything i wanted and more! i love how this was conceptualized, and how the author explained his intentions with the “remixing” decisions in the end notes.

i have been unsuccessfully trying queer retellings lately. they are allowed to hold some sort of grief but, in my experience, they have mostly been dnf levels of upsetting thus far. we are often erased from history, so i don’t prefer our rewrites to have undercurrents that lack all faith in humanity or our ability to effectively heal. this retelling balanced SO well the struggles and sacrifices of being queer with the joy, fulfillment, and ability to try for a better future. this book was not free from bad things, bad thoughts, or bad people. the difference is that i felt good during and after reading it- which is my personal hallmark of a meaningful retelling. like, why would i essentially reread a book i was required to read in school/enjoyed in my youth that finally includes people like me if it’s going to upset me more? this book deftly contemplated the difficulty of balancing and strategizing how we defy and maintain expectations for our identities and our life paths to create both safety and fulfillment. plus, remixing the story of romeo and juliet to be queer just makes the original messages that much more relevant and meaningful. i would devour a sequel or spinoff!

the prose in this novel was absolutely magical. it was sophisticated and embellished in the way that classics are, but was still endearing and accessible (imo). the prose was especially engaging due to the fact that this novel and its main couple were EXTREMELY romantic.

the development of the characters and their relationships was honestly better than i expected. i was scared for so many lives and so much of their love being mishandled; but things developed very logically and meaningfully. the allyship was a joy. the main couple was tender and deeply endearing. i was also quite surprised (multiple times) by benvolio and mercutio’s arcs and what they contributed symbolically and emotionally to the novel. the exploration of romeo and juliet's connection was kickass.

one thing i will say is that i wish we had at least one or two more scenes where romeo and valentine pursue their romance alone. i wish we got to see them sketching in the countryside together or gardening for friar laurence or something!!!! i just wish they got more time together away from the chaos that was benvolio and mercutio and the murderous rivalries of it all.

the plot itself was very well drawn out. for a romance that is supposed to be kinda insta-love with a super quick turnover, it never felt like it lacked depth or logic. everything kept a good pace and was engaging.

simply a delicious novel. i hope the author writes more books like this.

thank you netgalley for giving me an arc in exchange for an honest review! xoxoxo

My students are going to absolutely love this queer retelling of Romeo and Juliet! It was so well written and the characters were really fleshed out. Highly recommend and definitely buying it for my library.

Fun twist on a classic tale for young adult audiences. The character development and romance between the two boys is captivating and you can feel the tension between families throughout the story. I would recommend this book to any teens who might need a read that they can relate to; the pressures of society around us can be very discouraging for young adults who are discovering their identities. This book illustrates that you should never change who you are to conform to society.

Please note, I am one of those English majors who dispute that Romeo and Juliet was a tragic love story: it wasn't. Even as a teenager I knew their choices were horrendous and their parents were awful. Teach the Torches to Burn: A Romeo and Juliet Remix takes the tragedy of teenagers desperate to escape their roles as pawns in their controlling parents' chess game and turns their story into a magnificently satisfying wish fulfillment tale. The bones of Shakespeare are still there, holding up the overall structure of Romeo and Juliet's story, but the substance is a lovely rewrite of character and circumstance, and turns Romeo's tale into a true love story.

Romeo Montague, scion of one of the two most powerful families in Verona, Italy, is a woeful seventeen year old artist who wants nothing to do with the life laid before him. His parents, particularly his father, disapprove of his preference to draw and paint instead of working in the family business, and they are pushing for him to take a wife. Romeo's cousin Benvolio (Ben, in this book, which I thought fit the boy perfectly), is rather a scoundrel with the ladies and has been trying to get Romeo laid for years. Romeo, unable to express that he's not interested in girls because he can't quite bring into focus why he's not interested, uses the fair Rosalind as his excuse. Conveniently, Rosalind has taken a vow of chastity, so she's safe to admire from afar. Ben and their compatriot, Mercutio, drag Romeo to a costume ball at the Capulet villa to cause trouble, and here is where our scene changes.

Romeo does indeed meet Juliet at the Capulet masquerade, and they exchange quick wit and a communal sense of practicality. She thinks the families' feud is ridiculous and has no interest in being chattel for her father to pawn off in exchange for political or monetary wealth. She chafes against her cage in ways Juliet in the original play did not, and it's wonderful. Juliet here is feminist, clever, and brave.

Mercutio also matches much of his Shakespearean personality, being brash and fun and also protective of Romeo. And here's where the story expands. Mercutio's family had a tragic loss and fall from status years before, and his younger brother, Valentine, was sent to live with a distant relative. Valentine was thirteen when he left Verona, and Romeo didn't remember him well. Now he's back, and Romeo is utterly lovestruck. And that's when the fights and deceptions and scheming truly start.

Caleb Roehrig expertly weaves Romeo and Valentine's story through the big plot points of the original story. The twists that lead to crypts and poison feel true to Shakespeare even as they're newly developed with expanded characters. While some of the reactions to Romeo and Valentine seemed a little too easy, the solution to Romeo, Juliet, and Valentine's predicament is believable and satisfying.

Roehrig's Teach the Torches to Burn is an excellent reimagining of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. It's a fun read full of action, adventure, and angst; a wonderful queer romance tale for young adults, Shakespeare fans, and anyone else who had their own ideas of how the tragedy should have ended.

It took me a while to get into this book but that’s because I had other books to read. Glad I finally sat down and dedicated some time to read this book. All the characters were very likable and enjoyable to read about. I honestly kept wondering how the author would handle the ending of Shakespeare’s play. Would recommend this book to others.

This was a reinvention of Romeo and Juliet, but not in the way I expected! I enjoyed being surprised by a story I'm already very familiar with, and all the references hidden within it. (Spoiler: does not bury the gays!)