Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

This book was just ok. Hagan tried to do something that could've been good but it just wasn't executed properly. I do love that it is a novel in verse so that got the book an extra star.

I don't mind the 'poetic' side of this book, like, read in verses? get me in.
But, I don't think I like the main characters. The fmc was bland, no groundwork of what she did and didn't.

The banter between the mc was so good, somewhat make me want to finish this book to see how this book going. So far it was 3/5 read for me.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for granting me e-arc of this book.

This book used music and verse throughout to propel the storyline. It was a riches to rags story that I had a hard time believing. The main characters personality changes seemed abrupt and choppy. There was a lot of new things for the characters to cope with and it seemed shallow to me.
I found it a struggle to like most of the characters and many of them seemed to accepting and chill for me to believe.
The writing style didn't work for me because it seemed to go back and forth between prose and poetry. Maybe that threw me off which distracted me from engaging with the story.

First drawn in by the cover, I discovered this story to be a HiLo novel-in-verse that explores the life of the privileged slash rich, and the major changes that come when that life is taken away. All That Shines by Ellen Hagan had some Schitt’s Creek vibes going on and I was totally here for it.

Meet Chloe. She knows the life of luxury because her dad owns many companies in Kentucky. He’s arrested for embezzlement, so along with her mom, Chloe has to navigate life without the glitz and glamour they’re used to. Join Chloe as she learns to cook, clean, appreciate the small things, and form true friendships. But will Chloe be able to re-evaluate herself, what is important in life, and in turn experience love and life in a genuine way?

This is a fantastic YA novel-in-verse and I think it would make a great addition to any English class. Hagan’s work should be studied for setting construction and character creation. With a clear message, Hagan captivates readers and intrudes on your thoughts even after you’re finished reading. But it’s not a bad thing, because this book is just terrific! I highly recommend this read to all readers above the eighth grade.

I really loved this one and can't believe it isn't talked about more. I loved the relationship that Chloe and her mom develop throughout the story. I loved Clint and his friends. This was so sweet and fun. It had conversations about class and coming to terms with changes in life.

"All That Shines" by Ellen Hagen is a poignant exploration of privilege, self-discovery, and the enduring power of friendship, all delivered in the unique format of a novel in verse.

Chloe Brooks finds her world turned upside down when her family's wealth and status crumble due to her father's arrest for fraud. Hagen's skillful storytelling captures the stark contrast between Chloe's life of abundance and the newfound reality of financial hardship. The novel serves as a thought-provoking reminder of how easily we can take our privileges for granted until they are taken away.

As Chloe and her mother navigate their new life in a rundown apartment outside Lexington, Kentucky, the story beautifully unfolds. Chloe's transformation from a sheltered, wealthy girl into someone who must grapple with her own self-worth is handled with authenticity. Her character growth is tangible and relatable, making her journey of self-discovery all the more compelling.

One of the strengths of this book lies in its well-drawn side characters—Clint, Skye, James, and Natalia. They provide Chloe with the friendship and support she desperately needs. The bonds that form between Chloe and her new friends are heartwarming, showcasing the importance of genuine connections and shared experiences.

Hagen's writing in verse adds a layer of emotion and depth to the narrative. While it may take a little time for some readers to adjust to this format, it ultimately brings Chloe's inner turmoil and self-reflection vividly to life.

The story delves into the idea that wealth and material possessions do not define a person's worth or happiness. It serves as a powerful reminder that self-identity is not tied to external circumstances and that true friendships are based on authenticity.

"All That Shines" is a captivating read that combines heartfelt storytelling with a unique narrative style. Ellen Hagen masterfully crafts a story that explores the complexities of privilege and self-discovery, leaving a lasting impression on readers.

4.3 rounded down to 4/5

adored this captivating story. A stunning setting based on my hometown near Lexington, Kentucky! Pretty cool.
This novel written in verse was a nice change of pace for me from what I usually read.
I thought the writing was beautiful.
All That Shines by Ellen Hagan is a relatively relatable YA novel.
With characters I believe most could relate to.
I really enjoyed Hagan’s writing style. It sucked me in and held me captive till the end.
This is a quick and easy read with a lot packed into it that is great for all ages not only Young Adults. I think this is a book that a lot of young readers will relate to and find easy to read and comprehend!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

First, I want to say that I haven't read a whole lot of books written in verse so I might not be the best judge of character when it comes to these kinds of books.

With that being said, I'm not really sure how I feel about this book. I enjoyed the overall story, but I wish it wasn't written in verse. I think several parts of the story could have been extremely powerful if they were flushed out more, and I found myself not really caring about any of the characters because I never really got to know them.

I also feel like there is too much flip flopping. Chloe is constantly going back and forth about how she is feeling about her new life. She doesn't like it and misses her money and then she loves the freedom and wants to be a better person, but then she misses her money again. I understand that we all cope with things differently and something this extreme warrants some flip flopping, but I feel like her flip flopping took up a majority of the book, and I found myself skimming some of the pages because it was too repetitive.

I love a good NIV! All That Shines is a great reminder for what’s important in life and how easy it is to take a wealthy life for granted. I think Ellen Hagen did a wonderful job making this theme feel fresh and relevant in her writing.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bloomsbury USA Children's Books, Bloomsbury YA, and Ellen Hagan for the opportunity to read All That Shines in exchange for an honest review.

A HiLo novel-in-verse, All That Shines explores the privileged life of the rich and the major changes when that life is turned upside-down.

Chloe only knows the high life of lavish and luxury, as her father owns multitudes of Brooks-family companies in Kentucky. After being arrested for embezzlement, Chloe and her mom must navigate life without all the riches in the world. They move to a run-down apartment complex, the only land left under their ownership, and Chloe learns about the other side of life.

Though living without getting what she wants when she wants it, Chloe learns what it means to cook and clean, to make friends who aren't judgmental, and to appreciate the beauties of life that don't cost a penny. She learns a lot through Clint, one of the boys who lives at the complex, and not only does she re-evaluate herself and what is important in live, she also gets to experience familial and romantic love in a whole new, more genuine way.

The cover is gorgeously adorable, and there is a multitude of lessons that a younger reader can take away from this novel. A glorious piece of art that a young adult audience will learn from and thoroughly enjoy.

Such a unique reading experience! All That Shines is my first novel in verse and I enjoyed it. It was emotional and heartfelt. It certainly packed a punch for such a fast read. I didn’t love the main character, but the book is about her character growth and it was definitely visible by the end. What made this book for me was the rich setting that was so well-written I felt like I was there. And the side characters! Loved them all, especially Clint. Overall, an enjoyable read. I think I would’ve enjoyed this a lot more if it was not told in verse so I could get more of the story.

I am a sucker for novels in verse, and I did like the writing style of this one a lot. But, I wasn't really sure if I was supposed to be rooting for our protagonist... because I definitely didn't. Chloe came from a world of privilege and didn't really start changing her perspective until the last 10% of the book. And that change didn't really make up for her established 17 years of caring only for herself.