I liked My Mechanical Romance so I thought I would also really like Twelfth Knight.  
I was into the premise of Vi and Jack anonymously playing an MMORPG game together, when IRL they are kinda academic / student council rivals.
Unfortunately, the narration style really didn't work for me, it took me out every time they broke the fourth wall. 
Since this is Olivie Blake's pen name for YA I don't think I will pick up any more of her books... 
DNF @ 9%

This was a very cute contemporary romance story. Vi and Jackson were both learning how to be themselves, but also learning how to become closer to others. I don't necessarily like lying plot lines, but I felt like this one was portrayed in a way that the character learned her lesson. Loved all the nerdy aspects of the story, between the video games, rpgs, ren faires, show fandoms and the cosplaying. I think it's about time that people learned that being a nerd is cool.

Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmoth is a fantastic follow-up from this author, and I'm absolutely loving it. I've been a fan of her work under the pen name Olivie Blake as well, and this YA rom-com, with its unique gaming setup, really sets the stage for what's to come in her future books.

The dynamic between Jack Orsino and Viola Reyes is so intriguing. They're the perfect online teammates in the game they play, also called "Twelfth Knight," but offline, they're complete arch-nemeses. The slow-burn romance is beautifully crafted, and the story really shines as a coming-of-age tale with strong feminist themes.

Then there's the whole alter ego thing—Cesario and Duke Orsino in the game—where their online personas surprisingly complement each other so well. The side characters are also a blast, adding a lot of fun and depth to the narrative. If you're on the hunt for a rom-com that feels real and relatable, this book should definitely be on your list. It's as close to reality as a rom-com can get, and it's a joy to read!

This book was adorable! I am biased and enjoy Olivie’s YA writing. Overall, recommend this to anyone who enjoys DnD and soft romcom.

જ⁀➴ 4 stars ☆ ˚.

“i just think maybe happiness isn't crossing a finish line, or finally meeting the right person or getting the right job or finding the right life. it's the little things.”

this was super cute and i honestly don't have much else to say! it took me a while to get into this book since i don't know much about football and gaming, which are both major parts of the story, but it was still a fun read. i really appreciated the commentary on social issues like misogyny, racism, sexuality, etc. and the diverse cast.

i expected the romance to be a bigger part of the story but it was mostly just in the background, which i don't have a problem with but it was a bit unexpected since this book is advertised as a romcom. violajack are actually my babies, i adore them so so much 🫶 their relationship is so sweet and realistic, loved the slow-burn and their banter had me giggling and kicking my feet.

viola and jack are both really strong and well written characters, with realistic quirks and flaws. i loved how this was a dual-pov book. olivia and bash were such fun and well developed side characters <3

overall, this was an enjoyable and heartfelt coming-of-age story. also, THE COVER!! it's so so pretty. although it wasn't super memorable for me, i still adored this book and would definitely reread + recommend it!

⟶ thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review! 💜

DNF 30%

I will be finishing this book. Unfortunately life got in the way and I’m unsure to when that will be. What I did read of this book I absolutely adored. I love the characters, the witty banter and the writer style and am so excited to see what happens!!

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for an advance Earc!

Full review on goodreads!

I really liked this book because it has fantasy, gaming, and sports all in one! I also liked that the book is told from two different points of view, so we can see what each character is going through. The characters really grew on me as the story went on.

Thank you to netgalley and tor publishing group for providing me with an arc of this wonderful book!

One of my favorite movies growing up was She's the Man, so understandably, I loved this book! I thought it was a fun modern take on The Twelfth Night. I loved Viola's brother, Bash, and definitely needed more of his theatrical hysterics.

Thank you, Netgalley and Tor Books for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review.

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Atlas Six (under the pen name Olivie Blake) comes Twelfth Knight, a YA romantic comedy and coming-of-age story about taking up space in the world and learning what it means to let others in.

I will be leaving feedback for this book in the future :)
................................................................................................................................

I knew the romance was gonna go off when the main characters still kinda hated each other halfway through. And guess what? I was not wrong!

Twelfth Knight is, of course, a retelling of Shakespeare’s play – only, in this version, Viola and Duke Orsino are high schoolers with an intense rivalry in real life, and a budding friendship in an MMORPG. And, yes, Duke does think Viola’s character is played by her brother Sebastian, leading to confusion, hijinks, and romance.

I wholeheartedly enjoyed this novel. I’m a huge sucker for secret identity related shenanigans and thought that Twelfth Knight effectively used this plot device to explore Viola’s struggles with being an assertive woman online and irl. This book tackled those subjects with nuance and depth, which kept me invested in the story.

Also, it was just plain fun to see Vi and Duke stumble their way toward self-confidence, growth, and understanding and respecting each other! I love a slowburn romance so it made me very happy to see their relationship play out the way it did. (And I very much appreciated that this the messy love triangle aspect of the story had an LGBTQ angle. It is what this story deserves!!)

Viola and Duke Orsino are among my top favorite Shakespeare couples and I will read/watch any version of their story. I am so glad this one rose to my expectations <3

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchanged for an honest review.

I really loved Alexene Farol Follmuth’s first book so I had pretty high hopes for this one and it didn’t disappoint! Her combination of nerdy themes and sweet YA romance is always done so well, she’s autobuy author for me now.

I really enjoy Vi’s character and I feel like i I don’t read characters like her often enough. She was a little abrupt and abrasive sometimes - even a little unlikeable at moments - but that actually made me like her more because it was so refreshing and real. She’s not perfect, she makes mistakes and isn’t going to make herself smaller to make other people feel better. It can be almost uncomfortable at times because its so honest and unrestrained and really enjoyed that.

I also really enjoyed the overall commentary about sexism in nerd spaces and racism more generally. Jack’s arc around people-pleasing so as not to come off as the ‘angry black man’ was really interesting and well done. Vi and Jack both have something to learn from one another and I loved the journey.

The characters and relationships more generally were all great and overall I really loved this book! I can’t wait to see what the author does next!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Viola is a star student and student body vice president, although she does all of the work. The class president is star running back Jack “Duke” Orsino. Gaming is Viola’s escape from the real world, where her skills can be valued and not overlooked because she is teenage girl. When she meets a Jack in the game, she realizes that there may have been more to him than she thought.

My favorite thing about this book is its fierce feminism. Yes, Viola is pissed off for most of the duration of this book, but she has good reasons to be. It is one of the best portrayals I’ve recently read of the genuine hardships of being a young woman, labeled a “b*tch” for sticking up for herself and not being a people pleaser. I liked seeing her character development and seeing her open herself up to the relationships in her life. I also liked the queer representation, although I would have liked to see that explored a little more. I have never read Shakespeare’s Twelfth Knight, so the parallels were lost on me. I liked that the game was Viola’s escape and that the book addressed very real issues of being a woman in traditionally male spaces like in gaming. A sweet YA romance with a strong message, I really enjoyed this read!

This was so, so good. I teach Twelfth Night every year, and this was such a fun adaptation. I loved the parallels between football and MMORPGs, and the ways that Jack and Viola found common ground.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC

Well that was a story. It’s my very first book by this author and it’s definitely gonna be my last.
I can’t remember the last time I read about such a terrible MC. Vi was giving major “I’m not like other girls” vibes and nope. It’s 2024.
I think she was supposed to be edgy but she was just plain mean and the redemption arc was so stupid? Like she ended up being portrayed as the victim when she was still a huge part of the problem.
I get what the author tried to do here but the way feminism was described here it sounded terrible. E.g she kept saying that her mother couldn’t really cook bc she was working so much bc she’s such an independent woman. Yay. That’s not what feminism is about. Spoiler alarm: there are feminists that can cook and that’s okay. It’s also okay if you can’t cook but the ability to cook is just irrelevant to feminism.
I liked the BIPOC and queer representation a lot but that’s about it.
Also this is YA and literally every single character sounded like they came straight out of a Jane Austin novel. No teenager talks like that.
Vi was just annoying and the love interest wasn’t any better. They both were just full of themselves and lived in their own bubble of unfair treatment and victim mentality.
The ending was kinda okay and also a bit cute so I’m happy I pushed through but as I said: Vi didn’t deserve to be let off the hook that easily.

Thank you to Tor Teen and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. Super well done re-telling of Twelfth Night that fits with video games and high school and having a happy ending for all involved. Viola and "Duke" felt like people you actually see out in the world with some exaggeration that you expect in a teen romance. The game sounded like it would be super fun to actually play and something you could very easily become obsessed with, given the time. It was a quick read but a good one. 4 stars.

Honestly I don’t think there will ever be a book Alexene/Olivie writes that I don’t enjoy. The way she crafts characters is so special whether in the adult or ya genre. I can really get a feel for the people she writes and it’s such a strong aspect of her writing. I thought this book was so cute and would definitely recommend!

In "Twelfth Knight," Alexene Farol Follmuth crafts a delightful YA romantic comedy that seamlessly blends the allure of online gaming with the complexities of real-life relationships. Viola Reyes, known online as Cesario, finds solace and empowerment in her MMORPG alter ego, a knight who embodies everything she wishes to be: confident, skilled, and respected. Follmuth skillfully navigates Vi's journey as she grapples with societal expectations, friendships, and the unexpected allure of Jack Orsino, both online and offline.

Set against the backdrop of high school politics and personal growth, "Twelfth Knight" explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the power of connection. Vi's struggle to reconcile her online persona with her real-life self resonates deeply, especially as she navigates the complexities of friendships and budding romance. Follmuth's writing is witty and heartfelt, capturing the essence of teenage uncertainty and the thrill of discovering oneself amidst the chaos of adolescence.

The chemistry between Vi and Jack is palpable, whether they're battling monsters in Twelfth Knight or navigating the awkwardness of school dynamics. Follmuth masterfully weaves humor and tenderness throughout the narrative, making the characters' journey both relatable and immensely enjoyable. As Vi learns to embrace her true self and Jack grapples with unexpected feelings, readers are treated to a heartwarming story of self-discovery and young love.

"Twelfth Knight" is a charming addition to YA literature, offering a refreshing take on friendship, romance, and the power of authenticity. Follmuth's ability to blend gaming culture with heartfelt storytelling makes this novel a standout, perfect for readers looking for a blend of humor, romance, and meaningful introspection.

Alexene Farol Follmuth, also known as Olivie Blake, skillfully weaves Shakespearean magic with the challenges of modern youth in "Twelfth Knight," a delightful YA novel. As a fan of Follmuth's more adult works like "Atlas Six" and "Alone with You in the Ether," I was eager to explore her YA realm, and "Twelfth Knight" exceeded expectations. The story deftly integrates elements of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" into a contemporary setting, emphasizing authenticity and self-discovery amidst societal pressures.

As someone well past her high school years, I approached this YA book with some trepidation, but I was pleasantly surprised. Viola Reyes, our fiercely independent protagonist, navigates high school life with a determination that resonates deeply. Her journey, filled with challenges like sexism in gaming communities and the weight of expectations, is both relatable and empowering. Follmuth portrays Viola's resilience in confronting these issues admirably, illustrating that strength lies in staying true to oneself.

Jack Orsino, grappling with setbacks from a football injury, adds a heartfelt layer to the story. His transformation from star athlete to a gamer exploring the virtual world of Twelfth Knight is poignant and engaging. The evolution of his relationship with Viola unfolds naturally, devoid of the clichés typical in YA romance.

What distinguishes "Twelfth Knight" is its adept handling of serious themes—such as sexism and self-discovery—with a light-hearted touch. The banter between characters is witty and endearing, grounding the narrative in authenticity. Follmuth excels in forging meaningful connections and evoking genuine emotions from her readers.

The seamless fusion of Shakespearean essence into a contemporary context is masterfully executed. Unlike retellings that feel forced or overly referential, "Twelfth Knight" effortlessly integrates its plot and characters into a narrative that feels wholly original. Viola Reyes, the grumpy yet fiercely determined protagonist, drew me into her world of MMORPGs and cosplay with such authenticity that I found myself rooting for her at every turn. Her struggles with gender stereotypes in gaming are portrayed realistically, resonating with many readers.

Additionally, the incorporation of gaming and roleplaying elements feels natural and integral to the story, showcasing the author's deep understanding and respect for these subcultures. Unlike narratives that awkwardly insert such themes, "Twelfth Knight" integrates them seamlessly, enriching rather than detracting from the story.

The slow burn romance between Viola and Jack stands out as a highlight of the novel. Unlike many romance stories that rush into unnecessary drama due to misunderstandings, 'Twelfth Knight' takes a refreshing approach. For once, the characters demonstrate emotional maturity, understanding that open communication can prevent needless complications. This realistic portrayal deepens their relationship organically throughout the novel. Their witty banter and evolving camaraderie are both entertaining and heartwarming, culminating in a satisfying romantic payoff.

In conclusion, "Twelfth Knight" is a charming blend of romance, self-discovery, and Shakespearean homage that will appeal to fans of both classic literature retellings and contemporary YA fiction alike. Follmuth's skillful storytelling and nuanced character development make this a must-read for anyone seeking a heartfelt and immersive narrative.

Readers who appreciate well-developed characters, witty dialogue, and narratives that seamlessly blend contemporary issues with classic literature will find "Twelfth Knight" to be a captivating and rewarding read.

I really wanted to love this as someone who plays D&D. But I just could not get into it. I tried multiple times to pick this up.