So. I'm not a creator...unless you count one very small blog...and I'm certainly not an influencer. However, I did, once, have alopecia. I was lucky, and it never progressed beyond the initial spot; it's grown back in now, and even while it was there my hair is thick enough to cover it. It wasn't a fun time, though.

It's a feeling that Byrony, who has suffered alopecia on and off for years, captures beautifully in this new book. There are increasing numbers of reads out there about the dangers of social media and influencer culture (though Bryony beautifully shows us the upside as well in the character of Zal) but few have looked at it from quite this angle, and it makes for an amazing read.

I'm still not sure how I feel about Sorcha, which is probably the sign of a good character. I did think that Jen and Barb made up a little bit easily. But all is forgiven with that triumphant ending scene, which I just want to keep and reread on a bad day. It's amazing.

This is a great read and a really clever way to update a fairy tale. Highly recommended.

This was such a good YA debut! I really loved how the reality of social media fame is shown as it’s not often spoken about. Barb’s personal growth during her journey with alopecia was well written and I enjoyed seeing her come out of her shell. I also liked how her relationship with her aunt was explored. The modern twist on Rapunzel was really cool to see as most fairytale retellings are in a fantasy setting rather than a contemporary; it was executed really well and felt organic! I loved how this book had a positive approach on alopecia and raised awareness for it too.

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the DRC!

I loved this Rapunzel retelling, especially with the focus on social media influencing which is of course so prominent now; funny and self-aware, if a little far fetched, this is a well-written book about growing up in the public eye and how lonely that can really be.