The Gay Teen's Guide to Defeating a Siren (#1)

Wagner's book, which is apparently the first in a series, is what happens when you combine the plotbunnies of "What if one of those gay conversion therapy camps was scamming the parents and all the kids inside got to grow up in a secret supportive environment instead?" and "What if Hogwarts had queer students?" The similarities to the Harry Potter books jumped out at me right away -- the principal is an appealing, fatherly figure who's hiding things about magical bad guys from the students, the [...]

I have to confess. I read one of the very, very, very first drafts of this book (from what I understood, there were several) and I very much enjoyed it. However, I enjoyed the final version even more! Blaize Trales (yes, that's his real name) is a gay teen in a small town. This is not an idyllic situation. After a series of unfortunate events, Blaize is sent off to Sanctuary Preparatory Academy - one of THOSE schools. But as it turns out, life at Sanctuary is anything but ordinary and far from w [...]

I've never read a book in the "Gay/Lesbian" category before, and when I learned that the story was mainly about teens and preteens, I wasn't sure what to expect. What I got was a magnificent story about teenage angst, awkwardness and friendship. Yes, the fact that most of the characters were gay was the main theme of the book, but the story wasn't really about that, specifically. It wasn't that they were homosexual, it was that they were different and as such, were the unjust targets of bullyin [...]

4.0 of 5 stars – Light-Hearted, Gay-Friendly Twist on Conversion Therapy.I love gay YA and supernatural tales, and this had a wonderful, whimsical, even symbolic storyline to go with it.I was fooled (even though it was in the blurb, so not a spoiler here) by the opening premise of glbtq teens having to get healed, only to find out that the institution was a front with a pro-glbtq agenda (the first of several twists). And what a humorous twist it was that played in multiple ways. But there was [...]

The Gay Teen's Guide to Defeating a Siren was a fun glbtq YA story with a wink-wink nudge-nudge and a slight supernatural twist. I had fun with the author about his inside joke of the main setting appearing to be a healing center for glbtq kids, but in reality it was a sanctuary supporting their identities. Yet it was not immune to issues amongst the teenagers of cliques, bullying and peer pressure. And it also wasn’t immune to the typical coming-of-age compounded by coming-out issues with fam [...]

I loved this book! It's a humorous sci-fi-ish/fantasy-ish/not-realistic-ish book about a gay kid who accidentally comes out of the closet and gets sent to a "pray away the gay" camp. Little does he know the danger that awaits him there. The good thing is he has a superpower. He's gay.Y'all, I freaking loved this book. I won't tell you anymore, lest I give too much away. I just have to say, go support a self-published author and order this book. It's not in any way offensive to religion (he manag [...]

Found this book via social media, took a chance, and loved it. Literally every page had an enjoyable detail or twist, very imaginative and interesting. Nice if you're in a reading rut (which I was). Looking forward to the next book by this author.

This book took me through the entire gamut of emotion. A story about teens trying to understand their sexuality, but done in a playful way with loveable characters. Can't wait for book II.

This book, the story and these characters are making me want more i Blaized though the book (pun intended) What ever happens to anybody its a amazing read!At the first few pages i was reading what the book is about i was confused. Read on i would say!!!The book is great and make you feel things, anger/hate/love/confusion/amazement.I cant wait for the second book.Go on writhing Cody, you are amazing! XXX

It was overall a good book, I really didn't expect the ending.I felt that there wasn't enough of the supernatural thing through the book, but it's mainly because you need to correctly set things up for the next book and it's better paced this way.The characters are good, the main one is annoying. Oh boy, is he annoying! Still very relatable.Actually, I found many of them annoying, but the characterization was good. The ending is sad, but there's more to come.I think the representation of PTSD is [...]

I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book through a GoodReads giveaway. Gay teen books tend to be mediocre in my opinion when it comes to creating a believable teen main character. I'm happy to say that this book has a very realistic main character who not only struggles with his feelings but makes mistakes that every typical human makes each and every day. From talking to himself, saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, neglecting his best friends, and over thinking basic situations, Blai [...]

Why I began reading the book: Shira Glassman described it as "what happens when you combine the plotbunnies of "What if one of those gay conversion therapy camps was scamming the parents and all the kids inside got to grow up in a secret supportive environment instead?" and "What if Hogwarts had queer students?"' Sold. What happened when I finished the book: I had to go hide in a corner and try not to cry because I had waaaaay too many feelings during the end. I want the sequel to come out yeste [...]

Okay, even though this is not a long book, or even remotely approaching densely written, this was a bit of a slog. Nothing actually seems to happen until about 3/4 of the way through, and the plot was fairly thin. I know it's got a bit of the "first book in a series" thing going on, but so little happened in this that, for me, it didn't do the job of setting up any anticipation for the next book. We didn't find out enough about the supernatural stuff to be interesting, and none of the characters [...]

Cody Wagner's debut novel is a must-read. His main character, Blaize, must navigate all the pitfalls of adolescence--but with the added angst of coming out of the closet and facing the disapproval of many of those close to him. When his parents decide to enroll him in Sanctuary Prep, a "pray away the gay" boarding school, Blaize thinks he's hit rock bottom. But once he arrives on campus, he's in for surprise after surprise. The book has a definite Harry Potter vibe. Blaize thought he was alone, [...]

Oh, this is just so cute. The writing level and content is solidly for early/pre-teens (and my rating is based on that audience), but it works on multiple levels within that genre.First of all, Wagner tells a fun and witty story about a group of kids figuring out themselves, their relationships, and what it’s like to be different - yet not so different after all. The book might be especially meaningful to a kid who has come out or who is questioning their orientation or identity, but everyone [...]

First, I would like to say that this book is for everyone, not just LGBT youth. The Gay Teen's Guide is really a condemnation of bullying of any sort and both teens and adults will relate to its positive messages. I found myself falling in love with its wonderful characters and a subtle story line that combines teen frustrations with a unique and original plot that will enchant modern readers. This celebration of all that is human inspired a roller coaster ride of emotions in me as I read. I can [...]

I won this book in a giveaway. Really good story.

I think it's great!

Loved it!!!!!!!!!