This was such a fun read, and full of heartfelt scenes that had me rooting for the characters. Definitely would recommend this and can't wait for more books by the author.

A heartfelt teen romcom that beautifully explores the journey of finding your identity and standing up to parental expectations. Maya, the main character, is someone readers will undoubtedly root for, as she navigates the complexities of friendships, new romance, and family dynamics with authenticity and charm. Perfect for fans of Queen, musical theatre, or anyone who loves a good coming-of-age story.

3.5/5.

A moving coming of age story all around music and growing up. I loved how easily likeable the characters were and quickly found myself rooting for them. I especially liked the relationship between Maya and Lucie and how Maya grew to be a better friend. Definitely a book I would recomend and read again.

A lovely, messy, teenage story with a cast of young people finding their own voices while asking what would Freddie do. There is musicals, standing up to bullies, friendship, potential love interest, families, and people trying to do the best for each other.

The Mercury In Me was a fun and sweet young adult contemporary novel about growing the confidence to embrace who you are and what you want from life.

This a lovely, messy, teenage story with a cast of young people finding their own voices whilst asking 'What Would Freddie Mercury Do?'!
When Maya finds out that Freddie Mercury was British Indian, just like she is, she's inspired to look behind the version of herself that her family expects, and (slightly against her better judgement) joins the cast of the Queen-inspired musical.

There is musicals and standing up to bullies and friendship and a potential love interest and families, and people trying to do the best for each other and for themselves even if they don't always make the right moves.

As a big fan of Freddie Mercury (as we all are), this instantly appealed to me, and it didn’t let me down. It was a (mostly) lighthearted story about a teenager finding her voice, learning to be true to herself and standing up for what she wants. I especially loved how they were behaving like teenagers, made the choices teenagers would make and were a little messy sometimes. I had a lot of fun and it did remind me a lot of Never Have I Ever, one of my favourite TV shows, just as promised.

This is a fun, light hearted growing up story for teenager readers and up. My daughter says I’m old and it made me feel young again. Lots of familiar themes including, a sweet romance story with multicultural expectations throwing a spanner in the works, a mean-girls school vibe, a realising you have forgetting friends in the heat of growing up and what to do about it and especially a high school musical explosion of showing who you can be. Thank you to UClan Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

If you are looking for a Queen themed, heartwarming coming of age book about defying the expectations, this is it!

It's also perfect for fans of When Dimple Met Rishi. I found the books had similar vibes and main character personality traits, although the plots are worlds apart.

I found the pacing a bit mixed at times, and the story beats hit at slightly different times than I expected, but I found the book wholly original and a beautiful story to add to the currently sparse representation Indian British teens get in books.

The Mercury In Me was a fun and sweet young adult contemporary novel about growing the confidence to embrace who you are and what you want from life.

The book follows top student Maya, a British-Indian sixth form student intent on acing her qualifications and studying medicine, as she gets drawn into the Queen-inspired school musical and begins to embrace her creative side. In channelling her inner Freddie Mercury, Maya embarks on a journey of what it means to be British and to be Indian at the same time, and how she can reconcile her wants with those of her traditional family.

Maya has to go through the typical teenage turmoils of bullying, misunderstandings and friendship dramas, and she also has a frustratingly realistic will-they-won't-they with musical superstar Harry, which definitely has its cute moments. The wider collective of friends were nice additions, even if the bullying side story was incredibly clichéd.

Overall, an enjoyable quick read that I am sure many teens will find something of themselves in.

As a teacher, I know young people can be cruel and spiteful and immature, but the level of mean girl attitude from Candice and the lack of adult intervention just in the first chapter had me raising my brows. However, once the flagrant bullying passes by, the story picks up quickly and becomes a musical love-fest.

"What would Freddie Mercury do?" is the refrain that runs throughout this book, and it's the perfect question for these uncertain and overthinking teens.

Maya is told she needs to loosen up, and her chance meeting with the handsome school theatre star Henry leads to an audition for the drama club's performance as well as lots of flirtatious banter. It's not all sunshine and smiles though, as both Maya and Henry struggle with the expectations placed on them by their families and the 'shame' of not fulfilling the desired cultural roles. I really liked the balance between teen humour and fears of the future, and thought it captures that post-school crossroads really well.

The romance was sweet, but at times became saccharine and over the top. The confession scenes felt too melodramatic and really drew me out of the moment. The dialogue elsewhere is very natural and playful though, and I enjoyed getting to know the characters when they have one on one interactions - especially Lucie.

This story reminded me of my own theatre experiences, capturing the love forged between the cast and the exhilaration of performing so well. It also shows how things are not always black and white and that communication is the surest way to finding a solution. If you like YA books, rom-com vibes, multicultural and intergenerational divides, or school drama, this book is for you!

I so wanted to love this, the premise is great, but the dialogue is clunky in places, and the love story just didn’t quite land right - it all happens too fast so the pacing feels off.