Manipulation

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Kelly really didn't want to go first. It didn't seem fair, Anne had four extra years to come to terms with herself surely she could be the one to test the waters? Well, perhaps she just needs a nudge? Or perhaps an accidental mention in a document no one is meant to read? Something her mum might happen to find?

A companion book to Instrumental, can be read as its own story but I think really works best after reading the first book.

Information

Status: Completed
Year: 2021
Author: FooBarTrixieBell

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.8/ 5.0
Followers: 10
Views: 5,314

Chapters(10 total)

Reviews

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Community Reviews(2)

AfsurpRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
While there are some parts that could be improved upon, overall this is a good story and is a good behind the scenes view of the Kelly’s perspective that is missing in Instrumental. Although I would have liked this story to be expanded further and for it to go more in depth about Kelly, I really enjoyed reading what was written so far in both this story and Instrumental
BielnaRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Manipulation is a sometimes fun, sometimes serious story about young Kelly. I loved this story for its ability to keep the reader captivated, as well as its delicate, sometimes painful touching of the subjects of coming out, coming to terms, and maintaining relationships.
The story is overwhelmingly carried by Kelly's personality. In Chapter 2, I thought of her as a "bundle of chaos" and this description held true. Kelly's characterization is a great mix of competence and ignorance, of being sometimes socially adept and other times unable to express herself when it matters. Her rebellious behavior is strongly marked, yet of little consequence in the end, instead strengthening her personality. And finally, she is often clashing with others, whether it's her family, close friends or extended circles. The reason for that are more often than not justifiable, but she still makes many mistakes. This makes Kelly a very interesting protagonist: clumsy as fitting for a teenager but in a way that feels honest rather than frustrating.
Romance is, of course, a strong part of Kelly's story. The main focus is on her own feelings as she falls in love and hopes for her feelings to be returned, unsure and scared of how much she can hope and reveal to others. At the same time, romance is also present among other characters, and Kelly observes them sometimes with support, sometimes with jealousy. This has an obvious effect in how she reacts to her family and friends, making progress yet not in an easy or painless way. Importantly, Kelly grows throughout the story and is much more mature, in love and friendship, by the end.
Regarding the romance part, one important thing to note
is that the end of the story does not conclude on a romantic note. Kelly has come out to her friends and family, but her feelings have not been returned. While it is not a bad ending, and there are certainly hints that she has a good chance to find a girlfriend in the future, the story ends on a note of maturit