Literature Reviews - 2025

Review: Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

Introduction

Kacen Callender’s Felix Ever After is a young adult novel that delves into themes of identity, self-discovery, and love. This powerful, emotionally charged book follows Felix Love, a Black, transgender teen navigating relationships, friendships, and societal prejudices while exploring his own gender identity. Since its publication in 2020, the novel has received critical acclaim, earning high praise for its raw, authentic portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of a marginalized youth.

Plot Summary

Felix Love has never been in love, despite his ironic last name. While he takes pride in his identity, he fears that being Black, queer, and transgender makes him unlovable. His life takes a turn when an anonymous classmate posts his deadname and pre-transition photos in a public space at his summer arts school. Determined to uncover the culprit, Felix sets a revenge plan in motion, which inadvertently lands him in a complicated love triangle. Amid this chaos, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, questioning not only his romantic interests but also his gender identity.

Character Development

Felix is a deeply compelling protagonist. Callender’s portrayal of his vulnerabilities, anxieties, and resilience is profoundly realistic. Felix’s internal struggles—his fears of being unworthy of love, his complex relationship with his father, and his evolving understanding of his gender—make him a multifaceted and relatable character.

Ezra, Felix’s best friend, is a standout secondary character. His unwavering support, combined with his personal struggles and privilege as a wealthy, cisgender queer teen, adds depth to the novel. Their friendship is beautifully written, providing moments of warmth and levity amidst the novel’s heavier themes.

The love triangle involving Felix, Ezra, and Declan is handled with nuance, making it feel less like a cliché and more like an exploration of relationships in a close-knit LGBTQ+ community. Unlike typical YA love triangles, the dynamics between the characters are fluid, complicated, and deeply emotional.

Themes and Representation

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its unflinching exploration of identity. Rather than centering on Felix’s “coming out,” the book focuses on his continuous journey of self-discovery. He begins to question whether “boy” fully encapsulates his gender identity, leading to a rich, thought-provoking discussion about labels and their significance.

The novel also addresses intersectionality, highlighting how Felix’s experience as a Black, transgender person differs from that of his white queer peers. The presence of a TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist) character underscores the unfortunate reality that discrimination can exist even within the LGBTQ+ community.

Additionally, Felix Ever After sheds light on various social issues, including online harassment, emotional abuse, class privilege, and parental acceptance. Felix’s relationship with his father is particularly poignant—his father supports his transition in some ways but struggles to use Felix’s chosen name. This nuanced depiction of an imperfect but evolving parental relationship feels authentic and emotionally resonant.

Writing Style and Narrative Structure

Callender’s writing is both poetic and raw, immersing readers in Felix’s emotional landscape. The prose is direct yet lyrical, effectively capturing the intensity of teenage emotions. The novel’s pacing mirrors Felix’s internal chaos, making for a gripping read that seamlessly blends introspection with external conflict.

The inclusion of art as a central motif enhances the narrative. Felix’s dream of attending Brown University’s art program, his struggles with his portfolio, and his use of art as a form of self-expression all add layers to his character and deepen the novel’s thematic resonance.

Criticism and Controversy

While overwhelmingly praised, some readers have noted that the book can be emotionally exhausting due to its unfiltered depiction of transphobia, racism, and bullying. The heavy subject matter might make it a difficult read for some, particularly those who have experienced similar marginalization.

Additionally, a few critiques focus on Felix’s at times frustratingly impulsive decisions. However, these moments of immaturity are realistic for a teenager navigating trauma and self-doubt, making him all the more believable as a character.

Final Verdict

Kacen Callender’s Felix Ever After is a deeply moving, thought-provoking novel that offers much-needed representation for transgender and nonbinary youth. Its exploration of love, identity, and resilience is both heartbreaking and uplifting. While it doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, it ultimately delivers a message of hope, self-acceptance, and the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people.