I went into The Favourites not knowing what to expect. Maybe it wouldn’t be my cup of tea but it was my December Goldsboro Premier pick so I put my trust in the team at Goldsboro and settled in. I was perhaps expecting some ice-skating drama, but what I got was so much more – a twisted web of ambition, obsession and complicated relationships that kept me turning pages way past bedtime. Layne Fargo absolutely nailed the documentary-style narrative, and this book is perfect for anyone craving a dose of high-stakes drama wrapped in scandal and heartbreak.
What I Loved
- Complex, Flawed Characters: Katarina Shaw is one of those characters you love, hate, and can’t stop thinking about. She’s unapologetically ambitious, fiercely determined, and makes choices that leave you yelling at the page (but you still root for her). Her bond with Heath Rocha is volatile yet gripping; their relationship feels so raw and real that you flip-flop between begging them to stay together and praying they cut ties. I loved how Fargo didn’t shy away from showing the ugly side of ambition. Katarina’s selfishness isn’t glossed over – instead it’s laid bare, forcing you to wrestle with how much you’re willing to forgive in pursuit of greatness.
- Immersive Writing and Structure: The alternating narrative structure – jumping between documentary interview scripts and Katarina’s personal story – was so cleverly done. The documentary snippets felt like a well-timed drumbeat, building tension and filling in the gaps with scandalous behind-the-scenes whispers. The short chapters kept the pacing tight, and Fargo’s writing completely immerses you in the world of elite ice dancing.
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: This book doesn’t play it safe with relationships. Katarina and Heath’s bond is intense, and their push-pull dynamic feels so physical its almost tangible. There’s love, there’s betrayal, there’s sabotage – and it’s all wrapped up in layers of complicated emotions that make you question everyone’s motives. Even secondary characters felt fleshed out, adding layers of tension and intrigue.
My Reflections
For me, The Favourites read like Wuthering Heights with a dash of tabloid scandal thrown in. Fargo doesn’t shy away from the toxic side of fame, and the story does get heavy at times – especially in the final stretch, where the emotional weight threatens to overwhelm the pacing. I did find myself wanting Katarina to just…stop. Give up. Rest. But that’s what makes her story so powerful; her relentless drive makes her impossible to look away from.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. If you are fascinated by messy, complicated relationships, or just want a gripping page-tuner with Olympic-level drama, The Favourites is for you. It’s an intense ride, but one well worth taking – just be prepared for the emotional bruises you’ll carry once you put it down.
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