Another book completed in the YA remixed classics! I've been meaning to get to this one as it is a retelling of my favorite Shakespearean play Romeo and Juliet. Although it didn't always deliver, it was solid and more cheerful reimagining.

Teach the Torches to Burn is a reimagining of Romeo and Juliet with the romance focusing on Romeo and Valentine instead of the original story. While the Capulets and Montagues are still feuding in this story, it takes a closer look at identity, self-discovery, and feminism.

What Worked: I LOVED both Romeo and Juliet in this. The background regarding those characters in the original is quite dicey (even though I love the play), but in this we see a Romeo that is struggling to understand his attraction to other men, and a Juliet that is determined to fight her way out of an arranged marriage. Not only did these two characters bode well on their own, but they were a force to be reckoned with when they were on page together. This more vocal, confident Juliet is something that will resonate with teen readers of this generation as opposed to the Juliet that we encounter in the original play. Roehrig did a wonderful job taking the framework of the play and creating something that was modern, relatable, and enjoyable for a newer generation. This is the story that I wish I would have been exposed to as an 8th grader. The budding romance between Romeo and Valentine was also enjoyable even if it happened quick (this stayed true to the original work).

What Didn't Work: While I enjoyed the writing as a whole, I would say that there were certain moments when it became quite dense and wasn't as enjoyable.

Overall, this was a solid retelling! I've been enjoying all of the titles that I've picked up in this series and I'm happy that I was able to add another to my growing list of recommendations for those who want more modern twists on classics.