Opposites Collide: A twist on Romeo and Juliet set in our hybrid world (Hybrid Films Book 1)

I’m genuinely torn between giving this 1 star or just pretending I never read it. The book constantly mentioned a mysterious “crisis,” but never once explained what it actually was or why it supposedly forced people to become hybrids. At first, it seemed like humans had no choice but to convert - but then, out of nowhere, the author goes, “Wait! Some people chose to stay human.” So… was it life-or-death or just a lifestyle trend? I kept waiting for answers that never came. Spoiler alert: they never do.<br/><br/>The whole family rivalry? No backstory, no nuance. We’re just told these two families hate each other—deal with it. Then two characters who are in love with each other die by suicide over this vague feud and a barely-developed romance. No suicide notes, no emotional build-up, no impact. It just… happens. And you’re left thinking, ““Wait… what?”<br/><br/>This was supposed to be about two people going on a movie date—that’s what sold me, something new, something exciting - but that part barely existed. A page in the beginning, a page at the end, and honestly? If those were removed, it wouldn’t change anything. The “date” felt like a gimmick like a cheap hook with no real purpose.<br/><br/>And honestly? This was Romeo and Juliet in a weak sci-fi costume. Same forbidden love, same family drama, but none of the emotional weight or originality. It didn’t expand on the classic or reinterpret it meaningfully. The main leads end up together, sure, and suddenly the rivalry just disappears… with no explanation at all?<br/><br/>I kept reading, hoping it would all come together. It didn’t. I finished this book confused, underwhelmed, and kind of mad I didn’t DNF it.<br/><br/>Final verdict: A hollow dystopian Romeo and Juliet retelling that forgot to explain itself, build emotion, or even deliver on its own premise. Hard pass.