Reviews with content warning for Murder - Promise Boys

Reviews tagging 'Murder'

Promise Boys by Nick Brooks

34 reviews

doll2021's review against another edition

challenging emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Promise Boys is a YA thriller/mystery focusing on three students, J.B., Ramon, and Trey, who are all students at a prep school accused of killing the principle and founder of the school. The book explores the complex dynamics that exist between students, between students and teachers, and how things are not always like the seem. This book artfully explored systemic racism of how all three students were treated by the public, press and the police. It also showcased that situations can be misinterpreted as malicious based on preconceived notices. There are many points throughout the book where one of the students does something that is perceived as suspicious by privileged students at other schools and by the police that is actually innocuous or hinting at other issues, like abuse and bullying. Brooks does an amazing job at pointing out that you never know what is going on with someone and how easy it can be for teenagers to mask what is really going on. The audiobook of Promise Boys enhanced the reading experience by giving all of the characters distinct voices. When listening you could really feel what was happening and form a deeper connection with each character as they navigate both a difficult time in life, coming of age, while also fighting off accusations that could forever ruin their lives. This book also highlights that forming connections as young adults is important but also hard. Not only was this book poignant, but the mystery element worked really well. The pacing worked well and there were many twists and turns as J.B., Ramon, and Trey put all of the pieces of the puzzle together. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat, desperately wanting to know what happens next.

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anarmandameg's review against another edition

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4.75

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bookishmillennial's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial

I listened to the audiobook and omg, if that is accessible to you, please opt for the audiobook! It's so damn good. It's so wonderfully produced and one of the best audiobooks I've read ever!!! These are the narrators:

Nick Brooks with Alfred Vines (Narrator)
Brad Sanders (Narrator)
Christopher Hampton (Narrator)
Anthony M. Lopez (Narrator)
Eliana Marianes (Narrator)
Hannah Church (Narrator)
Henriette Zoutomou (Narrator)
Jaime Lincoln Smith (Narrator)
Maria Liatis (Narrator)
Renier Cortes (Narrator)
Suehyla El-Attar (Narrator)
Xenia Willacey (Narrator)

Three young men of color from the Urban Promise Preparatory School are accused of murder when their principal is found dead. To prove their innocence, Ramon, JB & Trey must find and unveil the real murderer!

I was truly on edge throughout this entire book, even though some parts felt strictly about character-building and getting to know these kids. However, the narration was top notch, kept me so engaged, and I rooted so hard for these characters to prove everybody wrong! Whomever produced this audiobook needs to produce more YA thrillers/mysteries because this was so dang entertaining!

Also, make this a movie! Thank you!

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ashylibrarian's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This is a great book. It very much gives The Hate U Give meets One of Us is Lying. Nick Brooks masterfully draws attention to the despicable systemic racism and inequality that too many young Black and Brown folks (especially male-presenting) face in the United States educational system. Brooks created more than just a young adult mystery - he created a symphonic call-out to systemic inequalities.

Brooks also touches on pretty much everything a young adult mystery should touch on. There was drama. There was Romance. There were shady characters. Characters that made you question your judgment.

I had my assumptions about who the killer was about a third of the way through, but with all of the distractions and character perspectives, I could never be 100% sure. I think that part of this was due to all of the POV changes. I don't often love a book that changes POV so much because it feels like it is easy to become lost, but how Brooks wrote the multiple POVs was smart, intentional, and full of depth. Each main character was so dynamic, and the supporting characters fit into the plot like perfect puzzle pieces.

I am always happy to recommend this title to readers!

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lil_wavy_'s review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Loved this audiobook

• I was like Nancy Drew tryna figure

out this murder mystery. It's a a quick if you want to read this book as well. Keyanna came in clutch in this book and that's all l'm gonna say about that . I enjoyed listening to the book with a full cast as it portrayed every characters POV. I was honestly not surprised on how it ended since it was kinda easy to pinpoint the plot ending.

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