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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
There are many spot on reviews that actually do this book justice. I can not hope to be nearly as articulate so I'll just ramble on.
This one starts with a bang, I literally sat staring at the page with my mouth open, a real WTH moment.
From there the roller coaster ride just keeps going. This book is, as the author says, a teen Bourne Identity. The action is packed and fast paced. The twists and turns had my head spinning. But sadly the underlining story was only too real.
Isidore will capture your heart. From the first time we meet him to the last he will hold your heart as it breaks over and over. But he will also leave you in awe of all he survives and the strong boy/man he really is.
Declan is a champion. You will be cheering him on every page. If only the world had a few more like him in it. The way he adores Isidore and shows his love will leave your heart beating a happy tune lol.
The cast of characters in this book bring each page to life. I cried, I laughed, I sighed in happiness, I cringed in disbelief, I got angry and I got scared. In short I ran every emotion possible.
This author really knows how to write excitement. The climatic ending had me on the edge of my seat. He is also only the second author to satisfy me with an ending that fits. I can't say more as it is a major spoiler, but once you read this you will know exactly what I mean.
As an action adventure story this is gripping, but its also a hard book to read when you acknowledge that there is far to much fact mixed in with the fantasy.
Books like these need to be available in schools the world over. They show that Dragons are defeatable.
This one starts with a bang, I literally sat staring at the page with my mouth open, a real WTH moment.
From there the roller coaster ride just keeps going. This book is, as the author says, a teen Bourne Identity. The action is packed and fast paced. The twists and turns had my head spinning. But sadly the underlining story was only too real.
Isidore will capture your heart. From the first time we meet him to the last he will hold your heart as it breaks over and over. But he will also leave you in awe of all he survives and the strong boy/man he really is.
Declan is a champion. You will be cheering him on every page. If only the world had a few more like him in it. The way he adores Isidore and shows his love will leave your heart beating a happy tune lol.
The cast of characters in this book bring each page to life. I cried, I laughed, I sighed in happiness, I cringed in disbelief, I got angry and I got scared. In short I ran every emotion possible.
This author really knows how to write excitement. The climatic ending had me on the edge of my seat. He is also only the second author to satisfy me with an ending that fits. I can't say more as it is a major spoiler, but once you read this you will know exactly what I mean.
As an action adventure story this is gripping, but its also a hard book to read when you acknowledge that there is far to much fact mixed in with the fantasy.
Books like these need to be available in schools the world over. They show that Dragons are defeatable.
Because of my work on the 2016 Stonewall Book Awards, I cannot publish my opinions on any children's or YA book with LGBTQ+ characters or themes. I may update these reviews after the announcement of the 2016 Stonewall Book Awards.
If you have enjoyed other C. Kennedy books, you will probably appreciate this one. This has his iconic characters, the abused young man (Isidore), his protective boyfriend (Declan), and an array of family and friends. The issues are serious and dramatic, and the tone has a hint of a modern day dark fairytale, in the lush language, the array of good and evil, heroes and villains.
By far my favorite character here was Sorcha, Declan's mother. She is a uniquely vivid character with a lot of facets - smart, amazingly forgiving, fiercely protective and yet relaxed about her son's sexuality and even his sex life. She has faced tragedy and stayed strong, but she is also capable of being angry, profane, silly and wild. She's small, but a real force of nature, and yet she makes a couple of significant mistakes as the story plays out, keeping her from being too perfect. She shines on the page. I wish every teenager could have a Sorcha in their corner when life gets tough.
There is a strong theme of sexual abuse throughout this story, both past and present, and the plot is a wild roller coaster of dramatic and violent action. Against this backdrop, the boys develop a fast and intense relationship. I felt like I was missing some of the shades of grey of real life here, but the rush of events carried me through, eager to find out what happens next.
By far my favorite character here was Sorcha, Declan's mother. She is a uniquely vivid character with a lot of facets - smart, amazingly forgiving, fiercely protective and yet relaxed about her son's sexuality and even his sex life. She has faced tragedy and stayed strong, but she is also capable of being angry, profane, silly and wild. She's small, but a real force of nature, and yet she makes a couple of significant mistakes as the story plays out, keeping her from being too perfect. She shines on the page. I wish every teenager could have a Sorcha in their corner when life gets tough.
There is a strong theme of sexual abuse throughout this story, both past and present, and the plot is a wild roller coaster of dramatic and violent action. Against this backdrop, the boys develop a fast and intense relationship. I felt like I was missing some of the shades of grey of real life here, but the rush of events carried me through, eager to find out what happens next.
Graded By: Brian
Cover Story: Small Press Win
Drinking Buddy: Santé!
Testosterone Level: Get a Room
Talky Talk: Take It Down a Notch, Boys
'Bonus' Factor: Male on Male Rape
Bromance Status: Cutest Couple
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Small Press Win
Drinking Buddy: Santé!
Testosterone Level: Get a Room
Talky Talk: Take It Down a Notch, Boys
'Bonus' Factor: Male on Male Rape
Bromance Status: Cutest Couple
Read the full book report here.