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A review by lydiareads247
Compound Fracture by Andrew Joseph White
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
5.0
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for granting me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
This is the second book I've read by Andrew Joseph White and I really have to place his debut higher on my tbr because he never disappoints.
"Compound Fracture" takes place in a small town where Miles Abernathy's family has a long blood-stained feud with the sheriff's family, one that he's trying to end - by finally having the upper hand. However, what he thinks will seal the case in his favor only makes it worse and lands him in the hospital, unveiling a series of events involving riots, gunshots, punches and murder, all the while unearthing some truths about the past.
First, I'd like to highlight the Miles' autism and how it was shown in a complete different light than in "The Spirit Bares its Teeth", which I don't think is easy to do. In queer terms, Miles' coming-out story brings me to tears and anger because of a certain scene that, while realistic, still pisses me off every time. On this matter, I must highlight two things: first, Dallas. I love me a non-binary iconic character that is so understanding and loveable you just want to hug them; second, (and I knew this AS SOON AS Miles mentioned romantic interest), ARO REPRESENTATION. I will read anything A-related. I will support all of the agenders, all of the aros, all of the aces. I am here for it. Being aroace myself, I will follow any representation I can get my hands on and it matters every single time. And the fact that the author didn't link aro and ace, but separated them? This means the world to me.
In short, as for the characters, I really liked Miles and I adored Dallas, I wish they had a little more appearances but I am content with what I was given. I adored Lady, I'm her number one fan. And to that one character I do not want to mention (also because spoilers), I knew you sucked from the start, I never trusted you and you got what you deserved.
Secondly, this book is more political oriented than the author's other books, which is, in my opinion, fantastic. I know it's explicitly said that Miles is a socialist (good for you hon) and knowing this, I knew it would be fair to assume that it would also be a commentary on the system that we currently live in and on capitalism in general. And I was right. I could write a full essay about this, solely based on this book, but I will sumarise: what the author could do, he did wonderfully, the commentary is just enough, without it ever feeling as if there are loose strings. The final pages really dig it in.
Lastly, I was on the edge of my seat to find out more not just about the blood feud and its roots but about Saint Abernarthy and the exact terms of what happened in the mines. Andrew Joseph White delievered and I gasped and told all my friends about it.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this book and I will be buying it and rereading it in the near future. I recommend it to everyone who wants a somewhat fast-paced story about the power of the working force and the people, mixed with a sense of justice (possibly results in murder and several injuries) and adorable platonic relationships.
This is the second book I've read by Andrew Joseph White and I really have to place his debut higher on my tbr because he never disappoints.
"Compound Fracture" takes place in a small town where Miles Abernathy's family has a long blood-stained feud with the sheriff's family, one that he's trying to end - by finally having the upper hand. However, what he thinks will seal the case in his favor only makes it worse and lands him in the hospital, unveiling a series of events involving riots, gunshots, punches and murder, all the while unearthing some truths about the past.
First, I'd like to highlight the Miles' autism and how it was shown in a complete different light than in "The Spirit Bares its Teeth", which I don't think is easy to do. In queer terms, Miles' coming-out story brings me to tears and anger because of a certain scene that, while realistic, still pisses me off every time. On this matter, I must highlight two things: first, Dallas. I love me a non-binary iconic character that is so understanding and loveable you just want to hug them; second, (and I knew this AS SOON AS Miles mentioned romantic interest), ARO REPRESENTATION. I will read anything A-related. I will support all of the agenders, all of the aros, all of the aces. I am here for it. Being aroace myself, I will follow any representation I can get my hands on and it matters every single time. And the fact that the author didn't link aro and ace, but separated them? This means the world to me.
In short, as for the characters, I really liked Miles and I adored Dallas, I wish they had a little more appearances but I am content with what I was given. I adored Lady, I'm her number one fan. And to that one character I do not want to mention (also because spoilers), I knew you sucked from the start, I never trusted you and you got what you deserved.
Secondly, this book is more political oriented than the author's other books, which is, in my opinion, fantastic. I know it's explicitly said that Miles is a socialist (good for you hon) and knowing this, I knew it would be fair to assume that it would also be a commentary on the system that we currently live in and on capitalism in general. And I was right. I could write a full essay about this, solely based on this book, but I will sumarise: what the author could do, he did wonderfully, the commentary is just enough, without it ever feeling as if there are loose strings. The final pages really dig it in.
Lastly, I was on the edge of my seat to find out more not just about the blood feud and its roots but about Saint Abernarthy and the exact terms of what happened in the mines. Andrew Joseph White delievered and I gasped and told all my friends about it.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this book and I will be buying it and rereading it in the near future. I recommend it to everyone who wants a somewhat fast-paced story about the power of the working force and the people, mixed with a sense of justice (possibly results in murder and several injuries) and adorable platonic relationships.