Merrick Fenlow: This book reminded me of classic American moral dramas. The conflict isn’t just external, it’s internal, grinding, and deeply personal. Justin’s attempts to rehabilitate young offenders were inspiring, but also heartbreaking in their futility against larger forces. What made the story resonate with me was the way the author balanced the big picture corruption with the smaller, more intimate family drama. The sheriff’s compromises felt inevitable, which made them all the more tragic. And Justin’s family tension particularly with his brother and wife hit hard because it showed how ideals don’t exist in a vacuum; they strain the very fabric of daily life. The prose is lean and unflinching, perfectly suited to the story. It’s not a book that tries to charm the reader. Instead, it challenges you, asking uncomfortable questions about justice, loyalty, and what it means to hold the line when everyone else is giving way. For me, that’s what made it unforgettable.