Half Mast: A Novel

by Christopher Null

Alex lives the life of a typical suburban kid, until his first day of high school brings the wrath of the school bully and star football player, Steve. After years of abuse, Alex turns the tables on his tormentor, hatching a slow and brutal plan to end Steve's tortures for good. But will Steve's murder really make life any better for Alex? And what if he actually gets away with the crime? Half Mast is a haunting and powerful tale of revenge... and the inevitable remorse that comes with it.

Paperback

First published July 1, 2002

About the author

Christopher Null is an award-winning writer best known as the founder and editor-in-chief of the websites Filmcritic.com and Drinkhacker. A working journalist and editor for more than two decades, he was the founding editor of Mobile PC Magazine and today regularly contributes to WIRED.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

We know from the book's blurb that Alex kills his high-school bully, Steve. What we don't know is when or how that happened.

The story in "Half Mast" is told completely through journal entries made by Alex in adulthood. We are able to see the bullying through his eyes and see why he went to such extreme measures. We are also able to see the aftermath of his decision.

I was sucked into this book pretty quickly. I found myself caring about Alex and wanted to see how everything unfolded. My only annoyance with this book was the lack of chapters. The journal entries allowed for plenty of good stopping places like the end of a chapter does, though. I just switched my Kindle from showing "time left in chapter" to showing page number.

I won this book from Goodreads. I would like to thank both the author, Christopher Null, and Goodreads for the opportunity to read this book.

[Farrah Elaraby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just finished this late last night, Alex has been on my mind ever since. I loved the ending, even though it made me feel a little incomplete and empty. Such a great plot twist, and extremely easy to relate to. 4.8/5

[Emi · Rating 5 out of 5]

G R E A T Book ! ! ! One of the first books that got me into reading.

[Arisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank both the author, Christopher Null, and Goodreads Giveaways for the opportunity to read this book.

This book is interesting, as I knew from reading the description that Alex, the protagonist, wants to kill his highschool bully, Steve. I also liked that it was told via journal entries from an adult Alex's point of view.

The ending was great, but the book dragged on and on during the beginning and middle. Overall, this book could have been much shorter in my opinion, but it was a good and quick read.

[Kerwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

First book I sourced thru social media, pre-Facebook era. Author signed my copy. The discovery was the most impressionable part of the experience.

[Kelly Fitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was out of my reading comfortable zone but it sounded interesting. I signed up for a good reads giveaway and won. This book did not disappoint.

[Patricia Ibarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a story about bullies and high school victims. We see how Alex, the victim, gradually changes until he breaks down and is determined to take drastic action.