A Different Kind of Brave

by Lee Wind

"Thrilling. Positively thrilling." —Kirkus Reviews

Nicolas "Nico" Hall is sixteen when he escapes from Dr. H's religious gay reprogramming institute in California. On his own, he assumes one identity after another to avoid recapture as he flees south to Peru and then to Mexico.

Seven days older than Nico, Samuel "Sam" Jonas Solomon is a privileged Upper West Side only child who idolizes James Bond. When his heart is broken, he vows that, like Bond, he's never going to trust in love again. Then he meets Nico, and his heart won't listen to any logic.

Nico's survived by living only for himself—until his love for Sam has him risking his freedom for others. And as much as Sam wants to be like 007, he discovers that James Bond is a terrible role model.

Together, Nico and Sam set out to free the other teens trapped in Dr. H's Institute, plunging readers into perils, drama, and a long-shot chance at love. To succeed, they'll both have to be A Different Kind of Brave.

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Queer, Romance, LGBT, Adventure, Realistic Fiction

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2024

About the author

Lee Wind is the founding blogger and publisher of I’m Here. I’m Queer. What The Hell Do I Read?, an award-winning website about books, culture, and empowerment for Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Questioning, and Queer youth, and their Allies. For over 10 years, readers from 100-plus countries have racked up 2.5 million page views—and counting!
In his “Clark Kent” jobs, Lee is the director of marketing and programming at the Independent Book Publishers Association and the official blogger for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. His Superhero job is writing, inspired by our world’s amazing—and untold—LGBTQ history.
Lee lives in Los Angeles with his husband and their teenage daughter. Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill is his debut novel. Visit him online at www.leewind.org

Reviews

[Drakoulis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet romance and a fun adventure!

A Different Kind of Brave is a thoroughly enjoyable teen adventure which brings two boys from different worlds together in the most unlikely circumstances!

As is the case with Sam's movie hero, James Bond, you have to suspend your disbelief for several parts of the plot, which are too convenient or downright unrealistic (Is Ari working for CIA at high school to be able to do all that?).

Nico's POV is the superior narrative of the book: Nico had a rough life but he has an iron determination, is quick on his feet and makes the most unlikely allies with his charm and his wit. From daring escapes to breathtaking stunts, Nico is the Bond of the story as an enamored Sam proclaims.

Sam is obsessed with the famous spy and wants to have his own happy ending in his personal life, which feels like it's going down the drain. His mindset is very cute and his meeting with Nico and all the time they spend together will make you smile. His chapters are slower at the start and feel a bit dragged on, but the outcome is totally worth it.

If Nico and Sam live their own movie, Lee Wind is a writer from who I would like to read future "scripts". Nico and Sam, like Bond, could have more than one adventure. Right?

Edit: The book is out now!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024 reads:54/124

oops i accidentally missed the publication date (still thanks to netgalley and independent publishers for the arc)
I don't even know why I was putting off reading this for a while because IT WAS SO GOOD
and cute, and sweet, and slightly heartbreaking. how were these conversion therapy things EVER legal?!??!?
i literally love nico and sam sooo much, I was just waiting for them to meet (sam is such an adorable cinnamon roll)
AND WARREN?!?!? AHH!!
I wish I knew about james bond because I feel like it would make this even more amazing?
the format was SO GOOD like sams journal entries and the whole action/spy language at the beginning of each chapter.

also, when the title dropped I gasped SOO CUTE
"'there;s lots of ways to be brave'
...
'a different kind of cliff'
'or maybe...it was a different kind of brave'"

ANYWAYS 5 stars and highly recommend!!

[Pablo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is narrated by two seventeen-year olds: Nico, who has just escaped a conversion therapy "prison" for LGBTQIA+ teens thrown out of the foster system and is on the run, very cleverly putting as much distance as he can from the dangerous doctor running the prison while being forced to take on a different name and identity. And Sam, who comes from a wealthy New York family and is obsessed with everything James Bond, even wearing the same exact outfits worn by the different Bond actors in the movies and driving luxury cars. He's grappling with the fact that their parents' marriage might be on the rocks and he takes on the Bond-style mission to rescue their marriage.

Their fates take Nico and Sam to a beach destination in Mexico where they meet unexpectedly under assumed names and have a romance, as they both struggle with their feelings and secrets. Ultimately, their time together comes to an end and become separated. Nico's past threatens to come back to get him, putting both him and Sam in danger, so they must work to meet again and save each other in a race against time, while Nico also works to expose the doctor and his conversion therapy institute, and rescue the teens who are still imprisoned there.

I have to say I found Nico's perspective was way more entertaining to read than Sam's was, by miles, and that Sam's character was a little underwritten outside of his obsession with James Bond. It felt like Nico's perspective was making better and faster progress. Another thing is that the boys don't meet until halfway into the book. At that point I was beginning to question if the book would've been better with Nico's story alone because I couldn't believe Sam's perspective was of any importance to the story since it dealed with a drastically more mundane situation, his character wasn't exactly likeable (the Bond references got tired very quickly and his rich lifestyle as the only child of a rich family didn't help), and Nico was just easier to root for. After they meet though, is when the book starts to pick up a more exciting pace. The third act... oh boy. Let's just say for a novel in which the author is determined to make spy references as dramatic as James Bond movies, the conclusion felt a little flat for me. Overall, the book is a quick read with swoon-worthy moments that takes the reader over various destinations across North and South America and demonstrates the boys's determination to be their own version of brave and stand up for what they believe. 3.5/5

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

A Different Kind of Brave by Lee Wind is a really engaging and entertaining young adult story. I wavered a little with how to rate this, as there are parts of this story I found just incredibly compelling and I couldn’t put down, and other places that didn’t work quite as well, but I think overall there is really a lot to enjoy here and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the book.

I had some small issues here, mostly concerning Sam’s storyline. But at the same time, I just could not put this book down. Nico’s journey is so stellar and he is such a fascinating character that he more than carried the story for me overall and it makes this a book I can definitely recommend.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Different Kind of Brave is a split-POV, fast paced novel about two boys with very different lives. Nico is locked up in a conversion-therapy institute, a shock collar around his neck. But now he's escaping and is determined to come back to save his best friend, Bec. Sam, however, is a rich Bond-obsessed teen who is dealing with his parents failing marriage and a break up from the boy he loved.

I really enjoyed reading through Nico's chapters, they were emotional and had a good amount of tension and depth. As he digs himself deeper and deeper into a hole, I found myself wondering how he was going to find his way back to rescue his friend and the other kids in the institute. Sam's chapters, especially in the beginning, lacked the pull that Nico's had although I enjoyed his voice and personality.

I had some issues with the pacing, since some of it felt choppy and too convenient. If the characters needed to be somewhere, everyone dropped what they were doing to fly/drive to help without question. Especially when it came to Sam, who seemingly just had a lot of things on hand when they needed them, and he had virtually no parental supervision the entire novel.

There were hints of additional plots at various times that seemingly dropped once the scene was over, and the ending felt rushed and out of place. I enjoyed this book for the first ~65% percent and then started to become frustrated at how quick things were moving.

[Nicole Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Chicago Review Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"A Different Kind of Brave" by Lee Wind offers a unique blend of adventure, drama, and queer representation that will captivate readers from start to finish. This book is centered around an introspective journey the two main characters, Nico and Sam, are on as they learn more about each other and who they are becoming after both dealing with significant trauma. While the book summary makes it sound like this book is more of an action thriller with heists and daring escape, the book is more focused on the character growth of Nico and Sam.

Nico's chapters, in particular, stand out for their emotional depth and tension as he navigates life on the run after escaping from a conversion-therapy institute. His struggles with guilt and inadequacy, coupled with his determination to rescue his friend, Bec, add layers of complexity to his character. On the other hand, Sam's chapters, while engaging, initially lack the same level of intensity. However, his unique voice and personality shine through, drawing readers into his world of family drama; I also liked the look into his James Bond obsession, making him feel like an authentic teenager, and these little, consistent details throughout made me really start to connect with his character.

While the strength of the book lies in its exploration of friendship, identity, and the importance of being true to oneself, the romance is one aspect that needed more development. It develops extremely fast, and the insta-love aspect was a bit lacking in plausibility. Though I do admit this kind of fast-paced romance feels authentic in connection to the strength of teenagers’ emotions.

Despite some pacing issues and convenient plot twists, "A Different Kind of Brave" remains a thoroughly enjoyable read. Nico's daring escapes and Sam's charming naivety make for a compelling story that will have you finishing this book in just one sitting.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Edelweiss.

This was an interesting one! I had mixed feelings so let me explain.

The book has two MCs. Nico has been imprisoned and is being tortured for being gay. It's basically a high tech conversion clinic. At the very beginning of the story, he completes an epic escape and is on the run. I loved the way Wind wrote the escape...it was really exciting and engaging. Once Nico is out in the world, he ends up as a stowaway on a cruise ship. Nico is a sweet soul and helps out Warren, a passenger with ALS. This ends up with a bond between the two character that helps Nico to stay free and out-of-sight.

Sam I found more difficult to connect with. Sam comes from a place of privilege and it shows. The character is a good foil to what Nico is going through. Sam has an obsession with everything Bond... and that got a bit over-the-top for me. Maybe it's because I'm not a Bond fan?

Eventually, Nico and Sam meet up and begin working together to take down Dr. H. And this is where things were a little bit less enjoyable for me.

I felt as though the blurb for this book was misleading as it implies that Nico and Sam meet up and battle the big bad together. While they do eventually get together, it doesn't happen until well towards the middle of the story. They are together briefly, then separated again.

I continued to enjoy Nico's story but just didn't feel the same about Sam's story. While Nico was battling for his life it felt quite different that Sam was on a very different journey. His realization was more to do with toxic masculinity.

Not a bad YA book. Not entirely sure who I would recommend it to... perhaps younger folks who were interested in action.

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a James Bond fan, you are definitely going to need to read this! Sam & Nico are teenage boys growing up on opposite sides of the country and opposite ends of the wealth and privilege spectrum. Sam lives in Manhattan with his very wealthy parents. He is obsessed with James Bond and tries to emulate him in every way. He is upset about his romantic relationships and the relationship between his parents. He tries to Parent Trap them into fixing their relationship (twice), but it doesn't work out as expected. Nico has been moved from foster home to foster home, finally ending up a prisoner in an "institute" designed to "rehabilitate" gay youth. Nico manages to escape with the help of another prisoner, vowing to return for her. Nico and Sam meet up about halfway through the book. This is told in alternating perspectives. While Nico's is high action from the start, Sam's story is a little slower. It is definitely worth reading through the slow bits to get to the action-adventure. Highly recommended for grades 9 & up.

[Allyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel, which I wouldn’t normally choose to read, was provided courtesy of Goodreads Giveaway, prompting me to give it a try. The young adult, LGBTQ+ action-adventure plot was decent and will likely appeal to the YA audience. Two young men navigate their personal issues while confronting the disturbing nature of societal attitudes toward the gay community. From the outset, it was clear that the author intended to incorporate James Bond references; however, their excessive use detracted from the narrative. The editors could have improved the text by limiting these references. A notable aspect of the book is the alternating perspectives of the two main characters, allowing the reader to gain a deeper understanding of their motivations. Although this book was not among my favorites, it has already generated interest among my students, with one having checked it out from my library and others awaiting their turn.

[syd🌺 · Rating 5 out of 5]

ೃ⁀➷ 5 stars.

literally i do not even have words but i will try my best to encapsulate how i feel about this book. as many readers have said before, i don’t need a book that’s realistic, i need and i want a book that is entertaining. a different kind of brave is this and so so much more. it’s the queer spy-esque book that you always wanted, it’s an adventure, it’s heartfelt, and i just knew it would be a five star read. i cannot stress enough how much i enjoyed reading the povs of both nico and sam, and how much i enjoyed their dynamic together! i will probably think about this book forever, it’s just gonna be one that sticks with me. i. loved. this. i am so excited to see what lee wind has in store for the future. 5 FREAKING STARS BABYYYYY

[Karol Silverstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Different Kind of Brave is a total thrill ride with deeply felt humanity, heart-stopping action and a beyond-swoony romance. The way Sam compares himself and his life to the Bond fantasy is both heartbreaking and relatable. Nico’s survivor’s guilt is similarly gut-wrenching. I love how both of these characters have the love and support of wonderfully unique friends. The two points of view offer two very different experiences that seamlessly connect when the time is right. A treat for Bond devotees and novices alike and a heart-pounding joy to read.

The very end of the book seems to be setting up a sequel (please Universe!), so hopefully Lee Wind will get more opportunities to show off his magical author swagger.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters and the pacing of the book.
It kept me enthralled the entire time.
I especially liked how various characters came together to make for a believable and laughable ending.

I look forward to the day when this would be science fiction because theses types of 'programs' would be unimaginable.

The format of the book was unique but easily followed.

I wish Lee Wind much success and I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
A wonderful expansion of 'A Brave New World.'

This book should be on the shelves of every public library and middle school/high school/college library.
I received an ARC from Goodreads.
The duet interlude press from Chicago provided the paperback.

[Nicki Ehrlich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though it’s terrifying to think that Nico, or anyone, would need to escape from a reprogramming institute, the adventure that leads him and Sam on a collision course romance, is a fun James Bond-esque journey that takes them from California through Latin America. You don't have to be a hardcore James Bond fan to enjoy the story of these young gay characters and their adventure, but if you are, you'll appreciate the references to the iconic films. Or better yet, watch the films with Sam and Nico by your side and immerse yourself in the world of espionage and adventure. Find out what it means to be A Different Kind of Brave.

[Kristi Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

High Stakes, High Adventure, Tons of Heart:

A Different Kind of Brave jumps right into action with Nico escaping from a Conversion Therapy facility and vowing to somehow come back and save his friend. Meanwhile James Bond-obsessed Sam has just been dumped by his hot boyfriend. The action never stops as the stories for these two grow closer together and then entwine. Their love story could not be sweeter with a very satisfying ending. This would make a great series.

[cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was SO good. i rarely read ya because it somehow feels rather immature at points, but this is how ya should be done. this was breathtakingly real and poignant at points and i just.... enjoyed it so much and got fully immersed.

[DB (DB's Guide to the Galaxy)]

It was one of those reads where I just couldn’t get into it. Those books where you start and you know that you’re either going to stop reading it or have a really bad time finishing it. I also didn’t like either point of view so I chose to stop reading early on.

[M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like the blurb did not accurately describe this book. It implies some sort of heist or adventure where Nico and Sam free other queer teens from a religious institute.
The actual book is slower, more dramatic. The protagonists do not meet until halfway.
Nico escaped, but has no money and no papers. He sneaks aboard a cruise and lies his way through a life on the run.
Sam is well-off, but his parents are absent, possibly cheating, and leaving him alone with his insecurities and James Bond obsession.

Both struggle with guilt and inadequacy and wish they were someone else. False identities and wishful thinking made for an interesting blend of spy tropes and the age old lesson that being yourself is good enough. The part in the middle where both hide who they are was a great queer take on secret identities.

My main struggle in this book would be the romance. It went from attraction to lasting love too quickly for my liking.
I liked the friendships and internal struggles a lot better? The people both characters meet and the things they learn from them, especially Warren, felt deeper and more meaningful than the love story.