The Kings of Beacon

by Mike Jakubowski

All James wants to do is coast through senior year under the radar, after his mother Penny relocated them to Beacon the day before school started. But his plans are thwarted on day one after he crosses paths with Grady Tomlinson, Beacon High’s star quarterback. And, somehow, James finds himself unexpectedly on the football team.

With more and more time together, James begins to fall for Grady. All this while learning to navigate the social circles of Beacon and actively avoid Penny and her boyfriend Ralph, the town pariah and religious zealot. Should he just risk everything and tell Grady how he feels, or play it safe?

An incredibly funny and touching story of first loves, friendships, and chaotic family life, The Kings of Beacon is a triumphant debut novel by Mike Jakubowski.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, LGBT

318 pages, Paperback

Published March 12, 2024

Reviews

[Mike Jakubowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote The Kings of Beacon, so I may be a bit biased.

Over the last three years I’ve spent a lot of time with James, Grady, and the cast of characters that make up Beacon. I hope readers enjoy this book as much as I did writing it.

[Tara Troiano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down!

I picked up this book not knowing what to expect from a new writer, but the story almost immediately captivated me and the words seemed to flow in a way that, before I knew it, I was more than half-way through the book.

A great story about love, family, friends and life. I'm looking forward to seeing what this writer comes out with next.

[Molly DePaiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!! I started to read it because I know the author, but I kept reading it because it was good!! The ups and downs of high school, sports, and family. This story had it all! I highly recommend!!!

[Mel Vollano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I know the author from running & didn't know he was this talented of a writter. Great story, kept me entertained. I finished it in 2 days. Heartwarming. READ IT!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book! From the minute you start reading you are pulled into the lives of the characters. By the end, they feel like they could be your friends. The plot was wonderfully paced, with delightful twists and turns. The author seamlessly incorporated witty moments and sad, tears flowing moments throughout the book. It is a novel you can't help but smile when you think about. "Because the world can always use a little more friendship, love, understanding, compassion, and selflessness. Thank you." I can't wait for the next novel from Mike Jakubowski and absolutely look forward to more from the world of Beacon.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This debut YA novel was a joy to read. By the end of the book, I felt so close to the cast of characters, especially the main character James, that I wanted to stay in their world. I also appreciated that while the author didn’t shy away from the ugly reality of living in this world as an LGBTQ youth, he was also able to make the story more than that and show that terrible events can lead to healing, love, and empathy. I’m glad to read in the authors note that this won’t be the last time we hear from The Kings of Beacon!

[Jpm Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Kings of Beacon. Sports, love, kind characters,horrible characters friendship,and the growth of a teen finding their way in a sometimes difficult world. A heartfelt story. This is a first novel form this author and I can see ( especially in Penny:15 years ago chapter) a sense of what a fine writer this author is growing into. Well done!!!!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not expect to love this book as much as I did. An absolutely great coming of age story, with terrific well developed characters. I laughed and teared up, experiencing all the emotions. Great debut novel!

[Nicole M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Loved Loved!!!

[Aleasha Coburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel did not disappoint. I felt all the feels reading this book. At points forcing myself to put it down because I do need sleep. As a person that has lgbtq+ members in my family the book opened my eyes to a little of what they may have gone through growing up. I highly recommend this book, it is a must read.

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This powerful love story revolves around a cult-like religious 'camp' and two very different families.

James has lost much of his childhood, and in this debut novel by Mike Jakubowski, he comes into focus as he moves to yet another new location and enters yet another school. He is welcomed by a guy who turns out to be the star quarterback.

Grady is kind and caring—unlike James at home, where his mother leaves a box of mac and cheese on the counter with a note before heading out. Jakubowski depicts that first day at a new school, a surprising recruitment for the football team's kicking squad, and the amazement that James, who has never played organized sports, can kick the ball. He and a girl make the team, scoring point after point each week.

However, his mother never attends the games, and his growing relationship with Grady comforts him, as does his bond with Grady's supportive parents, who welcome James into their home.

Jakubowski has clearly watched some football, as he wraps up the season with intriguing plays that make James a star. In the meantime, Jakubowski's relationship with Grady evolves and encounters a challenge during the formal dance. It is unclear why this happens, as it feels like a trope to extend the page count.

James's mother's relationship with the cult-like leader leads her to plot having her son taken to the 'camp' for anti-gay treatment (or rather abuse). Her past and what happened to his father come to light. Prison is her destiny, while Grady likely saves James from a devastating fate, resulting in a happy ending.

The story is good, though it has some inconsistencies. A skilled editor could have resolved these issues, but overall, Jakubowski has promise for some great stories. Let's hope he also gets a grammar and spell checker and some assistance to ensure the plot lines stay consistent.

[Shar Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

The YA genre is a crowded field, but Jakubowski's debut novel stands out among the noise. There's a definite lack of LGBT fiction in this genre--while the field is improving, his book exemplifies both the teenage resilience and values I'd like every young adult to emulate. The characters are compelling and relatable, the scenery vivid, and the plot is both gritty and understandable. Dealing with real teenage issues like sports, family dynamics, assault, religion, and love--this is the book all of our children should read, and their parents should sneak pages in while their kids are at school.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful and ugly

I read a lot. I am writing this review after a marathon of reading. I couldn’t put it down. Thank you Mike for saying we will hear more about Gradey and James. I for one, and I am sure most other readers of this book, want to hear about them at UCLA. I taught for 39 years. This book made me think of so many students I knew who were experiencing much of what James experienced, maybe minus some of the worst parts. This book needs to be read. It is excellent.

[Ash White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It was well paced, the plot was good, and it actually made me care about the caricatures… the graduation speech was kind of boring cause it was just a recap of all the things that we already knew + some extra, but it was kind of important so that the author could tell you what they wanted you to get out of it. I also didn't like the third act break up, but what can you do.

favorite quote(s)
"it’s okay to suffer a bit when it will help someone else, and others, to a better life.”" - page 239.

[Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s definitely a must-read! It’s a coming-of-age book that has a perfect blend of everything you would expect from a great book with some unexpected twists and turns. It left me tearful, rageful, and hopeful. The writer has a knack for weaving in humor and so many relatable moments. Oh, and let's not forget about the drama and unexpected discovery at the end. It's truly a page-turner! I can't wait for the second book???!

[Katey Baruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Kings of Beacon truly impressed me with its exceptional storytelling. The characters are so well-developed, and the evolving storyline kept me on the edge of my seat. The tone struck a perfect balance between sweetness, suspense, sadness, and hope, delivering thought-provoking messages throughout. I found myself laughing, crying, and feeling a surge of anger—all signs of a truly engaging read. Needless to say, I was completely hooked and couldn't bring myself to set it aside.

[Meowmeow · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was literally so good like. and frankly, as a gay guy being the minority that reads these types of books, all i can say is the fear of being abandoned or betrayed by your loved ones is very real. AND PROOOPS TO THE AUTHOR FOR MAKING GRADY'S PARENTS LIKE THAT, LIKE VERY UNREALISTIC IN MOST CASES BUT MY GOD THE JEALOUSY I FELT... However James and Grady are horrible at communicating and yes most gay guys are like that, like i couldn't understand wtf theyre arguing about omg just makeout bruh

[JAEGR Rancourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I really enjoyed getting to know these fully formed and complicated characters. I was not expecting much, as I do not normally read YA, but wow does this deliver! I could easily see this book made into a very compelling movie. It is engaging, sweet, scary, funny, and a completely unexpected gem of a debut novel by Mike Jakubowski. Bravo!

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Kings of Beacon is a beautifully written coming-of-age novel, with interesting characters and a plot and voice that flow smoothly. I couldn't put this book down and read it over 2 days (while I was quite busy, but I wanted to keep coming back to it!) Mr. Jakubowski has written an outstanding first novel and I am anxious to read future books from this author.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, Mike, especially for your first effort. You touched on a WHOLE bunch of complicated issues and explained them very very well, and Grady and James and the entire supporting cast (yes, all those characters) played their parts very very VERY well. I honestly hope this is just the beginning of an illustrious writing career.

[Nick Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

The relationship was really sweet, even though the story explore some dark themes.

I enjoy an instant connection story, so I liked the fact that James and Grady immediately hit it off the first time they met! It was cute to see Grady so fiercely defend and look after James, even before they were an item.

I also really love found or chosen family, in this case it was a little on the extreme side (with Penny and a violent cult), but the fact that James’ chosen family stepped up was beautiful.

The friendship group, Chloe and others, were really cool and I liked James’ bosses at the bar too - it highlighted the support that queer people offer each other.

I think the thing I liked best was the relative lack of drama around the fact that James and Grady were in a gay relationship - there was the usual teenage worry about what others might think, but they largely took it in their stride and stuck together.

Overall, this remained a sweet, happy read even though there were some rough moments.

🏈🏆

[Winifred E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put The Kings of Beacon down! The characters, the story line, the tone, and the messages..all very thought provoking and compelling. I had "all the feels" while anxiously turning the pages. Excellent book for everyone!

[Rob Hawk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I highly recommend that you read this book and you will find that you can really appreciate the characters in this story. For a new author I can't say anything but to make sure to follow him, as he is destined for a bright future.

[Ben Pound · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

Such a captivating and interesting story with James as the kind of anti hero that makes for a great character in what I hope is a movie about this book in the future. A touching love story with great twists and developed characters. I highly recommend this book.

[Shawn E Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book

This was a fast read with shot chapters. Couldn't put this book down. The chapters seemed, and things happened very fast. I hope the author has more books like this one 😊

[Brian Frauenknecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. I loved this book. It is sooo good. I laughed and I cried, and it was just an amazing book, that I did not want to put down or for it to end. I really hope we get to see more of James and Grady and the rest of the crew in Beacon.

[thomas tout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected

Genuinely an unexpected book. Despite the synopsis saying its a comedy it does have it fair share if darkness which makes it just so much better cant wait to read what else this amazing author comes up with!!

[Bonnie Lees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written book with a a few unexpected twists in the story that kept me wanting to read on . Hopefully I will see more writings from this author .

[Tammy Comeau Nadeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great coming of age book the I think everyone in some way can relate to. Great character development. I really enjoyed reading it and read it in under a day.

[Jennifer Laber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t say enough. This book was not what I expected. So many surprises. So all of it so effing GOOD!