I got my ARC copy of the book digitally in exchange for an honest review.
Off the bat, it was an easy and pleasurable read. When the author billed it as a YA story, you can definitely see the elements of it from the age of the characters, the setting, and the emotions that the author tries to bring out by way of his characters.
Like every other teen, Tyler is one that embodies it from his having to grapple about who he is and his place in society as a reflection of what he wants versus what is expected of him to do. We all went through the same thing and Tyler's case reflects that. What compounds his awakening is his realization that him being gay not only affects how he sees himself but also how he conducts himself in the real world, along with his friends and family.
I like how the author writes simply and makes every chapter a delight to begin as well as a race to finish so that you get to the next one. As one reviewer did say, while English may perhaps not be the author's primary language, it is still an accomplishment in itself to put his debut work out into the real world and that alone deserves our applause and congratulatory remarks. Get past that and you will have an enjoyable read and would easily categorize the book as something that sits along the established worlds of Riverdale, Vampire Diaries, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and other shows of the same ilk.
It is always a PLUS when a Creative sees their way to the finish line and releases what they have created.
Had I been a teen when I read this, I would've thanked the author immensely. Reading this now I still thank Felix for writing the character of Tyler's grandfather, Bruno. Here is a character that I wish every gay man had in their life when they were coming out. I know I would've been all the better for it if I had a grandfather like Bruno. While his journey to accepting the world around him is written in between the pages, his support and devotion, as well as acceptance of Tyler is one that all gay men and women need, during one's journey to self-acceptance.
The author has successfully brought me back to my days of my youth and I am interested to see what he does next in his follow-up book as revealed at the end. This book is recommended for readers who wish to suspend reality for a bit, as all books do, and go back to a time in their youth when they were questioning themselves, the world, and what was expected of them.
As an adult, the world still requires something, if not much, from us and we are no more different then than how we are now. These days gay men and women are lucky to have the support they have and in the book, Tyler is lucky to have Walt and Trish, the same way as I have my own in my life.
Whether it be Pride month or during any time of the year, give this book a try or recommend it to someone in the Community who needs it and is on the same journey as Tyler. They will thank you for it.