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Yeah the Boys
A bold, propulsive novel about male friendship and masculinity, set in the world of Holden Sheppard's bestselling debut
Invisible Boys.
Seven years after escaping their rural hometown, the boys – Charlie, Zeke and Hammer – are back, though not as we left them.
Charlie's fighting spirit has faded as he's struggled to make it as a punk musician in Perth. The opening of a new gay bar by Curtis and Ahmed, an older gay couple who have become Charlie's mentors, offers him a different way to make his mark – but the bar's opponents have other ideas.
Zeke is lost. He knows what he stands against – the closeted life and conventional success his strict Italian parents demanded of him – but doesn't know what he stands for. He surprises himself by joining a gay footy is it the mistake his friends think it is, or will playing footy finally give him what he's always wanted?
Hammer has it all – fame and fortune as a star football player – or so he thinks. He's still closeted, and can't stand the AFL stuffing diversity initiatives like Pride Round down everyone's throats, especially his. But when he opens his mouth, he ignites a furore that throws all the boys' lives into chaos.
Unapologetic and unforgettable, this is the story of three boys finding their way back to each other, and finding their own ways to become men.
Seven years after escaping their rural hometown, the boys – Charlie, Zeke and Hammer – are back, though not as we left them.
Charlie's fighting spirit has faded as he's struggled to make it as a punk musician in Perth. The opening of a new gay bar by Curtis and Ahmed, an older gay couple who have become Charlie's mentors, offers him a different way to make his mark – but the bar's opponents have other ideas.
Zeke is lost. He knows what he stands against – the closeted life and conventional success his strict Italian parents demanded of him – but doesn't know what he stands for. He surprises himself by joining a gay footy is it the mistake his friends think it is, or will playing footy finally give him what he's always wanted?
Hammer has it all – fame and fortune as a star football player – or so he thinks. He's still closeted, and can't stand the AFL stuffing diversity initiatives like Pride Round down everyone's throats, especially his. But when he opens his mouth, he ignites a furore that throws all the boys' lives into chaos.
Unapologetic and unforgettable, this is the story of three boys finding their way back to each other, and finding their own ways to become men.
432 pages, Paperback
Published April 28, 2026
About the author
Holden Sheppard
10 books471 followersHolden Sheppard is an award-winning Australian novelist once described as "the lovechild of Rambo and Rimbaud".
A country boy, a weightlifter and a self-proclaimed “bromosexual”, Holden has won acclaim for the raw, blokey honesty of his emotional novels about the modern experiences of Aussie men.
Holden's bestselling debut Invisible Boys - a confessional novel about young gay men growing up in rural Australia - picked up major accolades including the WA Premier's Prize and the Hungerford Award. In 2025, Invisible Boys was adapted as a ten-episode television series for Stan Australia, which was nominated for the prestigious Peabody Awards in the USA and was also nominated for two AACTA Awards in Australia.
Holden's subsequent novels include The Brink – a thriller about young adults grappling with a murder during their schoolies trip – and King of Dirt, a gay bogan love story set in the world of construction workers. Holden's books have won widespread award recognition nationally, including winning the Indie Book Award and Ena Noel Award, and shortlistings in the VIC, NSW and SA Premier's Literary Awards, the Queensland Writers Centre's Adaptable Program and the Australian Book Industry Awards.
Holden's latest release Yeah the Boys is the long-awaited sequel to Invisible Boys. It won the 2025 Minderoo Artist Fund Award and is in stores from 28 April 2026.
Holden has worked as a screenwriter, writing two episodes of the Invisible Boys series. His writing has been widely published in books, journals and the media. He served as Deputy Chair of Writing WA from 2019-2023. Holden is an outspoken advocate for artists' rights, gay rights and men's mental health, for which he was recognised in the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards as a WA finalist in the Australia's Local Hero Award.
Known for a trademark larrikin humour that balances the heavier content of his books, Holden appeared in the 2022 "Bogans" episode of hit ABC TV series You Can't Ask That, was once featured in a bourbon advertisement, and barracks for the Collingwood Football Club.
Born and bred in Geraldton, Western Australia, Holden now lives in Perth's north with his husband and his V8 ute.
A country boy, a weightlifter and a self-proclaimed “bromosexual”, Holden has won acclaim for the raw, blokey honesty of his emotional novels about the modern experiences of Aussie men.
Holden's bestselling debut Invisible Boys - a confessional novel about young gay men growing up in rural Australia - picked up major accolades including the WA Premier's Prize and the Hungerford Award. In 2025, Invisible Boys was adapted as a ten-episode television series for Stan Australia, which was nominated for the prestigious Peabody Awards in the USA and was also nominated for two AACTA Awards in Australia.
Holden's subsequent novels include The Brink – a thriller about young adults grappling with a murder during their schoolies trip – and King of Dirt, a gay bogan love story set in the world of construction workers. Holden's books have won widespread award recognition nationally, including winning the Indie Book Award and Ena Noel Award, and shortlistings in the VIC, NSW and SA Premier's Literary Awards, the Queensland Writers Centre's Adaptable Program and the Australian Book Industry Awards.
Holden's latest release Yeah the Boys is the long-awaited sequel to Invisible Boys. It won the 2025 Minderoo Artist Fund Award and is in stores from 28 April 2026.
Holden has worked as a screenwriter, writing two episodes of the Invisible Boys series. His writing has been widely published in books, journals and the media. He served as Deputy Chair of Writing WA from 2019-2023. Holden is an outspoken advocate for artists' rights, gay rights and men's mental health, for which he was recognised in the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards as a WA finalist in the Australia's Local Hero Award.
Known for a trademark larrikin humour that balances the heavier content of his books, Holden appeared in the 2022 "Bogans" episode of hit ABC TV series You Can't Ask That, was once featured in a bourbon advertisement, and barracks for the Collingwood Football Club.
Born and bred in Geraldton, Western Australia, Holden now lives in Perth's north with his husband and his V8 ute.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
As the author, I want the world to know that a tiny, jocular part of me wanted to title this book either INVISIBLE BOYS 2: ELECTRIC BOOGALOO or 2 INVISIBLE 2 BOYS. However, various alarmed publishing professionals advised me these titles would be deemed crimes against literature and would "hurt book sales" or whatever, and I was implored to reconsider.
So here we are with YEAH THE BOYS - the story of gay men finding their own ways to be men, and a celebration of male friendship, camaraderie, and footy. I humbly and without any trace of authorial bias give it 5/5 stars for being A FKN AWESUM READ. YEAH DA BOIZ!!
And to paraphrase Yogurt (Mel Brooks) from SPACEBALLS (1986): God willing, we'll all meet again in INVISIBLE BOYS 3: THE SEARCH FOR MORE MONEY. ;)
May 22, 2026
As I was reading this book, I was thinking very hard how I was going to review it. Invisible Boys was so important to me and I do think Holden Shepherd is an incredible author - and also genuinely a very nice guy. I guess that’s why I finish this book so disappointed; perhaps it’s my own fault for having the wrong expectations. Invisible Boys felt like a story for everyone while Yeah The Boys is very obviously not written for someone like me. These characters are SO different to who we are introduced to and I did miss who they were - especially Zeke, who I felt so connected to in the first book. He suddenly becomes someone I cannot relate to anymore, but then I sound like Sabrina as I say that and wow I really don’t want to sound like that.
I loved Hammers pov and you can tell that he is what inspired this whole story. From Invisible Boys to this book, Hammer felt very consistent and his storyline was satisfying. Oh Hammer, how you would hate heated rivalry. Also, any mention of Matt had me tearing up every time. Matt I miss u every day.
I did find some of the discussions about what being a real man is like a bit on the nose and found Xavier to be a very cartoonish villain. Clearly Shepherd has seen or dealt with a lot of things like this and has become a bit bitter 💀 But also, I’ve seen what’s happened to the only gay club in my town so. I get it.
Just like the Tool Shed, this book is not a space that I should be occupying but also, I don’t think a book should have to be relatable to be enjoyable and to be frank, I just didn’t enjoy it that much. I will always come back to invisible boys, but I can’t see myself ever picking this up again. Oh well, I’m still glad I got to see what happened to these boys and very clearly I am in the minority of not enjoying it, which I’m glad about.
I loved Hammers pov and you can tell that he is what inspired this whole story. From Invisible Boys to this book, Hammer felt very consistent and his storyline was satisfying. Oh Hammer, how you would hate heated rivalry. Also, any mention of Matt had me tearing up every time. Matt I miss u every day.
I did find some of the discussions about what being a real man is like a bit on the nose and found Xavier to be a very cartoonish villain. Clearly Shepherd has seen or dealt with a lot of things like this and has become a bit bitter 💀 But also, I’ve seen what’s happened to the only gay club in my town so. I get it.
Just like the Tool Shed, this book is not a space that I should be occupying but also, I don’t think a book should have to be relatable to be enjoyable and to be frank, I just didn’t enjoy it that much. I will always come back to invisible boys, but I can’t see myself ever picking this up again. Oh well, I’m still glad I got to see what happened to these boys and very clearly I am in the minority of not enjoying it, which I’m glad about.
April 30, 2026
"Coming out is not the end of a story, or a universal balm. Life goes on after we're out, and life can be hard. If you ever feel like a munted pancake, before or after coming out, just know you still matter."
-Holden Sheppard (in the acknowledgements at the end of the novel).
This novel was propulsive and enthralling, and I tore through it at a rate of knots. Alongside the unashamed sexuality and celebration within this novel, Sheppard writes a love letter to queerness and masculinity, and how these facets of identity intersect. 'Yeah the Boys', a sequel to Sheppard's first novel 'Invisible Boys' was a wonderful and triumphant reintroduction to the characters of Zeke, Hammer, and Charlie. Where Invisible Boys was targeted at a young-adult demographic, Yeah the Boys ages with its audience, exploring the characters' struggle to fit in with conventional masculinity framed through adult fiction.
This book is unabashedly raunchy, tender, and emotional, and is a far cry from the sanitised representations of gay men presented in media targeted at a heterosexual audience. Most crucially, this book celebrates masculinity as something more broad than heterosexuality and that stereotypical 'machismo' figure. Sheppard champions an egalitarian view of male camaradierie, in which men can be strong, gay, emotional, and macho all at once- no shame required. He explores the complexities of trauma and repression experienced when one limited idea of masculinity is imparted onto men. and represents characters that survive and thrive despite this.
This book is a brilliant instalment in the 'Sheppardverse', and is definitely one of his best books yet!!
-Holden Sheppard (in the acknowledgements at the end of the novel).
This novel was propulsive and enthralling, and I tore through it at a rate of knots. Alongside the unashamed sexuality and celebration within this novel, Sheppard writes a love letter to queerness and masculinity, and how these facets of identity intersect. 'Yeah the Boys', a sequel to Sheppard's first novel 'Invisible Boys' was a wonderful and triumphant reintroduction to the characters of Zeke, Hammer, and Charlie. Where Invisible Boys was targeted at a young-adult demographic, Yeah the Boys ages with its audience, exploring the characters' struggle to fit in with conventional masculinity framed through adult fiction.
This book is unabashedly raunchy, tender, and emotional, and is a far cry from the sanitised representations of gay men presented in media targeted at a heterosexual audience. Most crucially, this book celebrates masculinity as something more broad than heterosexuality and that stereotypical 'machismo' figure. Sheppard champions an egalitarian view of male camaradierie, in which men can be strong, gay, emotional, and macho all at once- no shame required. He explores the complexities of trauma and repression experienced when one limited idea of masculinity is imparted onto men. and represents characters that survive and thrive despite this.
This book is a brilliant instalment in the 'Sheppardverse', and is definitely one of his best books yet!!
May 13, 2026
A great and VERY timely (AFL I’m looking at you) sequel. I love these characters so much.
June 14, 2026
The ups and downs of being in or out, or out and out, continue 7 years after Invisible Boys. The emotional turmoil is still there as the characters come to terms with new and old events and situations. Yeah ALL the boys! - it was great to catch up with them, and so good to find other boys from the Sheppardverse here too.
May 15, 2026
I stayed up all night reading this. Frothed it. 🍻
May 9, 2026
“If I could’ve been I would’ve been your roof forever”
Off the bat Yeah the Boys was not what I was expecting. In the best way possible. But to be honest I also didn’t know what to expect from the boys after all these years.
Of all the boys, the biggest surprise to me was Zeke. But then again as they say it is the quiet ones you need to watch out for 😉
His path is the wildest of the lot, and at times painful to read because you just feel everything he is trying to hide and manage.
Hammer was less of a surprise, his story plays out exactly how you would think. Mostly.
And as for Charlie, man, poor Charlie. He tries, and you want him to get that happily ever after he desperately seeks, but that baggage is holding him down 💔
I throughly enjoyed the other characters from the Sheppardverse (is he? 😂🥁) making their appearances, having their own parts of this story. Seeing the life Jack and Brick made for themselves, how Bray and Mason carry the events of The Brink with them still. But man Xander is the worst 😂 and we all know someone like Xander!
What I love about Holdens books is that they are unashamedly gay. But they stand out from the crowds because they have this grit to them, this roughness that is missing from so many stories about gay men. They tackle tough subjects, they bring in the emotions of loneliness, the tough journey that gay men go through to find acceptance in themselves, to meet that struggle of being a gay man while also fighting against the stereotypes that society wants to pin you to.
This book, for me, is angry, it’s punk, it’s definitely the adult version of Invisible Boys. And I loved it.
Off the bat Yeah the Boys was not what I was expecting. In the best way possible. But to be honest I also didn’t know what to expect from the boys after all these years.
Of all the boys, the biggest surprise to me was Zeke. But then again as they say it is the quiet ones you need to watch out for 😉
His path is the wildest of the lot, and at times painful to read because you just feel everything he is trying to hide and manage.
Hammer was less of a surprise, his story plays out exactly how you would think. Mostly.
And as for Charlie, man, poor Charlie. He tries, and you want him to get that happily ever after he desperately seeks, but that baggage is holding him down 💔
I throughly enjoyed the other characters from the Sheppardverse (is he? 😂🥁) making their appearances, having their own parts of this story. Seeing the life Jack and Brick made for themselves, how Bray and Mason carry the events of The Brink with them still. But man Xander is the worst 😂 and we all know someone like Xander!
What I love about Holdens books is that they are unashamedly gay. But they stand out from the crowds because they have this grit to them, this roughness that is missing from so many stories about gay men. They tackle tough subjects, they bring in the emotions of loneliness, the tough journey that gay men go through to find acceptance in themselves, to meet that struggle of being a gay man while also fighting against the stereotypes that society wants to pin you to.
This book, for me, is angry, it’s punk, it’s definitely the adult version of Invisible Boys. And I loved it.
May 7, 2026
Big thanks to Pantera Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
Sometimes a book will resonate and perforate into a more personal sphere, whether it be a theme, a historical time or event or an experience that triggers this.
In this instance the journey of coming out and accepting sexuality and ultimately embracing natural urges and lifestyles is on point and very relatable. A gritty and emotional update on the lives of Zeke and Charlie ensues.
The guys have been living separately in Perth after leaving their hometown of Geraldton.
A chance encounter at a sauna sparks a reunion that cements the next phase of their journey.
Hammer is now an AFL star and repels any notion of his own truth.
Like many in denial he sparks outrage by making public homophobic remarks. Threatening private messages to out him play havoc as well.
The Gero trio indulge in debauchery, conflict, acceptance and are all haunted by a past that they don’t want repeated.
Finding their own safe spaces, their people and owning who they are play out dramatically and emotionally in a world where bigotry is still rife.
Absolutely loved catching up with the lads as they age and experience new stages of their lives as gay men.
A cross reference to Jack from King of Dirt was also a pleasant surprise.
A nostalgic story for me both in experience and place.
Sometimes a book will resonate and perforate into a more personal sphere, whether it be a theme, a historical time or event or an experience that triggers this.
In this instance the journey of coming out and accepting sexuality and ultimately embracing natural urges and lifestyles is on point and very relatable. A gritty and emotional update on the lives of Zeke and Charlie ensues.
The guys have been living separately in Perth after leaving their hometown of Geraldton.
A chance encounter at a sauna sparks a reunion that cements the next phase of their journey.
Hammer is now an AFL star and repels any notion of his own truth.
Like many in denial he sparks outrage by making public homophobic remarks. Threatening private messages to out him play havoc as well.
The Gero trio indulge in debauchery, conflict, acceptance and are all haunted by a past that they don’t want repeated.
Finding their own safe spaces, their people and owning who they are play out dramatically and emotionally in a world where bigotry is still rife.
Absolutely loved catching up with the lads as they age and experience new stages of their lives as gay men.
A cross reference to Jack from King of Dirt was also a pleasant surprise.
A nostalgic story for me both in experience and place.
June 14, 2026
Yeah the Boys is the brilliant follow-up to the award winning novel Invisible Boys. I came late to Invisible Boys, only reading it last year, but it’s a book I have not stopped thinking about. With such big shoes to fill, I have to admit to being a teensy bit worried about how Yeah the Boys would compare, but I need not have worried. Yeah the Boys was a gripping five star read, that I burned through in a day.
Set seven years after the events of Invisible Boys, we are back with Charlie, Zeke and Hammer. A lot has changed, but there are plenty of things that haven’t. This is the story of them finding their way back to each other and discovering their own ways to become men.
It’s a raw and heartbreaking story that doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff. I love the way Holden shows readers the realities of being a gay man in all its gritty reality. Having chapters from the POV of all three of these boys/men was such a great contrast that kept me reading with a knot in my stomach, so worried that things were going to end badly. I loved all three of these characters equally and enjoyed catching up with their stories and seeing how their pasts growing up in Geraldton were still affecting them all.
Even though there is a lot of heartbreak in this story, there is also plenty of hope and humour too. I adored new characters Curtis and Ahmed and their protectiveness of these lost boys and some of my favourite scenes were set in their welcoming home.
Yeah the Boys was the sequel I never knew I needed, but I’m so glad we got it. Interestingly, this story was actually written before Invisible Boys, but they fit together perfectly.
Set seven years after the events of Invisible Boys, we are back with Charlie, Zeke and Hammer. A lot has changed, but there are plenty of things that haven’t. This is the story of them finding their way back to each other and discovering their own ways to become men.
It’s a raw and heartbreaking story that doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff. I love the way Holden shows readers the realities of being a gay man in all its gritty reality. Having chapters from the POV of all three of these boys/men was such a great contrast that kept me reading with a knot in my stomach, so worried that things were going to end badly. I loved all three of these characters equally and enjoyed catching up with their stories and seeing how their pasts growing up in Geraldton were still affecting them all.
Even though there is a lot of heartbreak in this story, there is also plenty of hope and humour too. I adored new characters Curtis and Ahmed and their protectiveness of these lost boys and some of my favourite scenes were set in their welcoming home.
Yeah the Boys was the sequel I never knew I needed, but I’m so glad we got it. Interestingly, this story was actually written before Invisible Boys, but they fit together perfectly.
May 24, 2026
Excellent book and this reaffirms why Holden Sheppard is my favourite author and that his books are so underrated! I loved the characters (Hammer most of all, his POV was the most compelling), I adored how he has characters from his other book show up, I am obsessed with it all. Xander was a good villain; he felt realistic. Wokeism isn't bad but it can get taken too far. You can't always be a victim. Hammer and Zeke's ending was satisfying; they're no Romeo and Juliet and so it made sense for them. I'm just happy that Hammer's story concludes well; he deserved the final chapter. So many interesting takes and dilemmas. I originally started this as a train book but it was so good it migrated to home book. I find that most sequels fail to justify their existence but this is better than the first book.
June 10, 2026
This book was an easy read that still left me sobbing, I was gripped.
What struck me most was Hammer’s character development and the parallels drawn with him and Matt, so incredibly devastating. I was left overthinking about all the people in my life who are like those two. I remember my first ‘Matt’. The final pages of Matt’s letters shattered me, it made me feel really raw and exposed, almost if I was reading something i shouldn’t have? Maybe too close to home ?
Charlie’s character was still very authentic to the show, he’s so loveable. I also enjoyed seeing how much Zeke had grown.
I did enjoy the “bro” sorta nature of this book and grasp the importance of having more masculine gay voices and stories told. I wish that could be done without the subtle undertones of misogyny though (my reason for one less star).
What struck me most was Hammer’s character development and the parallels drawn with him and Matt, so incredibly devastating. I was left overthinking about all the people in my life who are like those two. I remember my first ‘Matt’. The final pages of Matt’s letters shattered me, it made me feel really raw and exposed, almost if I was reading something i shouldn’t have? Maybe too close to home ?
Charlie’s character was still very authentic to the show, he’s so loveable. I also enjoyed seeing how much Zeke had grown.
I did enjoy the “bro” sorta nature of this book and grasp the importance of having more masculine gay voices and stories told. I wish that could be done without the subtle undertones of misogyny though (my reason for one less star).
May 31, 2026
It took me a little while to get into Yeah The Boys, but once I did, I couldn't put it down. The first half felt a little slow and lacked tension to keep me turning the page. However, I'm glad I stuck with it because the second half delivers in a big way. As the story unfolds, the characters become more layered, the stakes rise, and the emotional weight of the novel really hits home. A beautiful continuation of Charlie, Zeke and Hammer's story!
May 4, 2026
I had hoped this would be as good as Invisible Boys, but my first thought after putting it down is that it surpassed it and made me love the characters more. I cannot articulate properly how much I love Holden’s writing, and how much I appreciate the effort that goes in to ensuring the story never becomes predictable and that the characters are given space to screw up and make mistakes.
June 27, 2026
I very much enjoyed this follow up to Invisible Boys - it had all the trademark features of Sheppard’s writing: raw, gritty, honest and compelling. Fans of Christos Tsolkias would thoroughly enjoy this author - worth 3.5 stars
May 22, 2026
Ok I think I ticked the spoiler on
The first book had me like 'damn' but left me rooting for Zeke and Charlie and had me excited to see what was next for them.
This book Im glad it's over
It was worth the wait, but still parts of it ticked me off and not in a good way.
Zeke turned out to be my least favourite character, maybe because we are similar. I had high hopes for his independence which he got but it felt frustrating. His parents comeuppance was strong and faltered midway to a 'well you can't stay made at family cause it's family'. I get it but doesn't mean I like it.
Then to kill off the one least problematic character who is a POC at that, one of three in the book who where pivitol, Zeke could've went to be honest. I understand Holden's choices, and you write the stuff you want to read.
I just couldn't tell what was self inserted preaching and what was character perspective maybe a bit of both. Referring to acceptance as woke even by queer people came off as white privilege gay man, because everyone in this world of the book seemed to just be heavy with the slurs, and making a point of gay is strictly masculine. And it came off like the inclusion of people of colour was added because it was either pointed out to Holden that his firstbook lacked diversity or the show did a better job of having a more diverse world that's how it hit me; maybe I'm just a lite version of Xander. His character I wanted to see crash out because he was terrible, yet he was flamboyant, another coding thing happening there.
Those gripes that I could go into greater detail is why a star is gone.
The book is well written and engaging and flows smoothly and deserves a read.
The first book had me like 'damn' but left me rooting for Zeke and Charlie and had me excited to see what was next for them.
This book Im glad it's over
It was worth the wait, but still parts of it ticked me off and not in a good way.
Zeke turned out to be my least favourite character, maybe because we are similar. I had high hopes for his independence which he got but it felt frustrating. His parents comeuppance was strong and faltered midway to a 'well you can't stay made at family cause it's family'. I get it but doesn't mean I like it.
Then to kill off the one least problematic character who is a POC at that, one of three in the book who where pivitol, Zeke could've went to be honest. I understand Holden's choices, and you write the stuff you want to read.
I just couldn't tell what was self inserted preaching and what was character perspective maybe a bit of both. Referring to acceptance as woke even by queer people came off as white privilege gay man, because everyone in this world of the book seemed to just be heavy with the slurs, and making a point of gay is strictly masculine. And it came off like the inclusion of people of colour was added because it was either pointed out to Holden that his firstbook lacked diversity or the show did a better job of having a more diverse world that's how it hit me; maybe I'm just a lite version of Xander. His character I wanted to see crash out because he was terrible, yet he was flamboyant, another coding thing happening there.
Those gripes that I could go into greater detail is why a star is gone.
The book is well written and engaging and flows smoothly and deserves a read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2026
This book is so important. It represents a very invisible percentage of the gay men community; those of us who don't fit into the neat little stereotypes. It feels real, and deep, and incredibly hot and horny. The Perth mentions are amazing; from Scarborough Beach to Kings Park to ECU to Charlies. This book is really something special, and I implore every gay man I know to read this; I'm sure you'll walk away hugging it tightly to your chest like I did. There's nothing better than gay camaraderie, and I am so grateful to my fellow gay men who have become like a family to me. Yeah the fucking boys!
May 18, 2026
I loved this book so much I couldn't put it down. All the boys are back and it's bigger than before. Seeing the characters grow so much and their experiences of being gay men is inspirational.
June 28, 2026
YEAH THE BOYS (Pantera Press 2026) is author Holden Sheppard’s much anticipated sequel to his award-winning novel INVISIBLE BOYS, and while you can definitely read this one as a standalone, your experience will be much richer if you’ve read INVISIBLE BOYS first. Same characters, similar setting, but about seven years on. Sheppard’s writing is immersive, gritty, shocking, tender, surprising and warm, and as he traverses the issues he loves to write about – queerness, gay men, what it is to be any kind of man, masculine toxicity, queer allies, being in the closet, coming out, families, friendships and of course, footy – he does so through the eyes of young men struggling to find their place in the world, or even to find their own self-identity.
In the previous novel, the boys were adolescents but in YEAH THE BOYS they have reached their youthful twenties. Zeke, Hammer and Charlie are no longer the tight-knit group they used to be; a devastating tragedy in the preceding book changed everything. But in this book, they are united through a series of coincidences and happenstances (which are not so coincidental when you consider the setting is mostly Geraldton and Perth in Western Australia, a relatively small community).
Zeke continues his ongoing fractious relationship with his proud Italian family, remaining closeted, conventional and unadventurous so as to not bring shame upon those he loves. But as the story develops, he becomes increasingly prickly about these restrictions and when he takes the monumental step of joining a gay footy club, he hopes it will be the welcoming space he’s been searching for. He’s never played football before but this is a club where mateship and inclusion are more important than ball skills.
Hammer has continued his journey as a rising football star with the AFL, a real man’s man on the outside, but inside, still carrying his anxieties and fears about being gay himself. When his club embraces diversity in the most out pride way possible, he speaks against it, worrying he might be outed himself in the process. It’s all too close to home. Speaking up creates a nightmare, not only for him but for all those around him.
Charlie has never quite made his mark as a punk musician, but not for lack of trying. When he joins the bar staff (and shares their home) of his new friends Curtis and Ahmed, he starts to understand the concept of family and inclusion that’s always eluded him, and he begins to heal from his trauma.
The boys are back, but now as young men. Some things are forever the same and some are irreparably different. They each said and did things seven years ago that hurt the others, some they regret, some they stand by. Research shows boys’ brains don’t fully develop until their late twenties though (so I’ve read) and it’s clear that although the boys are older and perhaps wiser, they are by no means wise, fully formed or put together. Each struggles still with self-identity, ambition, relationships, and most of all their sexual desires and needs.
Sheppard’s writing is bold, visceral, no-holds-barred. He speaks with authority and personal experience on a range of issues in a very intimate and authentic way. Some of these issues (like…ahem…footy or utes) may not be issues that resonate with me personally, but that doesn’t detract from the allure of the narrative and the delicate and complex web of relationships he constructs. His writing is explicit, which might be a challenge for some readers, but for others – especially those queer-curious – it will be reaffirming.
Several minor characters appear with distinct gusto. I especially loved Curtis and Ahmed and their loving, accepting but also tough and resilient marriage and their open-armed encouragement of younger gay men. Their ambition in building their bar as an inclusive venue is a triumph but comes with significant challenges from unexpected quarters.
There’s a lot of sex in this book, and it’s hot, heavy, raunchy and unapologetic. But Sheppard interweaves this with warm friendships, tender moments, shy and awkward missteps, regret and yearning. Massive betrayals and unforgettable forgiveness punctuate the story. Sheppard prides himself (I think) in writing about the gay community in a non-homogenous way. Every gay is a different kind of gay, and that’s okay, and to be expected. Readers who have certain ideas about what a gay man looks like, how he acts or dresses or speaks, his hobbies or passions, will have their assertions challenged. Because, in the end, a person is a person, and whether they are gay, or a footy lover, or a car enthusiastic, or a knitter or a musician or a nerd or a politician or an influencer or a family man or a player or any combination makes no difference. Underneath it all, each is a person with needs, desires, hopes, dramas, bad experiences and dreams.
When I read INVISIBLE BOYS I wanted to mother these teenagers, these clumsy, bounding, unsure, passionate children. Now they are young adults, I still want to mother them. They are still growing, still learning, still finding their way. It is a joy to see this aspect and stage of their lives. I’d love Sheppard to write another sequel in seven years’ time to see where they are at aged thirty. These boys, despite or because of their flaws, will capture your heartstrings. And if you are a gay man, this book will resonate, because it is bound to include at least one character in similar circumstances (either physically, mentally or emotionally) to you or someone you know.
In the previous novel, the boys were adolescents but in YEAH THE BOYS they have reached their youthful twenties. Zeke, Hammer and Charlie are no longer the tight-knit group they used to be; a devastating tragedy in the preceding book changed everything. But in this book, they are united through a series of coincidences and happenstances (which are not so coincidental when you consider the setting is mostly Geraldton and Perth in Western Australia, a relatively small community).
Zeke continues his ongoing fractious relationship with his proud Italian family, remaining closeted, conventional and unadventurous so as to not bring shame upon those he loves. But as the story develops, he becomes increasingly prickly about these restrictions and when he takes the monumental step of joining a gay footy club, he hopes it will be the welcoming space he’s been searching for. He’s never played football before but this is a club where mateship and inclusion are more important than ball skills.
Hammer has continued his journey as a rising football star with the AFL, a real man’s man on the outside, but inside, still carrying his anxieties and fears about being gay himself. When his club embraces diversity in the most out pride way possible, he speaks against it, worrying he might be outed himself in the process. It’s all too close to home. Speaking up creates a nightmare, not only for him but for all those around him.
Charlie has never quite made his mark as a punk musician, but not for lack of trying. When he joins the bar staff (and shares their home) of his new friends Curtis and Ahmed, he starts to understand the concept of family and inclusion that’s always eluded him, and he begins to heal from his trauma.
The boys are back, but now as young men. Some things are forever the same and some are irreparably different. They each said and did things seven years ago that hurt the others, some they regret, some they stand by. Research shows boys’ brains don’t fully develop until their late twenties though (so I’ve read) and it’s clear that although the boys are older and perhaps wiser, they are by no means wise, fully formed or put together. Each struggles still with self-identity, ambition, relationships, and most of all their sexual desires and needs.
Sheppard’s writing is bold, visceral, no-holds-barred. He speaks with authority and personal experience on a range of issues in a very intimate and authentic way. Some of these issues (like…ahem…footy or utes) may not be issues that resonate with me personally, but that doesn’t detract from the allure of the narrative and the delicate and complex web of relationships he constructs. His writing is explicit, which might be a challenge for some readers, but for others – especially those queer-curious – it will be reaffirming.
Several minor characters appear with distinct gusto. I especially loved Curtis and Ahmed and their loving, accepting but also tough and resilient marriage and their open-armed encouragement of younger gay men. Their ambition in building their bar as an inclusive venue is a triumph but comes with significant challenges from unexpected quarters.
There’s a lot of sex in this book, and it’s hot, heavy, raunchy and unapologetic. But Sheppard interweaves this with warm friendships, tender moments, shy and awkward missteps, regret and yearning. Massive betrayals and unforgettable forgiveness punctuate the story. Sheppard prides himself (I think) in writing about the gay community in a non-homogenous way. Every gay is a different kind of gay, and that’s okay, and to be expected. Readers who have certain ideas about what a gay man looks like, how he acts or dresses or speaks, his hobbies or passions, will have their assertions challenged. Because, in the end, a person is a person, and whether they are gay, or a footy lover, or a car enthusiastic, or a knitter or a musician or a nerd or a politician or an influencer or a family man or a player or any combination makes no difference. Underneath it all, each is a person with needs, desires, hopes, dramas, bad experiences and dreams.
When I read INVISIBLE BOYS I wanted to mother these teenagers, these clumsy, bounding, unsure, passionate children. Now they are young adults, I still want to mother them. They are still growing, still learning, still finding their way. It is a joy to see this aspect and stage of their lives. I’d love Sheppard to write another sequel in seven years’ time to see where they are at aged thirty. These boys, despite or because of their flaws, will capture your heartstrings. And if you are a gay man, this book will resonate, because it is bound to include at least one character in similar circumstances (either physically, mentally or emotionally) to you or someone you know.
June 27, 2026
An easy and engaging read that continues the stories of Charlie, Zeke and Hammer, first begun in Invisible Boys. Sheppard continues his exploration of gay male identity and masculinity, portraying the lives and experiences of men who have come of age in regional Western Australia. men deeply shaped by sporting culture, rural masculinity, and internalised homophobia.
One of the book’s strengths is its representation of a group of gay men who are arguably less visible in mainstream queer culture. Gay men are often portrayed through a relatively narrow set of stereotypes: camp, theatrical, fashion-conscious, urban, and immersed in contemporary queer culture. Therefore I can appreciate there is a genuine need for stories about rural and regional gay men who don’t necessarily see themselves reflected in those portrayals. Men who would rather spend their weekends playing footy, working on cars, or having a beer at the pub than attending a Pride parade or watching Ru Paul’s drag race.
Where the book lost me somewhat was in its treatment of masculinity. While I understand the authors imperative of representing “masculine” gay men, I often felt the novel was doing more than that. It seemed less interested in exploring different forms of masculinity than in celebrating a very particular masculine ideal. A version of masculinity it seems to me typically associated with heterosexual males. The footy-playing, beer-drinking, tradie “bloke” is often positioned as the standard against which other expressions of gay identity are measured, while campness, Pride symbolism, and more visibly queer forms of self-expression are treated more dismissively.
At times, the message felt less like “there are many ways to be a gay man” and more like “it’s okay to be gay so long as you’re still a real man.” One moment that crystallised this for me was Hammer’s insistence that although he is gay, he is still a “real bloke.” Perhaps this wasn’t the author’s intention, and I may be reading more into it than was intended. I understand not identifying with certain expressions of contemporary gay culture, and there is value in giving voice to that experience. What sat uneasily with me was the subtle implication that only a certain type of “masculinity”redeems gayness, or that being a more “feminine” gay man is somehow lesser.
A camp gay man who performs drag, works in fashion, or hates sports is no less a man than a beer-drinking, cowboy hat-wearing, footy player/ trucker/ tradie, and I wasn’t always convinced the novel fully embraced that idea.
Despite those reservations, I found it a compelling and thought-provoking read, particularly for the conversations it raises about masculinity, friendship, identity, and belonging. As a fan of Invisible Boys, It was also nonetheless interesting to see how these characters developed. Even if I was somewhat disappointed by that direction
One of the book’s strengths is its representation of a group of gay men who are arguably less visible in mainstream queer culture. Gay men are often portrayed through a relatively narrow set of stereotypes: camp, theatrical, fashion-conscious, urban, and immersed in contemporary queer culture. Therefore I can appreciate there is a genuine need for stories about rural and regional gay men who don’t necessarily see themselves reflected in those portrayals. Men who would rather spend their weekends playing footy, working on cars, or having a beer at the pub than attending a Pride parade or watching Ru Paul’s drag race.
Where the book lost me somewhat was in its treatment of masculinity. While I understand the authors imperative of representing “masculine” gay men, I often felt the novel was doing more than that. It seemed less interested in exploring different forms of masculinity than in celebrating a very particular masculine ideal. A version of masculinity it seems to me typically associated with heterosexual males. The footy-playing, beer-drinking, tradie “bloke” is often positioned as the standard against which other expressions of gay identity are measured, while campness, Pride symbolism, and more visibly queer forms of self-expression are treated more dismissively.
At times, the message felt less like “there are many ways to be a gay man” and more like “it’s okay to be gay so long as you’re still a real man.” One moment that crystallised this for me was Hammer’s insistence that although he is gay, he is still a “real bloke.” Perhaps this wasn’t the author’s intention, and I may be reading more into it than was intended. I understand not identifying with certain expressions of contemporary gay culture, and there is value in giving voice to that experience. What sat uneasily with me was the subtle implication that only a certain type of “masculinity”redeems gayness, or that being a more “feminine” gay man is somehow lesser.
A camp gay man who performs drag, works in fashion, or hates sports is no less a man than a beer-drinking, cowboy hat-wearing, footy player/ trucker/ tradie, and I wasn’t always convinced the novel fully embraced that idea.
Despite those reservations, I found it a compelling and thought-provoking read, particularly for the conversations it raises about masculinity, friendship, identity, and belonging. As a fan of Invisible Boys, It was also nonetheless interesting to see how these characters developed. Even if I was somewhat disappointed by that direction
May 6, 2026
YTB is raw, confronting, funny, heartbreaking, and deeply Australian. It captures a version of queer identity that is so often ignored in literature: the queer bloke trying to survive masculinity, mateship, loneliness, desire, shame, and self-worth in a culture that still polices what men are allowed to be.
What makes this novel powerful is that each character represents a different facet of queer identity. Through them, Sheppard explores our insecurities, our pride, our fears, and our hopes. Some characters are loud and unapologetic, others are closeted, confused, self-destructive, or searching for connection. Together, they create a portrait of queer life that feels honest rather than sanitised. These are not polished, idealised representations built to make straight audiences comfortable. They are messy, vulnerable, sexual, lonely, affectionate, defensive, and real.
Sheppard is unapologetic in the way he writes about what it means to be a queer man in modern Australia. There are no bells and whistles here, no carefully curated version of queerness designed around corporate Pride campaigns or respectability politics. Instead, he writes about queer men as they actually exist — flawed, horny, scared, loving, confused, tender, and resilient. The novel is sex positive in a way that feels liberating rather than performative. It challenges the narrow roles queer men are often forced into, both by mainstream society and sometimes within queer spaces themselves.
There is also something uniquely Australian about Yeah the Boys. The language, humour, emotional repression, blokey culture, and landscape all feel authentic. Sheppard understands the tension many queer Australian men grow up with: wanting connection while also trying to survive environments that teach vulnerability is weakness. That emotional contradiction runs through the entire novel.
Most importantly, Yeah the Boys creates space. Space for queer men who grew up in small towns. Space for queer men who do not fit neat stereotypes. Space for desire, confusion, shame, pride, and growth. Holden Sheppard has contributed something important to modern Australian literature by refusing to dilute these experiences. His writing says clearly: queer blokes exist here too, and our stories deserve to be told in all their complexity.
Thank you, Holden Sheppard, for creating that space.
What makes this novel powerful is that each character represents a different facet of queer identity. Through them, Sheppard explores our insecurities, our pride, our fears, and our hopes. Some characters are loud and unapologetic, others are closeted, confused, self-destructive, or searching for connection. Together, they create a portrait of queer life that feels honest rather than sanitised. These are not polished, idealised representations built to make straight audiences comfortable. They are messy, vulnerable, sexual, lonely, affectionate, defensive, and real.
Sheppard is unapologetic in the way he writes about what it means to be a queer man in modern Australia. There are no bells and whistles here, no carefully curated version of queerness designed around corporate Pride campaigns or respectability politics. Instead, he writes about queer men as they actually exist — flawed, horny, scared, loving, confused, tender, and resilient. The novel is sex positive in a way that feels liberating rather than performative. It challenges the narrow roles queer men are often forced into, both by mainstream society and sometimes within queer spaces themselves.
There is also something uniquely Australian about Yeah the Boys. The language, humour, emotional repression, blokey culture, and landscape all feel authentic. Sheppard understands the tension many queer Australian men grow up with: wanting connection while also trying to survive environments that teach vulnerability is weakness. That emotional contradiction runs through the entire novel.
Most importantly, Yeah the Boys creates space. Space for queer men who grew up in small towns. Space for queer men who do not fit neat stereotypes. Space for desire, confusion, shame, pride, and growth. Holden Sheppard has contributed something important to modern Australian literature by refusing to dilute these experiences. His writing says clearly: queer blokes exist here too, and our stories deserve to be told in all their complexity.
Thank you, Holden Sheppard, for creating that space.
June 24, 2026
The sequel to Invisible Boys has arrived, I had the pleasure of buying this book the night I went to Holden Sheppard's panel and of course, read it straight away.
Adimitly current pop culture references aren't my favourite to read in a book and I "gahh'd" a lot.
But outside of that..this book was an insight a cis-woman would never understand.
Elder gays being beaten down by younger gays, so far deep in the closet football trying to ingore pride entering his world yet it backfires negatively for him, and two men trying to find their new found path.
Just like in the first book, I still felt sorry for Hammer. The one whose torn between "traditional masculinity" and being himself, the one who just wants to live, breath and eat, football and make that his personality rather than his sexuality.
Zeke in this one was a massive change. Which Holden had warned us about. Unlike the first book, I wanted to protect Zeke. The young catholic Italian gay boy who ventured out of his cocoon. Unfortunately spiralled into an unhealthy route with substance abuse while entering his slut era.
And Charlie, its been pretty clear on what type of person Charlie has been since day dot but in this one, his certainly holding onto the grief caused by Matt rather than dealing with it.
Xander got annoying real quick but I think society can look at certain people and see their own verison of Xander, so his annoyance is more based on how his a little fake man.
I loved how Jack and Brick appear in this story, becoming almost guidance to both Zeke and Hammer.
While Curtis and Ahmend, adorable! I aboustely loved their insights on their life, not just the history they've lived through but also their relationship, and how they become father figures to their strays.
Oh. Learning that "Come to Daddy" gay Brisbane bar was used as inspiration for the Tool Shed! Aw! I haven't been to come to Daddy yet, but the owners are super lovely via instagram. If your in the west end area, check them out!
Adimitly current pop culture references aren't my favourite to read in a book and I "gahh'd" a lot.
But outside of that..this book was an insight a cis-woman would never understand.
Elder gays being beaten down by younger gays, so far deep in the closet football trying to ingore pride entering his world yet it backfires negatively for him, and two men trying to find their new found path.
Just like in the first book, I still felt sorry for Hammer. The one whose torn between "traditional masculinity" and being himself, the one who just wants to live, breath and eat, football and make that his personality rather than his sexuality.
Zeke in this one was a massive change. Which Holden had warned us about. Unlike the first book, I wanted to protect Zeke. The young catholic Italian gay boy who ventured out of his cocoon. Unfortunately spiralled into an unhealthy route with substance abuse while entering his slut era.
And Charlie, its been pretty clear on what type of person Charlie has been since day dot but in this one, his certainly holding onto the grief caused by Matt rather than dealing with it.
Xander got annoying real quick but I think society can look at certain people and see their own verison of Xander, so his annoyance is more based on how his a little fake man.
I loved how Jack and Brick appear in this story, becoming almost guidance to both Zeke and Hammer.
While Curtis and Ahmend, adorable! I aboustely loved their insights on their life, not just the history they've lived through but also their relationship, and how they become father figures to their strays.
Oh. Learning that "Come to Daddy" gay Brisbane bar was used as inspiration for the Tool Shed! Aw! I haven't been to come to Daddy yet, but the owners are super lovely via instagram. If your in the west end area, check them out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2026
Holden Sheppard continues to treat us to his amazing work as an author and this could well be his finest work so far!
While it’s easy to say that Yeah The Boys is a follow up to Invisible Boys- which duh it is- YTB is so much more then this; it’s a treatise on what it means to be gay and masculinity amongst many other things.
Sheppard presents us via Zeke, Hammer and Charlie all sorts of identities and what it means to be gay- after all if gay is about hot man on man sex, then why does society expect gay males to be a a watered down, socially acceptable version that is not sexual?
Being gay means being attracted to being the same sex- in this case male- and Shepard poses to us the age old question of not only what does it mean to be a man, but what does it mean to be a gay man where society expects it to be a palatable PG version of what THEY (society) expect them to be.
Sheppard also ponders about self identity; with Zeke we see his struggles to accept himself when he thinks he already has, despite his somewhat muted (and short lived) escape and return to Gero.
On a somewhat less deeper but still relevant, we see how Zeke, Charlie and Hammer have drifted apart from each other but slowly return to each other’s orbits in somewhat different ways.
Holden Sheppard is an amazing author; this book has made me cry, laugh and more importantly self reflect on being gay and my own interpretation of being a man and my relationship with the definition of being a man and masculinity.
More importantly, this is one book that I think will sit with me for a a long time- it’s a life changing work.
While it’s easy to say that Yeah The Boys is a follow up to Invisible Boys- which duh it is- YTB is so much more then this; it’s a treatise on what it means to be gay and masculinity amongst many other things.
Sheppard presents us via Zeke, Hammer and Charlie all sorts of identities and what it means to be gay- after all if gay is about hot man on man sex, then why does society expect gay males to be a a watered down, socially acceptable version that is not sexual?
Being gay means being attracted to being the same sex- in this case male- and Shepard poses to us the age old question of not only what does it mean to be a man, but what does it mean to be a gay man where society expects it to be a palatable PG version of what THEY (society) expect them to be.
Sheppard also ponders about self identity; with Zeke we see his struggles to accept himself when he thinks he already has, despite his somewhat muted (and short lived) escape and return to Gero.
On a somewhat less deeper but still relevant, we see how Zeke, Charlie and Hammer have drifted apart from each other but slowly return to each other’s orbits in somewhat different ways.
Holden Sheppard is an amazing author; this book has made me cry, laugh and more importantly self reflect on being gay and my own interpretation of being a man and my relationship with the definition of being a man and masculinity.
More importantly, this is one book that I think will sit with me for a a long time- it’s a life changing work.
June 24, 2026
I have nothing but praise for this book and have been recommending it to so many people. I came to it after falling in love with these characters and Holden's voice in Invisible Boys and was still blown away by how much I enjoyed YTB. It's just so authentically and unashamedly Australian, and authentically and unashamedly GAY. This felt like such a real and raw version of gay culture that I have been missing reading mostly MM and FF romance in the queer story space to date. While YTB certainly has its share of romance (so to speak) and enough sex to keep fans of spicy books happy, I really loved all the different depictions of gay relationships - from self-declared slut Zeke to the older coupled-up Ahmed and Curtis (who by the way were absolutely perfect additions to the cast of characters). Meeting Jack and Brick and Mason from the rest of the Sheppardverse was also wonderful and the characters were used really cleverly to expand the world beyond Gero. I also really loved how Australian this book felt - the language and the jokes and the setting. It just felt comfortable slipping into this world and made me want to read more Australian queer stories that feel like home.
Perhaps my favourite part of the story though, is the journey each of the three young guys goes on to come to terms with who they have become and who they need to be, and all end in such a satisfying place that feels right. On a personal level I really connected with Zeke who needed to find his community to really blossom, unmask and become his truly happy self.
This is probably one of the best queer books I've read in ages and will definitely be re-read at some point in the future.
Perhaps my favourite part of the story though, is the journey each of the three young guys goes on to come to terms with who they have become and who they need to be, and all end in such a satisfying place that feels right. On a personal level I really connected with Zeke who needed to find his community to really blossom, unmask and become his truly happy self.
This is probably one of the best queer books I've read in ages and will definitely be re-read at some point in the future.
June 9, 2026
Después de haberme visto la serie, me intrigaba saber qué pasaría con los 3 protagonistas, y casi que mejor me quedaba sin saberlo.
La historia en sí engancha porque te deja con ganas de saber cómo sigue todo para cada uno de los tres, pero por momentos se vuelve exasperante que no evolucionen y sigan cometiendo los mismos errores. Además, el final queda muy condensado, como si le faltara mucho más por contar en relación con el resto del libro.
Sin embargo, mi principal conflicto no es ese, sino el tema que gira entorno a los tres personajes: cómo deben vivir su vida siendo gays. Cada uno lo afronta a su manera, pero todos coinciden en que no quieren que "los defina por completo y al mismo tiempo sí" -es confuso-. Siento que en un intento de transmitir un buen mensaje, como es validar la manera de decidir el rumbo que quieres darle a tu sexualidad, se invalida a la gente que alza la bandera.
Aparte de todo esto, es una lectura amena, que por lo menos me ha vuelto a enganchar a la lectura después de tanto tiempo, así que algo bueno tiene supongo.
La historia en sí engancha porque te deja con ganas de saber cómo sigue todo para cada uno de los tres, pero por momentos se vuelve exasperante que no evolucionen y sigan cometiendo los mismos errores. Además, el final queda muy condensado, como si le faltara mucho más por contar en relación con el resto del libro.
Sin embargo, mi principal conflicto no es ese, sino el tema que gira entorno a los tres personajes: cómo deben vivir su vida siendo gays. Cada uno lo afronta a su manera, pero todos coinciden en que no quieren que "los defina por completo y al mismo tiempo sí" -es confuso-. Siento que en un intento de transmitir un buen mensaje, como es validar la manera de decidir el rumbo que quieres darle a tu sexualidad, se invalida a la gente que alza la bandera.
Aparte de todo esto, es una lectura amena, que por lo menos me ha vuelto a enganchar a la lectura después de tanto tiempo, así que algo bueno tiene supongo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2026
This book did everything it set out to do, and more. Holden Sheppard has never shied away from complex or difficult themes, and he juggles them again here beautifully. This is a book written by a gay man, FOR gay men- I've never felt so represented in a work of fiction before.
One of the truly impressive feats is, he takes characters that we met in Invisible Boys and shows us where they are almost a decade later, and in that decade, you can feel that they've grown and evolved and become men. We're not just getting the same teenagers ported into a more adult setting, we are seeing the culmination of several rough years, and the toll that can take.
I loved this book, and was even impressed with the cameos and surprises - at no point did it become self indulgent or overly referential - all of the characters were balanced brilliantly, and I can't wait to reread this book and pick up on the things I missed the first time round!
One of the truly impressive feats is, he takes characters that we met in Invisible Boys and shows us where they are almost a decade later, and in that decade, you can feel that they've grown and evolved and become men. We're not just getting the same teenagers ported into a more adult setting, we are seeing the culmination of several rough years, and the toll that can take.
I loved this book, and was even impressed with the cameos and surprises - at no point did it become self indulgent or overly referential - all of the characters were balanced brilliantly, and I can't wait to reread this book and pick up on the things I missed the first time round!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Actual rating 4.5 stars
Yeah the Boys starts off without any lube and keeps pounding your heart into oblivion in the best possible way, right up until you close the book. I absolutely devoured this book and had to physically pull myself away multiple times so that I could do the life things.
I loved seeing Charlie, Zeke and Hammer come into their own and finally feel comfortable in their skin plus having all the characters from Holden's previous books be included made me so incredibly happy (Jack remains my favourite across all the books and I will die on this hill).
I constantly had tears in my eyes for the last 1/3 of the book, swinging wildly from sky high joy to absolute devastation and back again. Totally worth it and I will recommend anything written by Holden.
P.S. fuck Xander
Yeah the Boys starts off without any lube and keeps pounding your heart into oblivion in the best possible way, right up until you close the book. I absolutely devoured this book and had to physically pull myself away multiple times so that I could do the life things.
I loved seeing Charlie, Zeke and Hammer come into their own and finally feel comfortable in their skin plus having all the characters from Holden's previous books be included made me so incredibly happy (Jack remains my favourite across all the books and I will die on this hill).
I constantly had tears in my eyes for the last 1/3 of the book, swinging wildly from sky high joy to absolute devastation and back again. Totally worth it and I will recommend anything written by Holden.
P.S. fuck Xander
May 2, 2026
Long awaited read and I was not disappointed, thank you Holden for bringing the gang back together so we can see what happened to the invisible boys.
So many highlights but my top 5 were:
1 Zeke finding his voice and for pushing boundaries he didn’t think possible or even knew he had.
2 Hammer coming out in his own way and I was thrilled that he still held feelings for Zeke ❤️
3 Charlie stumbled himself into a loving mismatch family that he never really got to have in Gero.
4. How the characters of the Brink made their way into the story.
5. The power of inclusion, acceptance and pride for the LGBT community with pushing boundaries, especially with the Tool Shed and the vision Curtis had for his bar.
Thank you Holden, worth the wait and I already want more please.
Thanks, Matt
So many highlights but my top 5 were:
1 Zeke finding his voice and for pushing boundaries he didn’t think possible or even knew he had.
2 Hammer coming out in his own way and I was thrilled that he still held feelings for Zeke ❤️
3 Charlie stumbled himself into a loving mismatch family that he never really got to have in Gero.
4. How the characters of the Brink made their way into the story.
5. The power of inclusion, acceptance and pride for the LGBT community with pushing boundaries, especially with the Tool Shed and the vision Curtis had for his bar.
Thank you Holden, worth the wait and I already want more please.
Thanks, Matt
May 22, 2026
Not even 24 hours after finish the first, I had to dive back in for another punch.
The characters grow in a new world: one in which they find that their reality would never meet the hopes they had for it.
The boys’ thoughts may not be “right” but they are genuine. They’re wrong, shaped by a world and characters that pushed and pulled them every way.
Perhaps it hammers home one of its points a bit too hard… and at times crosses into preaching back at those it denounces.
But it’s blunt and brutal- like Invisible Boys, this book again delivers because it is so honest.
Just like the first, it will stick with me.
The characters grow in a new world: one in which they find that their reality would never meet the hopes they had for it.
The boys’ thoughts may not be “right” but they are genuine. They’re wrong, shaped by a world and characters that pushed and pulled them every way.
Perhaps it hammers home one of its points a bit too hard… and at times crosses into preaching back at those it denounces.
But it’s blunt and brutal- like Invisible Boys, this book again delivers because it is so honest.
Just like the first, it will stick with me.
June 10, 2026
I enjoyed the characters and the premise of the book, it just tried too hard for my liking. I get that gays cop unfair prejudices and attitudes from some people, or may have a hard time accepting themselves, but I've never understood the need to "come out". Who you choose to prefer to have sex with is your business alone (age appropriate of course). So what if you prefer same sex, tall people, brunettes, big, small, whites or blacks, etc. People will eventually work out that you have a type, and it's still just your choice. I guess that's why this book didn't float my boat!!
May 30, 2026
Holden, You’ve done it again!
If you loved invisible boys, this is a MUST!
This book made me feel everything. I was angry, I was sad, happy and frustrated. But most of all I felt pride.
Each of the boys grew so much, from the scared boys on that roof in Gero to men. They still have work to do; but don’t we all?
But they are carving their place in this world, for Curtis, for each other, for themselves.
YEAH THE BOYS!
If you loved invisible boys, this is a MUST!
This book made me feel everything. I was angry, I was sad, happy and frustrated. But most of all I felt pride.
Each of the boys grew so much, from the scared boys on that roof in Gero to men. They still have work to do; but don’t we all?
But they are carving their place in this world, for Curtis, for each other, for themselves.
YEAH THE BOYS!
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