THE UPPER HAND

by Amanda Ruzsa

59 pages, Paperback

Published July 3, 2026

About the author

Amanda lives in Minnesota with her husband, three children, a dog and two cats. When she isn’t buried in a spooky book, she enjoys baking and spending time with her family— usually watching creepy movies or playing outrageous board games. In her free time, she enjoys collecting Halloween decor, writing macabre poetry, reorganizing her books and coming up with ways to surprise and amuse her friends and family. It has been a lifelong joke among her friends and family that Amanda is a member of the ‘grammar police.’ Writing and reading have always played a huge part in her life, stemming from growing up idolizing the talents of her Mother: a novelist, artist and journalist. Amanda began creating stories and crafting poems at a young age and never stopped. Now, reading and writing is still a huge part of her everyday life, and she feels blessed to be able to share her love of spooky stories with so many.

Reviews

[Screams & Reviews 💋🖤 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fast paced, I didnt see what the outcome was with this one and wished it had more pages to turn. I personally have went through this myself and this book really makes you open your eyes more. And people move apart a lot of the time the kids suffer and you as a parent think you are doing the right thing! Let just say…. I guess I could have done better knowing about this book! 🤣

If you read it you know. This is my first book by this author and really need to check out more by her.

Moral of the story is don’t take anything from an ex! 🤣🤷🏼‍♀️

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Screams & Reviews 💋🕷️📚🔪

[LashayBee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story was emotional and fast paced . A divorced dad noticed bruises on his son when he came over to visit . This dad wasted no time he sprung into action . Great read

[Ginger Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super short read, but so, so good! The writing was fast paced and engaging. The villain was suitably detestable, and the payoff was gory and satisfying. The themes of child abuse hit close to home, as I'm sure they will with a lot of readers. I really enjoy this author! I received a free copy of this story and write this review voluntarily.

[CJ Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

How far would you go to protect your child?

Reading this one as a parent just hit different. I don’t want to go into many details, because I believe readers should go in as blind as possible. This is a short, quick story that packs a punch. The writing keeps you engaged and ready to read what happens next. My only wish is that this one was a tad longer so I could immerse myself more into this dark story!

4.5/5

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Upper Hand, written by Amanda Ruzsa, centers on the protective instincts of a parent and the descent into lethal retribution when your child suffers at the hands of another, especially at the hands of the other parent.

This story follows Heath, a father who is grappling with the knowledge that his 8-year-old son, Alan, is being physically abused by his ex-wife, Lana. The author describes his breaking point as one of helplessness, feeling trapped by legal limitations, and being gaslit. When he confronts the bish, she is dismissive and arrogant, leading him to enact his own form of vengeance! Turning to the internet, he acquires the perfect tool.

I won't say what he does, but it is brilliant! When his shift vengeance is delivered, the consequences of her actions, he watches with a delicious form of detachment. When the system fails you, you become the monster you fear to protect the ones you love. Would you risk your humanity to save the one you love?

Thanks to Amanda Ruzsa for gifting me an eARC of The Upper Hand. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Smutty Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was short, but very good. It was emotional, I can relate because I have Kids myself. The story was to short to really hate the FMC and to root for what was happening for her, although she definitly gets what she deserved. I wish it was a little bit longer!

Really liked that it was the fathers POV!
Definilty recommend this one