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West Brothers #1
Roland West, Loner
Despised by his older twin brothers, new to River Run High, friendless, and the subject of cruel rumors ... Roland West has a plan. He wants to get his tutor back and avoid high school by proving himself on his father's upcoming assignment in Italy. Before the trip and while his father is away, he must avoid falling victim to his brothers' schemes. To get free from his brothers' first trap, he ends up accepting the help of Peter Brandt, a kid from school who lives nearby. Not sure if he can trust Peter, he finds himself drawn to Peter’s inheritance, an old, mysterious, locked box. The secret of the inheritance may have the power to change the life of this loner.
318 pages, Paperback
First published November 19, 2013
About the author
Theresa Linden
43 books110 followersRaised in a military family, Theresa Linden developed strong patriotism and a sense of adventure. She began writing in grade school and her passion for writing has never waned. Love for faith, family, and freedom inspired her to write the Chasing Liberty trilogy, a dystopian story about a future that is sadly becoming a reality.
She is also the author of award-winning Roland West, Loner and Battle For His Soul, two books in the West Brothers series of Catholic teen fiction; Tortured Soul, a purgatory soul story; and the children's Armor of God series. A member of the Catholic Writers Guild and Catholic Teen Books, she lives with her family in northeast Ohio.
She is also the author of award-winning Roland West, Loner and Battle For His Soul, two books in the West Brothers series of Catholic teen fiction; Tortured Soul, a purgatory soul story; and the children's Armor of God series. A member of the Catholic Writers Guild and Catholic Teen Books, she lives with her family in northeast Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 9, 2017
Is it wrong to rate your own book!
I just want to share the amazing experience I had writing this book. This was the first story I felt compelled to tell. I began the story years ago, before I knew much about writing. Over the years, my writing skills improved and I received advice and help from other authors. The story changed and grew. The characters developed. Mysteries and threads came together. In the past several months, authors Don Mulcare, Carolyn Astfalk and Susan Peek critiqued and beta read the story, adding their expert advice and helping this story to become what it is today. Little miracles happened along the way, too, but I can't share them without spoiling some of the surprises you will find if you decide to read this story. Which I hope you do!
The date I put for when I finished the book is the actual date I made the last change before submitting this to be published.
I just want to share the amazing experience I had writing this book. This was the first story I felt compelled to tell. I began the story years ago, before I knew much about writing. Over the years, my writing skills improved and I received advice and help from other authors. The story changed and grew. The characters developed. Mysteries and threads came together. In the past several months, authors Don Mulcare, Carolyn Astfalk and Susan Peek critiqued and beta read the story, adding their expert advice and helping this story to become what it is today. Little miracles happened along the way, too, but I can't share them without spoiling some of the surprises you will find if you decide to read this story. Which I hope you do!
The date I put for when I finished the book is the actual date I made the last change before submitting this to be published.
November 22, 2015
If I was allowed to choose only one novel this year that was not only sheer delight to read, but also had the most profound impact on my spiritual life, it would be - without a shadow of a doubt - "Roland West, Loner" by Theresa Linden. I wish I could give this book to every Catholic teen I know (and their parents too!). At first glance, the story is on a purely natural level: a teenage boy, alone and friendless in a new school, trying to cope with his cruel older brothers. But the plot swiftly moves into a new and unexpected realm - that of the supernatural - sweeping the reader way beyond the halls of River Run High and plunging straight into the doctrine of the Communion of Saints. The way Linden accomplishes this will take your breath away.
When we first meet Roland, our 14-year-old hero, he is on the verge of a trip to Italy with his father. This is Roland's chance to escape his brother Jarrett and the nightmare of school. But Jarrett wants the trip for himself, and will stop at nothing to get it. While their father is away, he locks Roland in the cellar and puts his scheme into action.
But, unknown to Roland, he does in fact have a friend: someone special in Heaven, who likewise has a scheme and is putting it into action. Roland's life, and the life of all the characters, is about to be changed forever.
When Roland is rescued from his prison by a boy from school named Peter, a friendship springs up between them. The two are drawn together especially by a mysterious locked box that Peter has been given as an inheritance. What it contains is literally out of this world -- a gift directly from Heaven. But someone else wants the treasure too. The race is on to keep the box and its precious contents safe.
Peter's secret inheritance is the very heart of this suspenseful and heartwarming story. Once you've read this magnificent novel, you will never again think of the Saints as being far away!
I cannot recommend this novel highly enough. A rare work by an extremely talented author, that will stay with you long after the last page has been closed.
When we first meet Roland, our 14-year-old hero, he is on the verge of a trip to Italy with his father. This is Roland's chance to escape his brother Jarrett and the nightmare of school. But Jarrett wants the trip for himself, and will stop at nothing to get it. While their father is away, he locks Roland in the cellar and puts his scheme into action.
But, unknown to Roland, he does in fact have a friend: someone special in Heaven, who likewise has a scheme and is putting it into action. Roland's life, and the life of all the characters, is about to be changed forever.
When Roland is rescued from his prison by a boy from school named Peter, a friendship springs up between them. The two are drawn together especially by a mysterious locked box that Peter has been given as an inheritance. What it contains is literally out of this world -- a gift directly from Heaven. But someone else wants the treasure too. The race is on to keep the box and its precious contents safe.
Peter's secret inheritance is the very heart of this suspenseful and heartwarming story. Once you've read this magnificent novel, you will never again think of the Saints as being far away!
I cannot recommend this novel highly enough. A rare work by an extremely talented author, that will stay with you long after the last page has been closed.
December 5, 2015
Sometimes miracles happen instantaneously. Sometimes they take longer. Roland West, Loner is a great novel for pre-teen and teen boys and girls because it demonstrates the power of prayer and of forgiveness to heal rifts in families and between friends. I learned right along with the story's characters about a particular Catholic saint, Conrad of Parzham, but I won't disclose how he figures into the plot. I'll simply say that this book contains a wonderful mix of real-life heartache, pulse-pounding suspense, and the awesomeness of the spiritual and supernatural.
I received a copy of this book from the author and am happy to provide this honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the author and am happy to provide this honest review.
May 23, 2017
Roland West, Loner by Theresa Linden is a Catholic YA novel centered around the relationships between brothers and friends. This book is especially great for Middle School and High School boys. Don’t get me wrong – Roland West, Loner is an entirely engaging and well-written book that anyone would enjoy but I don’t come across very many YA novels completely from a boy’s perspective, which makes this unique and special. Linden knows boys well and writes from this perspective perfectly.
I absolutely loved the development of the friendship between Roland and his neighbor Peter. I also enjoyed the character of Caitlyn and the sweet relationships she had with both boys. Even though it’s titled Roland West, Peter had his own very interesting storyline and issues to overcome. The author fused the two boys storylines together brilliantly through an adventure they embark on together.
There is a deeply religious part of the story, about saints and relics that was brought up in a very intriguing way. This is a subject I’ve never seen addressed before in YA fiction and I think the readers will find it as interesting as I did. Linden does a wonderful job of drawing the reader into Roland’s life. At times I wanted to scream in frustration with how he was treated by his manipulative brothers.
The best news is there’s a sequel – Life-changing Love – so the reader won’t have to wait long to find out what happens next for Roland.
I absolutely loved the development of the friendship between Roland and his neighbor Peter. I also enjoyed the character of Caitlyn and the sweet relationships she had with both boys. Even though it’s titled Roland West, Peter had his own very interesting storyline and issues to overcome. The author fused the two boys storylines together brilliantly through an adventure they embark on together.
There is a deeply religious part of the story, about saints and relics that was brought up in a very intriguing way. This is a subject I’ve never seen addressed before in YA fiction and I think the readers will find it as interesting as I did. Linden does a wonderful job of drawing the reader into Roland’s life. At times I wanted to scream in frustration with how he was treated by his manipulative brothers.
The best news is there’s a sequel – Life-changing Love – so the reader won’t have to wait long to find out what happens next for Roland.
April 29, 2017
Roland West, Loner is a stellar teen novel! Entering the local public high school forces shy Roland to confront his fears and explore friendship and trust all while dealing with his mean and manipulative older brothers bent on ruining his life.
Dependent on the help of his new friend Peter, Roland’s vulnerability inclines him to share little bits of himself he ordinarily holds close to the vest.
Friendship with Peter also introduces him to sweet Caitlyn with her fiery hair and emerald eyes, gossipy Dominic, and even the guests at Peter’s family’s Bed & Breakfast.
They’ll be drawn into a mystery starting with a locked box and culminating in a life-changing experience for each of them, one that will bring Roland back to the faith of his childhood.
Theresa Linden’s superb writing will draw you in and her real-to-life characters will keep you reading to discover what Roland’s friend Peter has inherited, who’s after it, and whom Roland can trust.
With mystery, suspense, a hint of budding romance and an encounter with the Divine, Roland’s story has something for everyone.
(I received a complimentary copy for my honest review. The author is a fellow member of the Catholic Writers Guild.
Dependent on the help of his new friend Peter, Roland’s vulnerability inclines him to share little bits of himself he ordinarily holds close to the vest.
Friendship with Peter also introduces him to sweet Caitlyn with her fiery hair and emerald eyes, gossipy Dominic, and even the guests at Peter’s family’s Bed & Breakfast.
They’ll be drawn into a mystery starting with a locked box and culminating in a life-changing experience for each of them, one that will bring Roland back to the faith of his childhood.
Theresa Linden’s superb writing will draw you in and her real-to-life characters will keep you reading to discover what Roland’s friend Peter has inherited, who’s after it, and whom Roland can trust.
With mystery, suspense, a hint of budding romance and an encounter with the Divine, Roland’s story has something for everyone.
(I received a complimentary copy for my honest review. The author is a fellow member of the Catholic Writers Guild.
February 4, 2017
I read this book at the request of my daughter - she was right - a very good book, just enough mystery and not too preachy. Looking forward to reading the book in the series.
March 21, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It introduced me to Saint Conrad of Parzham, and I love it when books introduce me to saints I didn’t know before. Roland West Loner is about two fourteen-year-old boys, Roland and Peter. Roland is trying to escape his maniac brother who will do pretty much anything to go on a trip to Italy that their father planned for Roland. Peter has just received an inheritance from his grandfather, and Roland feels very drawn to it. Peter is not very nice to his little brother Toby who has autism, or to his friend Caitlyn, while Roland is a very private person who has trouble trusting others. I really enjoyed watching the character growth of these two, as well as the character growth that Caitlyn had. Roland West Loner didn’t feel like it needs a sequel, but there were some unanswered questions that I will talk about under spoiler warnings.
I thought that the writing got a little bit sloppy at the end.
I also thought that there could have been more of an exchange of explanations between Dominic and Roland. Dominic had been gossiping about Roland almost constantly at school, and there was never any discussion between those two. Dominic never talked to Roland enough to know how much his gossiping bothered Roland and apologize. In fact, I doubt that Dominic even realized he was gossiping. Once you start gossiping you start to forget that that is what you are doing, and you convince yourself that you are only ‘discussing’ a person, not tearing them down and spreading rumors, but I don’t think Dominic had yet admitted to himself that he was gossiping about Roland, and I still would have liked to have seen them get to know one another enough for Roland to help Dominic to realize that he was hurting people by spreading rumors, and Dominic to apologize.
Two other things that we never learned were; how did Roland’s mother die? And why is Roland afraid of cold water? Roland’s mother died in an accident during an archeology project and, because of Roland’s fear of water I’m thinking it had something to do with water, but did it? We never learn. There was another little tidbit hinted at that was never actually discussed and that was that Roland runs away every year on the day his mother died. Where does he go? What does he do? How does his family react? At this point Roland has had enough character growth that an explanation wouldn’t do that much for our understanding of his character, but if we had learned that at the beginning of the book I think it could have added character depth.
The ending was not very satisfying. It could almost be, but it isn’t.
Despite of my issues with parts of it, I did really like this book, Roland and Peter both had really good character growth, as did Caitlyn, and I plan on reading Theresa Linden’s Liberty Trilogy. I feel sort of bad because I’m the first not-five-star reviewer, and I did enjoy the book, I just thought that it could have been even better than it was.
I thought that the writing got a little bit sloppy at the end.
I also thought that there could have been more of an exchange of explanations between Dominic and Roland. Dominic had been gossiping about Roland almost constantly at school, and there was never any discussion between those two. Dominic never talked to Roland enough to know how much his gossiping bothered Roland and apologize. In fact, I doubt that Dominic even realized he was gossiping. Once you start gossiping you start to forget that that is what you are doing, and you convince yourself that you are only ‘discussing’ a person, not tearing them down and spreading rumors, but I don’t think Dominic had yet admitted to himself that he was gossiping about Roland, and I still would have liked to have seen them get to know one another enough for Roland to help Dominic to realize that he was hurting people by spreading rumors, and Dominic to apologize.
Two other things that we never learned were; how did Roland’s mother die? And why is Roland afraid of cold water? Roland’s mother died in an accident during an archeology project and, because of Roland’s fear of water I’m thinking it had something to do with water, but did it? We never learn. There was another little tidbit hinted at that was never actually discussed and that was that Roland runs away every year on the day his mother died. Where does he go? What does he do? How does his family react? At this point Roland has had enough character growth that an explanation wouldn’t do that much for our understanding of his character, but if we had learned that at the beginning of the book I think it could have added character depth.
The ending was not very satisfying. It could almost be, but it isn’t.
Despite of my issues with parts of it, I did really like this book, Roland and Peter both had really good character growth, as did Caitlyn, and I plan on reading Theresa Linden’s Liberty Trilogy. I feel sort of bad because I’m the first not-five-star reviewer, and I did enjoy the book, I just thought that it could have been even better than it was.
July 18, 2017
In the last month I have read 6 novels and published short stories by Theresa Linden, but this book was the one that started it. I have been greatly impressed by her writing. In a different review I compared Linden's writings to Madeleine L'Engle and Lois Lowry and the more of her writings I read the more I stand by that statement. If we were to do a side by side comparison between L'Engle's main series and Linden's then the Chasing Liberty Series would be the Kairos series and the West Brothers would be the Chronos series. And this book is a magnificent read.
The West brothers are not exactly what you would call normal. First they live in a castle. Second they have travelled the world on digs before their mother passed away. They have had tutors, and keep horses. And until this year few people in town knew anything about them and their family. Roland hates public school and the only thing keeping him going is plans of going on a trip with his father. Bat his desires and plans are about to have a huge wrench thrown into them and the person throwing that wrench is the older of his older twin brothers Jarret. But sometimes great things come from adversity.
This time the adversity brings change. And though change is not always wanted, it is truly what Roland and to be honest both of his brothers, Jarret and Keefe. For out of this Roland will have his first real friends, Peter Brandt and Caitlyn Summer. But for someone who has never really had friends, making friends and learning to trust might prove to be a very hard thing to do. But when you combine all of that with a mysterious ancient box, a notebook in a different language and some relics and things are about to get real interesting.
This book was an incredible read. Before I had even finished it I had picked up a few of Linden's other books to have in my pile of books to be read. The more of Linden's writings that I read the more I want to read. This is an excellent book by an amazing author so check it out.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Theresa Linden.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
The West brothers are not exactly what you would call normal. First they live in a castle. Second they have travelled the world on digs before their mother passed away. They have had tutors, and keep horses. And until this year few people in town knew anything about them and their family. Roland hates public school and the only thing keeping him going is plans of going on a trip with his father. Bat his desires and plans are about to have a huge wrench thrown into them and the person throwing that wrench is the older of his older twin brothers Jarret. But sometimes great things come from adversity.
This time the adversity brings change. And though change is not always wanted, it is truly what Roland and to be honest both of his brothers, Jarret and Keefe. For out of this Roland will have his first real friends, Peter Brandt and Caitlyn Summer. But for someone who has never really had friends, making friends and learning to trust might prove to be a very hard thing to do. But when you combine all of that with a mysterious ancient box, a notebook in a different language and some relics and things are about to get real interesting.
This book was an incredible read. Before I had even finished it I had picked up a few of Linden's other books to have in my pile of books to be read. The more of Linden's writings that I read the more I want to read. This is an excellent book by an amazing author so check it out.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Theresa Linden.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
December 11, 2018
Roland West, Loner is the first book in Theresa Linden's West Brother's Series. I have to confess that I've already read Battle for His Soul and Roland West, Outcast, but doing so didn't ruin this first story. Linden does an amazing job presenting her characters and developing a solid story that keeps you guessing. I'm that annoying reader who tries to figure out the ending in the first paragraph, and I usually get it right. But not with Linden's story. Her twists and turns had me anxious to find out how it would all end, and with colorful characters and a finger-biting mystery to boot. A story about bullying, friendship, trust, gossip, and so many other themes, this story shows how to be strong in the faith while stuck in the world.
December 1, 2015
I'm not ashamed to admit that I stayed up way too late one night reading this--yes, it's for teens, but grownups will enjoy it too.
The Catholic connections in the novel are deeply woven into the plot, but never forced. There's a powerful scene involving the sacrament of Reconcilation as well as a fascinating subplot involving St. Conrad of Parzham. Readers will learn about, and relate to, this German Franciscan saint who was himself the victim of bullies for most of his life.
Roland West, Loner is a suspenseful read that's appropriate for middle- and high-school students.
The Catholic connections in the novel are deeply woven into the plot, but never forced. There's a powerful scene involving the sacrament of Reconcilation as well as a fascinating subplot involving St. Conrad of Parzham. Readers will learn about, and relate to, this German Franciscan saint who was himself the victim of bullies for most of his life.
Roland West, Loner is a suspenseful read that's appropriate for middle- and high-school students.
January 19, 2021
I loved this book! The author points out a very important message.
March 8, 2019
Wow, wow, wow! Couldn't put it down. Theresa Linden is one fabulous story-teller, folks!
I'd already read her Battle for his Soul, so it was especially interesting to me to go BACK to this first book in the West Brothers' series. Even though we are a household of girls here at Egolf U, and the main characters of this series are teenaged boys, we are all huge fans. (There is one very awesome female character named Caitlyn that lends a beautiful little touch of the feminine to these stories.) Full of adventure AND emotion, this story has the power to deepen the faith of even the most skeptical of teenaged hearts, I'm sure. To boot, you may even learn about the life of a new saint!
Full of lovable and relatable teen and adult characters, Roland West, Loner is one part Indiana Jones meets the Goonies, one part Steinbeck's East of Eden, and one part miraculous. This story is a gift to all the faithful!
I'd already read her Battle for his Soul, so it was especially interesting to me to go BACK to this first book in the West Brothers' series. Even though we are a household of girls here at Egolf U, and the main characters of this series are teenaged boys, we are all huge fans. (There is one very awesome female character named Caitlyn that lends a beautiful little touch of the feminine to these stories.) Full of adventure AND emotion, this story has the power to deepen the faith of even the most skeptical of teenaged hearts, I'm sure. To boot, you may even learn about the life of a new saint!
Full of lovable and relatable teen and adult characters, Roland West, Loner is one part Indiana Jones meets the Goonies, one part Steinbeck's East of Eden, and one part miraculous. This story is a gift to all the faithful!
January 6, 2021
I loved this book! Five stars! I loved its Christian message. Amazing!
April 27, 2018
Roland West Loner by Theresa Linden
Reviewed by S. Leigh Hall
No wonder, Roland West considers himself a loner. He has no friends at his new school where people gossip behind his back and refer to his family as savages. He misses his mother who died six years ago when he was nine. His father is often gone on archeological trips leaving him home with the nanny. Worst of all is the treatment he receives from his twin brothers who epitomize the myth of the good and evil twins.
Theresa Linden introduces a host of memorable characters in the first book of her award-winning West Brothers series for teens, Roland West Loner, beginning with Roland who struggles with issues of grief and trust. His father invites him on a trip to Italy where Roland hopes to convince his father to allow him to be tutored at home rather than continue attending high school. Unfortunately, older brother Jarret, known as the family troublemaker, eavesdrops on the conversation and plots against Roland to sabotage the trip.
I couldn’t believe the cruelty of Jarret who physically strikes Roland and locks him in the basement, but that plot element is exceptionally fitting with the description of the large house in which the West family lives. Built in a forest, it is a replica of a medieval castle complete with turrets, swords, and suits of armor. A hidden gate and tunnel lead out of the basement, and that’s how Roland meets Peter.
Peter is a classmate who, though fearful of the West family due to rumors of how the West brothers “live like savages…shooting anything that moves on their land, hunting their own food, living secluded,” inadvertently saves Roland by stumbling upon the secret passage while on a fishing trip. He finds the key to unlock the gate, and Roland escapes.
Keys become an important element to the story. Though Roland doesn’t trust Peter, he needs a place to stay away from Jarret until his father returns. When Peter inherits an unusual antique box from his great uncle, Roland is obsessed with its contents. Unfortunately, the key doesn’t come with it. Peter’s solution is to break the box, but Roland believes it holds a message calling especially to him. Therefore, it cannot be destroyed.
The novel builds through the mystery of the box. Finally another relative finds and sends the key, but apparently, a boarder at the Bed and Breakfast owned by Peter’s family also knows about the box and will do anything he can to possess it. Roland and Peter must hide it until they can unlock the secret of its contents.
Linden creates a modern teenage world intersecting with images from the past. The contents of the box provide a connection to a little-known saint who lived long ago and performed miracles of healing. It becomes Roland’s hope that St. Conrad can heal the evil heart of Jarret. The contents also reveal why the boarder is so desperate to get his hands on the box. Linden’s resolution presents a strong message about the power of faith.
As for Roland, his own inability to trust and accept friendship from others begins to heal through his relationship with Peter. He returns to attending Mass with Peter’s family and remembers how much his mother loved her faith. He finds peace in the sacrament of Reconciliation and the advice of Father Carston who recommends that Roland forgive his brother.
I understand why this book received the Catholic Writer’s Guild Seal of Approval and also was the 2nd place winner of the 2016 Catholic Press Association Teen & YA Book Awards. Linden's descriptions immerse you in the setting, and the characters are completely believable. This novel is well written, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it become a part of any junior high or high school library. It’s a good read for Catholic and non-Catholic teens and young adults.
Reviewed by S. Leigh Hall
No wonder, Roland West considers himself a loner. He has no friends at his new school where people gossip behind his back and refer to his family as savages. He misses his mother who died six years ago when he was nine. His father is often gone on archeological trips leaving him home with the nanny. Worst of all is the treatment he receives from his twin brothers who epitomize the myth of the good and evil twins.
Theresa Linden introduces a host of memorable characters in the first book of her award-winning West Brothers series for teens, Roland West Loner, beginning with Roland who struggles with issues of grief and trust. His father invites him on a trip to Italy where Roland hopes to convince his father to allow him to be tutored at home rather than continue attending high school. Unfortunately, older brother Jarret, known as the family troublemaker, eavesdrops on the conversation and plots against Roland to sabotage the trip.
I couldn’t believe the cruelty of Jarret who physically strikes Roland and locks him in the basement, but that plot element is exceptionally fitting with the description of the large house in which the West family lives. Built in a forest, it is a replica of a medieval castle complete with turrets, swords, and suits of armor. A hidden gate and tunnel lead out of the basement, and that’s how Roland meets Peter.
Peter is a classmate who, though fearful of the West family due to rumors of how the West brothers “live like savages…shooting anything that moves on their land, hunting their own food, living secluded,” inadvertently saves Roland by stumbling upon the secret passage while on a fishing trip. He finds the key to unlock the gate, and Roland escapes.
Keys become an important element to the story. Though Roland doesn’t trust Peter, he needs a place to stay away from Jarret until his father returns. When Peter inherits an unusual antique box from his great uncle, Roland is obsessed with its contents. Unfortunately, the key doesn’t come with it. Peter’s solution is to break the box, but Roland believes it holds a message calling especially to him. Therefore, it cannot be destroyed.
The novel builds through the mystery of the box. Finally another relative finds and sends the key, but apparently, a boarder at the Bed and Breakfast owned by Peter’s family also knows about the box and will do anything he can to possess it. Roland and Peter must hide it until they can unlock the secret of its contents.
Linden creates a modern teenage world intersecting with images from the past. The contents of the box provide a connection to a little-known saint who lived long ago and performed miracles of healing. It becomes Roland’s hope that St. Conrad can heal the evil heart of Jarret. The contents also reveal why the boarder is so desperate to get his hands on the box. Linden’s resolution presents a strong message about the power of faith.
As for Roland, his own inability to trust and accept friendship from others begins to heal through his relationship with Peter. He returns to attending Mass with Peter’s family and remembers how much his mother loved her faith. He finds peace in the sacrament of Reconciliation and the advice of Father Carston who recommends that Roland forgive his brother.
I understand why this book received the Catholic Writer’s Guild Seal of Approval and also was the 2nd place winner of the 2016 Catholic Press Association Teen & YA Book Awards. Linden's descriptions immerse you in the setting, and the characters are completely believable. This novel is well written, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it become a part of any junior high or high school library. It’s a good read for Catholic and non-Catholic teens and young adults.
May 4, 2022
This is about a high school freshman named Roland and how he starts in public school after being tutored all the previous years due to his father being a traveling archaeologist. He has twin brothers, Keefe and Jarret. Jarret is a near-sociopath (and likely would be without Keefe). I became so angry with Jarret and the fact that his behavior goes unpunished that I would have stopped reading if I hadn’t already been 70% in.
His neighbor, though they only know each other through rumours and hearsay, is Peter. Peter is also a freshman and the boy irritates me less than Jarret but I still can’t stand him. He doesn’t seem to understand that his 8-year-old autistic brother Toby can’t help himself with most of his behavior. Peter’s friend Caitlyn even calls him out on this multiple times.
Peter’s grandfather recently died and the boy has inherited a box that has secrets. His parents own a B&B and one of the new boarders is creepy and follows Peter (and later Roland) around, seemingly to get the box.
Roland and Peter becomes friends through random circumstance (pretty awful circumstance) thanks to Toby. Roland sneaks away from home when his father is gone to escape from the mental and physical abuse Jarret puts him through.
The issues at school all make sense and feel like a high school to me.
Peter attends St. Michael’s, a church Roland and his family used to also go to. The heavy pieces of Catholicism don’t come in until the last 20%, with confession, relics, saints, prayer, and the Church’s understanding of it all.
Caitlyn is my favorite character. Roland bothers me with how much he keeps to himself, but I understand–abused people feel the need to keep more secrets. Caitlyn though makes a mistake, atones for it, and works to make others around her content.
So, overall, I like the content, but my irritation at Peter, my loathing for Jarret, and my frustration as a whole on parts of the story that don’t have to do with the mystery (which also isn't a huge part until the last 20%) really makes me drop my rating for this.
His neighbor, though they only know each other through rumours and hearsay, is Peter. Peter is also a freshman and the boy irritates me less than Jarret but I still can’t stand him. He doesn’t seem to understand that his 8-year-old autistic brother Toby can’t help himself with most of his behavior. Peter’s friend Caitlyn even calls him out on this multiple times.
Peter’s grandfather recently died and the boy has inherited a box that has secrets. His parents own a B&B and one of the new boarders is creepy and follows Peter (and later Roland) around, seemingly to get the box.
Roland and Peter becomes friends through random circumstance (pretty awful circumstance) thanks to Toby. Roland sneaks away from home when his father is gone to escape from the mental and physical abuse Jarret puts him through.
The issues at school all make sense and feel like a high school to me.
Peter attends St. Michael’s, a church Roland and his family used to also go to. The heavy pieces of Catholicism don’t come in until the last 20%, with confession, relics, saints, prayer, and the Church’s understanding of it all.
Caitlyn is my favorite character. Roland bothers me with how much he keeps to himself, but I understand–abused people feel the need to keep more secrets. Caitlyn though makes a mistake, atones for it, and works to make others around her content.
So, overall, I like the content, but my irritation at Peter, my loathing for Jarret, and my frustration as a whole on parts of the story that don’t have to do with the mystery (which also isn't a huge part until the last 20%) really makes me drop my rating for this.
November 21, 2021
I cannot say whether this was hard to read, and that's why it took a while to get through, or if I wanted to take a while to read because I cared about the characters and I didn't want the journey to end. Theresa Linden has written a very intriguing story, one that both provides a very solid plot, but also touches and embraces the mystical side of faith. The way faith is presented is beautiful because it has this underlying aspect that makes it more than preachy, but significant. I think though that the writing, on a micro level could have been better. Sentences were often very short, and dialogue, while perhaps realistic was often choppy and it hard to follow who said what sometimes. Normally, short chapters would induce me to keep reading, but because we were going back and forth between different character's stories, I almost felt like I'd rather wait. So, overall, we have a really good story, with writing that needs some work, and I think it's worth a read if this is your type of book.
March 27, 2021
Although many readers have rated this story highly I will be in the minority. I had chosen this novel as it was written by a Catholic author and previews described it being a story of faith and forgiveness. I found this story to be very slow moving and the main character, Roland West, to be quite unlikeable for most of the story. I found the dialogue and actions unrealistic at times and unlike many teenagers I’ve known.
I did persist and eventually found myself liking the the main character and found the ending to be enjoyable, providing prayer, miracles and forgiveness.
I did persist and eventually found myself liking the the main character and found the ending to be enjoyable, providing prayer, miracles and forgiveness.
March 31, 2019
Wow, this was so good! I don’t even know where to begin! Just amazing! I just loved the characters, especially, well actually I loved them all equally, except for mr Reinhard. It made me so sad when Rolands brothers treated him so horribly. If you like catholic YA fiction... READ THIS! I highly recommend it!
November 13, 2019
This is a terrific book. Theresa Linden is a page-turning author of high caliber.
March 12, 2023
This is a very good book about a young teen in a family struggling without their mother after her death.
He turns to his Faith to try to solve some serious problems in his relationships.
He turns to his Faith to try to solve some serious problems in his relationships.
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