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Delinquent
What if you saw something bad and no one believed you? At 13, Kate Elliot witnesses the abduction of her best friend. With no evidence to support her claim, and parents who want to put the situation behind them, Kate becomes obsessed with proving that the man just a few blocks away is responsible for Chelsea’s disappearance. Two years pass, and though the rest of the neighborhood is content to believe that Chelsea is just another runaway, Kate is unable to move on. Failing in school, failing to connect with her family and somewhat desperate, Kate takes matters into her own hands, breaking into the abductor's household on multiple fact-finding missions. At first the police are lenient, using Kate’s traumatic backstory to overlook her offenses, but when Kate is caught breaking an entry one too many times her grace period with the San Jose Police Department finally reaches its breaking point.
Kate spends the summer of her 15th year behind bars at the San Jose Juvenile Detention Center. While incarcerated, Kate is approached by Mr. Humphries, the dean of a last chance high school for juvenile delinquents. Given the choice to finish out her time in juvie or attend Huntley and Drake , Kate chooses the latter. But as Mr. Humphries warned, Huntley and Drake is not an easy school. In addition to the academic challenges facing Kate, she must also learn to live and thrive among a co-ed society with only one thing in common: time spent behind bars.
Try this fun Young Adult title if you are a fan of the boarding school setting, mystery and teenage drama!
Kate spends the summer of her 15th year behind bars at the San Jose Juvenile Detention Center. While incarcerated, Kate is approached by Mr. Humphries, the dean of a last chance high school for juvenile delinquents. Given the choice to finish out her time in juvie or attend Huntley and Drake , Kate chooses the latter. But as Mr. Humphries warned, Huntley and Drake is not an easy school. In addition to the academic challenges facing Kate, she must also learn to live and thrive among a co-ed society with only one thing in common: time spent behind bars.
Try this fun Young Adult title if you are a fan of the boarding school setting, mystery and teenage drama!
- GenresYoung Adult
221 pages, Unknown Binding
Published September 7, 2017
36 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 3, 2017
I was lucky enough to receive a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Stars.
I REALLY liked this one. It was a fast paced, high stakes ya novel. It was intriguing and fun. The characters were all memorable and enjoyable. I really loved the friendships between Kate and Hayden. I would have loved to see more character development for Jordan, and his relationship with Kate. Also is wish the epilogue would have been more detailed because I really loved Kate. I wanted to know more about what happened to her after the events of the book. I got a Pretty Little Liars meets Gossip Girl vibe from this book, and I loved it!
4.5 Stars.
I REALLY liked this one. It was a fast paced, high stakes ya novel. It was intriguing and fun. The characters were all memorable and enjoyable. I really loved the friendships between Kate and Hayden. I would have loved to see more character development for Jordan, and his relationship with Kate. Also is wish the epilogue would have been more detailed because I really loved Kate. I wanted to know more about what happened to her after the events of the book. I got a Pretty Little Liars meets Gossip Girl vibe from this book, and I loved it!
February 13, 2017
Please invest in an editor. I saw simple errors that could easily be seen and fixed.
September 11, 2019
Story 3.5 stars
I really liked this book. I don’t think this is your typical YA book...only because it’s a mystery and it leaves you wanting to solve the mystery....mixed in is the teenage drama of kids going to this new school and they are all trying to make the cut. Towards the middle it does go at a slower pace but then it picks back up.
I would have loved a much longer epilogue...
—-Audio; 2.5 stars
Tons of quality issues. I have caught 6 repetitions. At one point it was back to back. It takes away from the story, because you could hear either tapping or snapping fingers and then she would repeat what she previously said and continue reading the story.
You could also hear her swallowing. Desperately needs a editor. It completely takes away from the story.
Other than the quality issues the narrator did a good job portraying the character and telling the story.
I really liked this book. I don’t think this is your typical YA book...only because it’s a mystery and it leaves you wanting to solve the mystery....mixed in is the teenage drama of kids going to this new school and they are all trying to make the cut. Towards the middle it does go at a slower pace but then it picks back up.
I would have loved a much longer epilogue...
—-Audio; 2.5 stars
Tons of quality issues. I have caught 6 repetitions. At one point it was back to back. It takes away from the story, because you could hear either tapping or snapping fingers and then she would repeat what she previously said and continue reading the story.
You could also hear her swallowing. Desperately needs a editor. It completely takes away from the story.
Other than the quality issues the narrator did a good job portraying the character and telling the story.
April 13, 2017
Terrible
Absolute drivel,,I know it was free when I got it but that was even to much,,,alright if you suffer from insomnia as it will soon put you to sleep
Absolute drivel,,I know it was free when I got it but that was even to much,,,alright if you suffer from insomnia as it will soon put you to sleep
October 12, 2017
I would like to start by saying I DID get a copy of this book free in exchange for my review but this will in no way sway my review good or bad. Okay, so if you like the video game Life is Strange, definitely give this book a read. It was like an Orang is the New Black meets Life is Strange meets Sara Dessen (sp?). The plot is easy to read through but interesting and keeps you pulled in. The idea of a reform school feels very fresh in this book and gives you the warm feelings to see things work out and watch how people can change their fate and want to change for the better. I would love to read a second book to see what exactly happens to Chelsea and see how the rest of the school life is like. My complaints are that it felt like the characters and their piece in the story felt a little rushed and I would have loved a more solid look at just why Kate was given this chance. The ending while satisfying felt also a little rushed. I really wish there was more detail about how the headline in the newspaper Kate was given came to be. On a positive note, this book also lightly brushes some talk about mental illness and I liked it. It is definitely a great way for younger readers to get a vague idea on how certain illnesses in the book can effect anyone. It is not super in depth and spells out every single thing about the illness mentioned in the book but it felt nice to read it being mentioned. I definitely recommend it it’s a great, quick read and has an amazing plot line!
October 29, 2017
Delinquent has its moments as when Kate is given the rules if she chooses to attend Huntley and Drake, a private school designed for hard-core juvenile delinquents, or continue her time in jail, learning nothing that would prove useful in a life most people would want to live. Kate has been all but abandoned by her family, and the reader gets a few clues along the way to suggest they have had enough of her poor behavior that has often landed her in juvie. The novel slowly brings in a few choice characters that Kate, hesitant to let herself become a friend yet needing one, seems to be observing more than interacting with. This redemption novel has some other messages as well. Kate is rather introspective, and fairly hard on herself, comments, "It's funny how we all think we get to pick our friends when the truth is we just find each other in the right moments." For the first time, Kate has a small number of moments at Huntley and Drake School.
I was given an advance copy of this novel in pdf format. This is a writer who has some room for growth and is off to a strong start with Delinquent, though I would have been tempted to title it 'Deviant.' The setting of Huntley and Drake is also one that might be a wealth of stories, intertwined with the lessons each juvenile needs to learn.
I was given an advance copy of this novel in pdf format. This is a writer who has some room for growth and is off to a strong start with Delinquent, though I would have been tempted to title it 'Deviant.' The setting of Huntley and Drake is also one that might be a wealth of stories, intertwined with the lessons each juvenile needs to learn.
October 26, 2017
This is quite different from the other YA stories I've read. The author has surely done a good job in keeping her readers glued to the book till the end. Characterisation was good but would have loved to explore the characters in depth. But I must admit I'm in love with the character of Kate. Kate's life indeed travelled through a roller coaster of events. That's what keeps the reader engaged till the end. There was suspense, there was drama. The story lacked details in some places. I also felt that the story was fast paced but that in no way did compromise with the story. The message that reformation is the best way to bring a person to main stream was amazing.
The cover looks intriguing. The title seems interesting and appropriate. The blurb is nice and arouses the curiosity within the readers. The theme is good. The plot is well chosen. The storyline is strong. The language is lucid. But the book needs some editing, some spelling mistakes and grammatical errors didn't escape my eye.
Cover - 4. 5/5
Title - 4/5
Blurb - 4.2/5
Theme - 4.3/5
Plot - 4.2/5
Characterisation - 4/5
Language - 4/5
Overall I must say, this is a wonderful story. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this! I really loved it!
The cover looks intriguing. The title seems interesting and appropriate. The blurb is nice and arouses the curiosity within the readers. The theme is good. The plot is well chosen. The storyline is strong. The language is lucid. But the book needs some editing, some spelling mistakes and grammatical errors didn't escape my eye.
Cover - 4. 5/5
Title - 4/5
Blurb - 4.2/5
Theme - 4.3/5
Plot - 4.2/5
Characterisation - 4/5
Language - 4/5
Overall I must say, this is a wonderful story. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this! I really loved it!
August 29, 2021
Not a very common story.
Kate in send to juvi (or prison), but in a change of luck she ends up sent to a "boarding" school for other kinds with a "record" that can still be redeemed... (or not).
There are rules to follow, classes to attend and friends to be made... if only you could trust anyone's dark past...
To stay in school you will have to prove yourself, but what can you do when you think you are worthless...
and then just to make maters worst, someone starts attacking girls at the school - how can you make sure you are not the next?
I like the characters and their inner turmoils, and the ending is quite surprising.
I wished the story would continue for a full serie (one that could reveal the school to be more than just a school, maybe...) - besides, the romance is just implicit so far and there are more than one candidate (sorry for the small spoiler, could not help it)...
The narrator is very good but there are a few minor repetitions that were skipped in the editing and should be removed.
Kate in send to juvi (or prison), but in a change of luck she ends up sent to a "boarding" school for other kinds with a "record" that can still be redeemed... (or not).
There are rules to follow, classes to attend and friends to be made... if only you could trust anyone's dark past...
To stay in school you will have to prove yourself, but what can you do when you think you are worthless...
and then just to make maters worst, someone starts attacking girls at the school - how can you make sure you are not the next?
I like the characters and their inner turmoils, and the ending is quite surprising.
I wished the story would continue for a full serie (one that could reveal the school to be more than just a school, maybe...) - besides, the romance is just implicit so far and there are more than one candidate (sorry for the small spoiler, could not help it)...
The narrator is very good but there are a few minor repetitions that were skipped in the editing and should be removed.
May 9, 2018
Amazing
Delinquent is an inspiring novel. The author delved into some tough topics and made the reader Pause and think about them. Each of the characters are not one dimensional and come with their own backstory. I loved watching how the protagonist learns to grow and realize what it truly means to define yourself and how you can change how others perceive who you are. In the end, you yourself are the writers of your own story. And definitely their are sensitive topics in this story, but they were not overwhelming and were handled well. This was definitely an interesting premise to begin with and overall the author does a fantastic job weaving it together. I just wish it hadn't ended at the epilogue. Here's to hoping for a sequel!
Delinquent is an inspiring novel. The author delved into some tough topics and made the reader Pause and think about them. Each of the characters are not one dimensional and come with their own backstory. I loved watching how the protagonist learns to grow and realize what it truly means to define yourself and how you can change how others perceive who you are. In the end, you yourself are the writers of your own story. And definitely their are sensitive topics in this story, but they were not overwhelming and were handled well. This was definitely an interesting premise to begin with and overall the author does a fantastic job weaving it together. I just wish it hadn't ended at the epilogue. Here's to hoping for a sequel!
August 6, 2017
This was a pretty good read. I know a lot of the reviews on here say that it desperately needs an editor, but the writing wasn't bad. I think there were mostly formatting issues and maybe a few typos but it didn't take away from this being a well-written story. It's a little cheesy at times but I liked seeing how Kate grew as a character and dealt with everything in her past. Full review to come on my blog!
Full review on Stellar Kitten Book Reviews:
I have to admit that I liked this book more than I initially expected to. I liked the premise of this last-chance school and was kind of expecting to read about some fights, bullying, maybe pranks—I was expecting drama, but I didn’t exactly get it (i.e. Orange is the New Black). Well, there was a little drama of another sort, and some bullying. For the most part, everyone in the book was just trying to honestly get through cuts—when the school decides if you’ve done well enough to give you a permanent place (in three months).
Each of the new students gets placed in a “barrack” until cuts. Luke and Jordan are the male leads for the two male student barracks, and Sydney is the lead for the female student barrack–which will be Kate’s new home for at least three months.
Wanda immediately set herself up as the bully, the mean girl, in the story. She had her typical little followers that backed her up whenever they picked on someone. Even then she didn’t have too many big moments of actually picking on anyone. She was also really into making jewelry, which I thought was an interesting hobby to give her for cuts.
I also liked Hayden because he was easy-going, a bit of a flirt, but also loyal to his friends. He helped Kate out with her schoolwork and also helped her and Robyn later on.
Robyn was a bit interesting as well. Kate really needed a friend after everything with Chelsea and she eventually let Robyn start to fill that gap. They could have fun at times, and jokes about things, but Robyn also had a tendency to make Kate do things she didn’t want to.
More importantly than just the characters, was the way that they changed. You could never really take a character at face value. You didn’t know if their reputation really matched who they were, or what kind of trouble or guilt they could be carrying around. I actually really enjoyed this aspect of the book. I liked getting to know a character and having my image of them completely changed by a big reveal or getting to understand them better because of it. The only downside to this, I think, was that when the big reveal happened it could be a little tedious to read through (essentially) a monologue from whoever was doing the storytelling.
I also really liked seeing the development in Kate from a “deviant” into someone who was giving it her all to get a permanent place at the school. She might not have necessarily been the best academically, but for once she was trying. She grew into someone who was willing to try a different way to get justice, and I liked the maturation in her.
There was also a little potential romance in the book between some characters, but it doesn’t take over the story. I actually really enjoyed that because for me the biggest strength of the book was its focus on character development.
The book could also be a little cheesy at times as well, but I still enjoyed it. And I mean cheesy in the sense that they had all these speeches/dialogue where the character was delivering an important message but not in a completely natural way.
Two things to be aware of with this book: formatting and grammar. I know most of the other reviews mentioned this book needing an editor. I wouldn’t say that it’s terrible enough to take away from the story, but there were some issues that needed fixing. I saw a couple simple grammar mistakes and misspellings, but probably the biggest problem with the book was just formatting. There were times when there would be giant paragraphs but there were clearly these giant gaps meant to be indents. Just for some reason, it got smushed together. I can understand someone finding this so annoying they can’t enjoy the story but, at least for me, it wasn’t enough to stop me from enjoying it.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for people who like school-like settings.
Full review on Stellar Kitten Book Reviews:
I have to admit that I liked this book more than I initially expected to. I liked the premise of this last-chance school and was kind of expecting to read about some fights, bullying, maybe pranks—I was expecting drama, but I didn’t exactly get it (i.e. Orange is the New Black). Well, there was a little drama of another sort, and some bullying. For the most part, everyone in the book was just trying to honestly get through cuts—when the school decides if you’ve done well enough to give you a permanent place (in three months).
Each of the new students gets placed in a “barrack” until cuts. Luke and Jordan are the male leads for the two male student barracks, and Sydney is the lead for the female student barrack–which will be Kate’s new home for at least three months.
Wanda immediately set herself up as the bully, the mean girl, in the story. She had her typical little followers that backed her up whenever they picked on someone. Even then she didn’t have too many big moments of actually picking on anyone. She was also really into making jewelry, which I thought was an interesting hobby to give her for cuts.
I also liked Hayden because he was easy-going, a bit of a flirt, but also loyal to his friends. He helped Kate out with her schoolwork and also helped her and Robyn later on.
Robyn was a bit interesting as well. Kate really needed a friend after everything with Chelsea and she eventually let Robyn start to fill that gap. They could have fun at times, and jokes about things, but Robyn also had a tendency to make Kate do things she didn’t want to.
More importantly than just the characters, was the way that they changed. You could never really take a character at face value. You didn’t know if their reputation really matched who they were, or what kind of trouble or guilt they could be carrying around. I actually really enjoyed this aspect of the book. I liked getting to know a character and having my image of them completely changed by a big reveal or getting to understand them better because of it. The only downside to this, I think, was that when the big reveal happened it could be a little tedious to read through (essentially) a monologue from whoever was doing the storytelling.
I also really liked seeing the development in Kate from a “deviant” into someone who was giving it her all to get a permanent place at the school. She might not have necessarily been the best academically, but for once she was trying. She grew into someone who was willing to try a different way to get justice, and I liked the maturation in her.
There was also a little potential romance in the book between some characters, but it doesn’t take over the story. I actually really enjoyed that because for me the biggest strength of the book was its focus on character development.
The book could also be a little cheesy at times as well, but I still enjoyed it. And I mean cheesy in the sense that they had all these speeches/dialogue where the character was delivering an important message but not in a completely natural way.
Two things to be aware of with this book: formatting and grammar. I know most of the other reviews mentioned this book needing an editor. I wouldn’t say that it’s terrible enough to take away from the story, but there were some issues that needed fixing. I saw a couple simple grammar mistakes and misspellings, but probably the biggest problem with the book was just formatting. There were times when there would be giant paragraphs but there were clearly these giant gaps meant to be indents. Just for some reason, it got smushed together. I can understand someone finding this so annoying they can’t enjoy the story but, at least for me, it wasn’t enough to stop me from enjoying it.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for people who like school-like settings.
October 28, 2019
This isnt my usual go to read but i found myself listening anyway needing to know what happens next. I kept thinking kate was a typical young troubled teen but the more you read the more comes out to make you change your tune. The writing is wonderful and her voice for kate is so realistic you feel its not a fictional character but someone right in front of you. Superb!
June 29, 2017
I loved this book! Sure, it had some cheesy elements but I dug the not so love triangle and the characters felt like real people. I would definitely recommend this to people who like mild mystery, and mean girl tactics.
October 4, 2017
This book was amazing! It was face paced, keeping me hooked from start to finish! I loved all the characters, they were real and relatable. The writing was vivid and the story was interesting. I can't wait for a sequel or even a prequel! I definitely need more of these characters.
July 24, 2018
A mess
Really just a mess of a story, I think this one book could have been 5 different books! There was so many story lines I was lost half the time. Honestly, it was so frustrating
Really just a mess of a story, I think this one book could have been 5 different books! There was so many story lines I was lost half the time. Honestly, it was so frustrating
September 11, 2019
The characters were very well developed and likable. For the female MC it was a story about realizing who she is. The bit of thrill/intrigue adds that little bit extra that just pulls you right in from page one. The storyline flows flawlessly along. Great read!!
September 12, 2019
I listened to the audiobook. I really enjoyed the story, and the narrator worked for the storyline, though she did seem a bit immature in her work. I wish there had been more backstory for Jordan and even Hayden, as well as Kate.
June 18, 2017
I loved this book! There has got to be a sequel!!!
October 23, 2017
I really liked it, but it could really use some editing.
May 23, 2018
Loved this story, just wish there was more to the ending.
September 12, 2019
This is a wonderful book! It left me wanting more more more!! Really hoping there is going to be a second book.
October 27, 2020
Too simple and too predictable, even for a YA novel.
January 22, 2024
Great story. The book was not edited well, at all, and this took away from an otherwise excellent YA novel.
April 6, 2017
Wow! Awesome!!!!
Not the typical read for me but I'm so damn glad I read it. Honest sincere excellent. Gonna look for more by this author
Not the typical read for me but I'm so damn glad I read it. Honest sincere excellent. Gonna look for more by this author
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June 28, 2017As of now, I'm leaving this unrated for multiple reasons. If you'd like to know my thoughts, please message me privately here or on Twitter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2017
Disclaimer: I did receive this novel for review for free, but all opinions are my own and without influence from the author.
"Welcome to the Huntley and Drake school for defiant children. This is not Hogwarts".
Delinquent by M.F. Lorson is a Young Adult novel that packs an emotional punch that will leave a lasting impression on it's readers long after the last page has been read. This novel, which follows the story of Kate Elliot is a story of love, loss and redemption all while having one of the most diverse and interesting casts of character's that I have read about in a long time. Kate Elliot is an amazingly strong character that is an individual, stands up for what she believes in and won't stop searching for the truth. The Huntley and Drake school for defiant children is a school for youth that have all found themselves in trouble with the law and many of whom have faced time in correctional facilities. This leads to an assortments of characters where the reader is left not knowing whom they can believe which makes for an even more engaging narrative. The depth of the characters that M.F. Lorson has created make this novel all the more engaging, You want to finish the page you are on just to get to the next one faster, There were moments that I was laughing out loud, moments that truly had me scared and other moments where I was frustrated because I couldn't figure out why characters were acting the way that they were. All of this however was because of the engaging and captivating writing style that drags readers in and doesn't let go until the last sentence. This novel is a great fit for anyone who likes mystery/thriller regardless of they usually read young adult, as well as crime enthusiasts. I truly hope there will be a sequel to this novel, because one book just wasn't enough!
"Welcome to the Huntley and Drake school for defiant children. This is not Hogwarts".
Delinquent by M.F. Lorson is a Young Adult novel that packs an emotional punch that will leave a lasting impression on it's readers long after the last page has been read. This novel, which follows the story of Kate Elliot is a story of love, loss and redemption all while having one of the most diverse and interesting casts of character's that I have read about in a long time. Kate Elliot is an amazingly strong character that is an individual, stands up for what she believes in and won't stop searching for the truth. The Huntley and Drake school for defiant children is a school for youth that have all found themselves in trouble with the law and many of whom have faced time in correctional facilities. This leads to an assortments of characters where the reader is left not knowing whom they can believe which makes for an even more engaging narrative. The depth of the characters that M.F. Lorson has created make this novel all the more engaging, You want to finish the page you are on just to get to the next one faster, There were moments that I was laughing out loud, moments that truly had me scared and other moments where I was frustrated because I couldn't figure out why characters were acting the way that they were. All of this however was because of the engaging and captivating writing style that drags readers in and doesn't let go until the last sentence. This novel is a great fit for anyone who likes mystery/thriller regardless of they usually read young adult, as well as crime enthusiasts. I truly hope there will be a sequel to this novel, because one book just wasn't enough!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews