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Boy Shattered
Brian You’ll make it out of here, Brian. I swear. I had everything—school quarterback, popular with girls, and my dad was proud of me. I told myself it didn’t matter no one knew the real me. And then I nearly died. Landon saved my life. He’s the bravest guy I know. He came out a few years ago, proud and fierce, and he ran into gunfire to help others. Me, I’m a mess. Can’t even stand to be in a room with the curtains open. But here’s the thing about losing it You get a chance to start over and be someone new. Only how can I move on when the two shooters who attacked our school were never caught? And why do I feel like I’m still in the crosshairs? Landon Will you kiss me? When I came across Brian Marshall,the hottest guy in school, dying on the cafeteria floor, I did what anyone would do. I tried to save him. His request surprised me, but I figured he needed comfort, so I kissed him on the forehead. When he survived and came back to school, he was broken in body and mind. He still needed me, and soon we were unlikely besties. But what I saw at school that day woke me up. I want to demand action on gun control, lead protests, raise my fist. I’ll tear the world down if I have to. And if I can get the man of my dreams and save the world at the same time? I’ll take it. Only I didn’t understand that the horror at Jefferson Waller High wasn’t over.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2018
388 people are currently reading
3544 people want to read
About the author
Eli Easton
83 books2,804 followersHaving been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a game designer, an organic farmer, an avid hiker, and a profound sleeper, Eli is happily embarking on yet another incarnation as a m/m romance author.
As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.
Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com
COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/
As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.
Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com
COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 601 reviews
October 17, 2018
Wow, this book covered a lot of ground and, at times, was not an easy read, but I'm still extremely glad that I read it.
Mass shootings are all too common these days, but we only ever really hear about the death toll and a few details as to the shooter's suspected motivations.
This book went deeper than that. Much, much deeper, mainly concentrating on the aftermath for the shell-shocked survivors.
In this story, Brian was a popular junior and quarterback of the football team. He was also secretly gay, afraid to let others see the true him, mainly due to his hateful, homophobic, conspiracy theory-believing father.
Landon was an out and proud, gay senior, on the cusp of graduating, when the unthinkable happened and over 40 of his fellow classmates and teachers lost their lives over the course of 8 terrifying minutes.
The boys had covertly liked one another for a while, but had never actually spoken, until Landon found Brian shot and bleeding out on the cafeteria floor while the shooting was still in progress.
For me, the feels truly began when Landon became Brian's support system upon returning to school, since Brian only felt safe when he was with Landon.
But Brian's PTSD was still very severe, in spite of his father's "shake it off and man the hell up" attitude, and I felt his thoughts on the situation were pretty spot on and realistic.
The funeral ended with four football players and two of Jake’s cousins carrying the coffin out on their shoulders. Jake’s mom and dad followed behind it, clutching each other. It was sort of unbearable.The main reason why Brian couldn't begin to heal in this story was due to the fact that the shooters were not immediately caught. So he was constantly on edge, never fully at ease, unless he was alone with Landon.
I don’t think that word means what you think it means.
That word, “unbearable,” was starting to lose its meaning. Because, in the end, what choice do we have but to bear it?
Brian was even so desperate that he began making lists of everyone at the school, trying to narrow down the identities of the two shooters, which eventually did pay off in the end.
One aspect of the story that completely shocked me was how Brian's (asshole) dad was *still* so pro-gun, after his own son was nearly murdered in a mass shooting. I can't imagine that level of fanaticism existing after such a close-to-home event happening to your very own child.
The book's main focus was *not* primarily on the romance, but that's not really what this story was about. With a subject matter this serious, I don't think it could, or even should, have been.
The romance *is* there, though, it's just not all-consuming.
The story was pretty perfect as-written and I'd definitely suggest that everyone read it. It felt extremely realistic and relevant in today's at-times-insane world, where money from the NRA overrules basic common sense where gun laws are concerned.
As the story ended, it felt much more hopeful than I'd originally thought possible, as the boys were headed off to college together with an HEA on the horizon.
4.5 seriously-moving stars.
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My ARC copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
See All My Latest Reads (Review Quick-Links)
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May 12, 2024
5 Stars
I’ve always been a huge fan of Eli Easton’s stories, but I honestly feel like Boy Shattered is her strongest work to date, both in terms of content and delivery. This would have been a damn difficult story to write, on countless levels - hell, it was a difficult story to read - so I can’t even begin to imagine what Easton went through professionally and emotionally to write such a book, but she has my utmost respect and praise for the final result.
Obviously, a story centred on a school shooting is not fun or fluffy reading, especially in this day and age where mass shootings and the never-ending gun control debate are such hot topics of political discussion, even reaching far beyond the borders of the USA where the issue seems most prevalent. Yet, I feel like Easton was able to approach this truly distressing premise, with its extremely complex and contentious themes, in a way that was both authentic and respectful.
The story was certainly brutally shocking and heart wrenching at times, especially during those initial chapters which chronicled the events of the shooting itself, yet I ultimately came away from this experience full of love and hope and a belief that good will always outweigh evil, so it wasn’t all doom and gloom.
There’s a beautiful love story here, too, which, although not the main focus of the story, was still a very sweet and uplifting element that keep all the darker stuff from ever getting too heavy or distressing. The MCs, Brian and Landon, survived a traumatic experience together, yet with each other’s endless emotional support and comfort they were able to rebuild the broken pieces of their lives, becoming stronger, more political conscious individuals, who just happened to fall in love during their emotional journey to healing and happiness.
There is no denying this was a tough story to read, but my absolute adoration of both Brian and Landon as characters - as survivors, advocates, friends, and eventually boyfriends - paired with some great writing and one hell of an emotionally gripping plot, made this an instant favourite and one I would highly recommend to my friends.
*************************************
Re-read (#2): May, 2024
This story still hits all the right notes and still hurts so good. I felt all the same big, complicated, messy emotions I felt the first time I read it and I, once again, cried all the sobbing tears as my heart broke and was remade anew with these beautiful young men in the aftermath of the trauma they survived.
So, again, a big hat's off to Easton for creating such a socially and politically relevant story, with characters who are weighted in reality and who demand thoughtfulness, care, and attention from their readers.
Boy Shattered remains (unequivocally) my personal favourite of Easton’s now vast and noteworthy library of M/M stories. Bri and Landon have never strayed far from my mind in the years since I first read this story and I doubt that’ll ever change. 💜
I’ve always been a huge fan of Eli Easton’s stories, but I honestly feel like Boy Shattered is her strongest work to date, both in terms of content and delivery. This would have been a damn difficult story to write, on countless levels - hell, it was a difficult story to read - so I can’t even begin to imagine what Easton went through professionally and emotionally to write such a book, but she has my utmost respect and praise for the final result.
Obviously, a story centred on a school shooting is not fun or fluffy reading, especially in this day and age where mass shootings and the never-ending gun control debate are such hot topics of political discussion, even reaching far beyond the borders of the USA where the issue seems most prevalent. Yet, I feel like Easton was able to approach this truly distressing premise, with its extremely complex and contentious themes, in a way that was both authentic and respectful.
The story was certainly brutally shocking and heart wrenching at times, especially during those initial chapters which chronicled the events of the shooting itself, yet I ultimately came away from this experience full of love and hope and a belief that good will always outweigh evil, so it wasn’t all doom and gloom.
There’s a beautiful love story here, too, which, although not the main focus of the story, was still a very sweet and uplifting element that keep all the darker stuff from ever getting too heavy or distressing. The MCs, Brian and Landon, survived a traumatic experience together, yet with each other’s endless emotional support and comfort they were able to rebuild the broken pieces of their lives, becoming stronger, more political conscious individuals, who just happened to fall in love during their emotional journey to healing and happiness.
There is no denying this was a tough story to read, but my absolute adoration of both Brian and Landon as characters - as survivors, advocates, friends, and eventually boyfriends - paired with some great writing and one hell of an emotionally gripping plot, made this an instant favourite and one I would highly recommend to my friends.
*************************************
Re-read (#2): May, 2024
This story still hits all the right notes and still hurts so good. I felt all the same big, complicated, messy emotions I felt the first time I read it and I, once again, cried all the sobbing tears as my heart broke and was remade anew with these beautiful young men in the aftermath of the trauma they survived.
So, again, a big hat's off to Easton for creating such a socially and politically relevant story, with characters who are weighted in reality and who demand thoughtfulness, care, and attention from their readers.
Boy Shattered remains (unequivocally) my personal favourite of Easton’s now vast and noteworthy library of M/M stories. Bri and Landon have never strayed far from my mind in the years since I first read this story and I doubt that’ll ever change. 💜
October 21, 2018
I wasn't sure that I wanted to read Boy Shattered, and, to be honest, it was a tough read all the way through. I picked a bad day to start it, a day when I already felt bleak, and it did not make my mood any better. However, I think Eli Easton wrote an important book, and a really moving love story.
I'm going to start off with things you should know before attempting this book.
If you've read the blurb at all, you'll know at least some of these things. It's important to know that the story is painfully angsty and sad. It is also YA, so there is little-to-no on page sex. Eli Easton can write some steamy stuff, but this isn't in that category. Also, trigger warnings: gun violence, children dying, homophobia, PTSD.
I really fought with myself over this story. I have school-aged kids, and gun violence is something that keeps me up at night in cold sweats. Did I really want to subject myself to a fiction story surrounding that very topic? Turns out, I did.
I loved the heavy, atmospheric style of Boy Shattered. It is a weighty story, but one that has moments of lightness, and the overall feeling is of something that is really powerful. After reading a number of fluffy stories, it felt good to sink my teeth into something real, even though it was my worst fears come to life.
The romance was also truly lovely. It was a pure, sweet first romance mixed with all the pain and terrible angst born of tragedy. It was a bright spot for me in the story, and I loved the innocence and weariness of these two MCs. The pacing of the romance was also just spot on.
There was also a mystery aspect that I didn't love, but I, in general, hate suspense and mystery. I always read who the killer is before watching any movie where people die, and so not knowing who was behind the shooting was torture for me, and I don't enjoy torture.
All in all, if you have the emotional fortitude to read something painful but beautifully gripping, you should try this one. Just go into it knowing what to expect and you'll reap the rewards.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
I'm going to start off with things you should know before attempting this book.
If you've read the blurb at all, you'll know at least some of these things. It's important to know that the story is painfully angsty and sad. It is also YA, so there is little-to-no on page sex. Eli Easton can write some steamy stuff, but this isn't in that category. Also, trigger warnings: gun violence, children dying, homophobia, PTSD.
I really fought with myself over this story. I have school-aged kids, and gun violence is something that keeps me up at night in cold sweats. Did I really want to subject myself to a fiction story surrounding that very topic? Turns out, I did.
I loved the heavy, atmospheric style of Boy Shattered. It is a weighty story, but one that has moments of lightness, and the overall feeling is of something that is really powerful. After reading a number of fluffy stories, it felt good to sink my teeth into something real, even though it was my worst fears come to life.
The romance was also truly lovely. It was a pure, sweet first romance mixed with all the pain and terrible angst born of tragedy. It was a bright spot for me in the story, and I loved the innocence and weariness of these two MCs. The pacing of the romance was also just spot on.
There was also a mystery aspect that I didn't love, but I, in general, hate suspense and mystery. I always read who the killer is before watching any movie where people die, and so not knowing who was behind the shooting was torture for me, and I don't enjoy torture.
All in all, if you have the emotional fortitude to read something painful but beautifully gripping, you should try this one. Just go into it knowing what to expect and you'll reap the rewards.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
Currently reading
November 2, 2018This book is a Young Adult, Romantic Suspense story with m-m leads.
It's definitely one of my angstier books, but there's plenty of love, light, and hope in the book too.
This is an entirely fictional account set at a fictional high school, but I was inspired by Parkland and the amazing Parkland students who have risen up to protest gun violence. I hope I did the subject justice.
Eli
It's definitely one of my angstier books, but there's plenty of love, light, and hope in the book too.
This is an entirely fictional account set at a fictional high school, but I was inspired by Parkland and the amazing Parkland students who have risen up to protest gun violence. I hope I did the subject justice.
Eli
October 13, 2018
3.5
A thought provoking read,a YA love story born from a tragic event.
Coming from the UK where the last school shooting was back in 1996 after which the ownership of handguns was banned I found this a difficult read.Due to the subject matter the book was always going to have a sombre feel to it but out of all the darkness there was a quite beautiful story of two young men who,in a different life might never have got together.
From the blurb the reader is well aware of what is going to happen and the Author powerfully portrayed the event that would have such a strong impact on the characters lives.In the aftermath of tragedy Brian and Landon formed a powerful bond that was totally believable-a connection that was so strong.
What I loved,
-Landon,what can I say...I adored that boy.His strength,and determination to stand up for what he believed in and his love for Brian.The Author created a truly special character in him.
-Landon's two friends and his wonderful parents were brilliant supporting characters who played their parts in the story so well.
Issues I had/what didn't work for me,
-Brian's father.I found it hard to believe his views wouldn't have changed after what happened to Brian.There wasn't an ounce of compassion in him and I hated the way he treat Brian.
-the reveal of the shooters and the manner in which they were revealed was a bit too fanciful for me.
Overall I mostly enjoyed it.
An Arc of Boy Shattered was kindly provided to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review.
A thought provoking read,a YA love story born from a tragic event.
Coming from the UK where the last school shooting was back in 1996 after which the ownership of handguns was banned I found this a difficult read.Due to the subject matter the book was always going to have a sombre feel to it but out of all the darkness there was a quite beautiful story of two young men who,in a different life might never have got together.
From the blurb the reader is well aware of what is going to happen and the Author powerfully portrayed the event that would have such a strong impact on the characters lives.In the aftermath of tragedy Brian and Landon formed a powerful bond that was totally believable-a connection that was so strong.
What I loved,
-Landon,what can I say...I adored that boy.His strength,and determination to stand up for what he believed in and his love for Brian.The Author created a truly special character in him.
-Landon's two friends and his wonderful parents were brilliant supporting characters who played their parts in the story so well.
Issues I had/what didn't work for me,
-Brian's father.I found it hard to believe his views wouldn't have changed after what happened to Brian.There wasn't an ounce of compassion in him and I hated the way he treat Brian.
-the reveal of the shooters and the manner in which they were revealed was a bit too fanciful for me.
Overall I mostly enjoyed it.
An Arc of Boy Shattered was kindly provided to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review.
This review is posted on DirtyBooksObsession
October 28, 2018
Wow, I am truly impressed by this story.
It wasn’t necessarily an entertaining romance, as it deals with a high school shooting and is highly political which is unusual for a m/m story.
I too agree with the characters about the gun laws in the US being ridiculous. So many things are to blame when it comes to finding a reason behind such a terrible act of violence, but giving the general public access to weapons is certainly a key factor in enabling such incidents again and again. I wonder when the people in charge finally see that.
‘Boy Shattered’ starts out with an ordinary day at an ordinary high school. Things are as annoyingly boring as always. Brian Marshall, handsome quarterback and dream-boyfriend of probably 90% of all female students is hanging out with his football pals as usual and Landon Hughes, one of only very few openly gay students at the Jefferson Waller High School, is having lunch with his circle of friends. The two interact briefly by coincidence. It is slightly awkward - the school's most popular guy running into the queer dude. All in all a typical day at a high school.
Until it isn’t.
Until out of the blue gunshots echo through the walls of the building and students run for their lives. Caught in a dead end in the cafeteria, Brian is shot along with dozens other students that day.
But his story doesn’t end there.
And out of the tragedy and gore of that most terrible of days in the lives of these teenagers, a romance between two boys becomes possible that not only shakes up the lives of their families and friends, but tries to address a bigger picture in the political scheme of things. Survivors standing together to make sure that no other high school, no other innocent children will ever be subject to a random crime as the Jefferson Waller Shooting.
Based on and humbly referring to the terrible incident of the Parkland shooting, this is the story of Brian, a repressed youth who has to cope with the aftermath of being shot, of the killers not being caught and of living with a family who neither backs down from praising guns after he almost died from a bullet, nor accepts him for who he is, concerning both his ever-present fears that now lurk in the back of his mind and his homosexuality that he needs to keep hidden in order not to anger his right-wing father.
His only beacon of hope is Landon, his savior, his love and Landon's supportive family who stand by Brian’s side in his darkest moments.
The book is many things: a YA romance, a psychological drama and a crime story that has Brian obsessing himself with finding the killers that almost took his life, while trying to cope with his boyfriend’s urge to speak up in public against guns, making himself a target to all the alt-right lunatics out there.
It was also an incredibly powerful coming out story. I literally cried for and with Brian.
I rarely call a m/m romance educational, but I think this book is one that should be read by many, many people. Unfortunately, the ones who should read it the most, will likely never touch it.
However, this isn’t the story’s fault, because as a piece of romantic fiction, I definitely rate it as a
5 star favorite!
Read
October 8, 2018Two gay boys eyeing each other with secret interest across the divide of high school hierarchies and the closet. Until horrific violence shatters their lives, leaving them both adrift. In the aftermath, they find that the best thing they have to cling to, is each other.
The topic of school shootings is a really tough one to do justice to-- to give it the serious intensity it deserves without descending into angst that could feel exploitative. I think Eli Easton did a very good job of making this story about these two boys, their community and classmates, and parents. By anchoring the story deeply within the characters, it feels real and emotional but not overdone.
This is not a topic that can be addressed without coming down to some degree on one side or other of the gun debate. Easton's side is pretty clear, and is the one I agree with. Again, I feel this was done within the context of the plot and characters. There's not much nuance here, but the passion of the characters carries the message, and I think fairly represents the voices of many of our young people. I appreciated that this is also a YA book where adults are present and involved, and where trauma is very realistically addressed.
And in the end, the relationship and growth of the two boys who are our main characters gives the book a welcome sweetness to counterbalance the pain. Homophobia is balanced with acceptance and support. There are good people in here, and a light at the end of the darkness.
**
I was one of the people who beta read this book, so by policy I won't rate it. But I do recommend it, with trigger warnings for gun violence, PTSD, death of children, homophobia, mental health issues.
The topic of school shootings is a really tough one to do justice to-- to give it the serious intensity it deserves without descending into angst that could feel exploitative. I think Eli Easton did a very good job of making this story about these two boys, their community and classmates, and parents. By anchoring the story deeply within the characters, it feels real and emotional but not overdone.
This is not a topic that can be addressed without coming down to some degree on one side or other of the gun debate. Easton's side is pretty clear, and is the one I agree with. Again, I feel this was done within the context of the plot and characters. There's not much nuance here, but the passion of the characters carries the message, and I think fairly represents the voices of many of our young people. I appreciated that this is also a YA book where adults are present and involved, and where trauma is very realistically addressed.
And in the end, the relationship and growth of the two boys who are our main characters gives the book a welcome sweetness to counterbalance the pain. Homophobia is balanced with acceptance and support. There are good people in here, and a light at the end of the darkness.
**
I was one of the people who beta read this book, so by policy I won't rate it. But I do recommend it, with trigger warnings for gun violence, PTSD, death of children, homophobia, mental health issues.
October 7, 2018
Absolutely wonderful.
A thoughtful and beautiful portrayal of surviving a tragedy and falling in love.
The topic, a school shooting and its aftermath, is gripping and the way Easton approaches it felt fresh.
Great POV, a terrific cast of characters, with a fast pace, Boy Shattered sucked me in and wouldn't let me go until I'd turned the last page. ❤️
Recommended!
Advanced Review Galley copy of Boy Shattered provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
A thoughtful and beautiful portrayal of surviving a tragedy and falling in love.
We never see the train wreck coming. Is that a blessing or a curse?
The topic, a school shooting and its aftermath, is gripping and the way Easton approaches it felt fresh.
Great POV, a terrific cast of characters, with a fast pace, Boy Shattered sucked me in and wouldn't let me go until I'd turned the last page. ❤️
Recommended!
Advanced Review Galley copy of Boy Shattered provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
October 19, 2018
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*What is wrong with me?*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
When Brian ‘Bri’ Marshall (17) was dying, Landon ‘Lanny’ Hughes (17? 18? A senior) saved his life. This changed it all. It was a complete wake up call. Brian feel like a coward, Landon feel like he needs to do more and together they can breathe. Overall, though the book was heartbreaking and sad - because unfortunately, this had happened in real life - it wasn't for me. It's so hard for me to relate, even though it's written very well, so in the long run, things became boring, sad but boring. And sorta predictable. I suck, obliviously. This isn't to say that my didn't get teary, because they did. More than once. It was just that though it's beautiful and inspiring to see someone heal after such a tragic event, the book itself tended to be boring.
‘We were nothing to you on that day.
Those precious lives were nothing to you.
Targets to bring down.
Faceless, nameless sheaths for your bullets and your impotent rage.
When one human being kills another human, it is not just lives that are snuffed out.
It is faith itself. Trust. Sanity. It is normality, safety, laughter, the mundane.
Hearts and minds, love and respect, comprehension. Expectation. Ease. Comfort.
The gift of being carefree. Of optimism. Of joy.
This is what you took from us, from those who died and those who survived.
The day we shattered.’
- Shattered by Brian Marshall
OTHER CHARACTERS:
→ Madison O’Reilly and Josiah, Landon's best friends since their freshman year.
→ Lisa Marshall (13), Brian's sister.
→ Jennifer ‘Jen’ Smith, Brian's ex-girlfriend.
→ Jake ‘Neanderthal Man’, Brian's best friends since sixth grade. They’d been on baseball, football, and basketball teams together for ages, always watching each other’s backs. Jake was a defensive linebacker for The Wall.
→ Cameron Diggley and Gordo Stahler, football players and who Jake and Brian had hung out together since freshman year besically because they were all on the football team. Not Brian's choice of friends.
→ Sandra and Rex Hughes, Landon's parents.
→ Dixon Adams, a student.
→ Bull Smith, an alt-right guy that works with Brian's dad at the Buick dealership. He’s a mechanic. Brian believes he poisoned his dad's mind.
→ Mike Flannagan, a detective who interviewed Brian after the tragic event.
The funeral ended with four football players and two of Jake’s cousins carrying the coffin out on their shoulders. Jake’s mom and dad followed behind it, clutching each other. It was sort of unbearable.
I don’t think that word means what you think it means.
That word, “unbearable,” was starting to lose its meaning. Because, in the end, what choice do we have but to bear it?
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Young Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M).
Series: - Standalone.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Landon ‘Lanny’ Hughes.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure, it might be triggering for some.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5 stars.
December 2, 2022
It was a good day, that last normal Thursday. My last day with Jake. My last day with a lot of things.
Boy Shattered is a shot of the reality of hundreds of children and families living in the USA. I’m extremely lucky I live in a country where we don’t have to be taught how to behave if a couple of lunatics start shooting while we are in class, we don’t have to be constantly afraid that our school can be the next target and our children would be the next victim. It’s hard enough hearing about it on the news, but reading it? I needed so many breaks because my heart was cracking and I was afraid that, if I started crying, I would never be able to stop.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever believe, actually believe, there was nothing I could have done that day () But I can do something now.”
I don’t like hopeless stories with the only purpose of making the reader suffer. While Boy Shattered is not an easy lecture, it shows the hard reality but also how some people are able to use all that trauma as a source of strength to bring change.
Even the worst days can bring some light into your life. Landon and Brian are supposed to be complete opposites, but tragedy brought them together and now they need the support of the other to keep going. I loved that Brian, who was the popular boy, golden boy of the school, was the one who admired Landon from the beginning for being everything he dreamt to be: confident, mature and out of the closet. I fell in love with Landon’s patience, with his incredible courage and loyalty. Very few people would be able to run towards the sound of gunshots with the purpose of saving a friend. I know it’s the opposite of what you should do, but you can’t argue that the boy is a gem.
“Unbearable” was starting to lose its meaning. Because, in the end, what choice do we have but to bear it?
Going back to normal life was not an easy path: it was slow, painful and full of obstacles, but Eli Easton managed to deliver a realistic execution that will make your heart heal again. I’ve enjoyed all Eli Easton’s books I’ve read, but Boy Shattered had the realism I missed on the others. If you think you can manage to read a premise like this, I highly recommend giving it a try.
My friend.
Barely older than me, you have
the heart of a lion.
()
My heart is not a lion’s.
I fear everything.
Especially the truth.
Maybe a day will come
when I can tell you:
this frightened heart is
yours.
Boy Shattered is a shot of the reality of hundreds of children and families living in the USA. I’m extremely lucky I live in a country where we don’t have to be taught how to behave if a couple of lunatics start shooting while we are in class, we don’t have to be constantly afraid that our school can be the next target and our children would be the next victim. It’s hard enough hearing about it on the news, but reading it? I needed so many breaks because my heart was cracking and I was afraid that, if I started crying, I would never be able to stop.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever believe, actually believe, there was nothing I could have done that day () But I can do something now.”
I don’t like hopeless stories with the only purpose of making the reader suffer. While Boy Shattered is not an easy lecture, it shows the hard reality but also how some people are able to use all that trauma as a source of strength to bring change.
Even the worst days can bring some light into your life. Landon and Brian are supposed to be complete opposites, but tragedy brought them together and now they need the support of the other to keep going. I loved that Brian, who was the popular boy, golden boy of the school, was the one who admired Landon from the beginning for being everything he dreamt to be: confident, mature and out of the closet. I fell in love with Landon’s patience, with his incredible courage and loyalty. Very few people would be able to run towards the sound of gunshots with the purpose of saving a friend. I know it’s the opposite of what you should do, but you can’t argue that the boy is a gem.
“Unbearable” was starting to lose its meaning. Because, in the end, what choice do we have but to bear it?
Going back to normal life was not an easy path: it was slow, painful and full of obstacles, but Eli Easton managed to deliver a realistic execution that will make your heart heal again. I’ve enjoyed all Eli Easton’s books I’ve read, but Boy Shattered had the realism I missed on the others. If you think you can manage to read a premise like this, I highly recommend giving it a try.
My friend.
Barely older than me, you have
the heart of a lion.
()
My heart is not a lion’s.
I fear everything.
Especially the truth.
Maybe a day will come
when I can tell you:
this frightened heart is
yours.
February 10, 2019
Outstanding!!!
This book was simply stunning in it’s naked portrayal of a school shooting and its devastating aftershocks.
I loved this book! I loved these characters! It was so riveting I read it all in a single sitting!
This is a powerful call for gun control done in such a brutally beautiful way.
It left me speechless.
This book was simply stunning in it’s naked portrayal of a school shooting and its devastating aftershocks.
I loved this book! I loved these characters! It was so riveting I read it all in a single sitting!
This is a powerful call for gun control done in such a brutally beautiful way.
It left me speechless.
November 10, 2022
I'm bawling my eyes out. Why did I pick this book up right after finishing "My Dark Vanessa"! I like to torture myself, that's why...
"Boy Shattered" caught my eyes because of its title. Yes, the title reminded me of the movie "Boy Erased". I instantly knew that I had to read this book. But I was also scared. I was frightened to read it cause I knew it'll shatter my heart completely. So, waited. I waited for an entire year before I finally had the courage to read it. And guess what? I wasn't wrong. "Boy Shattered" shattered me...to a point where I had literally no idea how to get over it. Book hangover, that's what you call it, right?
My heart is not a lion’s.
I fear everything.
Especially the truth.
Maybe a day will come when I can tell you:
This frightened heart is yours.
"Boy Shattered" caught my eyes because of its title. Yes, the title reminded me of the movie "Boy Erased". I instantly knew that I had to read this book. But I was also scared. I was frightened to read it cause I knew it'll shatter my heart completely. So, waited. I waited for an entire year before I finally had the courage to read it. And guess what? I wasn't wrong. "Boy Shattered" shattered me...to a point where I had literally no idea how to get over it. Book hangover, that's what you call it, right?
You smile at me
And I can move mountains,
Dive to the bottom of the sea
Just to bring you a pearl.
I keep my admiration inside my coat pocket,
Buried deep with my other secrets,
With the things I fear to say
And the things too dangerous to feel.
October 8, 2018
This book deals with quite a heavy subject. And while it was not all doom and gloom, this book did make me sad.
School shootings have always been this unreal thing for me, since our country doesn’t know school shootings. But here it felt so close, so real. I could totally picture the fear, the desperate need to hide, to get away. All while your friends are being killed, and there’s nothing you can do. It really is something out of nightmares.
Brian is the school’s quarterback and is quite the popular guy. But no one knows that inside Brian is not that happy. He feels like a fraud for not coming out and be open about who he really is. He hasn’t even told his best friend Jake. But Brian knows his father will never accept him, and would probably kick him out, so he keeps hiding for now. Even though there is a boy he would love to get to know better.
Landon is out and proud at school, but he also knows that doesn’t come without its difficulties. But he gets by with his two best friends who are always there for him.
When Brian is in the cafeteria on what was supposed to be a regular Friday, he suddenly hears noises and screaming. It sounds like gunfire! When he hears the announcement that there are two shooters in the school, he knows he has to get out, or at least hide, but the cafeteria isn’t the safest place to be during a shooting. He ends up squeezing himself behind the water fountain and can’t do anything but wait and watch while the shooters try to kill everyone in the cafeteria.
Meanwhile Landon was at his locker when the announcement came. He knows his best friend Josiah was supposed to be in the cafeteria, so he tries to get closer to that. He waits ‘til the shooters leave the cafeteria before looking around for his friend. But what he finds is Brian, the school’s quarterback, bleeding out on the floor. Landon quickly tries to put pressure on the wound, and can only hope Brian will hang on until help will arrive…..
I liked how this did book wasn’t as depressing as it could have been. These two boys did fall in love in the aftermath of the shooting and love is a beautiful thing, even in those circumstances. I loved how both were dealing with their own trauma, but could also support each other when things got to be too much. Especially Brian suffered from PTSD and Landon was there for him when he needed him.
When Brian had to get back to school after the shooting, I was panicking with him. I could just feel how hard it would be to ever feel safe again.
There wasn’t a lot of angst in the relationship itself and I liked that. These guys had enough to deal with already. The sexy times were not that detailed or long, and it felt fitting for this story.
So while the romance was a positive one, without too many hiccups, it still dealt with such a terrible subject, that I couldn’t help but feel sad while reading this. I just don’t get school shootings, or any shootings for that matter. Not that anybody ever will, it’s just too horrible to understand…
------------------------------
An ARC of Boy Shattered was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
School shootings have always been this unreal thing for me, since our country doesn’t know school shootings. But here it felt so close, so real. I could totally picture the fear, the desperate need to hide, to get away. All while your friends are being killed, and there’s nothing you can do. It really is something out of nightmares.
Brian is the school’s quarterback and is quite the popular guy. But no one knows that inside Brian is not that happy. He feels like a fraud for not coming out and be open about who he really is. He hasn’t even told his best friend Jake. But Brian knows his father will never accept him, and would probably kick him out, so he keeps hiding for now. Even though there is a boy he would love to get to know better.
Landon is out and proud at school, but he also knows that doesn’t come without its difficulties. But he gets by with his two best friends who are always there for him.
When Brian is in the cafeteria on what was supposed to be a regular Friday, he suddenly hears noises and screaming. It sounds like gunfire! When he hears the announcement that there are two shooters in the school, he knows he has to get out, or at least hide, but the cafeteria isn’t the safest place to be during a shooting. He ends up squeezing himself behind the water fountain and can’t do anything but wait and watch while the shooters try to kill everyone in the cafeteria.
Meanwhile Landon was at his locker when the announcement came. He knows his best friend Josiah was supposed to be in the cafeteria, so he tries to get closer to that. He waits ‘til the shooters leave the cafeteria before looking around for his friend. But what he finds is Brian, the school’s quarterback, bleeding out on the floor. Landon quickly tries to put pressure on the wound, and can only hope Brian will hang on until help will arrive…..
I liked how this did book wasn’t as depressing as it could have been. These two boys did fall in love in the aftermath of the shooting and love is a beautiful thing, even in those circumstances. I loved how both were dealing with their own trauma, but could also support each other when things got to be too much. Especially Brian suffered from PTSD and Landon was there for him when he needed him.
When Brian had to get back to school after the shooting, I was panicking with him. I could just feel how hard it would be to ever feel safe again.
There wasn’t a lot of angst in the relationship itself and I liked that. These guys had enough to deal with already. The sexy times were not that detailed or long, and it felt fitting for this story.
So while the romance was a positive one, without too many hiccups, it still dealt with such a terrible subject, that I couldn’t help but feel sad while reading this. I just don’t get school shootings, or any shootings for that matter. Not that anybody ever will, it’s just too horrible to understand…
------------------------------
An ARC of Boy Shattered was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
October 30, 2018
3.5 Stars
I’m not really into YA stories but I wanted to try this one because of the blurb! I didn’t expect so much romance but I expected more tension between MCs and I wanted it to be more angsty (it was more like a cute story despite its subject matter). So it wasn’t that spicey for me and it dragged a bit BUT I loved the last 30-35%! It had all the things that I needed (angst and romance)! My other issue was with Brain’s parents! They were unbelievable!! Told in dual POV, 1st person. It’s a standalone novel. Overall, it was a good read and if you like young adult, I think you would enjoy this one!
I’m not really into YA stories but I wanted to try this one because of the blurb! I didn’t expect so much romance but I expected more tension between MCs and I wanted it to be more angsty (it was more like a cute story despite its subject matter). So it wasn’t that spicey for me and it dragged a bit BUT I loved the last 30-35%! It had all the things that I needed (angst and romance)! My other issue was with Brain’s parents! They were unbelievable!! Told in dual POV, 1st person. It’s a standalone novel. Overall, it was a good read and if you like young adult, I think you would enjoy this one!
February 25, 2019
Dark but not depressing.
Angsty but not hopeless.
Heavy but with a silver lining.
Relevant but not preachy.
And since this is Eli Easton, very heartbreaking yet also very romantic.
There's a reason she is a favorite author of mine.
PS: The mystery aspect felt a little out of place, but I wasn't really bothered by that.
PPS: Brian’s dad can go step on a Lego.
Angsty but not hopeless.
Heavy but with a silver lining.
Relevant but not preachy.
And since this is Eli Easton, very heartbreaking yet also very romantic.
There's a reason she is a favorite author of mine.
PS: The mystery aspect felt a little out of place, but I wasn't really bothered by that.
PPS: Brian’s dad can go step on a Lego.
June 5, 2023
Eli Easton's "Boy Shattered" is heartbreakingly tragic. It's one of those rare books where you don't just read it, you experience it and at times it's a difficult read, but as Brian ponders:
Brian's father is a stark reminder of the mentality of many people in this country and it's gut-wrenching to see him minimize and deny his own son's suffering, and the suffering of so many others. FYI, starting with the Columbine school shooting in 1999, there have been 85 school shootings (as of April, 2018.) Those shootings have killed 223 people, including students, teachers and staff. That adds up to 11,100 years of life cut short by gun violence. There are estimates that over 250,000 students have been effected by gun violence. (Source: San Diego Union Tribune, April 20, 2018.)
The only thing that didn't work for me in this story was Brian learning the identity of the shooters in the matter of few hours, given the police had been working on the case for many months. Also the final action of the shooters seemed overly ... melodramatic and almost ... unnecessary, given the way Easton has so very carefully shown us the tragedy and horror that can occur in the perfectly ordinary course of anyone's life (but, then again this may just be my impression - your mileage may vary.)
I highly recommend "Boy Shattered."
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
It was good that there were people in the world like Landon. It was a tiny defense against the horror that people were capable of. But maybe ... maybe that tiny bit was enough. A light in the darkness.Easton does an exceptional job of showing us every nuance of survivor's guilt / PTSD after a school shooting - call it what you will - but Brian is hurting so badly and you feel his every emotion down to your gut. It's raw and honest, and Easton doesn't sugarcoat the shooting and its aftermath. And as Brian and Landon fall in love, watching Brian slowly rebuild - still broken but recovering - their love story is so tender and life-affirming. Brian and Landon's romance has more of a YA feel as there are no extended graphic sex scenes, FYI.
Brian's father is a stark reminder of the mentality of many people in this country and it's gut-wrenching to see him minimize and deny his own son's suffering, and the suffering of so many others. FYI, starting with the Columbine school shooting in 1999, there have been 85 school shootings (as of April, 2018.) Those shootings have killed 223 people, including students, teachers and staff. That adds up to 11,100 years of life cut short by gun violence. There are estimates that over 250,000 students have been effected by gun violence. (Source: San Diego Union Tribune, April 20, 2018.)
The only thing that didn't work for me in this story was Brian learning the identity of the shooters in the matter of few hours, given the police had been working on the case for many months. Also the final action of the shooters seemed overly ... melodramatic and almost ... unnecessary, given the way Easton has so very carefully shown us the tragedy and horror that can occur in the perfectly ordinary course of anyone's life (but, then again this may just be my impression - your mileage may vary.)
I highly recommend "Boy Shattered."
We leave this ground hallowed by blood and tears, to go out into the world and tell our story. Their story. To be agents for change. But most of all to live. Simply life. To love, because in love lies immortality. To remember, always, the value of each moment of life." (excerpt from Brian Marshall's poem "18 Chairs")
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
January 4, 2023
Esse livro foi uma boa surpresa para mim! Não existe assunto mais delicado do que atentado numa escola que deixou muitas mortes. Principalmente quando vemos isso acontecer na vida real. Eli Easton foi sensível em sua escrita através de Brian e Landon, foi doloroso em certos momentos. Acompanhar Brian e sua recuperação foi tenso, seus poemas são marcantes e vai direto em nossa alma, mas o que mais me surpreendeu foi o seu lado Sherlock Holmes! Brian foi genial desvendendo o mistério sobre quem era os dois atiradores. Nem Sherlock faria melhor, vai ser um bom detetive 🕵️ Um livro tocante que merece nota 5 ( quem deu menos é insensível com essa escrita marcante). Valeu minhas horas de leitura 🙌👏🙏
August 10, 2025
The Sandy Hook elementary school shooting happened in my small state when I was 13 years old. It’s the first thing I can consciously point to that opened my eyes to the fact that evil can happen anywhere. In a place you could never imagine it happening in. That day is seared into my mind. I still remember what I was wearing. A white sweatshirt and jeans. I remember upon hearing the news I sat on the floor in the hallway of my middle school too overcome with grief to move. And it can keep happening. And keep happening and keep happening and keep happening. And brave kids and adults alike can get together and scream and demand why does this keep happening? I’m 26 years old now but I still feel as naive as I did at 13 asking how can this happen? An important book. Equal parts devastating, angering and hopeful. And unfortunately, forever relevant. This moved me to tears and inspired me beyond words. This book will stick with me. Eli Easton is a master at her craft and weaves together a story that is poignant and brave.
February 12, 2023
Very powerful storytelling from Eli
I'm not American.
In fact, I'm English, so the very thought that multiple school shootings can happen without any change to the law is anathema to me.
Twice we've had a major mass shooting in the UK and twice the gun laws were changed in the hope of preventing any further incidents.
Reading this book is both a sobering experience but also an uplifting one, fiction though it may be. For every incident which happens, for every unnecessary death that takes place, there are voices raised in both anger but also in action.
More calls for reform, more opinions challenged and hopefully, more minds changed. It's this message I'll take from reading this quite exceptional book from Eli.
The romance and relationship at the heart of the narrative is as engaging as the cover, which is one of the most eye-catching ones I've seen within the genre.
I think Eli nails perfectly the trauma and the unbearable sense of guilt the survivors deal with. I also liked that she keeps nebulous the perpetrators' rationale for the crime.
Perhaps if less publicity was given to those who carry out such unimaginably evil deeds and they were allowed to fester in anonymous ignominy, there'd be less chance of copycat crimes.
Who knows? All I know is that this book is powerful and it carries a deeper message about living each day to its fullest as you never know what lies ahead.
I'm not American.
In fact, I'm English, so the very thought that multiple school shootings can happen without any change to the law is anathema to me.
Twice we've had a major mass shooting in the UK and twice the gun laws were changed in the hope of preventing any further incidents.
Reading this book is both a sobering experience but also an uplifting one, fiction though it may be. For every incident which happens, for every unnecessary death that takes place, there are voices raised in both anger but also in action.
More calls for reform, more opinions challenged and hopefully, more minds changed. It's this message I'll take from reading this quite exceptional book from Eli.
The romance and relationship at the heart of the narrative is as engaging as the cover, which is one of the most eye-catching ones I've seen within the genre.
I think Eli nails perfectly the trauma and the unbearable sense of guilt the survivors deal with. I also liked that she keeps nebulous the perpetrators' rationale for the crime.
Perhaps if less publicity was given to those who carry out such unimaginably evil deeds and they were allowed to fester in anonymous ignominy, there'd be less chance of copycat crimes.
Who knows? All I know is that this book is powerful and it carries a deeper message about living each day to its fullest as you never know what lies ahead.
May 1, 2019
4.5 Stars
Ok, that was intense. I was visibly shaking by the end of part one and only just able to hold back tears. Boy Shattered is a work of fiction based on very a factual reality that we, in the US, endure way too often. A reality where active shooter drills are held in our schools and too many kids die or witness the horrors of watching their friends die because guns are a way of life here. How did we get to a place where so much death is more acceptable than gun control? How?
Boy Shattered is told from the POV of two survivors of such a shooting. Brian who was shot and very nearly bled out and Landon who saved his life. Two young men, among many, who should have been making college plans and deciding whom to take to prom are instead facing the aftermath of a tragedy that should not happen. They're the lucky ones. They survived.
Brian is a star athlete - playing football, baseball, and basketball are the only times he feels like he people see any part of the real him. He's gay and firmly in the closet and he writes poetry no one will ever see. His parents are super conservative and his father, especially, is the very image of toxic masculinity, with an "act tough and just get over it" attitude when it comes to Brian's PTSD. He also has become very bigoted in the past couple years, making Brian feel he would never be accepted if his parents ever found out about his sexuality, so he hides himself from everyone.
Landon, however, is out and proud and he doesn't really take shit from people. He's apologetically who he is and confident enough to weather other people's opinions. His family is supportive and loving and instead of beating him down, they lift him up. He knows they have his back and that is how it should be. Landon is a born leader and I have no doubt that if he were real, he'd be destined for greatness.
The story told within the pages of Boy Shattered is important. It's poignant and real. Too real. It's also a love story between two boys found in a silver lining of a tragedy that should never have been. I can't say I enjoyed it, exactly, but I am glad I read it, and I would definitely recommend it. It's amazingly written and heartfelt. I wish it was a story that didn't need to be told, but in our reality it unfortunately does.
Ok, that was intense. I was visibly shaking by the end of part one and only just able to hold back tears. Boy Shattered is a work of fiction based on very a factual reality that we, in the US, endure way too often. A reality where active shooter drills are held in our schools and too many kids die or witness the horrors of watching their friends die because guns are a way of life here. How did we get to a place where so much death is more acceptable than gun control? How?
Boy Shattered is told from the POV of two survivors of such a shooting. Brian who was shot and very nearly bled out and Landon who saved his life. Two young men, among many, who should have been making college plans and deciding whom to take to prom are instead facing the aftermath of a tragedy that should not happen. They're the lucky ones. They survived.
Brian is a star athlete - playing football, baseball, and basketball are the only times he feels like he people see any part of the real him. He's gay and firmly in the closet and he writes poetry no one will ever see. His parents are super conservative and his father, especially, is the very image of toxic masculinity, with an "act tough and just get over it" attitude when it comes to Brian's PTSD. He also has become very bigoted in the past couple years, making Brian feel he would never be accepted if his parents ever found out about his sexuality, so he hides himself from everyone.
Landon, however, is out and proud and he doesn't really take shit from people. He's apologetically who he is and confident enough to weather other people's opinions. His family is supportive and loving and instead of beating him down, they lift him up. He knows they have his back and that is how it should be. Landon is a born leader and I have no doubt that if he were real, he'd be destined for greatness.
The story told within the pages of Boy Shattered is important. It's poignant and real. Too real. It's also a love story between two boys found in a silver lining of a tragedy that should never have been. I can't say I enjoyed it, exactly, but I am glad I read it, and I would definitely recommend it. It's amazingly written and heartfelt. I wish it was a story that didn't need to be told, but in our reality it unfortunately does.
December 3, 2020
Wow. This was a really hard read. So much horror. We hear about it way too often, but this story makes it real and personal. As a Canadian with friends and family in the US, it horrifies me when I hear their children have shooter drills at school. Why? How are those drills a solution? Why are politicians so blind? What is wrong with this world, that children die, and nothing changes?
“Those precious lives were nothing to you. Targets to bring down.”
I loved Brian and Landon, two brave wonderful boys. Broken. Fighting. Wanting to change the world. I loved how the book talked about the Parkland students and their activism. Those young people deserve all the recognition.
I am shaken. This is not a romance, although there are two boys falling in love. It’s a story about survival. It’s a political statement about gun control. It’s a story about growing up and coming of age suddenly, losing your innocence, after the most horrific event. It’s an important story, that deserves to be told and be read.
“Those precious lives were nothing to you. Targets to bring down.”
I loved Brian and Landon, two brave wonderful boys. Broken. Fighting. Wanting to change the world. I loved how the book talked about the Parkland students and their activism. Those young people deserve all the recognition.
I am shaken. This is not a romance, although there are two boys falling in love. It’s a story about survival. It’s a political statement about gun control. It’s a story about growing up and coming of age suddenly, losing your innocence, after the most horrific event. It’s an important story, that deserves to be told and be read.
October 3, 2018
Wow, just...wow!
School shootings, while depressingly common, haven't been told so intimately to those of us not involved or those of us who don't know anyone who has been through a school shooting. But the way this book describes a fictional school shooting and the emotions behind it is heartbreakingly realistic.
You meet Brian. A typical football player who is trying to fit in with one large secret, he's gay. No one knows and he needs to keep it that way for another two years because he can't let his father find out. So he keeps his attraction to Landon to himself and stays friends with two kids on his team who are vocal about their racist and homophobic views.
But that all changes after he's shot. Landon is there putting pressure on his wound and talks him through the pain until he's taken to the hospital. While Brian obviously has PTSD, he comes to depend on Landon for his mental health and sees him as the one person where he can be himself around. He starts spending more and more time with Landon and his parents, still dealing with the shooting, while listening to his father spout complete BS about the shooting, gay people, and everything else he dislikes.
Along with the reality of trauma, Brian's father was a complete and utter hate spouting (insert several curse words here) idiot. The relationship he had with his son is strained because he chooses to listen to someone at his job and the radio shows where hate is a common theme. Every conversation with him in the book left me stressed out and feeling disgusted, but as I said, it is sadly depicted realistically.
In the end, while the book has a lot of issues to be covered, I enjoyed the slow burn of Brian and Landon's relationship. There was a connection from the moment Landon saved Brian's life, but as they slowly fell in love while dealing with issues kids should never have to deal with, their relationship gave you hope for their future.
The secondary characters are wonderful, especially Landon's two best friends Josiah and Madison. Landon's parents were understanding and loving and their acceptance of Brian was important to see in the story.
All in all, the story deals with a heavy topic and leaves you angry, sad, and scared for the characters, but in the end, Brian and Landon are stronger, they are together, and they are in love. It's a great story that deals with a subject that must be talked about more and a love story between two men who have a deep connection. I loved every moment of this book and I highly recommend it!!
School shootings, while depressingly common, haven't been told so intimately to those of us not involved or those of us who don't know anyone who has been through a school shooting. But the way this book describes a fictional school shooting and the emotions behind it is heartbreakingly realistic.
You meet Brian. A typical football player who is trying to fit in with one large secret, he's gay. No one knows and he needs to keep it that way for another two years because he can't let his father find out. So he keeps his attraction to Landon to himself and stays friends with two kids on his team who are vocal about their racist and homophobic views.
But that all changes after he's shot. Landon is there putting pressure on his wound and talks him through the pain until he's taken to the hospital. While Brian obviously has PTSD, he comes to depend on Landon for his mental health and sees him as the one person where he can be himself around. He starts spending more and more time with Landon and his parents, still dealing with the shooting, while listening to his father spout complete BS about the shooting, gay people, and everything else he dislikes.
Along with the reality of trauma, Brian's father was a complete and utter hate spouting (insert several curse words here) idiot. The relationship he had with his son is strained because he chooses to listen to someone at his job and the radio shows where hate is a common theme. Every conversation with him in the book left me stressed out and feeling disgusted, but as I said, it is sadly depicted realistically.
In the end, while the book has a lot of issues to be covered, I enjoyed the slow burn of Brian and Landon's relationship. There was a connection from the moment Landon saved Brian's life, but as they slowly fell in love while dealing with issues kids should never have to deal with, their relationship gave you hope for their future.
The secondary characters are wonderful, especially Landon's two best friends Josiah and Madison. Landon's parents were understanding and loving and their acceptance of Brian was important to see in the story.
All in all, the story deals with a heavy topic and leaves you angry, sad, and scared for the characters, but in the end, Brian and Landon are stronger, they are together, and they are in love. It's a great story that deals with a subject that must be talked about more and a love story between two men who have a deep connection. I loved every moment of this book and I highly recommend it!!
November 10, 2018
This was a very intense read, but I loved the relationship between Landon and Brian. Both are wonderful characters.
October 15, 2018
No matter you who you are this book will hit you. I felt especially moved because I have a daughter in this age group. Right before school started, I asked how she was feeling about the upcoming school starting, and she said "nervous." I responded that it was natural to be nervous- new school, new year and all that. She responded, "Not that, mom. I'm scared someone will try something crazy because it's the first day." That broke my heart. Our children shouldn't have to worry about being killed at their school. So, that conversation was fresh on my mind while reading this book; this book did give me high anxiety at times. Be forewarned: this is not a light YA read.
Boy Shattered by Eli Easton is a heartbreaking, thought-provoking story about a school shooting. It's about loss and the guilt that comes with surviving something like this. The feelings expressed felt realistic. It has outstanding character development and a steady pace. Most importantly though- as sad as heart-rending as this book was, it was also full hope. Also, there was little relationship angst between Brian and Landon- which I was thankful for.
I won't go more in-depth than that because this a story you have to experience, and I don't think a review would do it justice. Kudos to Eli Easton for writing something that is so difficult to address, in a such a beautiful matter.
4.5 Stars
Boy Shattered by Eli Easton is a heartbreaking, thought-provoking story about a school shooting. It's about loss and the guilt that comes with surviving something like this. The feelings expressed felt realistic. It has outstanding character development and a steady pace. Most importantly though- as sad as heart-rending as this book was, it was also full hope. Also, there was little relationship angst between Brian and Landon- which I was thankful for.
I won't go more in-depth than that because this a story you have to experience, and I don't think a review would do it justice. Kudos to Eli Easton for writing something that is so difficult to address, in a such a beautiful matter.
4.5 Stars
October 9, 2018
4.25 stars.
This was not the easiest book to read and the beginning just hits you in the gut with all those emotions that you don't know what to do with them. Boy Shattered was a story of tragedy, survival and finding love.
It deals with heavy topics that do need to be addressed. And it honestly breaks my heart that there's stuff like this happening all over the world. I just wanted to wrap everyone in a hug and never let them leave.
Although it was a sad book, there was also hope and love. You could feel it between Brian and Landon and through the secondary characters. I loved how they all could come together and help each other while also standing up for what they believe in. I'm glad Eli decided to give this book a chance.
I can't wait to read more books in the future!
An arc was provided in exchange for an honest review.
This was not the easiest book to read and the beginning just hits you in the gut with all those emotions that you don't know what to do with them. Boy Shattered was a story of tragedy, survival and finding love.
It deals with heavy topics that do need to be addressed. And it honestly breaks my heart that there's stuff like this happening all over the world. I just wanted to wrap everyone in a hug and never let them leave.
Although it was a sad book, there was also hope and love. You could feel it between Brian and Landon and through the secondary characters. I loved how they all could come together and help each other while also standing up for what they believe in. I'm glad Eli decided to give this book a chance.
I can't wait to read more books in the future!
An arc was provided in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2021
3.25 Stars
Wow.
I think I need aminute month to process. I tip toed into this book. The subject matter is hard and hits pretty close to home. So yeah, hesitant AF is an understatement.
Before I start discussing the book, I want to provide insight on the rating. My rating has nothing to do with the quality of the writing. It has a lot to do with personal preferences and an immense dislike for politics. If I had access to the foreword prior to requesting the ARC I would have known that politics play a huge role in not only the main crisis, but also in the lives of one of the MCs. Politics make me ragey and I get enough of it in RL that I can't fully enjoy my escape with books when it's there too. Politics definitely have a place in this book and I knew going in that there would be some politics around gun control but this went beyond that and anything MAGA makes me want to poke my eyes out. It’s more of a personal preference and not a knock on the content.
My first reaction when I saw that Eli went there...
You know… the place that has so much sadness, anger, hopelessness, and bloodshed. These tragedies have brilliant students rising to fight for their lives when their fallen classmates can’t. The shooting in the story happens within the first few chapters with the POVs switching between Brian and Landon. We get a window into the soul crushing panic each boy feels as they try to make a decision on which hiding place will hopefully keep them alive and then the direct aftermath when they realize what monsters are capable of.
Landon (out and proud senior) closely resembles the brave students we see on the news fighting for gun control. Brian (closeted junior and quarterback) has many hurdles beyond the shooting that make day to day life a struggle, especially his asshole dad. However, he becomes obsessed with finding out who was responsible for the shooting. Both boys find comfort in each other while the storm rages around them. The relationship isn’t the main focus, has low heat/off page interactions, and thankfully included very minor angst on their way to a HEA. The story dynamic worked with the tragedy taking center stage.
This is a very angsty read. When the administrator came over the speaker to announce an active shooter, it took me back to my days in the classroom when we had non-drill “code reds.” I felt like I was right back in my classroom trying to find places for my students to hide. I like angsty stories but I don’t think this is a book written for enjoyment?.?. IMO it’s more of a thought provoking experience on a topic that has been hitting the nightly news on the regular. It’s hard to digest at some points but Easton does a commendable job touching on this topic. Boy Shattered really drives home that the tragedy isn’t over when students are buried and the school reopens.
Besides the politics not working for me, the wrap up of all the storylines is a little too pretty. There was so much build up and then it’s all solved quickly with the nitty gritty details happening off page. Trigger Warnings: School shooting, death, PTSD, and homophobia If you like angst and politics don’t send you running for the hills, this may be your cuppa. Recommended.
Copy provided for honest review.
Wow.
I think I need a
Before I start discussing the book, I want to provide insight on the rating. My rating has nothing to do with the quality of the writing. It has a lot to do with personal preferences and an immense dislike for politics. If I had access to the foreword prior to requesting the ARC I would have known that politics play a huge role in not only the main crisis, but also in the lives of one of the MCs. Politics make me ragey and I get enough of it in RL that I can't fully enjoy my escape with books when it's there too. Politics definitely have a place in this book and I knew going in that there would be some politics around gun control but this went beyond that and anything MAGA makes me want to poke my eyes out. It’s more of a personal preference and not a knock on the content.
My first reaction when I saw that Eli went there...
You know… the place that has so much sadness, anger, hopelessness, and bloodshed. These tragedies have brilliant students rising to fight for their lives when their fallen classmates can’t. The shooting in the story happens within the first few chapters with the POVs switching between Brian and Landon. We get a window into the soul crushing panic each boy feels as they try to make a decision on which hiding place will hopefully keep them alive and then the direct aftermath when they realize what monsters are capable of.
Landon (out and proud senior) closely resembles the brave students we see on the news fighting for gun control. Brian (closeted junior and quarterback) has many hurdles beyond the shooting that make day to day life a struggle, especially his asshole dad. However, he becomes obsessed with finding out who was responsible for the shooting. Both boys find comfort in each other while the storm rages around them. The relationship isn’t the main focus, has low heat/off page interactions, and thankfully included very minor angst on their way to a HEA. The story dynamic worked with the tragedy taking center stage.
This is a very angsty read. When the administrator came over the speaker to announce an active shooter, it took me back to my days in the classroom when we had non-drill “code reds.” I felt like I was right back in my classroom trying to find places for my students to hide. I like angsty stories but I don’t think this is a book written for enjoyment?.?. IMO it’s more of a thought provoking experience on a topic that has been hitting the nightly news on the regular. It’s hard to digest at some points but Easton does a commendable job touching on this topic. Boy Shattered really drives home that the tragedy isn’t over when students are buried and the school reopens.
Besides the politics not working for me, the wrap up of all the storylines is a little too pretty. There was so much build up and then it’s all solved quickly with the nitty gritty details happening off page. Trigger Warnings: School shooting, death, PTSD, and homophobia If you like angst and politics don’t send you running for the hills, this may be your cuppa. Recommended.
Copy provided for honest review.
October 17, 2018
This is the story of how Brian survived a mass shooting at his high school and how Landon, the boy who stopped to help him, became an activist, his friend, and ultimately his lover.
There aren’t words to describe how incredibly emotional, meaningful, heartbreaking, and heartwarming this story is. Only Eli Easton could wring tears from a turnip. Honestly. Those who know me know I occasionally cry, i.e., a few tears appear on my lashes. Let’s just say when Brian’s poem “18 Chairs” is read at the end of this story, I literally sobbed.
I knew going in that this would be an emotional story, and as I started to read I had to take several breaks—some short, some long—so I could regroup and move forward. Yes, there are scenes of graphic violence. That’s the topic, after all. And the author clearly warns of that. But the emotions are so visceral, so raw, I had to back off, and I actually walked away for a day so I could go back fresh. And then I kept moving forward until around the 85% mark when the action picked up again and the events and drama unfolding on-page propelled me in rapt attention to the end. Riveting. Gut-wrenching. Superb.
I loved the strength and completeness of the author’s treatment of the characters—not only of the MCs but of multiple secondary characters, who all played an important role in this story. I appreciated the way the topic of gun control legislation was handled and the sensitivity the author showed to survivors of past shootings such as those from Parkland.
And, mostly, I appreciated the happy ending showing hope for a bright future. I love your work, Eli Easton! Versatile isn’t even a strong enough descriptor. I am avidly looking forward to more in future. In the meantime, I very, very highly recommend this book! It’s most definitely in my top 5 stories of 2018.
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
There aren’t words to describe how incredibly emotional, meaningful, heartbreaking, and heartwarming this story is. Only Eli Easton could wring tears from a turnip. Honestly. Those who know me know I occasionally cry, i.e., a few tears appear on my lashes. Let’s just say when Brian’s poem “18 Chairs” is read at the end of this story, I literally sobbed.
I knew going in that this would be an emotional story, and as I started to read I had to take several breaks—some short, some long—so I could regroup and move forward. Yes, there are scenes of graphic violence. That’s the topic, after all. And the author clearly warns of that. But the emotions are so visceral, so raw, I had to back off, and I actually walked away for a day so I could go back fresh. And then I kept moving forward until around the 85% mark when the action picked up again and the events and drama unfolding on-page propelled me in rapt attention to the end. Riveting. Gut-wrenching. Superb.
I loved the strength and completeness of the author’s treatment of the characters—not only of the MCs but of multiple secondary characters, who all played an important role in this story. I appreciated the way the topic of gun control legislation was handled and the sensitivity the author showed to survivors of past shootings such as those from Parkland.
And, mostly, I appreciated the happy ending showing hope for a bright future. I love your work, Eli Easton! Versatile isn’t even a strong enough descriptor. I am avidly looking forward to more in future. In the meantime, I very, very highly recommend this book! It’s most definitely in my top 5 stories of 2018.
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
April 14, 2020
OOoof, this one was hard to read, but as have all the ones like that I've tackled this month - totally worth it.
I know Eli was worried about having parts of this be political, and maybe upsetting some readers...but I don't know how you can address the topic of school shootings without bringing in the politics, and she did a great job with it.
LOVED how emotional this was, how we see Brian work through the fear of returning to school. I ached for him. ADORED how, what I thought was going to be a GFY or - as Landon worried - a hero worship/transference attraction...was definitely NOT.
There were no easy fixes; not for Brian's PTSD or his interactions with family. Some things were neatly wrapped up, others were not...and I appreciated that there was no "awakening" or simple forgiveness. That the strained relationship he had with his parents after coming out wasn't just magically fixed at the end.
For most of the book I did think that and while part of that turned out differently, I still felt like it didn't make sense. Like, really? "Civil War?" But, then again, school shootings don't make sense. Even when you think you "understand" (which is NOT the same as to condone, encourage or accept) why it happens, it's never that simple. (Also #Points! for originality with who the ring-leader turned out to be; didn't see that one coming AT ALL.)
I know Eli was worried about having parts of this be political, and maybe upsetting some readers...but I don't know how you can address the topic of school shootings without bringing in the politics, and she did a great job with it.
LOVED how emotional this was, how we see Brian work through the fear of returning to school. I ached for him. ADORED how, what I thought was going to be a GFY or - as Landon worried - a hero worship/transference attraction...was definitely NOT.
There were no easy fixes; not for Brian's PTSD or his interactions with family. Some things were neatly wrapped up, others were not...and I appreciated that there was no "awakening" or simple forgiveness. That the strained relationship he had with his parents after coming out wasn't just magically fixed at the end.
For most of the book I did think that and while part of that turned out differently, I still felt like it didn't make sense. Like, really? "Civil War?" But, then again, school shootings don't make sense. Even when you think you "understand" (which is NOT the same as to condone, encourage or accept) why it happens, it's never that simple. (Also #Points! for originality with who the ring-leader turned out to be; didn't see that one coming AT ALL.)
June 20, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Very intense read! 💔
I couldn’t stop listening. I loved the narration by Tristan Josiah, a new to me narrator. He did a really great job.
Highly recommended! 🫶
Right then it was him and me, life or death, and all that bullshit was cleared away. We were just people. Human beings. And when he looked into my eyes, I felt his soul, real and unmasked. I saw a person who was vulnerable and still and deep.
My soul answered back. It was a stronger moment of connection than any I’d ever felt in my life.
Very intense read! 💔
I couldn’t stop listening. I loved the narration by Tristan Josiah, a new to me narrator. He did a really great job.
Highly recommended! 🫶
Right then it was him and me, life or death, and all that bullshit was cleared away. We were just people. Human beings. And when he looked into my eyes, I felt his soul, real and unmasked. I saw a person who was vulnerable and still and deep.
My soul answered back. It was a stronger moment of connection than any I’d ever felt in my life.
May 27, 2022
I love and adore this book! Landon and Brian are just two beautiful souls that I've been blessed to read about their journey. I would recommend this book to absolutely everyone, but understand it may be a difficult read (trigger warnings at bottom of review). It was just utter perfection.
It was incredibly emotional and I've never felt such a vast range of emotions throughout one book. I think I teared up reading every one of Brian's poems. The writing is just incredible, but the most perfect thing about this book is the pacing. I have NEVER read a book that put everything together perfectly and at the right time. The romance was paced beautfiully and Landon and Brian's relationship felt so utterly natural. The story just weaved in the romance, bigotry, suspense etc. together to create the beautiful story of Shattered Boy.
To be honest, I'm struggling to even really write a review because there's so much I want to say about this book, but I can't quite find the words. Please, do yourself a favour and just read this. It will change your world. Thank you Eli Easton for bringing Brian and Landon's story into my little world.
**trigger warnings: school shooting, PTSD, homophobia, gun violence
It was incredibly emotional and I've never felt such a vast range of emotions throughout one book. I think I teared up reading every one of Brian's poems. The writing is just incredible, but the most perfect thing about this book is the pacing. I have NEVER read a book that put everything together perfectly and at the right time. The romance was paced beautfiully and Landon and Brian's relationship felt so utterly natural. The story just weaved in the romance, bigotry, suspense etc. together to create the beautiful story of Shattered Boy.
To be honest, I'm struggling to even really write a review because there's so much I want to say about this book, but I can't quite find the words. Please, do yourself a favour and just read this. It will change your world. Thank you Eli Easton for bringing Brian and Landon's story into my little world.
**trigger warnings: school shooting, PTSD, homophobia, gun violence
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