Fadeaway

by E.B. Vickers, Elaine Vickers

When a high school basketball star goes missing, a town’s secrets are exposed in this edge-of-your seat, addictive read.

At 8:53 pm, thousands of people watched as Jake Foster secured the state title for his basketball team with his signature fadeaway. But by the next morning, he’s disappeared without a trace. Nobody has any idea where he is: not his best friend who knows him better than anyone else, not his ex-girlfriend who may still have feelings for him, not even his little brother who never expected Jake to abandon him. Rumors abound regarding Jake’s whereabouts. Was he abducted? Did he run away to try to take his game to the next level? Or is it something else, something darker—something they should have seen coming?

Told from the points of view of those closest to Jake, this gripping, suspenseful novel reminds us that the people we think we know best are sometimes hiding the most painful secrets.

Genres: Young Adult, Mystery, Sports, Thriller, Realistic Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary

393 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 23, 2021

Reviews

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is quite sharp smack against your cheek and a freezing cold shower make your entire body tremble! It’s intense, heart wrenching, poignant, earth shattering, making you question everything in your life!

Let’s dig into story line and characters to give you more clue why I loved this too much!

Rising star of high school’s basketball team Jake Foster is famous with his signature move called fadeaway. At his last match he makes his famous move and makes more scores for his team to win the game. Then he vanished into thin air. Nobody knows anything where he’s gone!

Did somebody kidnap him? Did he run away? Did he die? Is he killed and left in a ditch? Or did he just hide away because he crossed the lines and broke the law?

We move back and forth to understand small town dynamics and it’s people. We see the pressure on the young people to achieve their best at sports to get rid of this place and catch better opportunities for brighter future. Better performance requires something additional to eliminate their opponents. Drugs slowly become more than addiction, it turn into their one way ticket to run away from this place.

We witness different perspectives who are involved in Jack’s disappearance including his ex girlfriend Daphne, his rival Seth who is their coach’s son and new boyfriend of Daphne, his best buddy Kolt, his brother Luke, his coach C, his mother and of course the person who kidnaps him.

We also see Jack is locked in a basement, drugged, shivering, seeing hallucinations and we realize he already knows the guy who abducted him! But who the hell he is and what his motive is !

But the conclusion of the story is so much different than you may imagine. It rips your heart and shakes you to the core. Your emotions are everywhere. It’s harsh, it’s realistic, it’s stunning!

I enjoyed the author’s multi POVed story telling style by going back and forth: it was original and it was not confusing as it seems. You just pick up the pieces of puzzle and at the end you see the big and soul shaking picture!

My favorite POV belongs to little brother Luke. Especially he and Jake’s common book, the jokes, the stories and metaphors they shared with each was amazing!

It started like four starred read but especially last third of the book blew my mind! I loved the genuineness, naturalness and realistic perspective of the story even it hurts too much.
I’m giving my five blazing, sad, tear jerker, heartbreaker, strong, powerful stars!

I’m looking forward to read more works of this brilliant author ASAP!
Special thanks to Netgalley and Random House Children’s / Knopf Books for young readers for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.

[Chelsea Humphrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If you want somebody to do what's right, let them see you believing that they can."

I'm shocked that this book isn't getting the buzz it so richly deserves. Fadeaway is rich, deeply emotional, and at times devastating story about a missing boy and the town that is coping after his disappearance. This review has to be written carefully and vaguely, because a big part of the draw to reading it is trying to solve the disappearance of Jake and what exactly happened to him. We see a few glimpses from Jake's point of view, and we have to utilize those snippets in the grand scheme of the broad story to guide us to the truth. You might think you know what happened, or where the story is going, but I was flabbergasted by the ending at not seeing it coming. Incredibly moving, impeccably timed, this book contains a flurry of emotion that will have the reader thinking about the town, characters, and message even after the final page is turned.

*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.

[PinkAmy loves books, cats and naps · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

When a star high school basketball player disappears after winning the state championship his friends, family and the police investigate.

FADEAWAY grabbed me from the first page with strong voice, crisp writing and interesting characters. Within a few chapters, I realized that Jake wasn’t the perfect teenager that he appeared be. His friends, little brother and ex girlfriend aren’t telling the whole truth.

FADEAWAY is a story about small town high school sports stars, family, friendship and addiction that held my attention from start to finish.

[Samantha Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense, twists, and redemption. This YA contemporary story is part mystery, sports, poetry, friendship, and entirely impossible to put down.

When Jake goes missing after winning the state championship game, his friends and family try to find out where he’s gone before he fades away like his famous jump shot.

Told from multiply POVs, this powerful story highlights the opioid epidemic in a truthful but ultimately hopeful way. Coach B in particular, is a beautiful character who sees a persons value more than their athletic ability and never gives up on them.

[Aya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't expect this book to be so full of heart and love. I thought this would be another ya mystery but I was proven wrong.

This book started just like any other ya thriller, Jake disappeared. Nobody knew what happened.

The author was able to tell the story convincingly through multiple POVs and duel timelines. It was well paced and the characters were well developed.

More people should read this book, it tackled many social issues that are happening around us.

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sad I waited so long to read this! The story dives right into the thick of things, with Jake already missing and his friends being questioned by the police. The mystery isn't quite what it seems and I thought it was a good change from other missing person books I've read lately. The point of view changes constantly and I liked seeing people's relationships with Jake and what they thought about him being gone.

This is a quick read and so easy to binge. I wanted to know if Jake was really kidnapped, how his seemingly perfect life had gone off the rails, and whether his friends would find him. There were a couple surprises in this and the ending made me tear up. I'll definitely be on the lookout for other books from this author!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own. Thank you to Knopf and NetGalley for the copy

[harriet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh wow. This story reallyyyy pulled at the heartstrings. This YA novel follows a teenage boy who has gone missing and how his friends and family are coping with his loss. It is written in the form of multiple POVs, police reports and poems, and it was done so well. I felt myself connecting to the characters as the book went on, and while reading it I felt so many emotions, it made me want more and more, I can’t give much away without spoiling it but it was an extremely enjoyable read, if you’re a fan of teen mystery and drama, I would definitely recommend this to you.

[Zaira's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's just so much about this book that I loved. Where do I even begin?

I'll start with the narrative structure. Fadeaway is told from several revolving points of view. Though the story is about a missing high school basketball champion, Jake Foster, the story is barely told from his point of view. Most of it is told from the people who surround him, such as his best friend, his ex-girlfriend, his mother, his little brother, and more. There are police interviews alongside poetry at times, and the differences between narrative styles was an incredible way of showing the different ways the characters think. They each had such distinct voices, and there wasn't a single POV I disliked. Getting to know one single character through the eyes of several was such a fascinating experience.

The suspense hinges on the reader riding along with these multiple characters as they figure out what happened to Jake Foster. I'm going to be purposefully vague about the plot, since I refuse to go into spoiler territory here. It's worth it piecing it together. I admit I saw the twist coming, but that's simply because I've had people close to me experience what the small town in this book has experienced. But knowing the twist didn't make this any less of an exciting, dreadful, emotional read for me. But in the end, Fadeaway is hopeful and empathetic, and it made me love the book even more.

Overall Feelings

I wish more people knew about this book--it is as powerful as it is suspenseful. I read it in less than 24 hours easily, and it has stuck with me since then.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a DRC of this title for review. All opinions are my own.

I went into this expecting a murder mystery, or a thriller where the search for the missing person takes you all the way to the last page. Because Jake, the town's local basketball hero and recent star of the state championship game, disappears from his house that night. Everyone's eyes are on him as the game goes on, but once it's over, he manages to vanish. Was he taken? Did he run away? Is he truly gone?

The answer to these questions is murky and hard to hold on to, and actually leads to more questions about what Jake's life was like in the years leading up to the big game, and what his friends really knew about him.

As the story unfolds in multiple perspectives, timelines, and styles, the reader becomes aware that while Jake faded away from the town after the game, he's really been disappearing for much longer than that. People just didn't know how to notice.

Highly recommend.

[☆Amanda Cresse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fadeaway is told from multiple points of view and will appeal to many different readers. It has some poetry, suspense, sports-- all centered around relationships that Jake has in his life.
The story deals with some difficult subjects like addiction and the opioid crisis many athletes deal with after a sports injury. The resolutions that come about are realistic; I appreciate that spiritual wellness is not an avoided topic.

[Ann Braden · Rating 5 out of 5]

An edge-of-your seat, multi-layered read that delves into the stigma of addiction. It keeps you guessing and makes you question assumptions you've made about people, and what a powerful thing that is. This is a book that is needed in every town in this country.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thrilling page-turner, full of unforgettable characters, serious stakes, and layer after layer of mystery. I loved it.

[Tracy Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creative, meaningful, and worthy read.

[Katie Denney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audiobook

[Jeremiah Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, RHCB and NetGalley for this advance copy!

This book was absolutely brilliant. Elaine has done a fabulous job of weaving true to life stories through the perspectives of eleven people, all on a quest to find and save Jake. The story holds no bars on showing the reality of opioid addictions, and readers will see parts of themselves in all of the characters. The story continuously unfolds, all the way to the end. This book could absolutely save lives, and it belongs in classrooms and libraries everywhere.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really well done - a non-chronological / semi-chronological mystery with an important message about family, loss, responsibility, and acceptance, much of it communicated through a basketball lens.

[Amber McConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down! The book revolves around the disappearance of Jake and is told through multiple points of view, police interviews, and timelines. The points of view are so thoughtful and clear. I really felt I got to know who these characters were and I loved the weaving of science and art and sports throughout the book. The mystery of what happened is masterfully revealed and it was truly a surprise at the end - I even thought I had it worked out but I did not see the final twist. I laughed, I cried, and I loved every minute of it.

[Stephanie Costa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jake is the star player on his high school basketball team. The night he helps win the championship game he also disappears. No one, not his mom, his ex-girlfriend, or his best friend knows where he is. Told from multiple character's perspectives, the events leading to that night and what comes next are revealed.

This story is about Jake, but it's also about a community of people and the ways their stories intersect and impact one another. It's about how we are not alone, no matter how much it can feel that way, and about how much it matters to have someone who believes in you.

Contemporary realism, with just a dash of thriller, Fadeaway reads quickly but packs an emotional punch. Like the best mysteries, just when you think you've figured it out, Vickers sends you another curveball. You'll find a compelling premise and an endearing cast of characters, and readers who appreciate poignant stories will be satisfied by how this one turns out.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this YA debut by E.B. Vickers! I love a story with a great voice, and I REALLY loved all of the voices in this book and the way that Vickers masterfully crafted this story. FADEAWAY is suspenseful and tugs at your emotions as you try to figure out what happened to Jake Foster, and it's a story that sticks with you long after you reach the end. My 13-year old was drawn right into the story from page one and has been tearing through this one too.

[Ray Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the different styles of writing with Luke’s poetry. It showed a softer side of Jake’s family and communicated messages that weren’t so easy to just say out right. The ending was beautifully written and the suspense was great but not too much that it wasn’t over all a heart felt story.

[Elisa Tomlinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gateway Nominee 2024. 3.5 stars. I am loving books that deal with effects of the opioid crisis. Jake Foster is a varsity ball player with a killer fadeaway…until he gets injured and addicted to oxycontin. He’s just trying to hold it together long enough to win State. But then he disappears.

[Stella Eremita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this a 4.5/5 This book had me hooked the whole time. I think a lot of teenagers can relate to this book and I really enjoyed that.

[kate! · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

leuk: wisselende POVs, waardoor het interessant bleef, en boeiende personages. ook al zag ik het einde wel aankomen, het was alsnog spannend.
minder leuk: de poëzie hoofdstukken, meh.

[Elena Braun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that will leave you gaping at every turn I had no idea where it was headed.

[Caroline David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, a masterpiece. I loved the message of this book, the writing, the plot, the characters, and the truly unexpected twists and turns. It touches on some of societies biggest issues, especially amongst young adults, but the story itself is entertaining. E. B. Vickers did something really great with this one.

[Sacha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book up until the "big twist". There was so much build-up about the missing person's case after Jake, the star high school basketball player, goes missing after winning the state tournament. I liked the perspective switching as well as the time jumps from before to after for each of the characters. I also liked the different forms of writing. For example, Luke's chapters (Jakes younger brother) are all written in verse. It was an interesting mystery because we also get chapters from Jake's perspective, and it seems (at first) that he doesn't know where he is or why he was taken.

All of that, however, sorta went downhill once we actually find out what happened to him. Now, I get that this is a very important topic and current issue in our country (I don't really want to say for fear of spoiling the WHOLE plot), but there were some very insensitive decisions that certain characters made that are one of my biggest pet peeves. I really dislike when characters don't communicate. If the whole plot is centered around characters not talking to each other or withholding key information, it just annoys me to know end. Everything is based off of secrets and if people just talked the whole plot could be avoided.

Overall, this was a good but not great book.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book gives all the feels. Originally I gave it 4 stars, but after simmering on my thoughts overnight I'm confident it is deserving of 5 stars.

When the town hero, senior basketball star Jake, disappears after clinching state, an entire town is thrust into the mystery. Where is Jake? Suspenseful, delicate, painful, and hopeful - as a reader you feel it all; often at the same time. We learn through the POV of Jake's friends and family that they may have missed a key piece of evidence leading up to Jake's disappearance - or did they?

With a cast full of characters, E.B. Vickers managed to build deep thought and feeling behind each individual. She gave poetic justice to many of these pages through characters thoughts and it was so brilliant and so unexpected! As a YA novel, this dealt with some very heavy, but often unspoken truths of addiction and the silent guilt involved.

Hidden within are a few surprising twists, from some unexpected characters, you come to love each and every one of these people from Ashland. Each are flawed in their own way, but find their strengths by leaning on each other.

There is message throughout the book that echoes the theme of hope that hits me in all the feels. If you want somebody to do what's right, let them see you believing that they can.

[Gabrielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am annoyed with this title. This shouldn't be in the 'mystery' genre in my opinion. If this was the 'best mystery for this year', then we as YA LMS have to do better. I was not a fan of this "he's intentionally went missing" plot. Plus, the fact that Kade/Kmart kind of just swooped on in the story didn't make sense to me personally. Plus, what is this whole "Seth was on drugs too" situation? I was completely confused by that. Plus Coach B being the fourth person that was receiving the text messages, just felt 'last minute' to me. The ending was 'meh' for me. Also, I'm confused: who does Daphne want to be with: Seth or Jake? Then she was all super friendly with Kolt for half a chapter - like what? What are we doing? I will book talk this because mystery is a hot genre to book talk, plus it has a sports element (basketball) and it discusses drug use and opioids. I didn't care for the writing style or the poetry format (they could've kept that out, or they should've stuck to either verse or traditional text - pick a lane and stay there). Overall, I've read better, I hope to read better material (this was my 5th Gateway this year and so far, maybe one book so far I felt was really amazing - like I can't wait to read the sequel)! That's all for now. GW

[Adeline Nehring · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so so good, it shows that you may never know that someone is going through something, and that they should always know how loved they are 4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️