Better Must Come

by Desmond Hall

Barely Missing Everything meets American Street in this fiercely evocative, action-packed young adult thriller that looks at the darker side of light-filled Jamaica and how a tragedy and missing drug money helplessly entangle the lives of two teens who want to change their fate.

Deja is a “barrel girl”—one of the Jamaican kids who get barrels full of clothes, food, and treats shipped to them from parents who have moved to the US or Canada to make more money. Gabriel is caught up in a gang and desperate for a way out. When he meets Deja at a party, he starts looking for a way into her life and wonders if they could be a part of each other’s futures.

Then, one day while out fishing, Deja spies a go-fast boat stalled out by some rocks, smeared with blood. Inside, a badly wounded man thrusts a knapsack at her, begging her to deliver it to his original destination, and to not say a word. She binds his wounds, determined to send for help and make good on her promise…not realizing that the bag is stuffed with $500,000 American. Not realizing that the posse Gabriel is in will stop at nothing to get their hands on this bag—or that Gabriel’s and her lives will intersect in ways neither ever imagined, as they both are forced to make split-second choices to keep the ones they love most alive.

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

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 7, 2024

Reviews

[The Bookish Bri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better Must Come is a title that definitely goes with the storyline. Deja had it hard. The responsibilities she had shouldn’t have been given to her. Those responsibilities resulted in her making some crazy decisions, which led to her basically being on the run.

This book was just okay for me. It was marketed as a YA thriller, but I didn’t get that from the writing, honestly. There were one or two thrilling moments, but what I really appreciated in the end was the exploration of Jamaica beyond the tourist areas. What it means to be a “barrel girl” and a young adult trying to navigate through the constant changes of one’s life. I also enjoyed the bond Deja had with her family and friends, although she kept a lot to herself. They all came through in the end for her.

What YA does constantly is help you relate to young people because readers have experienced similar life experiences, and it takes away the factor of age. Hall does a really good job at drawing the reader in, but the pacing was a bit slow and the ending was rushed. All in all, it’s a book I’d recommend if you are looking for a semi thrilling read, with crazy old people, loveable family members, and blossoming relationships being two young people who had odds against them.

[Lit_Vibrations · Rating 4 out of 5]

For this book to be YA it was definitely a wild story. Nobody expects a teen to go through or deal with situations both Deja and Gabriel encountered in this book. But these are the harsh realities for many growing up in Jamaica. The struggle to survive, a desire to provide, but being forced to take on adult responsibilities was something Deja honestly wasn’t prepared for.

Taking the drug money might have been a mistake that could’ve cost her and her family their lives. But when you’re in a tough spot and have others depending on you like her siblings then you do what you got to do to make it. Gabriel had no one so being apart of a posse was a way to take care of himself. He wanted a way out of that life but it seemed the only way out would’ve been in a box. When he and Deja met there was an instant connection and maybe being around her gave him hope. But when the drug money got involved they were left on two different sides of the fence. This is where I felt the author did well tying all the characters' together with the missing drug money.

Overall, I thought the book was okay the author sets this intense tone from the very beginning. I just felt the pacing was a tad bit slow for a thriller but it’s engaging enough to keep you going until the end. I also loved how the story unfolded the dark-side of life in Jamaica shedding light on many topics surrounding the consequences of right and wrong, drug abuse, gang violence, dirty cops, the struggle to survive, Jamaican culture, and living conditions. Special thanks to @coloredpagesbt, the publisher @simonteen and the author @desmondhallauthor for my gifted copy‼️

Rating: 3.5/5⭐️

[Donnakay'sBookWorld · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced contemporary YA with thrilling elements that had me on the edge of my seat at some points. We meet Deja, a 17yr girl, who has had to take on a lot more responsibility than she should have to at her young age. Unfortunately, she meets Gabriel, who she's possibly interested in, but circumstances won't let things be that easy for them. Throughout this novel, we see Deja and Gabriel navigate obstacles and essentially fight for their freedom.

I enjoyed the commentary of Deja being a barrel girl and the societal expectations and biases she had to face. I liked that Deja was able to speak about being away from her mother and the void that material things would never fill for her and her siblings. I also enjoyed hearing Gabriel's perspective on being in a posse and the unease and daily uncertainty that comes with that life.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the e-arc of this novel.

[Latoya (jamaicangirlreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not expect to be so enraptured by this story but here we are! In Better Must Come, we follow seventeen year old Deja and Gabriel, both great people at heart that got caught up in the cross fires of a drug exchange gone wrong. In the midst of this mishap, Deja ends up with $500K in her hands. It's money she desperately needs especially since she's now the caretaker of her siblings since their mom left for Brooklyn.

Deja is at a crossroads and I admire her tenacity and bravery as she navigates some of Jamaicas toughest gangs and law enforcement. Gabriel has had his share of hard life, growing up in an orphanage and not knowing his parents but he's smart with potential to make something good of his life if given the chance. It's because of these circumstances why he ends up in a gang and they become the "family" he never had. It doesn't come without its share of deception and fear. Gabriel wants out and that need becomes more intense when he forms a random connection with Deja and the way their situation plays out is so sweet.

Dont expect anything in the way of romance with these two, but I could still feel that deep connection between them because of the circumstances that brought them together. I literally devoured this book. It truly had me on the edge of my seat wondering where the story is going to go next. I didn't feel the thriller aspect of it but there was definitely some suspense that will make you cringe.

I wanted to know about Deja's mother. It's not unusual for parents to migrate and leave their children in their home country but here, it felt like Deja's mother just disappeared from the face of the earth and had no idea the hell her daughter was going through. Overall, it is a captivating YA story. Capturing the nuances of teenage inner city life, corrupt politics and law enforcement, community loyalty and found family in the Caribbean can be a huge undertaking and I feel like the author did that well here. But also, what you will really get here, is a story of hope.

[Natashia Crawford · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5- it was ok for me

Thoughts:

Deja is a barrel girl. I had no idea what this was until explained in text. She is basically receiving a care package from her mom, who is in the states working to provide for her family. I got the impression that this was looked at negatively but I understood the sacrifice that was made. With this Deja was a resilient older sister who was making sure her siblings had what was needed.
Gabriel also had challenges that made him into whom he was. He did what he had to do to survive, even if he had to join a posse (gang).

I felt that the story started off with bang and then got slow. With the slowness came the language barrier. It was hard for me to follow and it took more time for me to understand what I was reading. This took away from the joy personally, however, the story wasn’t bad. I was able to get back invested once things started to move. I think it does show you another culture authentically and I appreciate that. I did love the ending and glad things happened that way. I’m sure many would enjoy this story and I recommend giving it a try even if it wasn’t for me.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t love this and I didn’t hate it. It was okay! Started off super slow and once I got around page 85, it picked up. When it did pick up, it took off. One thing I learned from this book is to mind your business. Tryna be a hero can cost you your life. I was so mad at Deja for taking that money from that boat and listening to that DEA. When it comes to drugs/money, you can’t trust anyone. With Deja’s situation I do understand why she took the money though. I felt so bad for her character because she had such a huge responsibility and having to fill her mom’s shoes for her siblings was a lot. I loved the bond she shared with them.

I felt as if the ending was rushed. I do wish that we could have gotten more of the story about what happened once she got to The United States. I would have loved to see what she did with the money, and how her mom was.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thrilling action-packed young adult story that will have your heart racing until the very end.

The story was fast-paced especially in the second half. I enjoyed the high stakes and loved wondering what was going to happen next.

A huge thank you to the publishing company and author for an arc of the book!

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Book Review @hearourvoicestours✨

Better Must Come by Desmond Hall @desmondhallauthor
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🎵Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0Ft...
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✨Rating & Review✨: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fair warning for those who pick up this book, find you a Jamaican grandmotha to help you understand the patois. Or, be engaged to someone with one 😏. Okay, but for real, this I’m apparently in my thriller era because there was no reason for this book to be so good, I stayed up until 3 am to finish it. I mean!! The pacing is perfect, the character growth is there and the love for friends and family?! What more could you ask for. And to make it even better, set in the beautiful country of Jamaica where the people are proud of their home and just want to live. I’m so thankful I was able to read this book and provide a playlist for y’all. Speaking of… I had to stay on theme with my playlist, all Jamaican born artists to go with this book set in Jamaica. Take a listen and read along to the stories of Deja and Gabriel.
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#Books #BookRecommendation #BlackGirlsReadBooksToo #BlackGirlsRead #Bookstagram #BlackBookstagram #BooksAreAGirlsBestFriend #QueerReadersOfInatagram #ReadersOfInstagram #BookishGirls #BookReviews #BetterMustCome #HOV #HOVBookTour #HearOurVoices

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desmond Hall’s writing brings Jamaica to life. While reading, I felt as if I were transported to Jamaica. The imagery, the patois, the exploration of life on the “not so touristy” side of the island. I even learned what a barrel girl/child means! Better Must Come is an action-packed YA thriller that questions what is right, who is wrong, and turns those questions on their head, creating a world in which a constant state of emergency drives each character’s motivations.

I empathize with Deja because I understand her motivation. With her mother living in the States, she’s left with the huge responsibility of caring for her siblings & herself. In this fight for survival, Sis needs the money! In Better Must Come, Desmond Hall dives into the darker side of Jamaica and how a tragedy and missing drug money helplessly entangle the lives of two teens who want to change their fate. Highly recommend!

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this story a little blind, and I'm so glad I did. This was such an emotional ride that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I could really relate to Deja's character, being the oldest daughter to younger siblings and some of the pressure and responsibilities that role entails. I got a little scared for a moment as I was reading, wondering what was going to happen next. The characters were well written, and there was si much growth for several of them. If you like books with a lot of surprises, then I think you'll enjoy this one.

[Kristen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Simon and Schuster and Desmond Hall. This is a gripping spin inspired by Homer’s classic tale the Odyssey, set in Jamaica. Deja is a barrel girl, meaning her mom is in America, and sends the family barrels of supplies, leaving Deja to take care of her two siblings, continue her own education, and help provide for the family. She is an expert fisherman, and while on a routine trip, she comes across a boat and finds a dying man inside, who gives her an impossible mission. To deliver a case of $500,000 U.S. dollars to an agent. Unsure if the dying man is the DEA agent his badge says he is, she decides to embark on this journey, setting off a ripple effect that soon changes the lives of those closest to her.

I found myself laughing, screaming at my Kindle during intense scenes, and not wanting this book to end. Hall has a gift for imagery, and you’ll be transported to Jamaica as you read this novel. Highly recommend!

[Lovelocsandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is great YA book.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deja’s life changes one fateful day when she comes across a boat with a body in it. How will this affect her and her family?

[Kiera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desmond Hall’s 2nd book, Better Must Come introduces us to Deja, a young, brave and intelligent girl growing up in Jamaica, as she manages family dynamics and dangerous situations. She has a strong connection to Gabriel, but they aren’t romantically involved. The book provides exciting situations and I feel it allows you to see Jamaica the way Jamaicans see it. I’ve never been there, but I felt like I was taken on a tour.
I showed the book to a coworker, who happens to be Jamaican, and she said that it truly shines a light on everyday situations there, including gang violence, dirty cops, living conditions and the struggle to survive.
I loved Deja’s tenacity and willingness to take care of / provide for her family, forced to grow up faster than she should.
Overall, I’d recommend this book to everyone, even though it’s considered a YA novel, Desmond Hall did a great job writing this book, and I am going to read his first book.

[Tye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bullets, brotherly love, and the brutal hope of Kingston’s streets

In Better Must Come, Desmond Hall delivers a gripping and tender YA novel set in the heart of modern-day Jamaica; a place humming with vibrancy and danger in equal measure. The story follows Deja, a teen girl determined to survive, and Desmond (aka "Likkle D"), a boy caught in the clenched fists of poverty and politics. Their worlds crash together as love, ambition, and the need for freedom pull them into a whirlwind of gang violence, class tensions, and dreams of escape. The title, borrowed from a Jamaican political slogan, echoes like a prayer throughout: better must come, but at what cost?

What Worked:

A setting that breathes
Hall paints Kingston in full color: not just the beauty and rhythm of the island, but its suffocating systemic inequities. From overcrowded streets to the haunting presence of "dons" who control neighborhoods, the setting is visceral. You can feel the dust, the tension, the heat, and the basslines of reggae and dancehall vibrating off the page.

Nuanced characters, no stereotypes
Likkle D isn’t just a “badman in training.” He’s a boy who loves books, wants out, and is stuck in the vice grip of his environment. Deja isn’t just a “good girl”; she’s sharp, strategic, and grappling with privilege, guilt, and a yearning to do right. Hall excels at giving each character layers. No one is flat, not even the so-called villains.

The politics are personal
The novel smartly weaves in Jamaican politics. How elections, corruption, and gang affiliations ruin lives and shape destinies. But it never feels preachy. It’s personal. It’s intimate. It’s life-or-death. It gives readers a crash course in postcolonial survival without ever losing the heart of the story.

Language that honors culture
Hall uses Patois authentically and fluidly, never over-explaining, trusting the reader to listen and feel. It makes the story richer. Jamaican slang, cadence, and code-switching become tools of power, resistance, and love.

What could be stronger:

Pacing toward the end
The final chapters pack in a lot—showdowns, twists, sacrifices—which makes the climax thrilling but slightly rushed. Some character arcs (especially secondary ones) deserved more room to breathe. That said, it’s clear Hall was aiming for emotional impact, and he does deliver.

Deja’s arc could use more clarity
While Deja starts strong, her role sometimes feels reactive rather than active in the second half. Her inner conflicts (especially around class and her family) are compelling but could’ve been explored more deeply for payoff.

Big themes & takeaways:

Hope vs. Survival: The title is a mantra. But survival often demands choices that make “better” feel impossible. This book asks: Can you dream your way out of a trap? What are you willing to lose for freedom?

Masculinity, loyalty, and brotherhood: Likkle D’s friendships especially with his ride-or-die, Sweets, are raw and emotional. Hall spotlights how young men are expected to be both hard and self-sacrificing, tough yet tender, killers yet protectors.

Gender and class: Deja and Likkle D are both trapped. One by privilege and expectation, the other by poverty and politics. Their perspectives clash but ultimately deepen each other.

Favorite Quotes (No spoilers):

“The system is like quicksand, and all we have is each other to keep from sinking.”

“A boy who can’t cry has no choice but to fight.”

“The don don’t just run the ends. He run your whole damn life.”

Final thoughts:
Better Must Come is a gritty, powerful, and necessary story that gives voice to the youth living between violence and vision, love and loss, tradition and transformation. Desmond Hall writes like someone who knows the streets, loves the people, and still dares to hope. It’s for fans of Angie Thomas and Elizabeth Acevedo, but with a Caribbean pulse that’s all its own.

Content Warnings: Gang violence, gun violence, grief, political corruption, parental loss, abuse
Age Range: 14+ (YA, but with themes mature readers will also appreciate)

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hall, Desmond. Better Must Come
June 4, 2024 by Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central

Deja lives in Springtown Harbor, Jamaica with her young brother and sister, Donovan and Kaleisha. Their father is working in Costa Rica but never contacts them, and their mother is living in Brooklyn, trying to earn money and sending home barrels of supplies. Being "barrel kids" is hard on the family, since others are jealous of the US products they have, not understanding how much they all miss their mother. Since Deja is the oldest, she not only goes to school, but helps her uncle out with his fishing boat and even fishes to try to earn a little extra money. It's exhausting, taking care of the family, but she has no choice. When her mother calls from New York, it is with devastating news. She's been mugged, and all of her "partner money" has been lost. This means that the mother won't be home for Christmas, won't be able to send money for school fees, and won't even be able to send a supply barrel. Deja is on her own.

When Deja was out fishing, she had seen a boat with an injured man on it, and not stopped, knowing that there are a lot of problems with drug runners in the area. When the boat is still there the next day, she tries to help the man, who asks her to take a bag with $500,000, not "let them get it", and deliver it to someone named Webber in exchange for a reward. Still leery, Deja agrees, and takes the money home.

At the same time, we see Gabriel's life. He and Deja has recently met, and like each other, but have very different lifestyles. Gabriel was raised in an orphanage, but taken in by an aunt who is a drug addict. He was taken into a posse, where he has to make drops, but would like to get out, even though he and Hammer, another member, are good friends. He even talks to pastor and ex-posse member, Chops about it. He thinks he might have a chance to get out when a man offers him a lot of money if he and Hammer can get a large quantity of cocaine, which would move them into a different level of distribution. The man offered this opportunity? Webber.

Deja consults the pastor about what she should do, calls the number she has, and arranges to meet Webber to hand off the money. It's not an easy journey. At the same time, Gabrielle and Hammer come across a drug deal gone wrong. The three meet up at a checkpoint. Deja knows she has to get away, but feels that Gabrielle doesn't have her best interest at heart. It's a harrowing journey to meet up with Webber, but he's reassuring. When things become complicated, is there any hope that anyone will break free from the hold that the drug culture has on their neighborhood?

This was a complicated Young Adult book, with some mature language, but was very interesting. It's definitely a slow burning thriller that will appeal to fans of Deuker's Runner or other crime thrillers. Deja knows from the beginning that she can't keep the money, and that her future lies with doing the right thing and getting the money back to the DEA. Gabrielle's journey is more complicated, but so was his past. I really enjoyed the fact that, in the end, the story concluded happily for them both.

The real draw here are the details of everyday life in Jamaica, and the struggles that ordinary high school students have. I'm a big proponent of the "things could always be worse" philosophy, but if I were in Deja's shoes, I like to think I would believe that Better Must Come.

While I enjoyed this, I will be passing this on to the high school because of the mature language.

[Rich in Color is now on StoryGraph]

Review copy: ARC via publisher

Just by reading the synopsis I learned a bit more about Jamaican life so I was interested in the novel. I had never heard of the concept of the “barrel girl” before so learning that aspect about Deja intrigued me. And as I learned more about Deja and her point of view of being a “barrel girl” I was actually saddened by it. Deja’s mother had only recently left her and had only sent one barrel home so Deja was still learning how to be on her own. Deja as two younger siblings, so despite being a child herself still in school, Deja is also essentially a parent. She has to use the money her mom sends her to pay the bills, which unfortunately is often not enough, so she goes out fishing with her Uncle (and sometimes by herself) to make extra money. I hated this for her, but it did show how resilient Deja was so when the action of the story really begins, you know she will do what she can to succeed.

Better Must Come starts off a bit slow as Desmond Hall is giving a bit of backstory to establish both Deja’s and Gabriel’s desires for their lives and to show their first meeting. This bit threw me as I had thought the two had already had a small romance going, when in fact it was the opposite, so to me, the “romance” angle feel a bit flat. They didn’t have enough time to really interact before the main action of the story so the supposed tension between the two didn’t come across on the page. Essentially, Deja is running from Gabriel throughout most of the novel. When they do eventually meet up, both are truthful about their intentions which was refreshing for a novel. The actually communicated with each other – granted they were both fighting for their lives at that point, but because they were so honest with each other they were able to team up together and “save the day.”

Overall I can’t say whether I loved the book or not. I just had this feeling of….melancholy (?) when I finished because even though the book ends on a good note, both Deja’s and Gabriel’s lives are completely upended and I felt so sorry for them. They “won”, so to speak, but it did come at a cost which made for a realistic ending and is probably why I feel the way I do about the book.

[BethFishReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

A contemporary YA novel set in Jamaica that introduces us to two young people doing what they can to survive while taking care of their families.

Deja's father left them years ago, and her mother recently immigrated to Brooklyn, NY, to try to earn enough American money to give her children a better life. In Jamaica, teenage Deja is left behind to care for her younger siblings, to earn some extra money, and to try to finish school.

Gabriel was raised in an orphanage until his aunt finally took him in, hoping to get welfare money to support her heroin addiction. Gabriel, a teen, is left to fend for himself. Only by joining a posse (a gang) involved in the drug world can Gabriel make enough money to pay for his aunt's apartment and keep food in the house.

Deja and Gabriel's paths cross one evening when they both attend a church social function. Little did they know that their lives would soon become interwoven in unexpected and dangerous ways.

Hall examines several serious themes in this thriller, among them are the limited options available to Jamaican families and young people who hope for a brighter future. Several characters grapple with ethical issues, sometimes weighing doing the right thing against the safety of their loved ones.

Overall, I liked the book and found it easy to root for Deja and Gabriel. Some of the dialogue is written in Jamaican patois, which helped strengthen the setting. If I have a complaint, it's that I was sure there'd be a happy ending, though I didn't know how that would come about. Still, it took some of the tension away from Deja's harrowing journey across the island.

The audiobook was performed by Jamie Lincoln Smith, who did an excellent job, especially with the dialogue. I'm not familiar with Jamaican patois, but he sounded consistent to my ear. Listeners who have trouble with accents may want to listen to a sample before buying, but I loved Smith's performance.

Thanks to the publishers for review copies in various formats.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has an intended audience for 14 yrs and up. You don't have to be a teenager to enjoy reading it, as there is mature content. You will read about gangs, drugs, and murder. The details were not graphically intense by any means, but definitely use your judgement before allowing teens to read this.

It describes real life events that teens face daily while living on the beautiful island that is Jamaica. The island is still one of my favorite places to vacation. That is why I entered to win this enjoyable and beautifully written book. I enjoyed reading it and loved the patois that gave the book an authentic Jamaican feel. I could envision the island as I read about Deja's life.

Better Must Come gives all the life trials and tribulations of a teenage girl raising her young siblings in the heart of Jamaica. You get the feel-good vibe of the Jamaican island and the characters speaking patois. You'll sympathize with Deja, Donovan, and Kaleisha as they miss their mother who is in foreign and their struggle of being a barrel child on the island.

I felt the dire need Deja had to provide for her siblings and to protect them by any means necessary. I feared for her as she made an unexpected encounter with a Jamaican posse. The writer builds suspense as Deja and her family attempt to escape the island safely.

This is a fun and exciting novel that will take you away to beautiful place. You will enjoy reading how the town sticks together for the better of its people. It's definitely worth reading. Yah Mon!

Thank you so much #goodreadsgiveaway and Desmond Hall for writing this wonderful book.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deja is doing her best to care for her younger brother and sister in Jamaica while their mother earns money in America. Deja is what’s known as a “barrel girl”: she receives regular barrels full of American goods unavailable on the island from her mother. But when her mother is mugged and unable to send supplies, Deja’s not sure what she’s going to do.

Gabriel lives with his aunt, a heroin addict, while running with one of Jamaica’s posses that act as a middleman for drug shipments between South America and the United States, but he wants out. He’s not sure, however, that the head of the posse will let him go, and he’s heard rumors that he’s about to be set up as a sacrifice to appease local law enforcement.

When Deja, out fishing, comes across an abandoned boat with a dying DEA agent onboard, he begs her to deliver a briefcase filled with half a million American dollars to another agent, and desperate for the reward he promises her, she agrees, throwing herself into a deadly race between the DEA and Gabriel’s posse to recover both the cash and the drugs that were onboard the boat.

The island setting is perfect for summer, and the novel is a high-paced action thriller that alternates between Deja’s and Gabriel’s perspectives. It’s not until the novel ends that we feel confident in who we can trust, and we’re rooting for the brave and independent Deja the entire way.

The novel does include profanity, something to be aware of when making recommendations to students.

Thank you NetGalley, Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing, and Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are our own.

[Michelle, The Book Critic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better Must Come is impossible to put down, and will take readers on an intense, emotional roller coaster ride. Despite being around 300 pages, this novel is fast-paced and packed to the brim with action. I grew deeply attached to the characters and their journey. The plot is also full of unexpected twists and turns that kept me hooked, along with every chapter being meaningful and contributive to the story. Everything was clearly and concisely wrapped up by the end, and I appreciated that! What’s next for our beloved characters, you ask? Well, that is the exact question you will find yourself asking after finishing Better Must Come. I absolutely love this novel, and I guarantee it will leave you yearning for more as well.

This novel tackles numerous themes such as poverty, corruption, economic struggles, family, romance, self-reliance, independence, and posse life. I especially enjoyed learning about Jamaican culture through both Deja and Gabriel’s narratives. This is my first time reading something from Desmond Hall, and I can’t wait to see more from him. Plus, the book cover is absolutely gorgeous!

[Shakera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to sit with this one for a little bit. There were a lot of aspects of this story I enjoyed. I didn’t really get a thriller vibe from this, but that was fine. What I loved, though, was that Jamaica felt like it was also a character; you got to see Jamaica through the eyes of a native.

Deja was a phenomenal character. She was intelligent and brave. I loved the bond she has with her family and friends. Deja and Gabriel dealt with some very adult issues, but such is life. Given the situations these teens are dealing with, it’s a pretty intense book, which, at times, had me sitting the book down for a short spell. Another aspect I enjoyed was that there was nothing romantic between Deja and Gabriel; they just had a strong connection.

The pacing wasn’t always great. There were moments when the pacing was slow, but the ending felt rushed. I would have loved to learn a little more about Deja’s mom. That was a topic that I would have loved to explore, but it wasn’t really touched on.

Overall, this was enjoyable and intense. It covered several important topics that Hall covered exceptionally well.

[SamReadsItAll · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better Must Come follows the stories of Deja and Gabriel. Deja is a young girl responsible for taking care of her siblings while her mother works miles away in New York to provide for the family. Gabriel is an orphan who turned to the posse for survival but dreams of a better life. Their worlds intertwine in an action-packed series of events when $500,000 in cash and their lives are on the line.

Better Must Come, like the song and movie of the same name, is a story of perseverance in the face of adversity. Each character, burdened with their own struggles, strives for a better future for themselves and their loved ones. It is not an easy decision to leave your children to work abroad, yet for many, it’s the only way to provide more for their children, as Deja’s mother does. Deja, now in a parentified role, makes every move to improve her family's circumstances, especially when she realizes no barrel is coming. Gabriel, weighing his options, believes there has to be more to life than the posse.

Better Must Come is a nice reminder that trouble don’t last always.

[Chris G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone envies Deja because she is a “barrel girl.” Mom is trying for a better life in the U.S. but has lost all her money after a robbery; she can no longer afford to send food and clothing back to her Jamaica family so Deja’s income from fishing before school is all she and her brother and sister have to stay afloat. Raised in a church orphanage, Gabriel has not been able to support himself and has reluctantly affiliated with a gang. Deja and Gabriel meet at a community dance but might not have connected again until Deja sees a stranded “go fast” boat while she’s fishing and stops to help. A wounded man in the boat gives her a card with an address and begs her to deliver a suitcase that’s stuffed with dollars. Worried that she’s stumbled on a drug deal, Deja takes the case and card and anonymously calls for help for the man. Is Gabriel’s gang connected with the drug deal? A propulsive, page turning thriller with strong characters. Can’t wait to book talk this one! EARC from Edelweiss.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better Must Come is Desmond Hall's 2nd novel and is set in the Caribbean island of Jamaica.

Deja, the protagonist is a strong willed, feisty young woman who is tasked with raising her 2 younger siblings while their mother makes a way for them in NYC. Deja is a "barrel girl" but that does not carry the privilege many believe.

The story carries us on a thrilling ride as Deja finds herself in difficulty after discovering a significant amount of money on boat whilst fishing.

Deja is my hero. I loved her tenacity and her ability to think on her feet. Her devotion to her family and friends is an inspiration and I was rooting for her the entire time.

This was a thrilling ride and I'm so glad I was chosen to review this book through @hearourvoicestours.

Better Must Come is available in stores from June 4th. You should be pick up a copy!

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#hearOurVoices #HOV #BetterMustCome #Jamaica #ReadCaribbean #CaribbeanReads

[The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better to Come is a decent YA novel with its fair share of highs and lows. The story follows Deja, a young woman burdened with responsibilities beyond her years. Her journey is filled with challenges, from navigating a difficult family situation to facing the dangers of the drug trade.

While the plot is intriguing, the pacing can be uneven. The first half of the book feels a bit slow, but it picks up significantly in the second half. The characters are well-developed, and I found myself rooting for Deja and Gabriel. However, some of the plot twists feel a bit predictable, and the ending felt a bit rushed.

Better to Come is a solid read for young adult readers who enjoy thrillers and coming-of-age stories. It's a quick and engaging read, with plenty of suspense and drama to keep you hooked.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the arc of this novel.

Rating: 3.5/5⭐️

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deja is working hard to keep herself and her siblings taken care of in Jamaica while their mother works "in foreign" and sends money to them. But when their mom is injured in a robbery and loses all the money she needed to send for their upkeep, Deja has to figure out how to pay the bills. When she stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong, she finds herself with thousands and thousands of dollars. Can she find a way to turn that into prosperity for her family or will she bring the wrath of the drug dealers down on them?

I was really annoyed at first when Deja took the money b/c what did she think was going to happen!? But I was rooting for her by the end and was pleasantly surprised with the satisfying ending. Some of the Jamaican patois and slang may confuse some people but ultimately really interesting, action-packed book.

[Laura Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better Must Come is a must read!! It is so hard to put this book down!!! This was a rollercoaster of emotions for me but in the best way! It is about 300 pages but so worth the read. It is a fast paced book full of action! MCs Deja and Gabriel, are both teenagers in Jamaica and we see how the corrupt system of gang life, police and government ruin people's lives. I grew so attached to them and just kept hoping for a good outcome. There are so many twist and turns in this book. The plot is great and the writing style is amazing! This author is now an auto buy for me. I am so glad it came together at the end of the book. I can’t wait to see what is next from Desmond Hall!! I highly recommend this book.

[Charnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a tough but necessary YA read that I think everyone should read. The main characters, Deja and Gabriel, are both teenagers in Jamaica and we get to see how the corrupt system of gang life, police and government converge and can ruin people’s lives.

I was rooting for Deja and Gabriel (and their loved ones) the entire book. They both were dealing with their own circumstances that were so relatable. I loved the authenticity of this Jamaican story (patois being spoken) and I loved the pacing of the story and how it all came together at the end. I did get a bit confused with the dates and times but I figured it out. I recommend this book!

[Nieccee Pettaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story of a Jamaican school age girl named Deja who is left to take care of her family - brother Donovan and sister Kaliesha - after their father fled to Costa Rica, never to be heard from again; and their mother to The States to make a better life for her family. Mom is robbed and unable to send barrels to family, leaving a young Deja responsible to take care of the mortgage and the family.

Gabriel is an orphan turned gang member who is trying to find his way when he meets Deja and a connection is instantly made. It’s not until a transaction gone bad does he realize that Deja is in more trouble than she realizes and he sets out on a journey to save her. And her family.