Compound Fracture

Thank you SO much to Netgalley, Peachtree and Pixel+Ink for an E-Arc of this title in exchange for an honest review! All opinions in this review are my own.

I was so happy to receive a copy of this book! This follows Miles who is a trans kid growing up in the deep south navigating a feud between his and the Davies' family, and things take a dark turn quite quickly.

I will say that this felt like the most political book Andrew Joseph White has written so far, and I am all here for it. He also really nails in the idea of there being no perfect victims, and even some of the villainous characters of this book end up being sympathetic, even if I would still enver condone their actions. The themes of corruption and the inherited trauma throughout the core characters of this book were heartbreaking and so realistic. It really drills in the idea that some of these people really feel like there's no way out, and Cooper's development over the course of the book is probably the best example of these themes. The fact that, after Miles accidentally kills Noah, his first solution is more violence really shows what's going through his head and how the culture of the town and the actions taken against him have impacted him. He definitely was not a perfect victim, and despite his flaws it was terrible hearing about his death was the nail in the coffin.

Miles as the main character felt so raw and real. His struggles and flaws were fleshed out wonderfully throughout the book, and his actions, whilst not always the most logical or morally ‘good', really makes you remember that this is just a kid in an awful situation.

The side characters were also great, and Miles' relationship with his parents was very realistic. I think the author mentions this was based on his own relationship with his parents during his transition and it really shows through. Saint was also so interesting, despite the fact he never actually talks in the novel.

Overall, I had a wonderful time with this book. I could probably go on and on in this review about the things I loved, I cannot recommend this enough.

I was fortunate enough to receive and read an ARC. I also pre-ordered this title, securing a signed first edition copy and borrowed the audiobook from my local library via the Libby app.

Incredible read, I fell in love with the setting, as it hit close to home, being from a town similar politically to Twist Creek. Miles is exceptional, for standing what up for what he believes in, given everything that happens to him, and his loved ones. When it would’ve been easier to submit and placate.

The audiobook was perfection. Immersive storytelling, and the accent the narrator used was excellent, as well as their tone used to convey plot points/conversations.

I can’t wait to see what AJW writes nexts

One of the best books I've read in a while, Compound Fracture is quick-paced, dark, but filled with a strong sense of humanity. I adored the main character, he was human, flawed in the way we all are, but fighting for what he believed in. It was wonderful to see a trans main character, especially one who was aromantic but not necessarily asexual, and I adored the autistic representation as well. I couldn't put the book down, the way Andrew writes draws you in, and enraptures your feelings. I am so glad to have read this book, and I plan to read his other. books very soon.