Dalton, Trent

Despite the grim violence, Dalton’s story of addiction, tragedy, and found family resonates with tenderness and empathy. A thorny but sweet coming-of-age tale for fans of Sofie Laguna’s The Choke.

Together, it forms a story told through multiple voices that reminds readers that the ineluctable links between heartache and romance are what make emotions (and relationships) so worthwhile.

In this follow-up to Dalton’s LJ best-booked debut, Boy Swallows Universe, goodness, hope, and a bit of magic are pitted against gritty realities. The result is unquestionably appealing, though somewhat diminished by a number of characters who seem like period movie clichés.