★★★★

Don’t flinch, because Andrew Joseph White’s Compound Fracture throws a lot at you–a trans teen fighting for justice, a simmering family feud, and a chilling brush with the supernatural. This Appalachian thriller buries you in the heart of Twist Creek, a town where the air hangs heavy with coal dust and simmering tensions.

White’s writing evokes the weathered faces of coal miners – etched with hardship, but still holding a spark of defiance. You can practically feel the damp earth under your feet and taste the grit of determination in your teeth. But don’t let the picturesque scenery fool you. This story is brutal. The violence is raw and unflinching, just like the struggles faced by the working-class folks in Twist Creek.

Miles is a complex protagonist–a socialist, an autistic teen coming to terms with his identity, and a flawed hero. Because how could you not be flawed growing up under a cycle of constant oppression? White also imbued the supporting characters with their own struggles and desires, all trapped in the same suffocating system.

The first half is a slow burn, building tension like a minecart rumbling down a rickety track. Then, the second half explodes into a wild ride. Compound Fracture will leave you bruised and breathless but ultimately hopeful. It’s a must-read for anyone who craves a tale with heart, grit, and a healthy dose of the unexpected. So, prepare to delve into the heart of Twist Creek. You might just find a hidden vein of strength and solidarity waiting to be unearthed.