In this first book of a (completed) four book series called The Homelander Series, Andrew Klavan hooks the reader with immediate page-turning suspense. It became so intense in a few spots that I kept finding myself skipping a few sentences or paragraphs ahead to see the outcome of a stressful situation. Klavan did a fantastic job in developing the main character, Charlie West. You really feel like you know him and want to believe his innocence despite the fact that the last thing he remembers happened a year ago. A lot can be learned from Charlie who just won’t give up. The beginning of this novel reminded me a lot of another book I recently read, Dan Haring’s Old Soul, and there were some similarities between the two throughout the book. Although Klavan has written several adult novels, this is his first book written for young adults and I hope he continues. I highly recommend this book for both male and female audiences who enjoy a good thriller and I’m looking forward to continuing the series!

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Thomas Nelson

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: None

Violence/Gore: Several (17) brief incidents incuding getting shot at; non-verbal and verbal threats; war; murder; karate punch; torture; bomb explosion. Few (4) extended incidents including fighting and shooting.

Sex/Nudity: One incident of sexual innuendo.

Mature Subject Matter:

Drug/alcohol rehab; Mentally disabled.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Very brief incident of minors drinking behind a grocery store (because a store clerk there will sell it to them).