At this point Andrew Joseph White is becoming an instant purchase for me. I've read two of his books and absolutely loved them. Compound Fracture is so dark and anxiety inducing that I had to keep reminding myself to unclench my jaw while I was reading. The supernatural horror elements in this book were more comforting than human horror element which goes to show you how upsetting some of the humans are. Compound Fracture deals with themes of generational and community trauma through the voice of a trans and autistic teen boy who is so relatable in his anger and love for his community.
I would recommend you check content warnings before reading because there are themes that may be upsetting to some readers, but this is a must have for teen libraries (and adults will love it too).

Generations ago, Saint Abernathy was killed by having a railroad spike nailed through his throat and head by the Sheriff of Twisted Creek, West Virginia. His great great grandson, Miles Abernathy, is still fighting the bloodline feud left behind. Miles and his family have always lived in fear of the Davies family. Miles has been raised to always look over his shoulder, especially now being a transgender youth in the wake of the 2016 election.
After sending a coming out email to his parents, he attends a party with photographic evidence of how cruel the Davies really are. Photos that depict his friend's dead mom being pulled out of a burning car while. He just needs permission from his friend to show them to the town. To expose the Davies once and for all.
Walking home in the dark, he hears a noise. The Davis son and a group of friends ambush him, he ends the night in a hospital bed. After a few months of recovery and an accidental murder, his friend is ready to fight back, but not in the way Miles had planned.
Yet again, I have fallen in love with an Andrew Joseph White book. Compound fracture is an amazing novel. The main character is complex and I loved listening to the ways he processed the world and his opinions. He gave me perspectives on belonging in your hometown that I had never thought of before. He feels a connection and obligation to where he came from, even if living there means that he lives in fear.
The book tells a powerful story about family history. Saint appears to Miles through the book and shows him that his past is not full of strangers, but family and people like him. People he should continue to fight for. Miles' opinions on the politics of the town and the power dynamics are nuanced and deep. Additionally, the diction in this book is incredible. It really sets the scene.
I loved how connected all of the elements are. Every analogy and reference is connected to the overall “vibe” of the novel. The representation of the queer community, autism, disability, and a whole host of other things is incredible. I would highly recommend checking out Compound Fracture when it comes out on September 3rd.

It is difficult to hold back my repeated praise for this book by saying, "This book is one of the most incredible things I've ever read; you must read it as soon as possible." After finishing the book, it took me nearly two weeks to process everything that occurred and formulate a coherent review.

As someone who resides near Appalachia, the themes in this book were ones I am intimately familiar with. I do not believe I have read anything else that so fundamentally captures the beauty and ugliness of Appalachian culture so comprehensively. The events of the book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. It is rare that I am unable to predict twists in a thriller or mystery, but once again, AJW kept me guessing and did the opposite of what I thought might happen.

Do yourself a favor - go ahead and pre-order this book now. I am excited for everyone else to read this book after it's published. I sincerely hope AJW continues to write books for many years to come!

Surprisingly good and refreshingly different.
Andrew Joseph White is a new-to-me author, but I've already added his other books to my tbr! This is a gripping and unapologetic thriller perfect for readers who crave a visceral and emotionally charged story that explores themes of social justice, radical change, and the struggles of the rural poor, particularly those in the LGBTQIA+ community, and are ready to be drawn into a dark and intense narrative that will challenge and inspire them. Highly recommend!

andrew joseph white has done it again!!
i really enjoyed this book and i couldn't put it down. i can't wait for his next one!

thank you netgalley for the e-arc!

happy pride month! this book contains the following LGBTQIA+ rep:
trans / aromantic / nonbinary (side character) / gay / various other sexualities/gender identifications from side characters

this book also has autism rep!

TW: gore, transphobia, emetophobia, animal violence, opioid addiction and the extreme portrayal of the cycle of violence/blood feuds. (I probably missed some TWs, check out the official TW list from the author!)

"You can't reminisce over a scar if it's still an open wound."

This is truly a different work from AJW, wholly unique in premise (as always), but fundamentally different from his other books. While HFWU and TSBIT were always in a close, but different world than ours, this book is about as real as it gets.

It's raw, it's visceral- and while those are words often used to describe AJW's writing, it is especially true in Compound Fracture. It is a scathing, if not healing, look at small town Appalachia and the daily injustices the inhabitants have suffered for generations. This book takes all expectations, mashes them down, and remolds them into something that can only be described as eye-opening.

Compound Fracture is also a look at generational violence, specifically through blood feuds. You can feel the suffering that each member of the family has gone through, feel Saint Abernathy watch you as he watched Miles. The violence here is haunting, gory, bloody, and not one bit unnecessary.

It's also political at heart. This book screeches with opinions, and they all tie back to the oppressions that small town Appalachians face from the local, state, and federal government. It tears down "acceptable" barriers to address difficult topics, and it does it unashamedly.

There's probably a million other deep, profound hidden meanings, topics, and subtle symbolism I missed in this review, but know, that CF is chock-full of them, so look in every little nook and cranny, you'll never know what you find.

God I love AJW books.

"Why the 4 star?"

For multiple factors, the main one being I didn't see the final relationship AT ALL. (no spoilers here, but it came out of left field) The second being there were some weirdly obvious plot holes, like how Cooper's number was magically unblocked on Miles's phone? I don't remember seeing that Miles unblocked him.

Other than that, this was a fierce, blazing continuation of what AJW has always done so perfectly in the past: write books about queer, autistic rage.

(4/5 stars)
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living my best life (I got approved for AJW arc!!!)

Thank you Netgalley for letting me get an early copy of this beautiful, necessary novel in exchange for my honest review! ✨

This book challenges the reader to consider whether or not revenge is justifiable when it's the only way to combat oppressors. Historical oppressors; those who have been around for generations and are integrated into almost every facet of a community and that community's way of living. Or trying to live. What does one do when the only ways to escape a foot on your back is to chew through the bone or wait until that foot reaches your throat and letting it choke you? It's not much of a choice at all. Add to that your own personal challenges; discovering who you are, coming to terms with your identity and waiting for those closest to you to understand who you are -- how is anyone supposed to survive that?

Andrew Joseph White poses these questions to his readers via one of the most tangible characters I've had the pleasure of reading about in recent years. Miles isn't a fighter: he just wants to survive. What he does to earn it (despite the fact that survival shouldn't have to be earned in the first place) is only what he believes is necessary. Among his actions, we get to know him intimately, slowly peeling back every facet of his psyche until it feels like we can finally understand him. And man, did my heart break over and over again for him.

Bursting with real-world political ideologies, familial bonds, trans / queer / neurodivergent / disability pride, ghostly(?!) apparitions, and a little dog that could - Compound Fracture might be the next best thing since the invention of the wheel. And I don't say that lightly; this book truly ticked every single box for me and it's now up up up there with my all-time favourites.

Since this doesn't come out until September, I don't want to give away too much of the actual plot, as I truly believe this is one of those books that is best read when the reader knows little to nothing about it beforehand. Just read it. Go add it to your wishlists and when it comes in, give yourself some alone time, and devour this the way I did and intend to do again once I get my hands on a physical copy.

Listen. At this point, I will automatically read anything with Andrew Joseph White's name on it, and Compound Fracture once again did not let me down. As a queer nonbinary union organizer descended from coal miners, I don't think I could ever find another book that I felt pandered so specifically to me as a unique individual, and I loved every minute of it. I like to recommend AJW to my patrons, with the caveat that it will be gory; in that regard, this may be the lightest of the three, which may make for a good starting point for a curious reader that's tentative on gristle.

Three books in and White still managed to deliver something brand new. Having read his other two books I am a bit familiar with his work, and while he does have a slight formula to the plot it still feels right to this book.

This one is definitely more gory and violent than the other two somehow (at least it felt that way to me, though it could be because there are elements in this that I am personally squeamish about). However it still feels appropriate to the audience, and I think as long as readers read the trigger warnings in the author letter it should be okay.

I like that White includes different rep in each book as well. Every reader who picks up his books gets the chance to see themself in at least a secondary character, and this one continues that with different lgbt rep than his previous two books.

If you didn't like the others due to the type of horror or content, this one is still worth a try, and I think anyone who likes horror or transmasc rep should read it.

I'm starting to feel like I shouldn't have read this.

Let's preface this review by saying that The Spirit Bares Its Teeth was my favourite book of 2023, so I'm hungry to read more from this author. After reading the synopsis to this book, I wasn't sure whether I was going to like it, since books about social justice don't always tend to work for me, even though I'm interested in politics. (Yes, I'm aware this doesn't make a lot of sense). However, since I've given the author five stars in the past, I decided to give it ago.

And now I'm writing this review.

I think I can put my lack of enjoyment down to the fact that Andrew Joseph White had some great ideas thematically but didn't know what to do with the plot. Unfortunately it felt quite uninspired which is sad for me to say, and I don't think the character work was anywhere near as strong as his previous book.

I've since seen multiple five star reviews rolling in, so take this with a pinch of salt, please!

I first read Hell Followed With Us back when it was first published and I remember eagerly waiting for the library to purchase the The Spirit Bares It's Teeth. This book has lived up to the height of its predecessors, if not becoming my favorite of these novels (though I may be bias having grown up in Appalachia myself). This novel brings up a diverse range of radical issues and confronts them in a way that settles with the reader longer after the book is done. I adore the representation in the novel as well as the subtle indicators which make Miles feel more fleshed out as a character.

Overall, this is a 4.5/5 star read for me! AJW has become an auto buy author for me and his stuff is genuinely amazing. This story was face paced, heart racing, gorey, and emotional. I loved the autism representation and the main character being Trans.

Thank you NetGalley/ Holiday House/ Peachtree Teen/ Pixel+ink for my first ARC ever!

“Actually, this book is kind of like moonshine. It’s gonna burn like hell going down.”

I’ve been following along with the process of this book on White’s TikTok and it was so fun seeing pieces of it to the almost complete product. I’m really looking forward to the audiobook version being released since that’s how I read Hell Followed with Us and The Spirit Bares Its Teeth, both being amazingly done.
Whether Compound Fracture is your introduction to White’s writing or not, I highly advise to check out the TWs because WOAH. The pacing was a good balance for me and receiving the background information didn’t feel overwhelming or info dumpy. Not gonna give anything away but Saint and Dallas really stole my heart ( and Lady of course). Dallas truly became my favorite character, obviously because of the nonbinary representation but more specifically because of the nonbinary rep. with an iconic pin collection that I hope to make my personal reality. I always admire the way White writes his MCs to be relatable yet so layered that I’m learning right along with them but the side characters always get my heart (except Cooper and I stand by that). I really wish I had the brain cells to explore how White gives his MCs something both separate from them but is also always connected to them as the story progresses, like how Beni has the Graces, Silas his white rabbit and Miles with Saint. I find it so fascinating but really all I got on that topic is I like it and please do it again.
Overall, White continues to do queer rage stupendously and I can’t wait to read his next book You Weren’t Made to be Human in 2025! <3

I had to stop a day or so and process my feelings. Andrew Joseph White is now an auto-buy author for me. This became the 6th five star read for the year out of 84 books. It is nuanced and layered but never sags. I cannot express enough about how valuable it is to have representative authors write and publish. What a powerful book and his career is just kicking off! Bravo.
This is actually a love story to the south, specifically Appalchia. Told in a Hatfield v. McCoy set up its violent, brutal and wrenching in a way that only the south can be. It is also tender, heartbreaking and inspirational in the same way. The interaction between Miles and his friends and family under the pressure of a self appointed regime is spot on. I was exhausted along with Miles. I was Peepaw racking his shotgun. You can smell the fear of the townsfolk right off the page. The way his family compensates for their "station" and endure with steel in their spine. Their economy of words, perfect. The letter at the beginning and its counterpart at the end...well I cried. Having fled the south with my kids (two of which happen to be in the LGBTQ community) I'm still torn about not being "in the fight" any longer. Watching them thrive, grow and love safely under appropriate informed medical care makes it sting much less. I acknowledge all my privilege that allowed us to move.
Thank you for the book Mr. White, I loved it.

I have yet to read anything bad by Andrew Joseph White and that still stands. I love the queer stories spun in dark and fantastic ways. Love love LOVE

Anytime I see that AJW is releasing a book, I will snatch it up from NetGalley and preorder it ASAP. Happy Pride!

That being said, AJW always writes a book I could probably inhale in one sitting because the plot lines are always really interesting. Mining Town calamity turning into a 100 year-long feud? Sign me up!

That being said, this is my least favorite out of all of his books, though it still gets a 4-star and I would definitely recommend. I will start with the goods first because, again, overall I think it was good.

First off, AJW always has really good characterization and I think it’s good he’s writing characters for people who don’t have that representation. While I’m not autistic and trans, I do have friends that are and I think they would like this kind of thing. I enjoy these kinds of books because I know that my friends will be represented and diverse reading is super important to me.

Secondly, I like the storyline. While some things are exaggerated (like a literal feud and getting away with murder), I think it’s fun to suspend disbelief. (And at the same time, things do sometimes get swept under the rug. It’s infuriating.) I’m a little surprised by Miles’ parents reaction to him killing/being an accomplice in killing two people, but again, it sounds like it’s just the norm for them. This book makes me want to read more books about rural mysteries.

As for my complaint…it was very preachy/soapboxy at time. There are so many places where it almost feels fourth-wall breaking where being trans is explained. Or socialism. Or being autistic. The audience for this book are people who are one or three of these things. They don’t need to have their hand held while being told about something they’ve probably already done extensive research about. Ever since someone said that authors nowadays are over explaining, I’m starting to see it.

The reason that knocked off a star was because of how excessive it was. I found myself glancing over paragraphs because I already know this.

Regardless, I can’t wait for AJW’s next book (an adult fiction I’m pretty sure?) and am excited to watch his collection continue to grow!

Thank you Netgalley for the e-ARC!

Easily one of the best books I’ve read this year. I could barely put it down, one page effortlessly blending into the other. A dark, raw story of oppression and justice.

Compound fracture starts with a teenage boy named Miles, and his initiative to make things right. The story only escalates from there, highlighting his ability to navigate through a hell of a life. The story balances his identity, his struggles as well as a blood feud that has been going on for 100 years.

I loved that the characters were well written, with recognised flaws. You could feel the anger they radiate, the fear and the will to fight for what they believe. The book never felt boring, every chapter holding its own importance. The commentary was written beautifully and I especially enjoyed the display of emotions, the constant tension that follows the main character. At times it gets gorey and violent, so well written you could picture clearly what was happening. As for the plot, I thought I knew where it was going, until the end of each chapter proved me wrong and kept me attentively reading the other one.

Overall it’s a very good book. I have read the author’s other works so I can’t say I’m surprised. I had high expectations and they were pleasantly met. If you are looking for an engaging fast paced read, that will keep you on your toes, this is definitely the book for you!

So I cried through most of the second half of this book as it sank in what I was reading.
This is the closest I have ever come to reading a queer book character who sounded like me and felt like someone I would meet in my neighborhood.
This book centers a trans, gay autistic character just like the other books I have read and lived from this author, but he is also from West Virginia, from coal country. The ghost of a murdered union member takes a pivotal role in the plot.
In many ways, this book is Bonnie and Clyde, except very gay and more communist. I love it.
It’s very real about how it is to live in Appalachia, in an area even more neglected than where I live, and part of me wants to gatekeep this book to only people who know and love the rural south, because this book is so real about the suffering and beauty of the mountains- black lung, opioids, poverty, underfunded schools, feuds, the beauty of the landscape, the loyalty of the families, and the long tradition of leftist thought and resistance to oppression.
When I realized that this author grew up in rural West Virginia, I realized where the stark, harsh reality tempered with beauty that I’ve come to love from his books comes from.
As far as the main characters go, I love Miles. He’s deeply flawed, violently passionate, and fiercely protective. The eventual development of his identity as aromantic and the final queerplatonic relationship is deeply wholesome, and the “love interest” (for lack of a better word) is the fat, agender masculine person that Miles needs. The unhinged best friend is what this story needed. Also, there’s a black mouth cur service dog.
As with his previous books, all the warnings for graphic violence and general horror.
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

⭐️4.5

Let me just say wow!!! Andrew Joseph White never fails in making a book interesting and unique enough to stay up into the a.m.’s just to know what happens.

Although I think I prefer the heavier supernatural elements AJW explores in his other two novels, I enjoyed the complexities and politics of the town presented here. Miles could in fact see his relative, Saint, who was apart of the beginning of this blood feud. I was elated for Miles when it was revealed that Saint was also trans. I did not see this coming, and it was good to recognize that queerness has not just now in the present become a “thing.”

On the topic of queerness, AJW always does a beautiful job exploring different queer experiences without it being the bare minimum. Sometimes authors fall into the pitfall of using the google definition of a queer label and it feels repetitive. In AJW’s writing, however, he always speaks to his own experiences in being queer while also making sure the audience knows what the topic is (without this weird definition scenario).

I also find his exploration through neurodivergence to be enlightening. AJW’s writing always has an element of speaking to his own divergence and his research. As someone who doesn’t have autism or ADHD I know I can read AJW’s books and come out learning something new.

The reason I don’t feel that this is a 5 star rating for me is because I’ve read his other books. The Spirit Bares Its Teeth was just so incredibly phenomenal to me that Compound Fracture doesn’t compare as highly. Also, having read AJW’s other novels there are clear character types he has, which can make the plot predictable. For example, Cooper quickly reminded me of Theo from Hell Followed With Us. I was suspicious because of this comparison, and I ended up being right when Cooper called Miles his deadname and left him in the middle of nowhere. This was a bummer, as I wanted to be more devastated when Cooper was mutilated on Miles’s porch. Same thing goes with Miles/Benji finding a space queer space and openly queer characters, etc.

Overall, I ate this book up. I started reading and couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait to see what AJW does with his adult novels and future YA books.

Never stop writing AJW!

Thank you NetGalley for my eARC edition of this book!

Compound Fracture is set in Twist Creak, West Virginia during 2017. The story follows Miles Abernathy , who is a trans autistic teen, learning to live with/fight the hundred year feud between his family and the sheriffs family. In which Miles quickly finds himself in trouble when he is trying to bring about change to his Appalachian town.

For starters I loved the autism and adhd rep in this book, as well as the trans and aromantic rep! I thought that they were well planned and written out. I loved his relationship with his family and how real it felt. And how when there was a struggle, his family eventually came through and supported him. I also thought his friendship with his friend from middle school was amazing! I don’t want to say much more because I’m afraid I’ll spoil something! Make sure y’all go get the book when it comes out in September!