ARC Review
I couldn’t read it fast enough. Every page left me dying to know what happened next.
It was an emotional journey. The characters are realistic in all their flaws and virtues, and you get to follow them step by step as they figure out what they want, their identities, and the world around them.
This book does not avoid the uncomfortable topics. It plows straight into them and gets dirty about politics, gender, and disability. The setting of rural West Virginia in 2017 was such a fascinating viewpoint into that time that created such a vivid and immersive world.

Andrew Joseph White has knocked it out of the park (again) with Compound Fracture. Miles is written so authentically as an autistic trans teenager, and seeing events from his perspective brings the reader right into the story. After he comes out to his parents, their relationship gets messy and complicated in a way that's almost painfully real. The town of Twist Creek and the people in it seem genuine, with all the dimension and nuance that are often lacking in depictions of Appalachia. This extends to the sheriff and others on his side, which adds to the gravity of the long-running feud dividing the town. Miles' inner turmoil feels realistic as he suddenly finds himself in the middle of the conflict and has some hard choices to make, on top of grappling with his identity and typical teenage struggles.

This joins the list of "books I wish existed when I was a teen" along with White's other work, and I'm sure there are plenty of teens now who need this story. I hope they find it.

Not my favorite of Andrew Joseph White's books, but I liked it, especially the family and community aspects.

I have been a fan of white's work ever since his first book and I'm not disappointed by this title. We can see the evolution of his writing through his multiple publications and I'm confident in saying this is his best work yet when regarding his writing.

The story/narrative, however, felt weaker than his previous works. The main tool used to captivate the player was rage. Rage because there is nothing Miles can do about his aggressors, rage because people just outed him to the entire town, and rage because of what happened to O'Brian, although this can be a good writing tactic, I feel that it does not work in this specific book.

Overall, the book, just as all of white's titles, is good, the representation of trans, nb, autistic kids etc... is something very refreshing and inspiring to see and the approach on ya horror is fitting for this kind of genre.

Thank you to Andrew Joseph White, Holiday House, Peachtree, Pixel+Ink, and NetGalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review-- all opinions are my own.

Once again Andrew Joseph White has written a great book. Another 5 star book that I devoured in less than 48 hours. I was SO excited when I found out that I received an ARC for this book because just from reading the blurb and seeing the cover- I knew it would reach up and drag me to the edge of my seat. Compound Fracture is an in-depth, terrifying in a good way, and brutally honest look into small towns and the histories and politics that continue to haunt and affect the residents who live there. There are so many good aspects to this story it's hard to find a place to start. I really enjoyed reading how the feud between the main character's family and another family has had long-lasting and continuous effects on their town and its residents. I think it's a good comparison to how people in power for a long time due to family ties and/or corruption(sometimes both) abuse those powers and how people fight back against them. The plot is constantly watered and fed with different facts and realizations that never let the suspense and mystery die down. The author does not shy away from the horror and grittiness at hand. I appreciate that none of it was sugar-coated for the story. It adds to the seriousness and harsh reality of the story and how sometimes we have to face the ugliness of something even if we don't like it or feel uncomfortable. The characters are interesting as well. These are kids dealing with terrible things and are tired of people with too much power taking too much and exploiting people. I really enjoyed the comeuppance that certain characters received. It always feels good when the exploiter gets what they deserve and people receive some justice and peace. As a final note, one thing I consistently enjoy in every book by this author is a point where you are in such high tension of what the hell is going to happen next. You can't look away from what's happening, nor can you even see what might happen next. What an incredible read.

Miles is a trans, autistic teen who is part of a decades old family feud, and now it's his turn. The Davies and the Abernathys have been at it ever since a mining revolution. When Mile's ancestor was killed by a railroad spike through the mouth, it set off a chain of violent events through the years. One night, Miles is beaten and left for dead. Though he pulls through, he realizes it's his turn to try and make a difference and put an end to all this feuding.

This book is very politically motivated, and that's not typically something I'm interested in. As a matter of fact, although it takes up a huge portion of the book, it was my least favorite part. My favorite aspect of this novel had to be Mile's coming out as trans, his family learning to accept it, and also Miles coming to the realization that maybe he's also autistic. Those part to me were the best part. I've never read a book about a trans character and I was worried I wouldn't connect to the story, yet it was extremely well done and engaging. I really enjoyed the premise of family and friends being worth fighting for, but the political aspect made me rate this book a star down.

There are A LOT of trigger warnings for this book, and a lot of things were graphically describes, so please please check those out before you dive into this book.

Another absolutely amazing and unique book from this author.

I'm not an American citizen but I was totally transported to the town in the book and the politics were easy to follow.

A brilliant representation of the LGBTQ and Neurodiverse communities. The story had me gripped from the start and I honestly couldn't have guessed where it was going. I love books like this, that they keep you not only turning the pages but thinking about the story even when you aren't reading the book.

The author has a way of really making you root for the main characters in what is a good Vs evil story...even if the good have done a few 'naughty' things.

I would really recommend, it was a great gory story!

Following our main protagonist, Miles– a trans, autistic, aromantic teenager –who gets plunged right into the crossroads of a hundred-year generational feud after almost dying from a beating.

This book was so RAW. Watching Miles, and the other characters being so trapped through all of their violent circumstances was truly difficult to read about at times. I could SEE the violence when it was described on the page, and at times it made me feel queasy. I was so inside and consumed by this story, the writing, characters, plots, and discussions, at every single stage of the book.

I have no critique of this book that bears ground. Personally, I am not a huge fan of young adult (just my taste) and in many ways, I like this book despite that it's YA and not because of it. But then I think about all the potential that this book has to educate, radicalize, and stand with teenagers, and I want to commend it for that. If I read this as a teen, it would have changed my life. Not only making me feel so seen as trans, but also making me think about suffering, politics, and injustice in a whole new way.

As a well-read adult, nothing in this book particularly surprised me. Who the ghost was, Miles' multiple identity realizations, character developments, it was all quite predictable. And yet! I was up until 2 a.m. every night because I couldn't put the book down.

Very grateful this book exists. It's going to change lives. Can't wait to read whatever Andrew Joseph White writes next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

thank you to netgalley and peachtree teen for providing me an ARC

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

AJW, you've gone and fucking done it again--raising the bar and setting a standard, imo. Compound Fracture is everything and more; and it is something I needed desperately as a trans, autistic kid growing up in the South (who wasn't half as brave as Miles for coming out so young, but I'll give myself grace because I didn't have the access to the words that truly explained what made me "special"). Miles is the teen I wish I could have been growing up; unapologetic, honest, and despite how scared he sometimes is (and for good fucking reason), so so brave. Andrew crafts a brilliant homage to Appalachia, while twisting a beautiful family blood feud narrative into the intricacies of horror and love. The utter visceral nature of Miles' relationships is stunning, and I've never cried more than when reading the chapters that delve into him and his family: Mom, Dad, Mamaw, Papaw, and the bestest girl, Lady--hell, even sad, sad Cooper O'Brien. And oh my god, the dedication to understanding that the lone wolf isn't as strong as he thinks he is until he's surrounded by a pack...revenge does seem good in practice, but no progress will be made until it's the community that comes and settles shit together. Revenge will just turn to ash on your tongue, and twist you into a bitter and cynical shell of yourself. But progress? Communism? Revolution? No one does that alone; and not to be lame and quote ASOIAF here, but truly, the lone wolf dies while the pack survives. And it is a beautiful (and horrifying; I love you body horror and hunting metaphors, my beloveds) journey for Miles to learn that.

I'll be posting a full, spoiler-filled review on release day!! Until then, pre-order, request an ARC, get your hands on yet another certified AJW win. A beautiful, beautiful book!

Ever since reading Andrew Joseph White’s incredible debut novel, Hell Followed With Us, I have excitedly waited for and devoured every book he has since put out.

Compound Fracture was certainly no different.

I had high expectations for this novel from the get go and White checked off everything on the list of what I’ve come to love and anticipate from him:

Queer Stories
Compelling Characters
Horror/Thriller Elements
Supernatural Happenings

In addition to this, White adds a personal touch to his story by placing it in his own home state of West Virginia and giving us his insight on the area and its people through the eyes of his protagonist, trans teenager Miles Abernathy.

While White’s previous novels have been more focused on worlds brimming with supernatural elements, Compound Fracture alternatively takes place in the very real world of 2016 West Virginia. With this, all the issues of the time are not only laid out clearly, but are also integral to the story. White has never been afraid to pull his punches when it comes to his commentary on social issues and his protagonist certainly reflects that, budding socialist that he is.

The world White builds is definitely a violent one and, true to form, is described as such. Please keep in mind of his content warnings when reading and prepare yourself as they are quite detailed.

That being said, these visceral descriptions aptly describe the chaotic and bloody world that Miles Abernathy has to go through due to his family history with the Davies family, specifically Sheriff Davies. While difficult to read at times, the violence described never feels gratuitous or unearned.

Miles is a great character and I loved going on his journey of trying to reconcile the harsh past he inherited with the violent present built upon that where he has to live and survive.

I have a profound respect for Andrew Joseph White and the stories that he crafts. Compound Fracture was an amazing read and I’m am so happy I was allowed to read this before the official release date.

It takes a special type of passion and skill to make your reader fall in love with the setting. I'm sure many people called it a love letter to Appalachia before, and I can only confirm that it worked for me as well. The Sorbian people have a saying, God created Lusatia but it was the devil who put the coal under it- I see they are not the only ones.
It's a brutal book, and it is a tough read. Even if the reader thinks they know what to expect, this novel is terrifying for much more realistic reasons than AJ White's previous novels. I found it rather compelling and relatable on a surprising level, but it left me feeling profoundly sad, even if it was with a hint of satisfaction.

Thank you NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Compound Fracture is another dark and gruesome but, in the end, hopeful story from Andrew Joseph White. This one feels so personal that it's like peering into someone's diary, weaving the experience of a family in a small West Virginia county into themes and ideas about the place of national politics as a whole. It's definitely not for the faint of heart, filled with intense depictions of violence and trauma, but in true AJW fashion it justifies all the suffering in the end.

Some cons: I didn't like how passive the main character felt for a big chunk of the book. I also felt as if the inciting incident that occurs before the novel takes place needed more elaboration. Ultimately, this makes it not my favorite of AJW's books.

Pros: As always, the prose is beautiful and brutal. Incredible depictions and explorations of transness and autism. Real, palpable characters and a satisfying climax.

Would definitely recommend this one!

I was nervous to pick up Compound Fracture because as someone living in the midwest version of Appalachia, I was afraid it would be too familiar to all the things I hate about the area I live in – and this couldn't be further from the truth and was in fact part of the reason I LOVED it.

Compound Fracture follows Miles, a trans male teen who suffers a violent attack while trying to navigate injustices in his Appalachian small town perpetrated by the local sheriff and the closer Miles gets to seeking justice the more dangerous things become for him and his family.

Antithetical to what you might think, Compound Fracture was a love letter to the Appalachian culture of tight knit communities, strong family ties, and (I hate to say it, cause I know you hate it Miles, but…) resiliency while not shying away from the difficulties like lack of access to healthcare, conservative good ole boy politics, generational poverty, and violence. The character work was fantastic – I loved Miles and the growth he had over the course of the book in finding and acknowledging his identities (trans, queer, aromantic, and autistic) and gathering strength and courage from his support system who were not perfect but tried for the most part which made them all the more real.

I also found myself confronting some of my own biases in regards to self-diagnosis (mental health therapist here – its a job hazard) and how helpful it can be when resources are scant or scarce. The autistic representation was, in my opinion, so well done.

This is true with all of Andrew’s books, but the sense of strong community is the stand-out and it tears at my heartstrings EVERY SINGLE TIME. Something we as queer kids hope for and some never find. There is just a subtlety of humanity and hope in every novel no matter how gory or how “horrific” they are and I love that. I love the contradictions and complexity that are present in all.

I might be an officially be an AJW stan now as I’ve solidly enjoyed every book he’s written and wish I had more books like when I was a queer teenager growing up and trying to navigate life.

I highly recommend Compound Fracture and thank you to netgalley and peachtree teen for the opportunity to read the book early in exchange for an honest review.

I am so honored to get to read this early. Compound fracture follows a young trans teen named miles who lives in a small town -county. This book does contain politics *which based of the synopsis should not come as a surprise to other readers. *please keep in mind for sensitivity reasons everything that happened during 2017 is also in this book! Along with that is the long standing feud between our main characters family and the police. there are also ghosts, and gore. the underlining messages are not overshadowed by this book especially considering this will be aimed at a teenage audience. I inhaled this book, and cannot wait for the career Andrew Joesph White is bound to have with his talent. I cannot wait for his next books! Thank you so much to the publisher and netgalley for the arc.
5/5 stars no notes

Compound Fracture was everything I hoped for and more and this just solidified AJW as an auto-buy author!

The story was impossible to put down, unpredictable in the best ways, the conflict felt so visceral, and - the cherry on top if ever there was one - the autism rep for AFAB people was not only incredible but so relatable to me! And I cannot state this strongly enough: I would die for both Miles and Lady!

I also love how the autism wasn't cast as "good" or "bad" just framed as 'this is what I need to cope' and seeing that first person felt very affirming to me.

A brutal story about a young autistic trans boy fighting a century old family feud, set in rural Appalachia. This was a hard read and covers a lot of serious topics (please check CW) and the author handles them so well. It does end on a hopeful note but my god do I just want to give Miles a hug!

This is an absolutely amazing book. A.J. White has such a talent for writing a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Compound Fracture also has great LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent representation. Overall, it is an amazing book and I will absolutely be buying it upon release.

I think this was more thriller than horror (which is what I thought it was going in), but it's really good!
It's follows Miles, a trans boy who is the descendant of a locally famous and disliked mine striker, and there's been a blood feud between his family and the sheriff family ever since that strike. Miles becomes a victim of this himself when he is beaten up and nearly killed by the sheriff's son and two friends, and has to navigate how he wants to deal with the blood feud.
There's lots of social commentary, the book is set in a small town in West Virginia with a miner history and the book explores the political issues in such areas, including how Democrats don't really care about them while Republicans use them to get voters while also not really caring. Miles himself is a proud socialist/communist in the book there's much about organizing politically.
There's also a lot of violence, quite graphic too, and while I think it's all handled well, I think this is something to keep in mind.
As someone not from a rural area (and not from the US), I didn't know much of the history presented in this book, so that was interesting
The autism and aro-spec rep were also really well done and I liked how it was explored on page, Miles doesn't know he's either of these things at the start of the book, while the signs are definitely there and I love how Miles is all "I hate people but I also want good things for people", because he doesn't like social interaction but is also a socialist, and I think this is not uncommon in autistic people.

Would recommend it to people who like thrillers, can handle a bit of violence and like a political, socialist backdrop

I've been a big AJW fan since reading the ARC of his debut, despite all of its flaws. The Spirit Bares Its Teeth is still my all-time favorite of his, but I'm still somewhat bothered I didn't enjoy this one as much as I anticipated I would.

Don't get me wrong, this book still has a lot of incredible things. AJW's nasty, gory writing is still fantastic, and I will always admire the unlimitless lengths this man goes to when creating the most gruesome descriptions I've ever seen in YA.

Another element AJW always nails are the characters. Miles is a great main character, and the familial relationships, both biological and found, are handled with such care and nuanced. Dallas, especially, was such a gem. I loved their relationship development, [and I was so happy when they got together in a queer platonic relationship (I only wished there was a little more development/showing of Miles discovering his aromanticism other than a Google search, but it's not that big of a deal breaker to me).

The discussion of politics in the South was particularly interesting, too, that left-leaning people have always existed down there and they fight like hell to make their home a place for queer and/or BIPOC people. I live in a swing state, which shares a lot of the political strife portrayed in this book, and I really appreciate AJW putting into words why people would rather stay and fight for their homes rather than moving away.

Even with the things I loved, I still found some things that held is back a bit. The politic portrayal is a double-edged sword. While I liked the nuanced depiction of it, there were still too many info-dumps that didn't leave much room for the reader to comes to their own conclusion about things. I do understand it was Miles' special interest, so of course he's gonna think/talk about it, but there were some points where it felt like AJW was preaching directly to the reader. It got heavy-handed, especially at the end of the book where all of it had already been emphasized so much.

The villains were also comedically over the top and one-note. I do get that there are some people who live for the suffering of others, but I never felt like they were a real threat. Miles kept saying that they're powerful, they rule the town, etc., etc., but besides Noah and his posse's attack, they didn't really seem all that powerful. I wish there were other cops besides the sheriff or a mayor who bowed down to whatever he demanded; that way it'd show the sheer amount power and sway he had over the town. Cooper's love-interest-to-villain arc had a good amount of substance, though. I liked that he wasn't the end game, and his death at the end added a level of tragedy to his character.

Another thing that bothered me was that religion wasn't brought up, whatsoever. This aspect confused me because, as far as I'm aware, Christianity is huge in the South, and it is what lies at the center of the political conflicts. There should have been an interesting discussion about it and how it's used/weaponized in order to "legally" discriminate against any class/sexuality/gender/etc. that wasn't white, straight, and male. AJW not diving into this confused me a lot. He did dive into religion a lot in his debut; maybe he wanted to solely focus on the political side here but I don't wanna speculate too much.

All in all, another good addition to AJW's repertoire. I will continue to devour anything this man devours, and I cannot wait to see what horrors await for us in his adult debut next year!

'Compound fracture', the last YA novel of Andrew Joseph White so far (out on September 2024!) is a self-indulgent book packed to the brim with many different themes, raw in the realism of how messy every subject and their intersections can be.

In its core, this is a story about how people are shaped by their circumstances - their support network at micro level, the economic system at macro level, with a focus on how the working class suffers under the many violences of capitalism.

It also talks about the ugly realities of existing as a minority in a small town of the deep American South, particularly queer people of all kinds, but also with a brush of disabilities and mental health problems, and how the strength of close-knitted groups is often misused as a weapon against its own members for the sin of breaking away from the group's internal traditions, rather than used for the protection of their collective interests.

This thriller kept me glued to the screen, unable to go to sleep without one more chapter, one more twist, one more glimpse into this world so far away from mine yet so familiar in its troubles. I only knock down one star because I would have liked a bit more nuance on some of the bad guys, even though I am aware that cartoonish evil is a sad reality sometimes.