I couldn’t me more different from Jeremy if I tried, but man did I really connect with some aspects of his character. In the narrative, Jeremy reflects heavily on his past, male influences – and the way certain young men are unable to connect with the that heightened brand of masculinity, either feeling shut off from it or mimicking it in an act of inauthenticity. The edginess and insecurity that a barrier like this creates is well-reflected in Peck’s novel. Jeremy wasn't necessarily a likeable character for much of the story, but the author also allows the reader to understand what motivates his behavior, and this is what allowed me to establish such a sympathetic relationship with him as a protagonist.

City of Clans tackles a lot, but most central to the story are themes of identity, masculinity and grooming. The author does a great job of depicting the friendship between Jeremy and Scott, making sense of the psychology behind it all. This is a great new adult novel, it offers a very convincing exploration of Jeremy’s transition from adolescence to adulthood as he navigates newly established independence, defining himself, and considering the world and others outside of himself. Some of my favorite scenes were the ones between Jeremy and his mother, but I also really appreciated the scenes between Jeremy and his brother. This book was well-written, evenly paced, and handles heavy issues in a realistic way.

A raw, emotionally charged look at masculinity, identity, and accountability, City of Clans digs into the damage people do-to themselves and each other-while still carving out space for healing. It’s messy in a very intentional way, and Jeremy’s journey feels both painful and honest. A quiet but powerful debut that lingers.