I would like to sincerely thank NetGalley, Shannon Stocker, and the publisher 🙏for providing me with an ARC of The Roach King of Raleigh. I truly appreciate the opportunity to read this thoughtful and engaging novel ahead of publication and share my honest thoughts. Thank you for trusting reviewers and for bringing such a meaningful, heart-filled story to readers.❤️

Shannon Stocker’s The Roach King of Raleigh is a raw, compelling, and unforgettable coming-of-age story that tackles difficult real-world issues with honesty, heart, and hope. The story follows Quill Jenkins, a high school sophomore whose life has been upended by family struggles, financial instability, and the absence of the support system he once relied on.

Once living in a picture-perfect home with a close-knit family and a best friend, Quill’s world has changed dramatically: his parents’ divorce, his dad’s worsening drinking, his brother leaving for college, and a neglectful landlord have left him feeling trapped in a broken-down rental house. As he navigates this challenging environment, he becomes determined to save enough money to secure a better future, but his mom won’t let him take a traditional job.

This is where the novel’s unique premise shines. Quill discovers a hidden attic space and overhears a pet store owner arguing with a local roach breeder. An idea sparks: a secret roach-breeding business. Reluctantly teaming up with classmates Harley and Zuri, Quill embarks on a risky entrepreneurial venture. The premise is quirky and unusual, but Stocker uses it to explore serious themes of resilience, creativity, and moral complexity.

What I Loved❤️

Quill’s Character Development
Quill is multi-layered and deeply relatable. His determination, intelligence, and vulnerability make him a character readers will root for. Watching him wrestle with ethical dilemmas, family struggles, and his own limitations is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

Realistic Depiction of Family and Community
The novel does not shy away from portraying the impact of addiction, financial hardship, and fractured family relationships. At the same time, it highlights the power of community: neighbours, friends, and unexpected allies can make a difference.

Creative, Unusual Premise
A secret roach-breeding business might sound odd at first, but Stocker makes it believable and compelling. It’s a clever lens through which to explore Quill’s resourcefulness and the stakes of growing up in difficult circumstances.

Exploration of Important Themes
The story touches on poverty, addiction, neurodiversity, friendship, trust, and resilience in a way that feels honest but never preachy. Stocker balances humor and levity with real emotional weight.

Engaging, Accessible Writing
The pacing is excellent, with short chapters and vivid scenes that keep readers engaged. The dialogue feels authentic, and the narrative moves naturally between Quill’s internal struggles and the external challenges he faces.

Perfect For Readers Who:👌🏻

1. Enjoy realistic, contemporary YA fiction

2. Want stories about resilience, family, and community

3. Appreciate quirky, original premises with emotional depth

4. Are interested in characters navigating difficult life circumstances

5. Like heartwarming but honest coming-of-age stories

My Perspective:-

The Roach King of Raleigh is a brilliant YA novel that blends humor, heart, and hard truths. Shannon Stocker has written a funny, unique, and emotionally resonant book that will stay with readers long after the last page. Quill’s journey is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and the power of letting people in when life feels overwhelming.

“Forgiveness is not forgetting. It is choosing not to be held captive by the past.”

This line from The Roach King of Raleigh captures the heart of Quill’s story, learning to move forward despite mistakes, challenges, and difficult circumstances. A must-read for fans of emotional, thought-provoking YA fiction.

Ultimately, The Roach King of Raleigh is about courage, creativity, and emotional growth. As the book says, “Forgiveness is not forgetting. It is choosing not to be held captive by the past.” Quill’s journey reminds readers that even in the hardest situations, moving forward is always possible, and sometimes, the greatest strength is choosing hope.

I will definitely buy this book to add to my collection and revisit its themes and lessons.

Loved, loved this book about friendship, abandonment, poverty, anger, and resilience. Quill and his mom had to sell their house, dad is an alcoholic and was kicked out, and now Quill and mom live in a rundown house owned by Connor’s dad. Connor bullies Quill in school, and Quill does his best to ignore him. Slowly, Quill becomes friends with Harley and his twin sister Zuri. Harley wants Quill to join the chess time and in time he does. Quill wants to earn money so he can help mom and buy a new house even though she doesn’t want him to get a job. Quill has a chance to breed roaches and sell them to the local pet store, and Harley and Zuri join him as partner. Quill’s mom does not know he’s doing this, and later when the roaches get out she is quite mad. Then their landlord finds out and evicts them. What happens to Quill’s business? Where will he and his mom go? Quill finds out honesty is the best and that “everyone deserves friends.”
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.