This intense YA story follows 15-year-old high school sophomore Henry Wilton, who has been bullied at school for years, as he turns the table on the teens who torment him and the adults who stand by and let the bullying go unchallenged.

Set in an unnamed American city, this contemporary novel is driven by the intriguing protagonist as he’s called names, jostled in hallways, and harassed in an escalating series of violent incidents carried out by multiple bullies. When he tries to fight back, Henry becomes isolated. His friends are unwilling to put targets on their own backs for him, and his teachers, notably the school’s principal and assistant principal, want Henry to keep his head down.

A close third person narrative immerses readers in Henry’s internal thoughts and emotional journey as he confronts the bullies. Increasingly angry, he’s a complex and believable character, struggling to manage his emotions and connect with his peers and family. By fighting back, Henry risks becoming the aggressor himself in this tense drama. When readers learn he has easy access to his father’s handgun, the stakes only increase.

The narrative is presented in two large sections without traditional chapter breaks or clear transitions between scenes. At points this adds to the intensity—readers are caught up in Henry’s spiralling angst—but overall, a better balance could be struck so that readers feel engaged and not overwhelmed. At times, the number of characters presented is unwieldy, as there are numerous teenagers and unsympathetic teachers to keep track of. When other bullying victims suffer, it’s hard for readers to be invested in them, although arguably, this emotional distance effectively portrays Henry’s troubled state of mind.

Readers might find Henry’s ultimate method of driving change in his school unrealistic, but he’s a credible, relatable protagonist facing all-too-real struggles. Together, these elements build a compelling read.

Also available in hardcover and ebook.