DNF - will not be reviewing

Sorry, filling up 100 characters - I thought there was an option to click not reviewing but I can't find it.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Firstly, what a wonderful cover. This book I found very sad, and quite disturbing in places and on so many levels. Still, a must read I am now looking forward to reading more from this author.

Ricky almost drowned at age four, but a mysterious visitor saved him. Later, his father suddenly died, devastating eight-year-old Ricky, his younger brother Danny and their mom. Mom decided to send the boys to summer camp for five weeks where Ricky experiences unimaginable trauma. While his ghostly visitor encouraged him that all would be well, he doesn't quite understand.
I really liked the first half of this book. The writing is engaging, and I connected with Ricky who faces social and personal challenges. I also liked the themes of friendship and the challenges around what we do when faced with peer pressure.
But the graphic sexually violent scene toward the end of the book really turned me off to this series. I get that such violence does happen in our world, but I do not want to read a step-by-step description and will not be reading more books by this author.

Spoilers:

I was bored until something somewhat heartwarming happened at 50% so I pushed through. Got bored again, then at 80% got shocked with the most horrifying rape scene of my life, It ends unsatisfactoraily by announcing it’s the first of a series.

A Hero Dreams is the story of a young boy who experiences loss at a young age. Not knowing how to deal with it and no support from his surviving mother, Ricky struggles to make friends and move on as he grows up. This is a very sad story and difficult to read as Ricky experiences bullying and unspeakable abuse while away at a summer camp. The ending is a cliff hanger as we learn that there is another book to follow.

The writing is good but I had difficulty reading the story, it is not my usual choice but the description sounded interesting. I will read the second in the series since I am left with unanswered questions form the first.

I received this book as an arc. It is a mindful journey, one that makes you contemplate a ton of things! The author discusses hope, and faith, and takes you along for a curious story where anything could happen. Grab a suitcase!

This book had me stumped. Sitting smug and thinking I had it all thought out, the author put me in my place. Finally we have a thriller that will keep you your toes.

A Hero Dreams
The Hero's Path Series: Book One
by Mark Ristau
Well, I read this a few years ago, not realizing it was not new. It is a good book. but seemed slow and I recognized some of Rick's friends and the mean old bullys.