This is my third AJW novel and he continues to impress with each new book. I really enjoy the setting in Appalachia and the commentary that comes with it. My only critique is that he tried to touch on so many topics that it felt like none were fully dissected.

This is also less gore/horror heavy, and is more of a thriller with a heavy political commentary/generational corruption aspect. It has the same impact regardless of it being realistically more tame compared to the other AJW novels I’ve read. Overall, AJW’s writing is captivating and this is a worthwhile read.

As a full-time library staff member and new MLIS student, I have to carefully pick my leisure reads as my time alone and unburdened by work is precious. I know that I can rely on Andrew Joseph White's books to fill in that leisure time wisely, as I consistently enjoy them. Compound Fracture is no exception to this, even though the themes in this book may be heavy (e.g. ableism, murder, violence, etc.). It is a story about a queer and proud Appalachian kid named Miles and the lengths he (and his town) are willing to go to fight their oppressors and live in harmony. Above all, the book is a story of hope, community, and the amazing things that can happen when people say enough IS enough.

3.5/5

I am definitely still biased towards A Spirit Bares Its Teeth, but it’s a pretty good thriller. Compound Fracture follows Miles, a trans autistic teen living in the Midwest who survives an attempted murder, being drawn into the generational trauma of his family and town. The family dynamics are great and are a true light into how a family might react to their child coming out. It was done with a lot of care and grace, alongside the relationships that Miles has with the people in his town. Andrew Joseph White definitely gives a great perspective on autism and trans individuals and is an important writer in our literary and horror world.

However, I couldn’t sink into this world. I think I like the atmosphere and vibes of A Spirit Bares Its Teeth more because everyone is in on the ghosts/ supernatural. They know that they exist, and it’s part of everyone’s language/ story. Compound Fracture is too set in our world for me. Also, the moral lessons and thoughts on class consciousness were too “on the head” for what I like in a book. It was less social commentary interspersed throughout, and more uncoordinated and meandering for my liking. I feel like there could have been a bit more finesse, especially with how much I liked the social commentary in A Spirit Bares Its Teeth. While I do feel like I’ve compared both books too much in this review, I think the writing disappointed me. Because I think the vibes and tone are there, but I didn’t like the writing and plot in Compound Fracture as much. Maybe it’s also because a YA book that sometimes Andrew Joesph White’s creations will be a bit or miss for me, but I will still be on the lookout for more.

Once again the author blew me away with their writing, this book is dark and gritty but beautiful at the same time.

Another absolute banger from AJW. I want to read about autistic, trans, queer, disabled, BIPOC, bad ass kids forever. I love my community but I am also scared and angry. This gets me.

Quick Take
Compound Fracture by Andrew Joseph White is an extremely hard read that should be required reading. I simply cannot sum it up for you more than to just say – read it.

Tell Me More
Ooof, you guys. I had said a while back that this book played a huge part in saving my life, and that has only intensified since I have officially changed my pronouns to They/He and have opened up about being trans masculine during a very scary time in our world.

Compound Fracture is bloody, gritty, and horrific in every sense of the word. But the scares here aren’t classic. While there is a paranormal aspect, it is about how the worst monsters are human, and those who SHOULD protect us are so often violent beyond measure. The book is set in White’s native West Virginia, and sheds light on Appalachian and mining culture, oxycontin addiction, lack of proper healthcare, police brutality, generational trauma, and the dangers of being queer and/or having a disability, or in any way being “othered,” in these rural areas.


The book follows Miles, a trans, autistic teen from a bloodline that has long been targeted by the sheriff and his family. Miles is attacked by the sheriff’s son and his friends, to the point of near death and permanent disfigurement, and after the assault, sets off on a mission to get bloody revenge on his attackers with his best friend, Cooper – following an accident that occurs with one of the boys. However, things unravel drastically, and the events lead to an atrocious climax that left me sobbing.

If you have followed me for any length of time, you are probably aware of my dislike for animal cruelty in horror. But in this case, it was necessary to portray the extent of evil of some of the characters. White did not include any unnecessary violence, he just shed light on these very real atrocities in such a brilliant and delicate (while still gruesome) way.

However, one character – my absolute favorite – is named Dallas and they are nonbinary, have permanent burn scars, and present masculine. I LOVED how White highlighted how nonbinary folx DO NOT owe anyone androgyny, and we are all valid however we present, which is something I often struggle with. He also highlighted aromanticism apart from asexuality, and how both orientations are entirely separate from each other despite being seen as one and the same most times.

White’s writing is a beacon of hope for trans/queer and neurodivergent readers such as myself, and while his books are young adult, they go SO HARD. If I had had his books as a teen it might not have taken me until I was 30 years old to come out as trans/queer and acknowledge my autistic traits to get help and understand myself. Instead, I always felt like something was wrong with me and internalized it (this book was an essential tool in helping me see myself in Miles’ experience with autism). Even so, it appears that this book came into my life exactly when it was supposed to do so.


White stated in his author letter that this story burns like moonshine going down, but to me, it felt more like a railroad spike shoved down the throat. While the ending is hopeful, the excruciating pain of that spike remains.

If you read nothing else this year, or any year, read this book. And that is something I have never said about any book. It is that important.

I absolutely LOVED Compound Fracture! Dare I say it’s AJW’s best so far👀
The way family, relationships, autism, mental health, and small towns were represented and explored, chefs kiss.
I felt for every single character (except for Davies). The fear I had for Miles, his family and friends, was so true and to make it even more terrifying, it’s so close to reality it hurts.
I cannot recommend this book enough!

This was absolutely stunning. I think it's the best book Andrew Joseph White has written so far. This is a gripping (and violent) story of a trans autistic tean in rural appalachia who comes from an incredibly complicated history.

Absolutely loved it, as always! Andrew Joseph White is definitely an auto-read author for me!

Had some issues reading with the formatting, but of course that's not the fault of the book/author.

DNF, 47%.

I love Andrew Joseph White and how refreshing his literature is. He is an author with his own style, something that is not easy to achieve with a career that, for the moment, is not that long, and that is why I was encouraged to order this ARC.

However, when I started it, I found that the novel didn't quite hook me. He always creates very unique universes and characters, but in this case they reminded me too much of his first novel, which is a story I hold close to my heart. It's not that the subject matter is similar, that's not a problem, but there are many elements that take me back to the first book.

Still, my biggest problems with the novel are two:

The first is Miles, a character I don't quite understand. I understand that a protagonist doesn't always have to be nice, but this time I didn't manage to understand his actions, why does he treat his parents like that, what makes him behave like that? I'm not able to follow his train of thought.

In the other hand, it often feels more like a blog post than a book. I agree with most of the ideas that AWJ shows in his book, but I don't like having them thrown in my face like that, because that's not what I want from a fiction book. I think there are many ways to talk about these issues without it seeming like a lecture, and it would have been nice to develop that part better.

I think it has a good basic idea but it lacks a little more work, some more revision that would allow it to be a the amazing book that promises to be. I'm sorry to have left his book unfinished, but I just couldn't connect with the book. I'd rather read his first novel again.

no notes! powerful and poignant and deals with modern politics and representation in the best way i’ve ever read. this was gripping and thoughtful and scary and so very real. can’t wait to read more from this author!

Easy to say one of the best book I've ever read. Appalachian horror with an autistic, transgender main character caught in a class war that spans generations. Like??? Need I say more?? 10/10, 5 stars, Andrew Joseph White is an instant-buy author for me.

Truly an exceptional novel. AJW is one of my favourite authors of all time, and Compound Fracture is his best book yet. I will be shouting from the rooftops to get everyone I know to read!

Andrew Joseph White does it again with a magnificent horror centered in Appalachia.

This book was everything that I wanted it to be which lead to an immediate order for the physical copy.

He is slowly making his way to my top favorite authors, and I greatly look forward to more books by him.


Thank you for the chance to read and review this book!

A queer Appalachian thriller with supernatural elements that will take you on a rollercoaster of a read!

This was incredible! Even more than the author's first two books, this one is so rich in atmosphere and setting. AJW mentions in the foreward and acknowledgments that this one is borne out of his own upbringing and hometown and you can absolutely feel that in every line. This is an angry, messy love letter to the imperfect places and people imprinted on our hearts and I adore it.

The prose is stunningly brutal, uncompromising in a way that lends itself beautifully to the shape of the story. The pace is breakneck - whenever I read a book by this author I have to set specific time aside because I know I won't be able to focus on anything else till I've seen it through! There's also fantastic queer and neurodivergent representation across multiple characters throughout the story.

I can't recommend this one enough, it was simply phenomenal!

AJW never misses and this one wasnt any different. Unlike his other novels which have a more horror theme, this one is more of a dark thriller. This book has some CONTENT Warnings so please read them before starting. However, this book touched my heart. As a queer, neurodivergent person myself, I feel seen everytime I read AJW's books.

I couldn’t end up finishing this title due to my own personal sensitivities. (The political climate in Appalachian areas can really be that cruel and cold.) But I will say it felt like an authentic portrayal with a main character I was truly rooting for.

Excellent book, love it! Looking forward to more from this author! Apologies for the lateness of my review

Andrew Joseph White is back again to give me the anarchist trans book of my dreams. He never disappoints. This is my third book from him, officially making him an auto-buy author. Compound Fracture also doesn't miss the body horror that is quickly becoming AJW's signature, and full of palpable rage. I loved every second of it.

Andrew Joseph White should be an autobuy author for anyone who loves the queer horror genre at all. But also to autistic folks who want to see themselves reflected in authentic ways, for those that love grubby (affectionate) trans characters and for all those that go into books with no expectations.

Compound Fracture matches any expectations you have and excels them. The storyline was a little predictable but even knowing the possible ending from the beginning didn't make this journey less thrilling. I won't say I had a great time or that I enjoyed this because this story was Messed Up, however, AJW will make a horror/thriller fan of me yet.