Listen. At this point, I will automatically read anything with Andrew Joseph White's name on it, and Compound Fracture once again did not let me down. As a queer nonbinary union organizer descended from coal miners, I don't think I could ever find another book that I felt pandered so specifically to me as a unique individual, and I loved every minute of it. I like to recommend AJW to my patrons, with the caveat that it will be gory; in that regard, this may be the lightest of the three, which may make for a good starting point for a curious reader that's tentative on gristle.

Three books in and White still managed to deliver something brand new. Having read his other two books I am a bit familiar with his work, and while he does have a slight formula to the plot it still feels right to this book.

This one is definitely more gory and violent than the other two somehow (at least it felt that way to me, though it could be because there are elements in this that I am personally squeamish about). However it still feels appropriate to the audience, and I think as long as readers read the trigger warnings in the author letter it should be okay.

I like that White includes different rep in each book as well. Every reader who picks up his books gets the chance to see themself in at least a secondary character, and this one continues that with different lgbt rep than his previous two books.

If you didn't like the others due to the type of horror or content, this one is still worth a try, and I think anyone who likes horror or transmasc rep should read it.

I'm starting to feel like I shouldn't have read this.

Let's preface this review by saying that The Spirit Bares Its Teeth was my favourite book of 2023, so I'm hungry to read more from this author. After reading the synopsis to this book, I wasn't sure whether I was going to like it, since books about social justice don't always tend to work for me, even though I'm interested in politics. (Yes, I'm aware this doesn't make a lot of sense). However, since I've given the author five stars in the past, I decided to give it ago.

And now I'm writing this review.

I think I can put my lack of enjoyment down to the fact that Andrew Joseph White had some great ideas thematically but didn't know what to do with the plot. Unfortunately it felt quite uninspired which is sad for me to say, and I don't think the character work was anywhere near as strong as his previous book.

I've since seen multiple five star reviews rolling in, so take this with a pinch of salt, please!

I first read Hell Followed With Us back when it was first published and I remember eagerly waiting for the library to purchase the The Spirit Bares It's Teeth. This book has lived up to the height of its predecessors, if not becoming my favorite of these novels (though I may be bias having grown up in Appalachia myself). This novel brings up a diverse range of radical issues and confronts them in a way that settles with the reader longer after the book is done. I adore the representation in the novel as well as the subtle indicators which make Miles feel more fleshed out as a character.

Overall, this is a 4.5/5 star read for me! AJW has become an auto buy author for me and his stuff is genuinely amazing. This story was face paced, heart racing, gorey, and emotional. I loved the autism representation and the main character being Trans.

Thank you NetGalley/ Holiday House/ Peachtree Teen/ Pixel+ink for my first ARC ever!

“Actually, this book is kind of like moonshine. It’s gonna burn like hell going down.”

I’ve been following along with the process of this book on White’s TikTok and it was so fun seeing pieces of it to the almost complete product. I’m really looking forward to the audiobook version being released since that’s how I read Hell Followed with Us and The Spirit Bares Its Teeth, both being amazingly done.
Whether Compound Fracture is your introduction to White’s writing or not, I highly advise to check out the TWs because WOAH. The pacing was a good balance for me and receiving the background information didn’t feel overwhelming or info dumpy. Not gonna give anything away but Saint and Dallas really stole my heart ( and Lady of course). Dallas truly became my favorite character, obviously because of the nonbinary representation but more specifically because of the nonbinary rep. with an iconic pin collection that I hope to make my personal reality. I always admire the way White writes his MCs to be relatable yet so layered that I’m learning right along with them but the side characters always get my heart (except Cooper and I stand by that). I really wish I had the brain cells to explore how White gives his MCs something both separate from them but is also always connected to them as the story progresses, like how Beni has the Graces, Silas his white rabbit and Miles with Saint. I find it so fascinating but really all I got on that topic is I like it and please do it again.
Overall, White continues to do queer rage stupendously and I can’t wait to read his next book You Weren’t Made to be Human in 2025! <3

I had to stop a day or so and process my feelings. Andrew Joseph White is now an auto-buy author for me. This became the 6th five star read for the year out of 84 books. It is nuanced and layered but never sags. I cannot express enough about how valuable it is to have representative authors write and publish. What a powerful book and his career is just kicking off! Bravo.
This is actually a love story to the south, specifically Appalchia. Told in a Hatfield v. McCoy set up its violent, brutal and wrenching in a way that only the south can be. It is also tender, heartbreaking and inspirational in the same way. The interaction between Miles and his friends and family under the pressure of a self appointed regime is spot on. I was exhausted along with Miles. I was Peepaw racking his shotgun. You can smell the fear of the townsfolk right off the page. The way his family compensates for their "station" and endure with steel in their spine. Their economy of words, perfect. The letter at the beginning and its counterpart at the end...well I cried. Having fled the south with my kids (two of which happen to be in the LGBTQ community) I'm still torn about not being "in the fight" any longer. Watching them thrive, grow and love safely under appropriate informed medical care makes it sting much less. I acknowledge all my privilege that allowed us to move.
Thank you for the book Mr. White, I loved it.

I have yet to read anything bad by Andrew Joseph White and that still stands. I love the queer stories spun in dark and fantastic ways. Love love LOVE

Anytime I see that AJW is releasing a book, I will snatch it up from NetGalley and preorder it ASAP. Happy Pride!

That being said, AJW always writes a book I could probably inhale in one sitting because the plot lines are always really interesting. Mining Town calamity turning into a 100 year-long feud? Sign me up!

That being said, this is my least favorite out of all of his books, though it still gets a 4-star and I would definitely recommend. I will start with the goods first because, again, overall I think it was good.

First off, AJW always has really good characterization and I think it’s good he’s writing characters for people who don’t have that representation. While I’m not autistic and trans, I do have friends that are and I think they would like this kind of thing. I enjoy these kinds of books because I know that my friends will be represented and diverse reading is super important to me.

Secondly, I like the storyline. While some things are exaggerated (like a literal feud and getting away with murder), I think it’s fun to suspend disbelief. (And at the same time, things do sometimes get swept under the rug. It’s infuriating.) I’m a little surprised by Miles’ parents reaction to him killing/being an accomplice in killing two people, but again, it sounds like it’s just the norm for them. This book makes me want to read more books about rural mysteries.

As for my complaint…it was very preachy/soapboxy at time. There are so many places where it almost feels fourth-wall breaking where being trans is explained. Or socialism. Or being autistic. The audience for this book are people who are one or three of these things. They don’t need to have their hand held while being told about something they’ve probably already done extensive research about. Ever since someone said that authors nowadays are over explaining, I’m starting to see it.

The reason that knocked off a star was because of how excessive it was. I found myself glancing over paragraphs because I already know this.

Regardless, I can’t wait for AJW’s next book (an adult fiction I’m pretty sure?) and am excited to watch his collection continue to grow!

Thank you Netgalley for the e-ARC!

Easily one of the best books I’ve read this year. I could barely put it down, one page effortlessly blending into the other. A dark, raw story of oppression and justice.

Compound fracture starts with a teenage boy named Miles, and his initiative to make things right. The story only escalates from there, highlighting his ability to navigate through a hell of a life. The story balances his identity, his struggles as well as a blood feud that has been going on for 100 years.

I loved that the characters were well written, with recognised flaws. You could feel the anger they radiate, the fear and the will to fight for what they believe. The book never felt boring, every chapter holding its own importance. The commentary was written beautifully and I especially enjoyed the display of emotions, the constant tension that follows the main character. At times it gets gorey and violent, so well written you could picture clearly what was happening. As for the plot, I thought I knew where it was going, until the end of each chapter proved me wrong and kept me attentively reading the other one.

Overall it’s a very good book. I have read the author’s other works so I can’t say I’m surprised. I had high expectations and they were pleasantly met. If you are looking for an engaging fast paced read, that will keep you on your toes, this is definitely the book for you!

So I cried through most of the second half of this book as it sank in what I was reading.
This is the closest I have ever come to reading a queer book character who sounded like me and felt like someone I would meet in my neighborhood.
This book centers a trans, gay autistic character just like the other books I have read and lived from this author, but he is also from West Virginia, from coal country. The ghost of a murdered union member takes a pivotal role in the plot.
In many ways, this book is Bonnie and Clyde, except very gay and more communist. I love it.
It’s very real about how it is to live in Appalachia, in an area even more neglected than where I live, and part of me wants to gatekeep this book to only people who know and love the rural south, because this book is so real about the suffering and beauty of the mountains- black lung, opioids, poverty, underfunded schools, feuds, the beauty of the landscape, the loyalty of the families, and the long tradition of leftist thought and resistance to oppression.
When I realized that this author grew up in rural West Virginia, I realized where the stark, harsh reality tempered with beauty that I’ve come to love from his books comes from.
As far as the main characters go, I love Miles. He’s deeply flawed, violently passionate, and fiercely protective. The eventual development of his identity as aromantic and the final queerplatonic relationship is deeply wholesome, and the “love interest” (for lack of a better word) is the fat, agender masculine person that Miles needs. The unhinged best friend is what this story needed. Also, there’s a black mouth cur service dog.
As with his previous books, all the warnings for graphic violence and general horror.
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

⭐️4.5

Let me just say wow!!! Andrew Joseph White never fails in making a book interesting and unique enough to stay up into the a.m.’s just to know what happens.

Although I think I prefer the heavier supernatural elements AJW explores in his other two novels, I enjoyed the complexities and politics of the town presented here. Miles could in fact see his relative, Saint, who was apart of the beginning of this blood feud. I was elated for Miles when it was revealed that Saint was also trans. I did not see this coming, and it was good to recognize that queerness has not just now in the present become a “thing.”

On the topic of queerness, AJW always does a beautiful job exploring different queer experiences without it being the bare minimum. Sometimes authors fall into the pitfall of using the google definition of a queer label and it feels repetitive. In AJW’s writing, however, he always speaks to his own experiences in being queer while also making sure the audience knows what the topic is (without this weird definition scenario).

I also find his exploration through neurodivergence to be enlightening. AJW’s writing always has an element of speaking to his own divergence and his research. As someone who doesn’t have autism or ADHD I know I can read AJW’s books and come out learning something new.

The reason I don’t feel that this is a 5 star rating for me is because I’ve read his other books. The Spirit Bares Its Teeth was just so incredibly phenomenal to me that Compound Fracture doesn’t compare as highly. Also, having read AJW’s other novels there are clear character types he has, which can make the plot predictable. For example, Cooper quickly reminded me of Theo from Hell Followed With Us. I was suspicious because of this comparison, and I ended up being right when Cooper called Miles his deadname and left him in the middle of nowhere. This was a bummer, as I wanted to be more devastated when Cooper was mutilated on Miles’s porch. Same thing goes with Miles/Benji finding a space queer space and openly queer characters, etc.

Overall, I ate this book up. I started reading and couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait to see what AJW does with his adult novels and future YA books.

Never stop writing AJW!

Thank you NetGalley for my eARC edition of this book!

Compound Fracture is set in Twist Creak, West Virginia during 2017. The story follows Miles Abernathy , who is a trans autistic teen, learning to live with/fight the hundred year feud between his family and the sheriffs family. In which Miles quickly finds himself in trouble when he is trying to bring about change to his Appalachian town.

For starters I loved the autism and adhd rep in this book, as well as the trans and aromantic rep! I thought that they were well planned and written out. I loved his relationship with his family and how real it felt. And how when there was a struggle, his family eventually came through and supported him. I also thought his friendship with his friend from middle school was amazing! I don’t want to say much more because I’m afraid I’ll spoil something! Make sure y’all go get the book when it comes out in September!

The book was something I couldn’t begin to describe. Miles was a character I could relate and same with his parents. At times I worried for Miles and even was on the edge of my seat mad at his decisions. When Cooper came up the idea to kill the three horrid bullies I yelled and said no. I was deep into this book and people could tell. I loved the story of Saint. The gore was my favorite part, it was well written and detailed and I hope it never gets toned down. I’m trying to find the one spelling error yet struggling.. The grammar was great and the spelling too.

I want to thank you for the chance to read this and I hope you can continue on

Positives:
- I simply adore Andrew Joseph White’s Brain
- the Autism rep in this is SO fucking good & real. It also felt so personal to my experience and denial throughout the years in my eventual acceptance of my own autism.
- the evil racist, transphobic corrupt small-town story hit so astronomically hard & the commentary in this was on a whole other level and is so visceral to the current state of the world right now
- the Appalachian backdrop wasn’t as folkloric as I thought it was going to be, but it more so read as southern… gothic, dare I say? & I read this whole book in a deep Southern Appalachian drawl & there’s so much potential for the audiobook to hit so hard in that regard.
- and, of course, the trans rep & commentary was A+

Negatives:
- I can’t lie; I did feel quite bored throughout & found myself skimming through pretty large portions.

However, in general, the commentary and representation are so fucking good it’s hard for me to seriously hold onto major critiques of this book. I liked it a lot & I think books like this are so important, especially right now.

On the night Miles Abernathy comes out to his parents as trans, he sneaks off to a party. In his pocket, he carries evidence that could finally turn the tide of the blood feud that has plagued Twist Creek County since the miners rebellion a hundred years ago. However, when this evidence is discovered by the Sheriff’s son, Miles is followed through the woods and beaten nearly to death. In the hospital afterwards, the ghost of a soot-covered man hovers by Miles’ bedside while Sheriff Davies threatens him into silence. But, when Miles accidentally kills one of the boys who hurt him, he learns he isn’t the only one who wants things to change in Twist Creek. But is he willing to do what he takes to change things for good?

I’ve been anticipating this book ever since I found out it existed, so I was thrilled to receive an ARC on NetGalley. To start with: I absolutely devoured this book. I read two-thirds of it in one day, and it wasn’t long before I went back to read the rest. I was hooked from the very beginning, and the page-turning feeling stuck with me until the very end of the book. There were several points where I intended to put the book down at the end of the chapter, but then simply… wouldn’t.

Of AJW’s books, this one has the most toned-down supernatural element, and I think that ultimately worked in its favour. I did enjoy the ghost and the story it told, but I equally loved being able to follow Miles’ life without the strong supernatural elements that are present in AJW’s other books. I think toning this down in the more modern setting really aided this book, as it allowed for a focus on Miles’ journey of being trans, discovering he’s autistic, and navigating the blood feud and how it impacts his life. The ghost was present enough to aid where it needed to, but not so overwhelming that it detracted from anything.

To avoid major spoilers, I’m going to leave this here. But I will say that, if this book sounds even slightly interesting to you, I definitely recommend giving it a read when it comes out in September. Even with the supernatural elements, it has a very real feeling to it, which makes you unable to tear your eyes away from the page as you read desperately to find out what happens next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree for giving me an ARC of this book.

Big thanks to NetGalley for supplying me with this ARC in exchange for a review, and even bigger thanks to AJW and whoever got it to NG in the first place!

Andrew Joseph White, I’ll have you know that I hate reading on my phone, and you’re the only person whose books are so good that reading them there is worth reading them early.

This book is insane, in the best of ways. Utterly different than Hell Followed With Us and Spirit, but just as gripping. I hesitate to agree with this book’s horror tag because it’s really more thriller, but that doesn’t change the AJW magic that makes reading one more chapter nearly as important as taking your next breath.

This book has some of the most resonating quotes about autism that I’ve ever read, as an autistic person myself; I didn’t even know there were words to describe these specific aversions, but there they were, right on the page. The characters were compelling, and likable despite doing terrible things. I don’t even live in Appalachia but this book reminded me of my flawed but good-hearted community.

AJW can somehow pull off horror and thriller in a way that doesn’t stress me out in a bad way like most of them do, and I hope that I can experience his next breathtaking adventure soon.

A gritty, politically charged, unapologetically queer survival story that takes us into a poor and rural town, hidden amidst the Appalachians in West Virginia, where we follow Miles Abernathy as he is coming to terms with his trans and autistic identities. On top of that, Miles has finally found evidence that has the power to finally put an end to the generational struggle that continues to plague and ostracize the Abernathy family, photos proving Sheriff Davies responsibility for the "accident" that targeted those threatening his position and power. Inspired by his great-great grandfather, Saint Abernathy, Miles becomes determined to break the cycle and incite change in his town and choose fight instead of fear.

Andrew Joseph White has such a way of writing queer horror that is so visceral, raw and full of rage that it's hard not to devour his books as fast as you can. This one in particular offers such a refreshing take on being queer in the south and having Miles be genuinely proud for where he lives. Miles as a character has so much complexity and depth that can only come from a writer who truly cares about and understands their character. I loved the fierce loyalty to his family as well as the thread that tied him to Saint both in identity and political beliefs. White does a really great job weaving themes into a story with relationships and challenges that are never simple but realistically complex and messy.

Lastly, always a huge fan of Evangeline Gallagher's work for the cover! So much story and life in their design choices, color and linework.

Compound Fracture really drew me in with a sense of community. Generational trauma does not fade when society stagnates, it simmers until it boils over. In rural Twist Creek, the people are being crushed under the same boot... And these underdogs bite back!

This is a page-turner. I was up reading until early this morning because I just had to know what happens next. If you enjoy queer horror and thrillers but usually avoid YA novels...you're missing out! Based on my recent reads, YA horror is undergoing one hell of a renaissance at the moment. I highly recommend this book to both YA and adult genre fans.

That being said...Definitely look into content warnings for this one. A few big ones are anti-LGBTQ+ bigotry, outing, police brutality, animal cruelty, and child death. I personally like to reference StoryGraph - readers may add content warnings when leaving a review.

As someone who has a very complicated relationship with West Virginia (not trans, but lots of trauma over the state and people in it), this book was a lot for me, it was incredibly jarring in many parts reading these characters go through so much and it would make sense for anyone to go down these different paths when they didn't otherwise have the prospects to make something of themselves. I appreciated all the characters being pretty morally grey but I would have liked Miles' to have reached that point earlier in the book.