Promise Boys by Nick Brooks

The depth in the narrative makes you wish for a smoother life for these characters, showcasing the author’s ability to evoke strong emotions

Hey, fellow book lovers! I just had to share my excitement about Nick Brooks’ Promise Boys. It took me a while to finish; blame it on my crazy schedule, but oh boy, am I glad I pushed through that reading slump!

Promise Boys is a YA thriller/mystery that follows J.B., Ramon, and Trey as they try to clear their names after being accused of the death of their prep school principal. Readers follow along as the characters strive to clear their names of the crime, as told from multiple perspectives.

This book is THAT book! It is a breath of fresh air despite how intense its themes are. And it is impressive how, despite being a mystery/thriller (a whodunit), the author weaves many important themes like racism and classism into it.

The writing style is a standout feature. Nick Brooks immerses the reader in a first-person narrative, creating a deep connection with the characters. I am a sucker for books with unconventional structure (that is why Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi is a personal favorite). I like how this book is infused with interrogation transcripts, witness statements, and newspaper articles, which adds a layer of authenticity and immersion to the storytelling.

When reading, the characters—Trey, J.B., and Ramon—are not just names on paper. I found myself genuinely feeling for them, especially Trey, and rooting for them to be free of all charges and every other social injustice they go through because of the color of their skin. The depth in the narrative makes you wish for a smoother life for these characters, showcasing the author’s ability to evoke strong emotions.

And Ramon’s abuela? Aww, that touch of humanity melted my heart. I love the relationship between her and Ramon and the layer that dynamically adds to the entire plot.

Now, Moore—ugh! I hated that character so much—so much that I was kind of glad when he got murdered. Now, I am no sociopath, but he sort of deserved what he got. Anyway, this goes on to show how well-written the characters in this book are.

Ramon’s abuela provides a sweet, humanizing touch, adding layers to the characters. Conversely, the intense emotion evoked towards the character Moore speaks to the effectiveness of the writing.

As the story progressed, I found myself increasingly invested, unable to put the book down. The anticipation for the boys to uncover the murderer and clear their names was palpable. Though unexpected, the revelation at the end was satisfying, and the resolution allowed me to breathe finally.

Promise Boys stands out as a brilliant piece of literature. It serves as a potential manual for new-age mystery writers, demonstrating that there’s room for innovation beyond traditional mystery thriller structures. I highly recommend this book for its depth, engaging narrative, and thematic richness.