Boy Shattered

I'm stingy when it comes to giving five star reviews. Lately, however, I've been fortunate enough to be able to write several.'Boy Shattered' was an amazing book in so many ways: sadly, the story could have been ripped from current headlines; the plot was well thought-out and executed; the characters fit the story perfectly; it was set in my home state of Missouri (though the book would have been equally good, had it be set anywhere). I'm not a huge fan of dual perspective first person literature, possibly because some authors seem to use it as a crutch to make their story easier to write. But Easton used it very effectively here. It gave the story a real sense of immediacy.The main characters, high school junior, Brian, and senior, Landon, were nicely fleshed-out. The supporting cast was likable or not. Most people weren't one-dimensional. As the plot built to a climax, I couldn't put the book down. I was surprised to find I had read nearly 100 pages without once checking to see how much of the book was left to read.'Boy Shattered' includes some strong language among teens and a few non-graphic sex scenes. Easton included enough of both to make the story realistic, but nowhere near enough to make it seem gratuitous.In my opinion, no matter which side of the gun control issue the reader is on, the story is riveting enough to keep them interested. If the story synopsis interests you, I can highly recommend 'Boy Shattered'! (Even if it doesn't, you might want to give this book a try. I found it that interesting.)

First a warning: This book includes a active shooter situation in high school that is quite intense. So trigger warnings for young people dying, gun violence, homophobia and PTSD.This is an amazing book. The teen interrelationships are well developed and explored. The active shooter scenes and the aftermath are quite intense and painful. Landon finds Brian after the shooting and really doesn't know what to do, but reacts and saves a life. The various strains of PTSD and long term impact of the shooting are decently explored. There is also a bit of mystery.I think the best part of this book is that the love story that develops in only a part of the relationships and experience that the boys are experiencing.I would caution sensitive readers against reading this story, but if you think you can handle it, I think this is a book well worth reading. I kept me from sleep and work and was finished quickly.

I don't even know how to start to review such a moving story. I knew from the minute I read the blurb for the book that I had to read it – and, I knew it would tear me up. While the events that happened are horrifying the story ultimately ended up being uplifting to me. They survived, they fell in love and they eventually got on with their lives although they were changed forever.I don't really see how I can say any more without giving too much away. I'll just say that Boy Shattered was a very compelling read and I would have finished it in one sitting if real life hadn't gotten in the way. I applaud Eli Easton for taking on what had to be a very emotional task; I doubt that telling this story was easy. The poetry she wrote for Brian's character was also very moving and wonderful. Bravo! Five well deserved stars.***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

Scene: Jefferson Waller High School (Silver Falls, Missouri) in late September. At lunchtime an announcement comes over the PA, “invader in school. Active shooter procedures now in effect…. This is not a drill.” High school quarterback Brian Marshall is caught in the cafeteria and hides behind a water fountain but is shot on his left side above the hip bone. Internal organs are exposed. Another student, Landon Hughes, discovers him. Brian is kept awake and talking. Landon maintains pressure to stop the bleeding until EMT’s arrive. Brian has part of his colon and small intestine removed. Romance develops between Brian and Landon. Brian attends ten funerals including that of his best friend, Jake, in one week. He believes the killers were students and or employees of the high school and wants to discover the shooters. Landon becomes an activist working to prevent future massacres. In the end one is left trying to understand how anyone could murder people they knew – relentlessly, callously and in cold blood. Highly recommended.

I have to admit that when I buy m/m book, I look for the cheap thrill of a good romance mixed with a lot of good old fun. I did not expect this book to be more than just plain of gratification. Instead of being purely gratuitous, it was inspirational, educational and socially involved. It made me conscious of my own sense of responsibility to the times I live in. It made me feel the guilt of my own social apathy. It made me realize, shamefully, that my apathetic response to the disturbing things around me "it has not happened to me" should be changed to "what can I do to change things, for this could happen to me."

This book covered serious issues ,that seem to be plaguing the world . Violence from bullies,hate factions, families ,so forth ,should never be tolerated . The way that some of society turns to mass violence is appalling. While the story touches on these factors , the brutality of the deeds, and the struggles to live beyond mere survival; it is still at heart a love story . The characters felt real,they growth,fear and romance . Landon was a hero from the get go , and we learn thru Brian's eyes , just how long ,Brain knew this . It's not an easy story to read , due to the subject matter, but inspiring none-the-less. The Marshall's reactions to events are often to true . I'm glad this also was expounded on. Book felt to deal in so many ways .kudos to the author.