Release
Release
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2017
Book Brief
Beta287
Novel • Fiction
•
Magical Realism•
RomanceFrome, Washington, United States, over a single summer Saturday.
2017
Walker Books
Paperback • 2017
YA
15-18 years
Super Short Summary
Over one transformative Saturday, teenager Adam Thorn navigates pressure from his religious family, an unsettling ultimatum from his boss, lingering feelings for his ex Enzo, and uncertainty about his new relationship. While his best friend Angela helps keep him grounded, a ghost rises from a nearby lake, adding a supernatural current to Adam’s already turbulent coming-of-age story.
Emotional
Unnerving
Contemplative
Suspenseful
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
20,249 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviewers praise Release as heartfelt, beautifully written, and emotionally perceptive, especially in its frank treatment of sex, sexuality, first love, and Adam’s struggle toward self-acceptance. They also admire Adam as an appealing, complex protagonist and Ness’s ability to render charged emotions in moving prose. The main reservation concerns the interwoven supernatural narrative: while some find it evocative and effective, others say it distracts from Adam’s stronger realistic story, feels fragmented, or remains confusing and insufficiently explained.
Who Should Read Release?
Release is best suited to mature teen readers who appreciate emotionally intense coming-of-age fiction about identity, relationships, self-acceptance, and tensions within a conservative religious family. It will especially appeal to readers open to a literary, single-day narrative that blends a realistic teen’s inner life with eerie, supernatural interludes. Expect frank sexual content, occasional strong language, and difficult subjects. Readers who dislike fantasy interrupting an otherwise realistic story may find its alternating structure less satisfying.
20,249 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Adam’s best friend and confidante, Angela speaks frankly, challenges his fears and doubts, and helps keep him grounded amid his difficulties.
Adam’s gentle current boyfriend adores him and waits for him to move beyond his lingering attachment to his former boyfriend, Enzo.
Adam’s former boyfriend remains the object of his unresolved affection, despite having treated him poorly and ended their relationship hurtfully.
Adam’s older brother is training to become an evangelical preacher like their father and struggles to reconcile religion with accepting Adam.
One of the two girls who work with Adam, Karen is a supportive friend who helps him manage self-doubt and assert himself.
One of Adam’s coworkers and friends, Renee supports him alongside Karen, helping him work through problems and stand up for himself.
287
Novel • Fiction
•
Magical Realism•
RomanceFrome, Washington, United States, over a single summer Saturday.
2017
Walker Books
Paperback • 2017
YA
15-18 years
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