Darkhearts

April 1, 2023
Fantasy author Sutter's first foray into young adult romance follows former best friends in Seattle who reconnect and become something more. World-famous Korean American rock star Chance Ng and David Holcomb, who is White, are reunited after the recent death from alcohol poisoning of mutual friend and band mate Elijah. David's departure from the band before it became famous is a source of conflict between them, and they have not spoken in years. In the meantime, David has found comfort in his friend Ridley as well as in his new woodworking hobby; he intends to pursue carpentry as a career. Despite the heavy opening scene at Eli's funeral, this story sparkles with laugh-out-loud dialogue and well-drawn secondary characters, especially movie fanatic Ridley, a confident, sexually liberated Black girl who is an aspiring film critic. Several intimate scenes between Chance and David are tenderly written and exceptionally sweet, while David's ruminations on his sexuality feel natural and appropriately complicated, contributing to the fun and impressively sex-positive vibe. Unfortunately, clumsy, odd phrasing occasionally detracts from the otherwise charming dialogue. Several instances in which the boys' different body shapes are contrasted and stigma around fatness is brought up could have been more clearly unpacked. The positive representation of pursuing a trade is a refreshing, much-needed addition to books about teens that too frequently focus on college as the only goal. A funny romp with a lot of heart. (Romance. 14-18)

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May 15, 2023
Sparks fly when former bandmates reconnect following the death of a mutual friend in this ebullient romance by Sutter (Pathfinder Adventure Path). Seventeen-year-old David Holcomb, who reads as white, and mega-famous pop star Chance Ng, who’s Korean American, haven’t spoken since David’s departure from the band years ago. When bandmate Elijah dies of alcohol poisoning, prompting Chance’s return to Seattle, David initially bristles at Chance’s reappearance. He intends to pursue carpentry following high school graduation, but as he and Chance begin spending more time together, David is reminded of his passion for music. Despite having never been attracted to guys before, David pursues Chance, leading to a secret relationship that Chance’s manager worries could damage Chance’s career. As pressure mounts for Chance to return to touring, David offers to rejoin the band, but mixed signals from Chance and increased media scrutiny around their relationship cause David to doubt that he has what it takes to handle the stress of fame. After an intensely emotional opening scene depicting Elijah’s funeral somewhat abruptly gives way to humorous dialogue and steamy romance, vibrant supporting characters, sex-positive messaging, and complex ruminations on sexuality propel this heartfelt read. Ages 14–up. Agent: Josh Adams, Adams Literary.

Starred review from July 1, 2023
Grades 9-12 *Starred Review* David Holcomb started a band, Darkhearts, with his best friends, Chance and Eli, when they were all in middle school. They get good quickly, but by the time they're high-school freshmen, David, burned out, suggests they take a break and walks away. To his resentful surprise, the other two go on without him and, in improbably short order, are discovered and become the hottest new band in North America. Two years later, Eli dies from alcohol poisoning. Chance comes home for the funeral and, surprising David, seems to want to revive their friendship. Though he still harbors resentments, David cautiously agrees and is surprised to find that he actually wants to kiss Chance, even though he's never considered himself gay. The boys begin a secret relationship, and when it's time for Chance to go back on tour, David asks to rejoin the band. Sounds like a pleasant fantasy, but is it? Sutter does an excellent job of building both character and compelling plot, turning his novel into more than a simple summer romance as he brings David and Chance to vivid life on the page. Their relationship is realistically flawed, and readers will wonder anxiously if it can survive. Readers of Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich's If This Gets Out (2021) or Adib Khorram's Kiss & Tell (2022) will appreciate this kindred tune.

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