Book: Better the Devil by Erik J. Brown
Reviewed by Midnight Library Mouse
Rating: 4/5
Better the Devil gave me second-hand anxiety!
When a gay teenager (who was only ever out to one person) gets home to a surprise "you're going to a conversion camp" meeting with his ultra-conservative and ultra-religious parents, he takes the first moment he can to bolt, setting into motion a series of unfortunate (and honestly, some fortunate) events that changes the lives of the Beaumont family forever.
We hear the story from the perspective of the nameless main character, and oh my goodness, that boy has so much anxiety. Rightfully so, I might add, but still! The writing really leans into the anxiety he feels, being on the run, feeling constantly watched, and the moments where he can't fully trust the people around him - even if he wants to.
While a lot of this book is pretty believable, there are a few things that when you sit back and think about it, don't quite make sense, but when you're reading, the story sucks you in and makes you forget about the things that don't quite add up.
If you're looking for a quick, relatively fast-paced story that will keep you asking questions and always looking for the next clue, this is it!
Disclaimer: Thank you to Netgalley, Hachette Australia & New Zealand, and Erik J. Brown for this e-ARC. I was provided this ARC for review only, I was not paid for this review. All opinions are my own.