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lunaseassecondaccount's review
4.0
There is something so amusing about reading a book set in my city. It throws me every time I see a reference to a particular road, highway, shopping centre or school.
Much like [b:Invisible Boys|43197935|Invisible Boys|Holden Sheppard|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1558613696l/43197935._SY75_.jpg|67029470], this book follows some late teens in a messy twist of high school politics, queer discoveries and far too much booze. But, unlike Invisible Boys, this one has a slightly happier ending.
I genuinely enjoyed this book. I'm not excessively fond of different narrators, but it worked here. Each voice was different and provided a unique take on the events. I also wasn't sure how each character would end up (though Mason did feel like he belonged in Invisible Boys).
Leonardo's childhood resonated the most with me, though Kaiya felt the less extreme of the three main characters. I think she was meant to be the neutral one for the reader, with her being the most sensible and level-headed.
If I'd spent more time trying to unravel the mystery, I likely would have solved it. But I enjoyed the characters stories and how they were going to get themselves out of the mess.
But damn. Two deaths, one island. What a Leavers.
Much like [b:Invisible Boys|43197935|Invisible Boys|Holden Sheppard|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1558613696l/43197935._SY75_.jpg|67029470], this book follows some late teens in a messy twist of high school politics, queer discoveries and far too much booze. But, unlike Invisible Boys, this one has a slightly happier ending.
I genuinely enjoyed this book. I'm not excessively fond of different narrators, but it worked here. Each voice was different and provided a unique take on the events. I also wasn't sure how each character would end up (though Mason did feel like he belonged in Invisible Boys).
Leonardo's childhood resonated the most with me, though Kaiya felt the less extreme of the three main characters. I think she was meant to be the neutral one for the reader, with her being the most sensible and level-headed.
If I'd spent more time trying to unravel the mystery, I likely would have solved it. But I enjoyed the characters stories and how they were going to get themselves out of the mess.
But damn. Two deaths, one island. What a Leavers.
haisaikaren's review
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
cec_loves_to_read_books's review
4.0
It’s rare these days to read about masculinity without the other term that always seems to be just near by…toxic. When I started reading The Brink by Holden Sheppard I thought, ok, I see where this is headed; this is going to shine a light on toxic masculinity for sure BUT I was wrong.
It’s not at all about the toxicity of some masculine behaviours it’s about the violence and hurt young people inflict on themselves and sometimes others because of the constraints placed on young boys from the moment they can walk, speak and think. It’s about how being told to ‘more or less of a man’ can have long lasting and deep effects on a young man’s self-identity and feelings of worth and importance. It’s about how parents can do damage and disguise it as love or care and how the friendships of high school can make or break a person’s trajectory into adulthood.
As a mother of two sons and someone who taught teens for almost 20 years I think stories like this one are absolutely crucial to get into the hands of young people…kids need to see themselves and their worlds reflected in what they read (and watch). Lots of teen reads focus on fantasy worlds where the boys/men are other worldly or magical but I love Australian stories that show Aussie young people as they actually are in situations that are relatable and authentic.
The Brink is not for the faint-hearted; it’s gritty, raw and honest and will give your blood pressure a real roller coaster ride but it’s a ride definitely worth taking.
It’s not at all about the toxicity of some masculine behaviours it’s about the violence and hurt young people inflict on themselves and sometimes others because of the constraints placed on young boys from the moment they can walk, speak and think. It’s about how being told to ‘more or less of a man’ can have long lasting and deep effects on a young man’s self-identity and feelings of worth and importance. It’s about how parents can do damage and disguise it as love or care and how the friendships of high school can make or break a person’s trajectory into adulthood.
As a mother of two sons and someone who taught teens for almost 20 years I think stories like this one are absolutely crucial to get into the hands of young people…kids need to see themselves and their worlds reflected in what they read (and watch). Lots of teen reads focus on fantasy worlds where the boys/men are other worldly or magical but I love Australian stories that show Aussie young people as they actually are in situations that are relatable and authentic.
The Brink is not for the faint-hearted; it’s gritty, raw and honest and will give your blood pressure a real roller coaster ride but it’s a ride definitely worth taking.
_ayden's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It's been months and I still think about this book. Holden Shepard has some of the best character work I've ever read. The entire cast felt like real teenagers just looking to let loose on the sunset of their childhood. Their motivations simple yet realistic. Great book.
zoz716's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
riversadge's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
traceyanderson's review
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Blood, Grief, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
liaafedsy's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
textpublishing's review
The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of The Brink
‘A ride you’ll never forget. I loved, loved, loved The Brink.’
Scot Gardner
‘The Brink is an explosive story about friendship, love, grief, and trauma. Holden Sheppard brings his uniquely gritty voice to a novel that is part coming-of-age, part thriller, and part social commentary. The result is dark, gripping, and utterly compelling, moving at breakneck speed from the very first page. And beneath its hormone-fuelled exterior, the book is a nuanced deep-dive into sexuality and masculinity, and the sometimes perilous intersection between the two. Sheppard is a fearless writer, and The Brink is testament to that. I absolutely tore through this book. I could not put it down.’
Tobias Madden, author of Anything but Fine
‘Raw, exhilarating and emotionally charged, an absolute must read!’
Gary Lonesborough
‘A vivid, thrilling, edge-of-your-seat read. These characters are teetering at the very brink of who they are and who they could be.’
Claire Christian
‘Sheppard dismantles and interrogates stereotypes of masculinity and sexuality, showing a great generosity to his characters…[His] writing is gripping and authentic, and The Brink acknowledges and amplifies the real challenges that face young people as they step into adulthood.’
Bec Kavanagh, Books + Publishing
‘Wild and questioning, tender and fearless, The Brink is filled with characters who, due to their expertly rendered flaws, will break your heart. The novel is a rallying cry to encourage people—young people especially—to be themselves by following whatever path makes them feel most alive; it opens up such space for self-expression that it feels as though Holden Sheppard has created an entirely new universe. His voice is utterly unique and a great, roaring breath of fresh air.’
Nigel Featherstone
'Sheppard successfully explores the meaning of masculinity...The Brink is an ode to self-discovery and self-love.’
Readings
'The Brink succeeds in establishing Sheppard as a young writer with huge potential in the Australian literary scene…It is frank, fresh and unapologetic ...There is so much to admire about this novel—the plotting and structure are impeccable, the tropes run thick and fast. All this is underpinned by beautifully drawn characters.’
Newtown Review of Books
‘Wow! Wow, wow! Sheppard's latest upper YA novel (but seriously, adults would love it too) has achieved so much! It's a captivating, true to life story of a group of teenagers on a schoolies (or leavers) trip; it's a compelling commentary on Aussie masculinity and queer identity; it's a murder mystery and Lord of the Flies and Survivor - it's just a really good book.’
Better Read Kids
‘Sheppard doesn’t shy away from depicting his characters’ bad behaviour...while also representing their struggles with frankness and considerable empathy.’
Gemma Nisbet, West Australian
'Sheppard has absolutely nailed this story...This book is totally immersive, the characters so alive and throbbing and real that you’ll feel yourself invested in their arcs from their first chapters… A totally brilliant read.’
AU Review
‘Thoroughly gripping.’
ReadPlus
'Sheppard doesn't shy away from the uglier bits of beings a teenager, and doesn't provide a pat, didactic solution, either…The exploration of masculinity and sexuality in The Brink is nuanced and subtle. I’d recommend it to anyone who has ever been, loved, or raised a teenage boy.’
Hanne Melgaard Watkins, Canberra Times
‘An absolute rollercoaster of dramatic tension and sun-soaked mayhem…I inhaled this.’
Andrew Pople, 2SER Final Draft
‘[A] well-plotted, twisting mystery…Perfect for teenagers approaching adulthood, or for the adults in their lives who want to connect with and understand their experiences as they come of age.’
ArtsHub
'Incredibly tense…superbly written…it’s awesome.’
Annabel Crabb, Chat 10 Looks 3
‘[Holden Sheppard] has delivered a dark tale, full of tension and deep, complex characters.’
Good Reading
‘You don’t need to be a young adult to enjoy this popular local author’s story…Sheppard has such a fun, insightful and distinctly Aussie voice.’
Kate Emery, West Australian
‘Another cracking young adult novel that offers a thoughtful exploration of masculinity, sexuality and class.’
West Australian
‘An unflinching, tension-filled story…An excellent thriller, enjoyable both for YA and adult audiences alike.’
AU Review
‘A ride you’ll never forget. I loved, loved, loved The Brink.’
Scot Gardner
‘The Brink is an explosive story about friendship, love, grief, and trauma. Holden Sheppard brings his uniquely gritty voice to a novel that is part coming-of-age, part thriller, and part social commentary. The result is dark, gripping, and utterly compelling, moving at breakneck speed from the very first page. And beneath its hormone-fuelled exterior, the book is a nuanced deep-dive into sexuality and masculinity, and the sometimes perilous intersection between the two. Sheppard is a fearless writer, and The Brink is testament to that. I absolutely tore through this book. I could not put it down.’
Tobias Madden, author of Anything but Fine
‘Raw, exhilarating and emotionally charged, an absolute must read!’
Gary Lonesborough
‘A vivid, thrilling, edge-of-your-seat read. These characters are teetering at the very brink of who they are and who they could be.’
Claire Christian
‘Sheppard dismantles and interrogates stereotypes of masculinity and sexuality, showing a great generosity to his characters…[His] writing is gripping and authentic, and The Brink acknowledges and amplifies the real challenges that face young people as they step into adulthood.’
Bec Kavanagh, Books + Publishing
‘Wild and questioning, tender and fearless, The Brink is filled with characters who, due to their expertly rendered flaws, will break your heart. The novel is a rallying cry to encourage people—young people especially—to be themselves by following whatever path makes them feel most alive; it opens up such space for self-expression that it feels as though Holden Sheppard has created an entirely new universe. His voice is utterly unique and a great, roaring breath of fresh air.’
Nigel Featherstone
'Sheppard successfully explores the meaning of masculinity...The Brink is an ode to self-discovery and self-love.’
Readings
'The Brink succeeds in establishing Sheppard as a young writer with huge potential in the Australian literary scene…It is frank, fresh and unapologetic ...There is so much to admire about this novel—the plotting and structure are impeccable, the tropes run thick and fast. All this is underpinned by beautifully drawn characters.’
Newtown Review of Books
‘Wow! Wow, wow! Sheppard's latest upper YA novel (but seriously, adults would love it too) has achieved so much! It's a captivating, true to life story of a group of teenagers on a schoolies (or leavers) trip; it's a compelling commentary on Aussie masculinity and queer identity; it's a murder mystery and Lord of the Flies and Survivor - it's just a really good book.’
Better Read Kids
‘Sheppard doesn’t shy away from depicting his characters’ bad behaviour...while also representing their struggles with frankness and considerable empathy.’
Gemma Nisbet, West Australian
'Sheppard has absolutely nailed this story...This book is totally immersive, the characters so alive and throbbing and real that you’ll feel yourself invested in their arcs from their first chapters… A totally brilliant read.’
AU Review
‘Thoroughly gripping.’
ReadPlus
'Sheppard doesn't shy away from the uglier bits of beings a teenager, and doesn't provide a pat, didactic solution, either…The exploration of masculinity and sexuality in The Brink is nuanced and subtle. I’d recommend it to anyone who has ever been, loved, or raised a teenage boy.’
Hanne Melgaard Watkins, Canberra Times
‘An absolute rollercoaster of dramatic tension and sun-soaked mayhem…I inhaled this.’
Andrew Pople, 2SER Final Draft
‘[A] well-plotted, twisting mystery…Perfect for teenagers approaching adulthood, or for the adults in their lives who want to connect with and understand their experiences as they come of age.’
ArtsHub
'Incredibly tense…superbly written…it’s awesome.’
Annabel Crabb, Chat 10 Looks 3
‘[Holden Sheppard] has delivered a dark tale, full of tension and deep, complex characters.’
Good Reading
‘You don’t need to be a young adult to enjoy this popular local author’s story…Sheppard has such a fun, insightful and distinctly Aussie voice.’
Kate Emery, West Australian
‘Another cracking young adult novel that offers a thoughtful exploration of masculinity, sexuality and class.’
West Australian
‘An unflinching, tension-filled story…An excellent thriller, enjoyable both for YA and adult audiences alike.’
AU Review