Violence Begets...

This is a raw and intense young adult novel following 16-year-old Rick St. James as he grapples with immense grief after a family tragedy. His home life deteriorates into violence and abuse, pushing him towards a precarious friendship with Kevin Vincent, a charismatic but manipulative classmate with his own dangerous secrets, including involvement in the gay club scene and drug use. The story explores themes of trauma, identity, and the search for belonging amidst incredibly challenging circumstances. Parents should be aware that this book contains strong language, graphic physical child abuse, and explicit sexual situations, making it suitable only for mature young adult readers, likely 16 and older.

After a tragic accident devastates his family, 16-year-old Rick St. James starts his junior year of high school without any friends in a suburb of Salt Lake City, Utah. When he meets Kevin Vincent, he's too distracted by the promise of new friends to see that Kevin has secrets of his own. Having created an environment where he's feared and admired by his classmates, Kevin finds pleasure in using his good looks and violence to control and manipulate those around him. Secretly, he cruises the gay club scene, turning tricks to earn money so he can party and get high. As Rick's dad becomes increasingly violent and abusive at home, the two form a surprising and volatile trust. In this battle of wills, their precarious friendship will either keep their lives from blowing up around them or possibly light the fuse that will cause the explosion. Disclaimer: This book contains strong language, graphic physical child abuse and sexual situations. It is not suitable for young audiences.