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Two sisters. One falls. One flies. One lives. The other..

Welcome!

First, I’d like to thank Goodreads Giveaways and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review, I’m very grateful.

Today’s book is a little different than what I usually read and a good reminder of why I tend to pick less.. believable stories.
It’s not a bad read but it is a difficult one. A lot of the ones with kids are for me. It’s the young that hurt deeper, love harder, and never let go.

Grab a warm snuggly blanket and prepare the tissues, my friends, because if The Delinquent Hero doesn’t leave you cracked open and raw on the inside, I’ll be surprised.

Enjoy!

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(Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Any purchases made through my links may earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you.)

The Delinquent Hero by Khristina Chess

Publication date: September 28, 2023

3.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐•⭐

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My Review:

Molly’s older sister, who is finally in a good place, has been found unconscious in her apartment. Now she’s dying.
Trauma to her head suggests an accidental fall, possibly a stroke but to Molly.. it just doesn’t make sense. She was good. She was happy. Wasn’t she?
Unable to let her suspicions go, Molly becomes determined to prove that what happened wasn’t an accident at all.

This story took quite a bit of time to draw me in. There are plenty of questions that keep you wondering, and Molly is a decent enough protagonist, but even though the end of the book picked up pace and things came together nicely, the story falls flat. Essentially, it is just a series of teenage observations, theories, and bad judgment calls that became frustratingly repetitive.

Molly adores her sister, but their relationship is deeply unhealthy. Not their love. Not their loyalty. But their bond, built on a series of unhealthy choices, was not only irresponsible.. but dangerous.. Kat’s inability to see or understand the damage her own poor choices and habits have had on Molly, who wants to be just like her older sister, and the lack of awareness both parents had of their children, was difficult for me to fully understand.

All of the characters, the slow pace, and Molly’s struggle with not only her sister’s heartbreaking circumstances but her own mental health as well, had me setting the book aside for lighter topics quite often—which made this short read seem much longer than it was.

Would this make a good cautionary tale for young teens, especially young girls, who are growing up in a world that sets unrealistic standards on beauty? Could it help prevent teens from making the same damaging decisions Molly and Kat have in regards to their health? Would it open anyone’s eyes to the dangers young girls face due to pressure from society, their peers, and themselves? Does this book offer insight into the potentially fatal ramifications unchecked mental health issues can have on young women?
Yes. In the right hands, at the right time, I do believe it would, could, will, and does.

Overall: It was a good, though heartbreaking, read—filled with hope, determination, love, denial, and confusion that comes when we’re faced with the loss of a loved one. It’s not the most exciting book I’ve read this year, but it’s definitely worth the read.

One last thing, this book does contain sensitive and possibly upsetting topics that some readers may find unpleasant.
If you’re concerned, do be sure to check the Trigger Warnings.

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That’s all folks!
Thank you for checking out my review, I hope it was helpful.
Stay warm, be safe, and have a lovely weekend.

How do you feel towards books that are about or have characters struggling with mental health issues?

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