Funded by a generous benefactor, Urban Promise Prep had become the most prestigious college prepatory academy for at risk youth. And a lot of Urban Promise’s success was due in part to Principal Kenneth Moore’s no nonsense approach to discipline and a demerit system that supposedly kept the students in line.
Among all the students attending Urban Promise, three boys stood out as troubled teens who regularly had run ins with Principal Moore. Trey Jackson, Ramon Zambrano, and J.B. Williamson were considered troublemakers and bullies at times. So when Principla Moore is found dead from a gun shot wound, it wasn’t surprising that Trey, Ramon and J.B were the lead suspects in the murder investigation. All of them claimed innocence, but neither one of them had a solid alibi. And all of them had motive.
Promise Boys is a quick read with short chapters. But the story really packs a punch with colorful and interesting characters. I loved how author Brooks managed to capture the essence of the personalities in the boy trio. Brooks’ experience as an educator dealing with at risk youth shines through in this novel.
The plot unfolds through multiple points of view over several timelines. It was easy to follow because the chapters and subchapters are clearly outlined. The narrative follows a whodunit trope, but there are a few plot twists enroute to the finale. I was a bit disappointed with the ending, but there wouldn’t be a story if the witness reveal occurred early in the game.
Overall, Promise Boys is an excellent read save for the reveal toward the end Four stars.
I received a physical copy of the books from Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group through the Bookish First raffle. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Among all the students attending Urban Promise, three boys stood out as troubled teens who regularly had run ins with Principal Moore. Trey Jackson, Ramon Zambrano, and J.B. Williamson were considered troublemakers and bullies at times. So when Principla Moore is found dead from a gun shot wound, it wasn’t surprising that Trey, Ramon and J.B were the lead suspects in the murder investigation. All of them claimed innocence, but neither one of them had a solid alibi. And all of them had motive.
Promise Boys is a quick read with short chapters. But the story really packs a punch with colorful and interesting characters. I loved how author Brooks managed to capture the essence of the personalities in the boy trio. Brooks’ experience as an educator dealing with at risk youth shines through in this novel.
The plot unfolds through multiple points of view over several timelines. It was easy to follow because the chapters and subchapters are clearly outlined. The narrative follows a whodunit trope, but there are a few plot twists enroute to the finale. I was a bit disappointed with the ending, but there wouldn’t be a story if the witness reveal occurred early in the game.
Overall, Promise Boys is an excellent read save for the reveal toward the end Four stars.
I received a physical copy of the books from Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group through the Bookish First raffle. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.