Review
An e-copy of the book has been provided by the author, Damien Benoit-Ledoux.
“He realized, despite the recent bullshit, he had grown into a good guy who had survived an overdose of Christianity that had proven itself to be hypocritical. They pretend to love you until they find a reason to hate you.”
There are no words that can describe the struggles Skyler Phoenix has went through. It molded him to the person who he became, but it did not ruin him. It made him better. And that is what made this story absolutely beautiful.
Despite the wonderful message of the book, of course, I had my issues with it. I was not particularly fond of the narration. There was a weird tone to it that made Skyler seem older than he is—obviously his hardship has a huge contribution to this. It was a little too flimsy. It did not have any effect on the pacing and transitioning whatsoever, but it did affect my overall reading experience. There were also a surplus of flirtatious moment that seems off and unrealistic. With the amount of winking this book has, I’m surprised the characters didn’t get cramps in their eyelids. A large portion of the novel reminded me of why I veer away from YA books recently.
“You know I don’t buy into all the churchy Jesus stuff. I wasn’t raised with it. Most of it sounds so crazy to me. I know it’s not your perspective, and you’re much more involved with it than I am, but, seriously, this isn’t the way it is. It can’t be. There’s too much hate when it’s supposed to be about God’s love.”
In line with the theme of the book, it should be said that this book has some serious homophobia. Strongly so, in the form of religion. As much as it is an integral part of the story, though, I think that the message could have come across with fewer passages. I feel for Skyler, I do. But the repetition of the religious dilemma can become rather tiring and anxiety inducing. I never experienced this myself, and although my family has some slight prejudice come religion as well, they were mostly passive with it; however, it still gave me a strong fear for rejection and it was hard to read not only for both the experience and imagery of it, but also for the redundancy.
I loved all of the characters of the book. Aside from, for obvious reasons, the certain family who adopted Skyler. I even felt for Daren who was also a villain of sort of the story. I think he was interestingly made. On the other hand, the breaks of the novel are well done and the transitions felt really smooth and easy flowing making this such a quick read.
“But if you simply be you, then people have nothing to talk about, unless they want to be catty, which, no matter what you do, you will never, ever be able to prevent anyway.”
A bag of thousand emotions, Skyler Phoenix was such a fantastic experience. It left me with a strong sense of understanding towards people and the fights only they know. Additionally, it left me with the desire to be better even when the world is getting worse.
About the Author
Damien Benoit-Ledoux is an author and freelance editor. His mind is a magical and nerdy place where fantastic heroes defend amazing worlds from dangerous villains who run amuck in an epic struggle to take over the universe. Recently, the brightest and best from this colorful cast of characters have made their way into notes, plots, stories, and novels for you to read and enjoy.
Damien strongly believes the real world we live in should be a place where LGBTQ equality and respect are second nature and never questioned. When he’s not working or spending time with his husband, their son, and their dog, Damien weaves this philosophy into the exciting lives of his characters and the fantastic space battles and romances they endure so they’ll stop taking over his dreams at night.
And finally, he wants you to remember a very important thing: No matter how bad your day is at work, it’s always important to be grateful that you don’t work for a Sith Lord.
