They say we’re dangerous. But we’re not that different.
Jude is running out of time. Once a year, lucky young men in the House of Boys are auctioned to the female elite. But if Jude fails to be selected before he turns seventeen, a future deep underground in the mines awaits.Yet ever since the death of his best friend at the hands of the all-powerful Chancellor, Jude has been desperate to escape the path set out for him. Finding himself entangled in a plot to assassinate the Chancellor, he finally has a chance to avenge his friend and win his freedom. But at what price?
A speculative YA thriller, tackling themes of traditional gender roles and power dynamics, for fans of Malorie Blackman, Louise O’Neill and THE POWER.
The Boy I Am is a smart, beautifully written twist on the dystopian novel that will grab your attention and make you think.
The pace of this novel is perfectly balanced between heart-pounding action and moments of human connection. There is also enough worldbuilding to create a rich background to the plot, without overwhelming it.
Jude is the heart of this book. He's such a relatable, multi-faceted protagonist and I just loved him! His reactions to the events are very believable, and I was rooting for him all the way.
The idea at the centre of The Boy I Am is really inventive. It flips and explores gender stereotypes to make you examine the boxes people are forced into. I found myself doing a lot of reflection when I was reading, which is such a good thing!
The Boy I Am is not always an easy read because of the characters' experiences, but it is a necessary one. It's an engrossing book, with sweet and joyful moments amidst the gritty action. A must read for 2021!
This sounds like a very real book. I've never heard this concept in a book before, maybe I'll give it a read!
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