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Confront the Darkness Within
Forever Boy follows two high school students intrigued by a new student whose origins are a mystery and whose demeanor is most unsettling. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Without giving away any spoilers, I envisioned an orphan boy outside of time and place who wants, more than anything else, what we all want—friends and a family—while at the same time hiding his true self for fear of rejection.
Do you have a favorite scene in this story? One that was especially enjoyable to write?
I loved writing the scenes with Isaac and the others filming their movie, harking back to my own experiences making low-budget horror films in my youth, but my favorite sequence is the film festival because this disparate group of teens who, when the book begins, don’t speak to one another, finally become the tight-knit found family that each of them desperately needs.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I’ve always been fascinated by what makes some humans monstrous and others not, and I wanted to explore that theme. Do we choose to become monsters and commit monstrous acts, or is monstrosity somehow thrust upon us against our will and we have no control over it? Growing up, I loved the old Universal horror films of the 1930s and 1940s that often explored this very notion of man/monster, and I wanted my teen characters to confront the darkness within themselves, and within the seemingly ordinary people of their small town.
Can you give us a peek inside the next book in this series? Where will it take readers?
The newfound friend group will be forced to split up in Book 2, but readers will still experience all of their lives, despite the separation.
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Outcast Isaac and popular Stephanie have barely spoken in all their years in school. Now, in the ninth grade, their lives become intertwined with a strange boy from Eastern Europe named Drágan Albescu.
Everything about Drágan is exotic, from his vintage style of dress to his flowing long hair and delicate features. But he’s also shrouded in great mystery.
He reveals that he’s a fashion model, so Stephanie searches his image on the internet and discovers modeling photos dating back to the 1920’s. Then there’s the valise Drágan carries that’s so heavy Isaac can’t lift it.
Drágan also possesses more knowledge and wisdom than all the teachers at school, coupled with the uncanny ability to discern what others long to keep private, a power that particularly frightens Stephanie due to her own dark secrets.
Who is this enigmatic boy who becomes the best friend Isaac ever had? Why do bullies at school suddenly stop their bullying? And what about the dead deer found torn to shreds in the woods?
When Isaac and Stephanie learn the full truth about their new friend, they’ll almost wish they hadn’t.
Forever Boy
Michael J. Bowler’s Forever Boy offers a captivating blend of mystery and the ordinary in this coming-of-age novel, centered on Isaac, an outsider in ninth grade, and his encounter with the enigmatic Drágan. From the moment Drágan steps into Isaac’s school, it’s clear he’s no typical student. His appearance is striking, as though plucked from a high-end fashion catalog, and his demeanor hints at wisdom far beyond his years. He moves through life with an independence that is both alluring and unnerving, a mix that makes him as intriguing as he is unsettling. As Drágan reveals his many layers, one can’t help but wonder: is he a hidden blessing, or a lurking curse?
Bowler masterfully balances the supernatural elements with the mundane realities of high school life, crafting a narrative that’s both engaging and easy to follow. The language is straightforward, making the novel accessible to a wide readership. However, while its simplicity widens its appeal, it may not fully resonate with a younger teenage audience who might crave more age-specific dialogue. Still, this clarity is a strength, allowing the story’s deeper themes to shine through. The chapter titles are a clever touch, offering hints about what’s to come and keeping the pacing smooth, helping readers anticipate the twists and turns ahead. At its core, Forever Boy explores familiar coming-of-age themes—school cliques, bullying, friendship, and identity—but with an added layer of complexity. Bowler doesn’t shy away from tackling heavier subjects like sexual assault, addressing them with sensitivity and purpose. This thoughtful approach gives the story emotional depth, elevating it beyond a typical high school narrative.
The slow-burn romance, a refreshing change from more fast-paced teen love stories, adds a realistic touch, grounding the supernatural elements with a sense of authenticity. Bowler has a gift for weaving together a diverse cast, ensuring that each character contributes meaningfully to the plot. While Drágan stands out as the focal point, the supporting characters are equally well-developed, adding richness to the narrative. Character growth is pivotal in a coming-of-age story, and Forever Boy excels in this area. Each transformation feels genuine and relatable, echoing the significant personal changes that define adolescence. Readers will likely find reflections of themselves in these characters, making their journeys all the more impactful.
Forever Boy is a combination of accessible language, emotional depth, and well-rounded characters, making it a standout read. The novel thoughtfully navigates the complexities of teenage life, weaving in themes of growth, friendship, and self-discovery with care. Its universal themes will resonate with a broad audience. For those who enjoy character-driven stories with a dash of mystery and emotional resonance, Forever Boy is a book worth exploring.
Pages: 294 | ASIN : B0DDFB1Z2R
LITERARY TITAN 