"Zack Smedley is the author of Deposing Nathan, which the New York Times said ""is a superb story, told in an original and masterly way."" As a member of the LGBT community, his goal is to give a voice to queer young adults, through gritty, morally complex narratives."
Stellar and haunting - Kirkus Magazine, starred review Equal parts heartfelt and heartbreaking [. . .] an unflinching exploration of love, betrayal, power, and trauma, and ultimately, what it means to speak your truth in a world that's never truly been willing to listen. A brilliant read. - Stephanie Kuehn, Morris Award-winning author of Charm & Strange No one does heartbreak like Zack Smedley. In this story, he weaves an intimate human drama into a thriller of almost mythic power...with brilliant detail and care. - Adam Sass, award-winning author of Surrender Your Sons Promoted by the publisher as 'Speak for boys, ' Smedley's second novel is troubling but deeply felt and extremely well written [...] the thoughtful presentation of such a rare topic in YA fiction is welcome. - Booklist Magazine An achingly beautiful novel. Each character was meticulously realized to create a puzzle piece of a narrative that kept me guessing, wishing, and hoping for Owen's self-empowered journey to the very end. This is an incredibly important read. - James Brandon, author of Ziggy, Stardust & Me An important, authentic, thought-provoking story . . . Owen is a character I'll remember for a long time. - Bill Konigsberg, award-winning author of The Music of What Happens Unflinchingly honest and powerful. . .Smedley's authentic, thoughtful voice is essential to young readers. - Julian Winters, award-winning author of How to Be Remy Cameron A painful and important look at toxic relationships, rape, power, and control. - School Library Journal