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claudiaslibrarycard 's review for:

Up in Smoke by Nick Brooks
4.5
adventurous challenging dark emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes

Up in Smoke is a compelling and fast moving young adult novel from Nick Brooks that met my high expectations. I thoroughly enjoyed Promise Boys and this book, while different in plot and structure, has a similar vibe with dynamic young Black characters and situations that will resonate with young and older readers. 

This book follows two main characters, one of whom ends up unjustly imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. As his friends struggle to help him, the situation grows dire. It calls to mind memories of the time period after the death of George Floyd and the rise of the BLM movement. 

I loved this from start to finish and recommend it to anyone who enjoys well written, character driven suspense.