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Second in Command Review

Second in Command
Title: Second in Command
Author: Sandi Van
Genre: Young Adult, Poetry, Contemporary
Trigger Warnings: deployment of a parent, drugs, underage drinking, bomb threat
My Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: February 1, 2019


Synopsis

Sixteen-year-old Leo dreams of becoming an Eagle Scout and, someday, a police officer. He makes sure to always do the right thing and be responsible. With his mom deployed and his dad constantly working, Leo is often left in charge of his two younger siblings. Then Leo's brother, Jack, gets caught up in a dangerous plot that rocks the community. Can Leo keep his promise to stand by his brother no matter what, or will he stand on the side of justice?

Review


A special thank you to Netgalley and West 44 Books for a free advance digital copy in exchange for a honest review.


I love verse novels and the raw emotions explored in this one make it a definite 5 star read. Leo is the eldest child and left mostly in charge of his younger siblings when his mom deploys and his father works. The emotions are very strong and really well explored, as Leo tries to balance his own needs and desires with his obligations to his family. He has to face a lot and while his actions are shown that he puts forth a strong front, he is struggling underneath. While I have not been in the same circumstances as Leo, the emotional whirlwind that he goes through is described very well, making this book packing a punch for such a short book.

In verse novels, often many components of books are left out in favor of the poetry, but this verse novel had a few really good subplots. Not enough to overpower everything else, but enough so that it was actually a verse novel and not just themed poetry. The pace suited with the medium and while Leo's thoughts and emotions were definitely explored, it did not overpower everything else and the plot was able to keep on moving forward. There were a few descriptions of the Leo of the past that were really cool and added more to his character without detracting from moving the story forward.

I wish that there was just more to the interactions between Jack and Leo, and to the end of the story. While the ends were wrapped up, the ending just felt like it was lacking something, not having the satisfaction level that I was expecting at the end of this read. It also seems unrealistic in some of the supporting structures of what allowed the plot to move forward.

Still, this was an excellent read and well worth the time. I really enjoyed it. It's a short read, so easy to just pick up and get through. I definitely recommend this book because these emotions explored are powerful and lead to a deep and fast read.

View all my reviews on Goodreads.


I liked this book a lot, but I also really love the verse novel genre. What is your favorite verse novel? Let me know in the comments.

This book is being published on Friday, February 1! Be sure to check it out!

Thanks for reading,
Alyssa
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