Reviewed by Stephanie Lynn for Readers' Favorite

Impact Zone: Be Strong. Be Fearless. Be Brave by B.D. Roy is an emotional and unforgettable tale of a teenage boy struggling through life after his family was suddenly ripped apart by betrayal. We meet Jack and his two brothers trying to cope with their father's sudden departure and with the repercussions still shaking the family to the core. The three brothers spent their early years in Australia, but now they call the California coast their home. With their oldest brother away at college, their lives take another shattering turn. The story opens not long after their mother's secret affair is revealed unexpectedly by an innocent mistake. The secret has torn the family apart, and the boys face yet another uncertain future. Resenting their mother’s mistakes and missing their father, the boys begin to drift apart. Jack's story is one of loss, growing up, and ultimately his struggle to find himself in the aftermath of dramatic changes outside his control. The book tells a story about teen boys while also showing how decisions affect other people and how some of the choices can have lasting consequences. It shows how the people we choose to trust can be just as important as who we choose to be.

This one hits all the right notes! Reading Impact Zone by B.D. Roy felt almost like watching a movie. From the start, I was captivated by the scenic descriptions and it maintained an even pace throughout, pulling me further into the story with each chapter. Jack’s tale unfolds easily and I was able to picture the action as I read. I loved the wide range of emotions that played out. Jack’s life was filled with many of the highs and lows that teens face, and his passion for music and surfing gave him a unique feel. We do not see this combination often in stories, and it allows for a wider audience by introducing these dual interests. I loved seeing Jack’s relationship with his brothers, and later with his father. I felt they shared a special bond. Jack’s family played a major role in this story, and this is reflected in his feelings and choices later on. This is a rather quick read and I flew through it as I had to know how things would turn out! Roy has such a unique writing voice. Jack’s story is unlike any I’ve read before, and I appreciated the tone and style used to tell it. I can see teen boys enjoying this book.