Review: intense look at the aftermath of the events of Tales From Foster High
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 7, 2014
Where do I begin? I am not exactly sure what more I can say about this novel. I loved getting to know Kyle and Brad in Book 1 of this series (formerly books 1-3, confusing, I know). Of course, I have a soft spot for Kyle (I always do for the nerds, after all). In book one, they went from being seemly enemies to best friends and boyfriends. Kyle went from invisible to out and… well not proud precisely… accepting. Brad when from in-the-closet big man on campus to doting boyfriend and a virtual leper. Both dealt with their share of bullies and bigots. Okay, so are we up to date now?End of the Innocence is an intense look at the aftermath of the events of Tales From Foster High. The impact of coming out in a conservative town. There are supporters, detractors, bigots, and bullies. There are extreme reactions on both sides. There is revenge taken too far. There is a look at the evils that can be engendered when people fall into a mob-mentality and stop thinking for themselves. I found myself repeatedly yelling out “EXACTLY” while reading this novel. It is a very real look at what can happen when a teen feels they have no one on their side. It is a heartbreaking look at what a little “harmless” revenge can induce.My favorite scene in the entire story was when Kyle stood up and defended himself and his friends against a militant preacher. I loved how he turned the book the priest used to defend his bigotry around and showed just how narrow-minded and hypocritical that view is."He gave me a grin that looked more like a threat than an actual smile. “We are told that even the devil can quote scripture for his own good.”I smiled back at him. “Yes, we are told that by Shakespeare in The Merchant of Venice. Not quite the Bible, but close.”"This story is the End of the Innocence for both main characters.  It is when Kyle comes out of his fog of invisibility and takes a stand. It is when Brad realizes that, though his life is not what it once was, he is in a better place, and life isn’t over.  It is when everyone in Foster receives the ultimate wake-up call that they way they have been existing, isn’t acceptable for anyone.In conclusion, I have one question… is 151 Days out yet?