Editorial Content for Madness

Let me start my review by saying this: I had mixed feelings about MADNESS by Zac Brewer. I was hoping to fall completely in love with this novel, but the farther I got into it, the more uncertain I became about whether or not I enjoyed it. The story starts off with the main character, Brooke Danvers, as she returns back home after spending six weeks in inpatient therapy because of her suicide attempt. While her parents and doctors start to think she’s getting better, Brooke is trying to fake her happiness for as long as she can until can she find a way to commit suicide. But then she meets a boy named Derek, a boy who understands exactly what Brooke feels. As the two of them start to bond, Brooke starts to question if she really wants to go through with committing suicide. Zac Brewer is also the author of THE BLOOD BETWEEN US and The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod series.

"I am a complete sucker for novels with character development, and MADNESS hit the nail on the head...Watching Brooke grow from the start of the novel to the end was the strongest element of MADNESS."

There were two major aspects of this book that won me over. The first was Duckie, Brooke’s best friend (no, his real name is not Duckie, it is just a nickname they use for him). Duckie was the most likable character in the novel. We watch him as he crushes over a boy in theatre and the scenes that featured him always put a smile on my face. Brooke’s friendship dynamic with Duckie was well executed and believable, and it was obvious that they both cared about each other deeply. The other part I was absolutely in love with was Brooke’s character development throughout the novel. I am a complete sucker for novels with character development, and MADNESS hit the nail on the head when it came to that. Watching Brooke grow from the start of the novel to the end was the strongest element of MADNESS.

Despite that, there were still things in the novel that troubled me. The writing felt a bit awkward at times, and while the author did a decent job at talking about mental illness and depression, it didn’t feel as fleshed out and in-depth as it could have been. The novel had so much unused potential that could’ve been used to send a stronger message to its reader, especially those who also deal with mental illness. Not only that, but the characters were lacking in personality, and I didn’t find myself caring for any of them. By the end of the novel, I couldn’t help but feel a bit of disappointment. I wanted this novel to be so much more, but couldn’t find myself loving it.

Overall, I gave MADNESS by Zac Brewer three out of five stars. While there were elements of the novel that I wasn’t a fan of, I still found myself enjoying it overall. MADNESS talks about depression in a new, creative light and has a twist ending that you won’t be anticipating. If you’re looking for a novel that has a theme of mental illness, doesn’t try to be overly preachy, and has a discussion on how romance effects depression, then MADNESS is the book for you. If not, then I would skip reading this novel.