Connor Major’s summer break is turning into a nightmare.
His SAT scores bombed, the old man he delivers meals to died, and when he came out to his religious zealot mother, she had him kidnapped and shipped off to a secluded island. His final destination: Nightlight Ministries, a conversion therapy camp that will be his new home until he “changes.”
But Connor’s troubles are only beginning. At Nightlight, everyone has something to hide from the campers to the “converted” staff and cagey camp director, and it quickly becomes clear that no one is safe. Connor plans to escape and bring the other kidnapped teens with him. But first, he’s exposing the camp’s horrible truths for what they are— and taking this place down.
With all the buzz I’d seen about this book on Twitter, I was beyond excited to receive an ARC.
This book isn’t for everyone. It deals with some dark, heavy topics, and parts of it are absolutely gut-wrenching. The slurs and vitriol spat out by some of these characters is horrific and repulsive – and yet some people in the world still feel this way. It’s unfathomable to me.
My heart broke for Connor and his friends and the unimaginable circumstances they were forced into. Despite their grim situations, this group of queer kids stick together and support each other. The heartfelt bonds, friendships, and romantic relationships they form are one of the best parts of the novel, and I wanted to just hug every one of them.
With tension-filled moments and layers upon layers of secrets, this novel is difficult to put down. My only critique would be the time frame. Everything happens on the island in roughly twenty-four hours, and I found that a little tough to swallow. Trust me – a lot happens.
Although some parts are tough to read, Surrender Your Sons is full of heart and hope and one I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
Sounds like an emotional roller-coaster type of book. I seldom do dark reads. If I deal with it as a counselor, I don’t want to read about it – kind of thing. Wonderful, insightful review!
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Don’t blame you for that at all, Tessa. Roller-coaster type of book is a perfect description for this one. A difficult read at times, but so worth it. Thanks!
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I’ve read a few books wherein the plot unfolded in a single day. They’re different, but I did enjoy those I read.This book would definitely be too dark for me, but your review was thoughtfully presented.
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Thanks, Mae! I’ve read others that take place in the span of a day, but this one seemed a bit much. Other than that, it was very well done considering the subject matter.
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Super review, Teri. Thanks.
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Thanks, John!
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The blurb gave me the chills, Teri. I have a real problem with such irrational hatred and abuse and it would be hard for me not to scream at the book and shred the pages. But your right that people like this still exist. And I like the mention of strong friendships and compassion for each other. It does sound like a page-turner. And ending with hope is a big plus. Great review.
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Thanks, Diana! There were times I felt like screaming at some of the hate-filled characters in the book, and sadly there are still people like that out there. It was an emotional read, but ending with hope is always a good thing.
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Amazing Teri! I had seen another blogger raving about this one!
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Such a fantastic read, Sophie – I think you’d enjoy this one. Heavy at times, but hopeful. It releases next week.
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These kinds of stories break my heart. What makes one person better than another?
Wonderful review, Teri, thank you ❤
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Exactly, Jacquie. If everyone was the same, it would be one hell of a boring world. Thanks so much!
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Thanks for the review, Teri. I think I’d be shredding the pages along with Diana.
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I felt like it at times, Jill. Some scenes were pretty tough reading.
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Sounds a heavy but good read, Teri. I’m needing fluff at the moment, so I’ll just put it on the TBR pile for now.
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It’s definitely a heavy one, Jess. Sometimes you need a bit of fluff in your life – I get it.
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🙂
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The title says “Surrender Your Sons.” Are there any gay girls at the camp?
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Although the title may make you think it’s only guys on the island, there are also girls at the camp, both employees and campers.
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