Rites of Passage

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

What do you think is going to happen to Sam McKenna -- military brat -- in the first year of Denmark Military Academy? Anything and everything especially if you are Samantha and one of the first females to attend an all male academy. Dad is career military -- Colonel McKenna, Sam's brother, Jonathan is the Cadet Colonel at the academy and her brother Amos, hung himself at the very same academy. The only reason she is here is because of a dare from Amos and she couldn't let it go.

This is an outstanding story about females entering territories that were once male dominated and the perseverance that is needed to make it through to the end. The themes of inner strength, friendship, survival and military life are well blended in "Rites of Passage". The character development and plot are strong and well written. There are times that you hold your breath for Sam hoping that all will be well while she fights the mentality of those that feel that she should not to be there along with the secret society that is behind it all.

Anyone interested in females in the military, strength, survival, true friendship and a book that will keep you on the edge -- this is it! An outstanding job for author Joy N. Hensley on her debut novel!

Overall Book Score: excellent