Forever Boy
Michael J Bowler
Independently Published (2024)
ISBN: 979-8988611035
Reviewed by Terri Stepek for Reader Views (09/2024)
Drágan Albescu is not an attention seeker. Yet he manages to draw the eye of nearly everyone around him, no matter where he goes. He is, to be sure, worth a second look. His slim, muscular build, beautiful face, and long wavy hair set him apart from most. If that doesn’t do it, then his vintage clothing and unusual manner of speech will. He is absolutely unlike anyone 14-year-old Isaac has ever met. This is “Forever Boy,” the first book in Michael J. Bowler’s The Forever Saga.
Isaac is hearing impaired, relying on hearing aids to help him survive in an auditory society that often disdains those who are different- a society like school, where he has no real friends to support him. He has no father in his life either, living with just his mom, who does her best to give him a loving home. As the story progresses with Isaac and Drágan becoming good friends, readers begin to realize just how wonderful Isaac’s mom is. She’s the kind of mom all kids wish they had; one who listens to and believes in her child. One who will do anything, no matter how outside the norm it may be, to enrich her child’s life. For a secondary character, she’s got a lot of heart… and spunk.
Drágan is a complete enigma. A boy seemingly outside of time of place. A teen who carries around a ridiculously heavy valise and eats raw bacon when he thinks no one is looking. Who not only speaks oddly, but who has worldly wisdom well beyond his teenaged appearance, and who claims to have no family. He becomes not only a comfort, mentor, and friend to Isaac, but a bit of a champion as well. Isaac’s entire gym class discovers just how strongly Drágan feels about Isaac’s well-being when he sees him being bullied at school and confronts the coach about it, asking him if he knows Isaac’s name:
Confused, [Coach] Lancaster glanced at Isaac like he would a bug. “I don’t know. The kid who’s deaf, I think. What’s that have to do—”
“His name is Isaac Foster,” Drágan interrupted, “and he’s hearing impaired, not deaf. He’s also the boy you have belittled since school began. You cannot even correctly recall his disability, yet you humiliate him for making mistakes typical for one with hearing loss. Further, you ignore, or more likely encourage, your brutish football players to trip him and other smaller students because, I suppose, you find such behavior amusing.”
Wouldn’t it be great if all kids could have a champion like Drágan?
But Drágan holds dark secrets. As the bond between the boys strengthens, Drágan begins to peel back the dark curtain on who he really is. This is a bell that can’t be unrung; a sight that cannot be unseen. As Isaac begins to comprehend is shaken to his core.
Michael J. Bowler has created a moving teen read in “Forever Boy,” with characters who will engage, delight, and enchant readers. Drágan is mesmerizing. Isaac is relatable. Secondary characters show actions and feelings typical for their age group while displaying the ability to observe and grow. Major themes within this storyline include loyalty and friendship, with a strong emphasis on perseverance and hope. Bowler has created at once a brilliant story that captures the imagination as well as a cast of characters who embody positivity and encouragement. They don’t all start out as good friends, but Drágan acts as a bridge between characters- bringing them together and helping them relate with each other. The result is remarkable and makes a great story regardless of the reader’s age.
“Forever Boy” by Michael J. Bowler does not end on a cliffhanger, but it’s obvious the story of Isaac and Drágan is not over yet. As this story raced along at the pace and intensity of a 9th grader being chased by a swarm of bees, I couldn’t imagine what else the author has in store for us. But it’s obvious he’s got more planned for these unforgettable characters, and I’ll be anxiously awaiting book two! I recommend “Forever Boy” to teens and older readers who appreciate well-written suspense stories with elements of the supernatural.