The Bad Luck Nickel by Matthew Leslie is a compelling YA novel that combines high school drama, the pitfalls of fame, and the complexities of friendship. This 370-page novel book tour is sponsored by iRead Book Tours, set in the vibrant city of Montreal, and tells the story of Blair Matthews, a teen celebrity trying to escape his troubled past, and the impact he has on those around him. With themes of friendship, addiction, and mental health, the book delivers a thoughtful yet entertaining story that YA readers will find relatable and engaging. Check out my full review below and be sure to enter the giveaway!
Book Details:
Book Title: The Bad Luck Nickel
Author: Matthew Leslie
Category: YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 370 pages
Genre: YA Fiction
Publisher: Ausable Books
Release date: August 11, 2024
Content Rating: PG: The book is a YA novel that touches on mature themes. There are profanities in the dialogue, and the story touches on themes of addiction, drug abuse, mental health, sexuality, underage drinking, but there are no descriptive sex scenes, and while there is some mild violence there are no guns.
Book Description:
When Blair Matthews, teen celeb and son of rock legend, The Blade, shows up at a high school in Montreal amidst rumors of a drug-fueled sex scandal, it’s the most excitement the students at Trudeau High have seen in years.
And when Marco and his twin sister Julianna become fast friends with Blair, it seems like a dream. For Marco, Blair lifts him out of his post-breakup funk, and joins his band, The Bad Luck Nickel, instantly making it one of the hottest groups in town. And for Jules, Blair is her celebrity crush come to life in her living room.
But can Blair leave his past behind and start fresh at Trudeau High? Or will his infamy follow him from LA to MTL?
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My Review
Blair Matthews, the son of rock legend "The Blade," arrives at Trudeau High in Montreal under a cloud of scandal, including rumors of addiction and a wild lifestyle. For Marco and his twin sister Julianna, Blair’s arrival shakes up their normal high school life. Marco, dealing with his own breakup, finds a new sense of purpose in his friendship with Blair, especially when Blair joins his band, The Bad Luck Nickel, which quickly rises to local fame. Meanwhile, Julianna, who has long harbored a celebrity crush on Blair, finds herself facing the reality behind the glamorous image she once admired.
The novel follows Blair’s attempt to leave behind his troubled Los Angeles past while navigating the world of a "normal" high school. Can he shake off the rumors and carve out a new identity? Or will his previous mistakes catch up to him?
Character Dynamics:
The characters in The Bad Luck Nickel are well-developed and relatable, each facing their own struggles. Blair’s portrayal as a troubled yet charming teen trying to break free from his infamous reputation is authentic and engaging. His interactions with Marco and Julianna form the emotional core of the story.
Marco’s journey, from being heartbroken to rediscovering his passion through his band and his friendship with Blair, makes for an uplifting narrative. Meanwhile, Julianna’s starstruck admiration turning into something more complex adds depth to her character. The twins’ different responses to Blair reflect the varied ways teens navigate celebrity culture and friendships.
Themes and Tone:
What sets The Bad Luck Nickel apart from typical YA fare is its unflinching look at heavy themes such as addiction, mental health, and the pressures of fame. Although these topics are handled delicately (keeping the content appropriate for a PG audience), Leslie doesn’t shy away from the realities young people face when dealing with issues like drug abuse and mental health crises. The novel also touches on the struggles of self-identity and belonging, universal themes that resonate with readers of all ages.
Yet, despite these serious undertones, the book maintains a balance of light-hearted moments, including fun scenes about the high school experience and the formation of Marco’s band. The romance is sweet and never overpowers the central plot, adding just the right amount of warmth to the story.
What I Liked:
One of the novel's biggest strengths is its ability to explore difficult topics while remaining a relatable and engaging read. The friendship between Blair, Marco, and Julianna felt genuine, and I enjoyed watching how these relationships evolved over time. Marco’s band, The Bad Luck Nickel, brought a sense of camaraderie and fun, while also serving as a metaphor for Blair’s personal growth.
I also appreciated the setting. Montreal adds a refreshing twist to the typical high school story, with its unique culture and vibrant music scene enhancing the atmosphere of the book.
What Could Have Been Better:
While The Bad Luck Nickel is packed with engaging subplots and interesting character dynamics, there were moments when the pacing felt a little slow, especially in the middle. Some scenes seemed to drag, with internal monologues that occasionally repeated earlier ideas. However, these moments are few and far between and don’t detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the story.
Final Thoughts:
The Bad Luck Nickel is a fantastic YA novel that captures the essence of what it means to be young and searching for identity amidst the chaos of high school, fame, and personal struggles. Matthew Leslie has created a cast of memorable characters, led by Blair, who will stay with readers long after the final page. With themes of friendship, bravery, and resilience, this book is both thought-provoking and fun, making it a great read for teens and YA fiction fans alike.
For those who enjoy contemporary YA novels with complex characters, emotional depth, and just the right amount of drama, The Bad Luck Nickel is definitely worth picking up!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
About the author:
Matthew Leslie grew up in Windsor, Ontario, where he played bass in bands during high school and university. He reckons himself a writer, musician, and lover of lovely things. He lives in Montreal, where he teaches his favorite books to teens with the goal of inspiring a love of reading...
Giveaway:
Author-Signed copy of "THE BAD LUCK NICKEL" (one winners) (USA and Canada) (ends Nov 22)
This looksike a novel I will thoroughly enjoy. Thanks for sharing.