Fanny Berk Strikes Back: The Misadventures of a Reluctant Hero

by Avi Luxenburg

Looking for a gripping mystery thriller with heart, grit, and unforgettable characters?

For ALL AGES, teens (YA) and adults, Fanny Berk Strikes Back delivers high-stakes suspense, fierce action, and a powerful emotional journey.

A breakout novel that blends crime, coming of age, and page-turning suspense

Fifteen-year-old Fanny Berk just wants to disappear. After a violent attack on her family, she retreats into silence, shadow, and karate—her armor against a world she no longer trusts. She trains relentlessly, stays under the radar, and keeps everyone out.

But when Fanny intervenes to stop a brutal act of bullying, everything changes.

That single moment of heroism draws her into a dangerous criminal underworld—where justice is risky, truth is slippery, and survival isn’t guaranteed.

As threats escalate, Fanny discovers she’s not as alone as she thinks. A misfit group of classmates—and a wildly loyal rescue dog—step up to stand by her side.

Together, they’ll face a storm of lies, danger, and impossible choices.
And Fanny will have to decide what kind of fighter she really wants to be.

What You’ll Find Inside:

🔍 A Bold Take on Crime & Mystery
Like A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder meets The Karate Kid
🥋 A Strong Female Lead
Fanny’s quiet toughness and martial arts skills make her unforgettable
⚡Edge-of-Your-Seat Suspense
Shocking twists, emotional intensity, and relentless momentum
🧠 Real-World Themes
Bullying, trauma, healing, and the power of human connection
❤️ A Story That Stays With You
About resilience, loyalty, and finding light in the darkest places
😂 Unexpected Humor

Wry observations, sharp comebacks, and laugh-out-loud moments that cut through the tension

Why Readers Love It:

✔️ Cross-Generational Appeal – A coming-of-age crime thriller with depth for adult and teen readers alike
✔️ Fast-Paced & Thoughtful – Combines action-packed storytelling with emotional resonance
✔️ Timely & Relevant – Tackles real issues with compassion, courage, and hope

Perfect For Fans Of:

✅ Suspenseful mystery thrillers with emotional impact
✅ Crime novels with strong, complex characters
✅ Coming-of-age stories packed with action, heart, and grit

FANNY BERK STRIKES BACK is a fierce, emotionally charged crime thriller that’s redefining the coming-of-age genre—for all ages.

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2025

About the author

Avi Luxenburg brings over three decades of rich experience as an educator to his writing for the YA audience. His teaching career spanned from second graders to mentoring master’s students. A dedication to nurturing young hearts and minds earned him the prestigious British Columbia Premier’s Excellence Award in Teaching. A deep understanding of the adolescent experience—its triumphs, challenges, and complexities—infuses his writing with authenticity and emotional depth.

Born in Israel, Avi’s global journey has taken him across Canada, the United States, Europe and Israel, culminating in a life enriched by diverse cultures and perspectives. This multicultural background informs the nuanced exploration of identity and resilience in Fanny Berk Strikes Back.

Avi's dedication to character-driven narratives shines through his process, helping to create compelling, emotionally resonant stories. Now based in Canada’s West Coast with his patient spouse, Avi channels his love for storytelling into creating works that inspire, entertain, and provoke thought in young adult and adult readers.

Reviews

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed in this one.
When I saw the cover and read the description, I was excited. “Girl and loyal dog” plot lines always catch my interest.
I read the entire book, but never really connected much with the characters, even Fanny, the protagonist. There was a lot going on in this novel; karate classes, school bullying, out-of-control math classes and sadistic coaching, acts of anti-semitism; whew, much to keep track of! (Which is more difficult with a Kindle book because one can’t flip back as easily!) Also, judging from the cover with the black Lab, I was expecting Fanny to be a total dog-lover(her sister is).
Trigger Warnings:
Attempted rape and assault; anti-Semitic violence; hate crimes; school bullying

*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

[Margarita Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of stories that not just is entertaining but also inspiring you even when is fiction. The main character Fanny Berk is not just a girl has a past that became resilient, stronger and over all brave. I can ensure that you will love her. This novel has a great plot, good development and an end that will make want more of Fanny. Highly recommend it.

[Avidreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fighting Back: Fanny Berk’s Journey of Courage and Justice

Avi Luxenburg’s Fanny Berk Strikes Back delivers a bold and refreshingly grounded story about resilience, justice, and self-discovery. When 15-year-old Fanny moves to a quiet town , she expects a fresh start. Instead, she faces bullying, isolation, and a deep sense of not fitting in. But rather than give up, Fanny leans into her determination—learning karate, forging new friendships, and standing up for herself and others.

What begins as a personal journey quickly deepens into a compelling mystery. The story’s most gripping turn is its exploration of small-town secrets, as Fanny and her friends—the “Motley Crew”—uncover a plot involving arson, extortion, and white supremacy. This layered narrative is paced well and keeps readers engaged without overwhelming its YA audience.

Avi Luxenburg strikes a balance between action and emotional honesty. Fanny is a relatable, strong-willed protagonist whose courage inspires. The book thoughtfully addresses serious themes like social alienation, bullying, prejudice, and civic responsibility, making it ideal for classroom discussion or independent reading.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Canadian Teacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Fanny Berk Strikes Back. Fanny is the kind of character you can’t help but root for—I honestly found myself standing up and cheering for her more than once. The family dynamics were such a breath of fresh air. So often in stories, families are toxic or broken, but this one felt real and supportive, and it added so much heart to the book.

The humor was spot on—funny without ever taking away from the serious moments. It helped lighten the mood in all the right places, which made the intense parts hit even harder. The action scenes, especially the martial arts, were just fantastic—super authentic and totally gripping. And the Motley Crew? Loved every one of them. What a great mix of characters.

I couldn't put the book down, reading over two days. Sheesh.
I seriously can’t wait for book two. I need more Fanny and more of this wild, brave, and brilliant world.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that escalated quickly!

I’m a sucker for a story with a reluctant (s)hero, and Fanny’s inner voice coaxing her into doing all the right things from standing up against bullies to eventually fighting crime (I *did* say things escalated quickly, didn’t I?) totally fits the bill.

My favorite part of this fast-paced, entertaining adventure was getting to know Fanny and her family and friends, who all brought not only excellent banter to the table but their own, individual skills and strenghts.

While I found some aspects a bit over the top (must be nice to have all these resources to throw at the problem at hand), I enjoyed the family (and found-family) dynamics. And Buddy did a stellar job stealing his way into Fanny’s heart (and mine).

[Maverick Independent Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

How does a guarded, self-conscious girl of fifteen break free from the confines of her personal prison? Karate, of course.

Fanny Berks rises as an unlikely heroine in this unblinking coming-of-age novel penned by Avi Luxenburg. Fanny’s life is a morose one, dominated by the scars of a lurid past and the confusion of an overbearing present. Ironically pursuing identity through isolation and passivity, Fanny hides behind a veil of dark oversized garb, a curtain of hair, and the use of earbuds to drown the sound of the outside world.

Orchard Valley is the town from which she and her family have fled, escaping a dark memory which will ultimately return, even in this ostensible refuge of Northridge River. Although unstated, Fanny’s big desire is to create an identity. The irony, though, is that she and her family are in fact running from their own identity. You see, their real name is Berkowitz. They are Jewish. And because of this heritage they were attacked by a mindless gang of white supremacists known as “The Movement,” an attack that results in her never again seeing her truest friend, setting Fanny on a path of withdrawal and isolation.

But Fanny is not a quitter. In Northridge, Fanny chooses to join a Karate dojo where they teach a discipline by which she can deal with the confusion. In martial arts terms, this discipline is called the Flow. The Flow is where she can find serenity in the eye of the storm - and a storm is coming.

As she masters the art, she evolves and later surprises herself by becoming the reluctant leader of a group of classmates called “The Motley Crew.” She’ll need their help because the racist bigotry and wanton destruction that once found her will again rear its disgusting head. Fanny’s inner need to guard the innocent finds her in a battle with school bullies whom she dispatches with alarming aplomb if not violence. What she doesn’t know is that these bullies are similar to the collection of racist bigots she’d encountered before. She’s presented with a choice. Join the cause, or get snuffed out.

Unique to the narrative is Fanny’s dialogue with her inner self. Laced with self-deprecation, cynicism, and a touch of wit, can Fanny listen and be transformed? Will she harness the power learned from the Flow? As fires kindle inside her, arsonists literally devour the outside landscape. It’ll take everything Fanny’s got to find a way.

Luxenburg spins an ambitious tale in this new book series for young adults. Though a little tedious in spots, it nonetheless casts a well-formed arc, as Fanny changes from an introverted and guarded outsider to a commanding and determined leader. Presenting deep themes of racial injustice, isolation, resilience, and loyalty, Luxenburg has dared to swing for the fences. And we all can respect that. The result is a character we can root for, and a story we can admire. It even sparks a little romance in the reader. After all, who doesn’t love Karate?

Review by Lee Sanders

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

This is a good book. It's definitely well-written, and it's uplifting, but it's also intense and more realistic than feel-good uplifting.

Fanny is a smart and introverted fifteen-year-old from Vancouver. Her family is close-knit and takes in rescue dogs, including Buddy, who latches on to her as much as she'll let him. Karate is one of the most important things in her life. Not only does she learn self-defense, but she also uses an understanding of the Flow to deal with bullies at her school.

After successfully protecting a classmate from a bully, her life starts to change. She opens up more, starts to come out of herself, and begins to deal with a previous trauma. I wouldn't say that there's a full character arc, but there's definitely growth. That's pretty much what this book is about: Fanny and her personal growth

This book is uplifting, but it's also a little difficult to read. It's realistic. Too realistic. Schools are filled beyond capacity. Teachers don't know how to handle disruptive students, so they bully and, in other ways, become a burden to everyone else. Girls compete with each other to be the most attractive. Too many students get lost and ignored. High school is hard, really hard, and this book shows just how hard it is. Also, this book has racism.

The antisemitic attack is hard to read but not extremely descriptive. It's descriptive enough, though. There's other racism, too.

Overall, this is a good book with a great heroine. It's not a light read, even though it's Young Adult. I recommend it for anyone having a hard time at school or who needs something to remind them that strength comes from within.

[Neena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luxenburg’s compelling coming-of-age novel dives deep into the complexities of trauma, resilience, and the painful loneliness of being different. Fanny Berk, 15, is a karate student, a self-taught intellectual trapped in a stifling high school system, a devoted reader of Jane Austen, and a girl whose past has taught her to stay invisible at all costs. When she intervenes to stop a brutal attack on a classmate, she lands in the crosshairs of a ruthless criminal network—and into the deadliest fight of her life.

Trauma lives in the edges of every scene, but Luxenburg handles it with an unflinching, unsentimental touch. Fanny’s story unfolds in jagged moments: silent acts of rebellion, explosive karate matches, almost-imperceptible cracks in her emotional armor. Like the practice of karate itself, the novel is clean, fast, and devastating. Luxenburg’s prose moves with precision, embedding moments of aching humor inside lines that often feel like punches to the gut. The structure is tight, the pacing relentless, but it’s the small, searing observations—on fear, on invisibility, on unexpected loyalty—that linger long after the final page. A stunner.

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Hero in the Shadows...

Fanny Berk Strikes Back is a razor-sharp, emotionally charged thriller that hits hard and lingers long after the last page. Avi Luxenburg introduces a protagonist who’s as quietly powerful as she is heartbreakingly human. After tragedy silences her world, Fanny doesn’t crumble—she trains, watches, waits. But when her sense of justice pulls her into a violent spiral, what follows is a raw, fast-paced ride through fear, loyalty, and the messy courage it takes to stand up when you'd rather disappear.

This story isn't just about crime or karate—it’s about clawing your way back to connection. With crackling dialogue, unexpected humor, and a fierce pulse of suspense, the novel weaves darkness and light with remarkable control. Fanny’s journey is part bruised knuckles, part beating heart—and all unforgettable.

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quiet Strength Meets Fierce Suspense - Fanny Berk Strikes Back is the kind of story that grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go. After a brutal family trauma, Fanny slips into the shadows and uses karate to cope, but a single act of courage pulls her into a world of danger she never asked for. I loved how real and raw Fanny felt—her fear, her bravery, her sarcasm—it all worked. The mix of suspense, character growth, and emotional honesty kept me turning pages. It’s not just a mystery; it’s a journey of healing, friendship, and fighting for something bigger than yourself. Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel this much, but I did—and I’m glad I picked it up.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fanny Berk doesn’t just strike back—she kicks fear in the teeth and takes names.

OMG, this book had me shadowboxing my feelings! Fanny is like the introvert ninja I never knew I needed—quiet on the outside, but spicy and strong where it counts. She’s been through hell, but when the world pushes her too far, she fights back with fists and heart. The suspense had my stomach doing somersaults, and the little misfit crew? I wanted to hug ‘em all. If you love fierce girls, fast plots, and mystery with actual punch, read this. Like, now. 🥋🕶️🐾

[Jennifer Stanton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young adult book that held my interest, at the beginning. About half way through it got a little too unrealistic and lost me a little bit. A really good book, I’ll finish reading quickly, this one needed a little encouragement to finish. It started as realistic fiction and then, surprisingly got a little deep and heavy, I was in. The story then took a turn and lost my interest.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

An attack on her family will lead her to hide in the shadows and wearing black. Her escape is karate but her life is about to change when she steps in to help them. Now she has become a target for criminal gangs. See how she gets on
I recieved an advance copy from hidden gems and a great tale

[Paige Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Punchy plot. Killer pacing. Dog approved. 🐾🥋

Fanny Berk Strikes Back is a knockout blend of guts, grit, and heart—with enough suspense, sass, and martial arts mojo to keep both teens and grown-ups on the edge of their beanbag chairs.