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Stories From Foster & Allan #.5
Ninety Degrees: A Precursor to Small Circles
Ninety Degrees is the story behind Silas McFuller's senior year at Chattanooga Prep. He and his best friend, Charleigh McAfee, have never cared about grades or ACT scores. Their drive stems from creativity and pushing the boundaries when it comes to the arts and the world around them. They've got one year left of high school, and they want to make it count. For Charleigh, that means crossing into dangerous territory alongside a rebel with a southern drawl. For Silas, it means letting go of reasoning and finally letting his true self shine. Readers of the Small Circles books know better than any that life is short, and within that small spanse of time, it's okay to be happy.
204 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2014
166 people want to read
About the author
Megan Duke
19 books63 followersHello, Goodreads people!
I'm an independent author based out of Nashville, TN. I write about young people with issues. It is my belief that everyone deserves to be happy, no matter who you are or what you believe.
I'm best known for my coming of age novel, Small Circles. You can find it through most online distributors, including Amazon, iBooks, and B&N.com. If you like to read about teenage drama, my books are your holy grail.
You also might know me by my Bethyl fan-fiction from The Walking Dead. You can find it on AO3 under my username: rednecksaints.
Currently working on my first fantasy series!
Happy reading! xx
I'm an independent author based out of Nashville, TN. I write about young people with issues. It is my belief that everyone deserves to be happy, no matter who you are or what you believe.
I'm best known for my coming of age novel, Small Circles. You can find it through most online distributors, including Amazon, iBooks, and B&N.com. If you like to read about teenage drama, my books are your holy grail.
You also might know me by my Bethyl fan-fiction from The Walking Dead. You can find it on AO3 under my username: rednecksaints.
Currently working on my first fantasy series!
Happy reading! xx
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 29, 2014
I would suggest reading Three-Sixty first (even though this is a precursor to the Small Circles and Three-Sixty story) because it provides a little backstory into one of the main characters from Ninety-Degrees.
I really can’t say enough things about this book. Right away you are thrown into the lives of the students during their senior year at Chattanooga Prep School. There was no hesitation at introducing the main characters and be provided with a general idea of who the characters are. Unlike other books, this story is not divided by “chapters”, but rather by seasons during their senior year. Yes, I am repeating myself, but I love that the author decided to write the book in this manner. I have read books where I end up pausing to see how much I have left in the chapter, rather than focusing on the story. Writing the story this way allows readers to become even more lost in the story. I really can’t put into words how much I love Megan Duke’s writing. She truly understands her characters and she makes you believe that you are reading a story about real people.
I loved each character and how they developed throughout the book. The main character Silas McFuller tries to come to terms with his sexuality and being okay with who he is. We originally see Silas as a minor character in Three-Sixty, so I was very excited to learn about his character and to see what he was like in the beginning. Of course, I absolutely loved Charleigh’s character. I always enjoy reading about female characters who walk to the beat of their own drum. She isn’t the typical “petite skinny girl” and comes off as knowing who she is, but she really has yet to fully accept and understand who she is. There is also Logan Brown, who is best friends with both Silas and Charleigh. You don’t get the full story behind who Logan is, but he plays a major role in another character’s life (shh, I won’t say who!). Another character that we meet is Tucker Watson, a transfer from Foster and Allen (this school may be familiar to you if you read Small Circles!!). Tucker is the new student who is a mystery to those he now goes to school with. You aren’t originally given a back story to Tucker’s character, but as you read you find out more about his character. I loved this, because it parallel’s Charleigh relationship with Tucker in how their relationship slowly develops.
And BTW, you may or may not read about some of our favorite characters from Small Circles- nothing major, but it made me smile.. and then not so much.. (if you’ve read Small Circles, you’ll know why).
These characters go through so many ups and downs in such a short amount of time. They learn what it means to truly understand who they are, how much you can impact another person’s life, and of course to know that it’s okay to be happy (thanks Megan!).
This was such a profound coming of age story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading the story. I’m serious, I sat staring at the book for ten minutes tearing up (happy tears), because of how beautiful this story is.
Happy Reading!!
I really can’t say enough things about this book. Right away you are thrown into the lives of the students during their senior year at Chattanooga Prep School. There was no hesitation at introducing the main characters and be provided with a general idea of who the characters are. Unlike other books, this story is not divided by “chapters”, but rather by seasons during their senior year. Yes, I am repeating myself, but I love that the author decided to write the book in this manner. I have read books where I end up pausing to see how much I have left in the chapter, rather than focusing on the story. Writing the story this way allows readers to become even more lost in the story. I really can’t put into words how much I love Megan Duke’s writing. She truly understands her characters and she makes you believe that you are reading a story about real people.
I loved each character and how they developed throughout the book. The main character Silas McFuller tries to come to terms with his sexuality and being okay with who he is. We originally see Silas as a minor character in Three-Sixty, so I was very excited to learn about his character and to see what he was like in the beginning. Of course, I absolutely loved Charleigh’s character. I always enjoy reading about female characters who walk to the beat of their own drum. She isn’t the typical “petite skinny girl” and comes off as knowing who she is, but she really has yet to fully accept and understand who she is. There is also Logan Brown, who is best friends with both Silas and Charleigh. You don’t get the full story behind who Logan is, but he plays a major role in another character’s life (shh, I won’t say who!). Another character that we meet is Tucker Watson, a transfer from Foster and Allen (this school may be familiar to you if you read Small Circles!!). Tucker is the new student who is a mystery to those he now goes to school with. You aren’t originally given a back story to Tucker’s character, but as you read you find out more about his character. I loved this, because it parallel’s Charleigh relationship with Tucker in how their relationship slowly develops.
And BTW, you may or may not read about some of our favorite characters from Small Circles- nothing major, but it made me smile.. and then not so much.. (if you’ve read Small Circles, you’ll know why).
These characters go through so many ups and downs in such a short amount of time. They learn what it means to truly understand who they are, how much you can impact another person’s life, and of course to know that it’s okay to be happy (thanks Megan!).
This was such a profound coming of age story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading the story. I’m serious, I sat staring at the book for ten minutes tearing up (happy tears), because of how beautiful this story is.
Happy Reading!!
November 11, 2014
Five stars all the way. I usually don't like the in-between novels/novellas, but I actually really enjoyed reading about Silas' background story. I love the characters in this book, and it was really great getting to know Silas a little bit better. Overall, I really recommend reading this book as a part of the series, as *kinda spoiler-ish alert* some of the characters in this book make appearances in Infinite Limits. Although, I would suggest reading Ninety Degrees before Three Sixty, which I didn't do (whoops).
November 5, 2014
(This review can also be found at www.thebellebeautyblog.blogspot.com)
In Three Sixty, we were introduced to Silas McFuller, Larson's new boyfriend. Everyone had mixed reactions to Silas joining the group so soon after Owen's death *sob*, but by the end of the book he wins everyone over. The book I'm reviewing today is Ninety Degrees by Megan Duke, which takes us back in time to Silas's senior year of high school with his best friends Charleigh and Logan.
This book was such a great addition to the Small Circles series. It introduces a completely new cast of characters like Tucker, Logan, and Charleigh, but you'll also recognize some minor characters from Small Circles like Josh (Pax's dealer, who's also distributing drugs at CPS) and Kip (remember Kip?). Even though it's the first book with these new characters, you already feel like you know them once you immerse yourself in the story.
I'm going to try to sum it up as best as I can.
Charleigh and Logan have hooked up a few times prior to Ninety Degrees, but when it goes further than that, Charleigh begins to question if love and sex can be two separate things. She decides to test that theory with Tucker Watson, the new student who may or may not be a psychopath, if you buy into the rumors. But that backfires when she doesn't sleep with him, and instead starts to fall for him. All the while trying to sort out her feelings for Logan. Enter a very well-written love triangle that makes me feel a lot of feelings.
While all this is going on, Silas isn't sure if he wants to tell his best friends about his problems. For one thing, he's gay, but hasn't come out to anyone because he can't guarantee how they'll react. Also, he let himself be used by Dakota (who's also in the closet), who promptly began treating Silas like trash.
So the love triangle and Silas' secret are the two biggest things in the book, but there are a lot of smaller themes and conflicts as well, such as:
-Logan is in over his head running drugs for Josh, and things go south when a bottle of pills goes missing. (Spoiler alert: Tucker stole them, but not for the reasons you may think.)
-Charleigh is an incredibly free spirit who tattoos her shoes with song lyrics and paints beautiful murals (actually graffiti, but try telling her that) across town. She's been planning her senior art project, which is sure to get her into the art school of her choice, for years, until she finds out it's a two-piece assignment with a partner - Tucker.
-Charleigh's body image. She comes off as extremely confident, but she's actually quite insecure over the fact that she's "not skinny" and doesn't look like other girls.
I just loved Ninety Degrees, and I'm glad these characters got a book of their own instead of just being squeezed into the other books. It's well written, the characters feel like real people, and even though there's a lot going on, it's hard to put down.
In Three Sixty, we were introduced to Silas McFuller, Larson's new boyfriend. Everyone had mixed reactions to Silas joining the group so soon after Owen's death *sob*, but by the end of the book he wins everyone over. The book I'm reviewing today is Ninety Degrees by Megan Duke, which takes us back in time to Silas's senior year of high school with his best friends Charleigh and Logan.
This book was such a great addition to the Small Circles series. It introduces a completely new cast of characters like Tucker, Logan, and Charleigh, but you'll also recognize some minor characters from Small Circles like Josh (Pax's dealer, who's also distributing drugs at CPS) and Kip (remember Kip?). Even though it's the first book with these new characters, you already feel like you know them once you immerse yourself in the story.
I'm going to try to sum it up as best as I can.
Charleigh and Logan have hooked up a few times prior to Ninety Degrees, but when it goes further than that, Charleigh begins to question if love and sex can be two separate things. She decides to test that theory with Tucker Watson, the new student who may or may not be a psychopath, if you buy into the rumors. But that backfires when she doesn't sleep with him, and instead starts to fall for him. All the while trying to sort out her feelings for Logan. Enter a very well-written love triangle that makes me feel a lot of feelings.
While all this is going on, Silas isn't sure if he wants to tell his best friends about his problems. For one thing, he's gay, but hasn't come out to anyone because he can't guarantee how they'll react. Also, he let himself be used by Dakota (who's also in the closet), who promptly began treating Silas like trash.
So the love triangle and Silas' secret are the two biggest things in the book, but there are a lot of smaller themes and conflicts as well, such as:
-Logan is in over his head running drugs for Josh, and things go south when a bottle of pills goes missing. (Spoiler alert: Tucker stole them, but not for the reasons you may think.)
-Charleigh is an incredibly free spirit who tattoos her shoes with song lyrics and paints beautiful murals (actually graffiti, but try telling her that) across town. She's been planning her senior art project, which is sure to get her into the art school of her choice, for years, until she finds out it's a two-piece assignment with a partner - Tucker.
-Charleigh's body image. She comes off as extremely confident, but she's actually quite insecure over the fact that she's "not skinny" and doesn't look like other girls.
I just loved Ninety Degrees, and I'm glad these characters got a book of their own instead of just being squeezed into the other books. It's well written, the characters feel like real people, and even though there's a lot going on, it's hard to put down.
May 23, 2014
Okay, so here's my real review of Ninety Degrees. I finished it on Friday, when I should've started studying for exams, oh well, no harm done, right? Once again, Megan has done it again, with new characters, new settings, and new things to be uncovered, she wrote yet another book that I absolutely loved.
Whenever there are new characters added into a story, I'm always scared that I'll end up despising them or something, but with Ninety Degrees, there's nothing to fear. I was really excited to see--or shall I say read--Silas' side of the story. I mean, he is dating Larson after all, even though that's at the end of the book. Enter Charleigh, the girl with the pink in her hair and lyrics on her sneakers, the free spirit. It didn't take me long at all to fall in love with her, probably because I want to be her. Okay, not necessarily be her, so to say, but have her personality and free spirit; that's one of the things I love about her. And of course there's Logan, the best friend to the other two, aren't they lucky? Of course they are. I absolutely adore these three, so much that I wish I could pluck them from the pages and call them my own. I love how they're so diverse from each other, and their friendship isn't all rainbows and dauntless cake. What else do you expect from a Megan Duke book?
There were so many conflicts throughout the novel that just tore me apart, I loved it. I loved how there were inner-character conflicts as well as character-to-character conflicts. It felt as this was happening and as if I'm the bystander. Say, for instance, Tucker stealing the drugs from Logan for Maddox. That just broke my heart into a thousand pieces, right there, folks. It's like Megan just took any ole person walking down the street and decided, hey, I like you and threw them into the story, and I loved that.
The plot was just mind-blowing, truly fantastic. I still can't wrap my mind around it, it left me pretty speechless. No, really, I don't know what to say, well, type. So I'll make this brief: I loved it. Wow, I say that a lot.
I'm sorry that this review is shorter than the other two, personally, I blame exams for frying my thought process, but I feel like I can't express the awesomeness of these books--and Megan herself--enough. If you haven't read Ninety Degrees, or Small Circles, well what are you waiting for? Go, go, go, and pick up your copy now.
P.S. Thanks again, Megan, for the copy and poster.
Whenever there are new characters added into a story, I'm always scared that I'll end up despising them or something, but with Ninety Degrees, there's nothing to fear. I was really excited to see--or shall I say read--Silas' side of the story. I mean, he is dating Larson after all, even though that's at the end of the book. Enter Charleigh, the girl with the pink in her hair and lyrics on her sneakers, the free spirit. It didn't take me long at all to fall in love with her, probably because I want to be her. Okay, not necessarily be her, so to say, but have her personality and free spirit; that's one of the things I love about her. And of course there's Logan, the best friend to the other two, aren't they lucky? Of course they are. I absolutely adore these three, so much that I wish I could pluck them from the pages and call them my own. I love how they're so diverse from each other, and their friendship isn't all rainbows and dauntless cake. What else do you expect from a Megan Duke book?
There were so many conflicts throughout the novel that just tore me apart, I loved it. I loved how there were inner-character conflicts as well as character-to-character conflicts. It felt as this was happening and as if I'm the bystander. Say, for instance, Tucker stealing the drugs from Logan for Maddox. That just broke my heart into a thousand pieces, right there, folks. It's like Megan just took any ole person walking down the street and decided, hey, I like you and threw them into the story, and I loved that.
The plot was just mind-blowing, truly fantastic. I still can't wrap my mind around it, it left me pretty speechless. No, really, I don't know what to say, well, type. So I'll make this brief: I loved it. Wow, I say that a lot.
I'm sorry that this review is shorter than the other two, personally, I blame exams for frying my thought process, but I feel like I can't express the awesomeness of these books--and Megan herself--enough. If you haven't read Ninety Degrees, or Small Circles, well what are you waiting for? Go, go, go, and pick up your copy now.
P.S. Thanks again, Megan, for the copy and poster.
July 3, 2014
Read full review at: www.bookaholic-reads.blogspot.com
*I RECEIVED THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*
NO SPOILERS!
Ninety Degrees by Megan Duke was a precursor to her amazing series, Small Circles. Ninety Degrees was a fun, amusing, quick read which definitely kept my interest throughout the whole novel. This novel is quite unique to Duke's other novels as it is following supporting characters in Small Circles and their lives before meeting the Small Circles characters. The male protagonist of this novel, Silas McFuller, was definitely a character who showed character growth. From being a gullible, used boy to a strong man, we see the character development. Silas went through a lot of troubles and also managed to handle them well. Learning more about Silas' past was an adventure I enjoyed as I was interested to see his life before meeting Larson. Charleigh was my favourite character throughout this entire novel. Her fun, wild spirit definitely made this book an interesting ride. Charleigh's character faced a lot of hurdles and experiencing these hurdles with her really helped create a soft spot in our hearts for her. From the outside, her character might seem careless and fun but getting to know her personally conveyed all the insecurities she goes through- just like a normal teenage girl. This novel had a brilliant setting and it was quite detailed which helped draw the readers closer into the novel. Megan Duke's writing skills are quite elegant helping to draw all the unanswered questions beautifully at the end. Duke writing style is phenomenal as I found it really easy to fit into the current situation/ conflict that had been aroused. The plot was absolutely amazing- it was unique and definitely relatable too. As a teenager, I felt it was easy to fit into the story as we see hardships at school or even on the television and Duke brought these problems 'to life' through her novel giving teenagers an insight on how difficult things can become if you choose the wrong path in life. This novel is not only relatable too but is also quite honest and inspiring. Duke made us realise that it's okay to be happy and to do what our heart wants. From this novel I have learnt many life goals such as, always follow your dream and heart. I definitely recommend this series, Small Circles, to teenagers as these novels will really inspire them in life.
*I RECEIVED THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*
NO SPOILERS!
Ninety Degrees by Megan Duke was a precursor to her amazing series, Small Circles. Ninety Degrees was a fun, amusing, quick read which definitely kept my interest throughout the whole novel. This novel is quite unique to Duke's other novels as it is following supporting characters in Small Circles and their lives before meeting the Small Circles characters. The male protagonist of this novel, Silas McFuller, was definitely a character who showed character growth. From being a gullible, used boy to a strong man, we see the character development. Silas went through a lot of troubles and also managed to handle them well. Learning more about Silas' past was an adventure I enjoyed as I was interested to see his life before meeting Larson. Charleigh was my favourite character throughout this entire novel. Her fun, wild spirit definitely made this book an interesting ride. Charleigh's character faced a lot of hurdles and experiencing these hurdles with her really helped create a soft spot in our hearts for her. From the outside, her character might seem careless and fun but getting to know her personally conveyed all the insecurities she goes through- just like a normal teenage girl. This novel had a brilliant setting and it was quite detailed which helped draw the readers closer into the novel. Megan Duke's writing skills are quite elegant helping to draw all the unanswered questions beautifully at the end. Duke writing style is phenomenal as I found it really easy to fit into the current situation/ conflict that had been aroused. The plot was absolutely amazing- it was unique and definitely relatable too. As a teenager, I felt it was easy to fit into the story as we see hardships at school or even on the television and Duke brought these problems 'to life' through her novel giving teenagers an insight on how difficult things can become if you choose the wrong path in life. This novel is not only relatable too but is also quite honest and inspiring. Duke made us realise that it's okay to be happy and to do what our heart wants. From this novel I have learnt many life goals such as, always follow your dream and heart. I definitely recommend this series, Small Circles, to teenagers as these novels will really inspire them in life.
May 21, 2014
Full review: http://analoves.com/2014/05/20/happy-...
*I received a free copy of this book from the author*
Another book by Megan Duke and I'm still blown away by her writing! This book is about Silas and Charleigh's senior year at Chattanooga Prep. They both are struggling to come to terms with who they are and are trying to be happy.
Ninety Degrees has loveable characters, a great plot, and an ending that made me cry happy tears. You don't wanna miss it so go pick up a copy now!
~Please read my full review on my blog~
*I received a free copy of this book from the author*
Another book by Megan Duke and I'm still blown away by her writing! This book is about Silas and Charleigh's senior year at Chattanooga Prep. They both are struggling to come to terms with who they are and are trying to be happy.
Ninety Degrees has loveable characters, a great plot, and an ending that made me cry happy tears. You don't wanna miss it so go pick up a copy now!
~Please read my full review on my blog~
June 3, 2014
I received a copy free through a goodreads giveaway. I had not read any of Megan's books before and I wasn't sure what to expect. I fell completely in love with the characters. The personal conflicts that the characters face are relatable and intriguing. After reading this book I would love to read more about Silas!! Thanks again for the book Megan!!
September 17, 2014
Loved seeing all new characters and any links they have to our favorites. Before long I grew to love these characters almost as much as the originals. Hope to see them again soon!!
June 8, 2014
Young Adult novel, focusing on a group of friends in their final year of secondary school. Explored issues such as drug-dealing, violence, homophobia, sex, as well as what love can be said to be.
The book is well-plotted, character driven and fairly-well proofread for self-publishing (only about 10 or so type mismatches, but lots of hyphens that should be dashes.) Definitely neat enough to not upset a reader.
It was an engaging book. Not an uplifting end, but an attempt to go there. Not much really happened, no real understanding, or epiphany was reached, not a lot of poetry, just serial soapy stuff with a bit of grit. That’s okay, it was very readable and a lot of people like soapies, especially when the characters are fairly well-constructed. Was quite disappointed with both the protagonists (Silas & Charleigh), because I really didn’t get to see an amazing emotional shift happen for them. Events were mostly told, rather than scenes given and shown, when it came to career.
If you’re looking for USA focussed YA though, worth a read.
The book is well-plotted, character driven and fairly-well proofread for self-publishing (only about 10 or so type mismatches, but lots of hyphens that should be dashes.) Definitely neat enough to not upset a reader.
It was an engaging book. Not an uplifting end, but an attempt to go there. Not much really happened, no real understanding, or epiphany was reached, not a lot of poetry, just serial soapy stuff with a bit of grit. That’s okay, it was very readable and a lot of people like soapies, especially when the characters are fairly well-constructed. Was quite disappointed with both the protagonists (Silas & Charleigh), because I really didn’t get to see an amazing emotional shift happen for them. Events were mostly told, rather than scenes given and shown, when it came to career.
If you’re looking for USA focussed YA though, worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews