Do right. Fear nothing.

These simple words sum up the moral code that guides Sam Hopkins, the teenage hero of Andrew Klavan’s Crazy Dangerous.

Sam is a preacher’s kid from a loving family, whose mom, dad, and brother are all a little too busy to spend time with him. When he is tapped by the biggest troublemaker in school to become part of a bad-boy entourage, he feels cool for the first time in his life. Initially, his bad choices lead to a dilemma that only affects himself. Then he stumbles upon a plot so evil he must risk his life to save his town.

This novel is a thrill ride sure to please readers from young adult on up. From the moment I opened the book, I became lost in the adventure as Sam struggles to make sense of the crazy, dangerous tangle his life has become. And one of the things I love most about this story is how Sam learns to look past the trappings of social standing and popularity, recognize the bullies of the world for who they really are, and stand up to them.

But after reaching the end—which was even more exciting than the beginning—I briefly wondered if a boy Sam’s age would have been so quick-thinking, sacrificial, and courageous. I ran down the list of young men I’ve taught in my twenty-five years of working at a Christian high school. My conclusion? Yup! Many of the boys who once sat in my classroom definitely followed Sam’s moral code in their youth and were ready even then to stand for right. Now, they’ve moved on to raise families, serve their country in Iraq and Afghanistan, and become leaders in their communities.

So this book holds a special place in my heart because the humble hero reminds me of those guys. I wish there were more like them—and Sam—on the world stage today!

***Thanks to Litfuse for providing a copy for me to review.