Brutal. Preller does not shy away from the details. (There are even some strange thriller-ish moments—Cody murmuring "Good times, good times" in the background of every fight scene, the easy gaslighting/manipulation from the main bully, Hallenback with the odd finger gun incident.) These characters are confusing and hard, but so real. I was surprised over and over by how the author fleshed out his characters without apology or excuse—like how Griffin can be genuinely open and kind one minute and completely heartless the next, or how Eric and Mary both still make wrong choices even after they've decided to change. Friendships aren't simple and perfect, and this book illustrates that point strongly and effectively. I've never seen a middle grade book so flawed and full of truth. And on top of that, the morals are worthy and so important. I'd recommend—with caution for below age 12.