The Promise of Amazing by Robin Constantine is a quick read that takes a realistic look at what it takes to become the person you want to be, even when you’re not really sure who that is.

The novel is told in alternating points of view between Wren, the girl who is average in every way and Grayson, the boy kicked out of private school for selling term papers, who also happens to have a pretty shady past. The novel looks to answer one question from both these characters perspectives: who am I?

The Promise of Amazing is a layered story that addresses issues teens face all time. Both Wren and Grayson have family issues. Wren has a perfect older sister, an older brother who is allowed to be wild and a family business that she loves even though it is failing. Grayson lives with his father and step-mother, who are both kind and care for him. He visits his mother, step-father and young siblings who live in a different town. The relationship is strained because Grayson views his step-father as the down fall of his family. This added layer gives the story depth and makes it about more than just two teens falling for each other.

The characters are well written and relatable. Wren is trying to figure out who she wants to be and what she wants to do with her life; she just doesn’t have a clue. Her friends Maddie and Jazz add some comic relief and are a great sounding board for Wren. Grayson is a conflicted character who is trying to do what is right, but the friends from his past seek to keep him involved in their dangerous games. Luke is a particular brand of jerk that I hope doesn’t exist in real life.

The plot is multifaceted, dealing with family, friends, love and finding yourself. Wren evolves throughout the story, figuring out how to become more than average. Grayson struggles with the past that threatens his relationship with Wren and his uncertain future. While the novel is about Wren and Grayson, his story is the more compelling one.

The Promise of Amazing strikes a balance between a light, funny tale of teen love and the darker side of the games teens play. The novel is well written and worth the read!

Synopsis

Wren Caswell is average. Ranked in the middle of her class at Sacred Heart, she’s not popular, but not a social misfit. Wren is the quiet, “good” girl who’s always done what she’s supposed to—only now in her junior year, this passive strategy is backfiring. She wants to change, but doesn’t know how.

Grayson Barrett was the king of St. Gabe’s. Star of the lacrosse team, top of his class, on a fast track to a brilliant future—until he was expelled for being a “term paper pimp.” Now Gray is in a downward spiral and needs to change, but doesn’t know how.

One fateful night their paths cross when Wren, working at her family’s Arthurian-themed catering hall, performs the Heimlich on Gray as he chokes on a cocktail weenie, saving his life literally and figuratively. What follows is the complicated, awkward, hilarious, and tender tale of two teens shedding their pasts, figuring out who they are—and falling in love.

About Robin Constantine

Robin Constantine is a born and bred Jersey girl who moved down South so she could wear flip-flops year round. She spends her days dreaming up stories where love conquers all, well, eventually but not without a lot of peril, angst and the occasional kissing scene.