Fraternity

By: Andy Mientus

Narrated by: Andy Mientus, Kyle Beltran, Daniel K. Isaac

Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

A queer, dark academia YA story about a mysterious boarding school, a brotherhood that must stay in the shadows, and an ancient evil that could tear it all apart.

In the fall of 1991, Zooey Orson transfers to the Blackfriars School for Boys hoping for a fresh start following a scandal at his last school. However, he quickly learns that he isn’t the only student keeping a secret. Before he knows it, he’s fallen in with a group of boys who all share the same secret, one which they can only express openly within the safety of the clandestine gatherings of the Vicious Circle—the covert club for gay students going back decades. But when the boys unwittingly happen upon the headmaster’s copy of an arcane occult text, they unleash an eldritch secret so terrible, it threatens to consume them all.

A queer paranormal story set during the still-raging AIDS crisis, Fraternity examines a time not so long ago when a secret brotherhood lurked in the shadows. What would Zooey and his friends do to protect their found family?

©2022 Andy Mientus (P)2022 Recorded Books

Nostalgic and poignant, yet still fun

As a queer person who graduated high school in the 1990s, it was really refreshing to read a queer story set in that time. The main characters are complex and yet still likable. Even though the subject matter is often dark, there is a vein of humor and levity that keeps it from being depressing. And the use of the alternating three narrators was fresh, and made for a really enjoyable read.

A delightful mix of genres

I loved this book. Having 3 narrators doing the 3 main characters is a brilliant idea. Allowed for distinctive development of each character. The combination of the LGBTQ storylines mixed with the occult is unique and brilliant.....yep I think this was a brilliant book. Excellent ending , still would love a sequel, really would like to know what happens next for these characters

not what I was expecting: much better

no, this is not a "boys' school romance". interesting blend of genes and techniques. no spoilers, just listen to it.

Beautiful! Thank you!!

Wonderfully spun story that is so very real in so many ways! Too close to reality than fiction. Kept me in awe and tears and astonishment!! Enjoyed this much more than I had anticipated!!

Great read/listen

Characters were nicely drawn as was the plot and the acting was fantastic. A great weekend listen!

Perfect for Dark Academia lovers!

I was living for 90’s goth witchy vibes!

Even though I read this during the height of the sweltering summer, I still felt like I was in a chilly northeastern town, with rain drizzling down the windows, a freshly brewed mug of hot tea, and a dark indie playlist setting the perfect spooky mood!

Definitely add this to your TBR for Autumn, especially if you already know you like the genre.

Also, I thought the audio performances where superb!

gay teen angst with a pinch of magic

gay teen angst with a pinch of 90s Charmed (the tv show). its a good coming of age gay youth story. i can see myself growing to like the characters if given more time with them. wish there was more about the time together at the school. it just gently grazes dark academia. great if you are looking for gaycoming of age youth story that touches more than just "young romance for the first time". hoping theres more to come.

Perks of Being a Wallflower meets The Craft

I wish I’d read this book sooner. I loved it so much. The humor and wit made me love Leo the most and I would gladly read ten more books in his voice. All the characters were interesting to step into, but Leo had that femboy snark a la Perks of Being a Wallflower that had me laughing my ass off. Will recommend this book to my followers on booktok for sure. Anyone who likes academia, secret societies, witchcraft, found family, and realistic teen gay relationships.

Nothing short of amazing

Storyline and plot were way better than expected. In fact, this was one of the best books Ive ever read/listened to. The book should have wide appeal - is both exciting and funny. I think it would make an excellent movie. Its also remarkable for its historical accuracy - not just regarding LGBTQ rights , but also in the setting of the early 90's. For that reason, I can't say enough how much I enjoyed this book. I also think its required reading for anyone who's struggled or struggling with their sexual identity or any younger members of the community who want to get a taste of what queer culture was like in the early 90"s.

Mientus had me a dark magic!

“Fraternity” by Andy Mientus, is a queer, paranormal, dark academia story. Set at an all-boys’ boarding school in 1991, it follows a secret society of queer kids who uncover a book of dark magic and use its power to find their own—at a huge cost.

It's about unjust consequences, conversion therapy, the AIDS crisis, queerness, and on the idea that we all deserve to be allowed not just to exist but to thrive as our authentic selves and adolescence. Oh and magic…there is magic.

There are shining moments I didn't expect like Daniel saying that he wouldn't take the pill to change his race or his sexuality and extending that beyond his own identity.

Could it have been written better – maybe. Is it pure entertainment – Abso-freakin-lutely! And did I say that Mientus had me at magic! Read it!