Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami
After “The Battle for Innocence,” every reader was left wondering about what Andy would say after they last saw him waking up in his hospital bed. After a long month in Montgomery, it is clear that things have changed since he was in a coma, as many relationships have formed and people altered to healthier beliefs. However, a great amount has also changed in Andy’s mind, as throughout his coma, he experienced an incredibly realistic dream. In “The Forces Within,” author Stacy Padula tells the story of Andy’s coma through his consciousness, which grants the reader critical foreshadowing about what comes next after his return to Montgomery Lake High School.
As said, “The Forces Within” focuses mainly on the relationship between Andy and Chantal. In the novel, we can see their relationship being tested both within the dream and in real life. While it was clear that their relationship was at risk of being broken, their good intentions and dedication to become better people and closer to God developed a level of understanding between them. Losing someone to a month-long coma is very difficult, but continuing on with life and relationships afterward can be troublesome as well.
In all, “The Forces Within” showcases the struggles that many can face during difficult times, and how it can affect their mental state and relationships in the future. Yet, author Stacy Padula shows that if an individual stays optimistic and believes for the best during tough times, they can ultimately come out of it as a more educated and transformed human being. I recommend this book to all young adults who have been exposed to any troubles with friends or other issues, as even though this novel will not exactly line up with your current problems, it will definitely grant you the advice and solutions for how to approach them.
After being trapped inside his own body, unable to communicate with anyone but his own thoughts, Andy Rosetti finally wakes up from the coma that controlled his life for one month. But upon awakening, Andy finds himself and his friends in an unfamiliar setting: a mansion riddled with secret passages and supernatural forces. As his friends fall prey to the entities surrounding them, Andy must figure out if the darkness lies within the mansion’s walls or within the people surrounding him.
About Kyle Banker
In 2019, Kyle graduated from Beaver Country Day School in Chestnut Hill. His favorite subjects include Biology, English, and Entrepreneurship. Some of his hobbies are playing soccer and hockey, volunteering, and being with friends and family. Kyle is now studying Biological Sciences at the University of Miami.
Other Articles by Kyle:
Fiction Book Helps Teens Prepare for High School
Teen Novel about Addiction Provides Hope for Redemption and Recovery
Teen Novel Educates Kids About the Perils of Substance Abuse
Why Teens Want to Read The Right Person
A Must-Read Novel For All High School Students
Teen Book Series Educates Readers about Drug Abuse in a New Way
Why You Should Read the #1 New Release “Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told”
Kyle Banker on The “Gripped” Characters
A Teen’s Review of Gripped Part 1
Looking Ahead to Gripped Part 2 with Kyle Banker
What Should Readers Expect from Gripped Part 2 (To Be Released Later This Year)
May’s Q&A with Kyle Banker of Beaver Country Day School
Kyle Banker Reviews “The Right Person” by Stacy A. Padula – A Young Adult Novel
Books by Stacy A. Padula 
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