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

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.

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.

A Haunting Exploration of NE Boarding School Culture, Identity, and the Occult

It’s been months since I read Fraternity, and it still lingers. The narrators are distinct and each brings a different feeling to the cast of characters! Very cool that the author narrates as well. I read this while visiting some Northeast boarding schools which made the audiobook feel especially relevant. Fraternity is a delight. It’s quite dark—but it’s an extremely satisfying read!

Evokes emotions in all directions

I can’t tell you how many times I was stared at while at work because I cackled or gasped because I listened with my AirPods, and people around didn’t know what was happening. The story is beautifully written, and the author being an actor definitely takes it to another level of storytelling.

Oh my god! What a performance!

First off, I loved the book! Fun and engaging story and the POVs were all so distinct that it made it hard to put down. I’m also so happy I chose the audio book! It was just so well voice acted and each of the actors really deserves major recognition for their craft!