Some books surprise you because they challenge expectations. Others surprise you simply because you wonder how they escaped your notice for so long. Who Holds the Power? by Furious falls firmly into the latter category for me.

From the outset, I had to repeatedly remind myself of Ivan Thompson’s age. He is written with such emotional clarity and awareness that it’s easy to forget how young he is — and that, I think, is one of the novel’s great strengths. Ivan’s journey from a mild-mannered, thoughtful boy to someone who learns to stand his ground feels authentic, earned, and deeply satisfying.

One of the book’s strongest qualities is its sense of place. The descriptions are thorough without becoming overwhelming, allowing the reader to feel as though they’re walking through parts of Chicago alongside the characters. The city isn’t just a backdrop; it quietly shapes the story.

The action elements — particularly those involving sports and martial arts — are handled with precision and purpose. They add momentum while reinforcing Ivan’s growth, rather than distracting from it.

At its core, Who Holds the Power? is a story about bullying and power — how it’s used, misused, and ultimately reclaimed. It explores fear, self-doubt, and the internal struggle of standing up for oneself, while also highlighting the rewards of courage and integrity.

This is a book I would confidently recommend to younger readers facing bullying or confidence issues, as well as to adult readers who remember what it felt like to find their voice for the first time.

I’m genuinely glad I discovered Who Holds the Power? — even if it arrived later than it should have.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Read my Goodreads review here.