From the age of nine David had taken his role as protector of the younger Zach seriously. Over the years he watched over him and participated in his life in whatever capacity Zach required. But everything changed when Zach kissed David. Fearing that his hero worship has clouded his feelings, Zach's parents make the fateful decision to send Zach to his aunt's in Venezuela. That one innocent kiss changed both men's lives forever.

Five years ago fifteen-year-old Zach Tyler stepped off a plane in Venezuela and disappeared. Then, defying all odds, a physically and emotionally scarred Zach is found in the Venezuelan jungle the captive of an evil guerilla general. His family had long feared him dead and the shattered man that is returned to them is nothing like the bright and shining boy they lost.

David is overwhelmed with joy at the thought of Zach's return. But, Zach shuts him out and refuses to even see him. After two years Zach has finally opened the door a sliver and allowed David in, thorough that sliver David sees signs of the Zach that used to be, can he help find Zach find himself or will Zach slam the door shut and lock David out forever?

If you are looking for an emotional rollercoaster of a ride then Rowan Speedwell's Finding Zach is the story for you. I laughed, I cried, I got so mad that I had to stop reading, I went through the gamut of emotions and came out at the end emotionally drained. This was a hard story for me to get through. First, I can't even imagine the torture, mental and physical, that Zach went through during those 5 years at the hands of his captor. Second, I can't begin to fathom the strength of will that it would take for Zach to come as far as he had in two years. I couldn't put this book down, like a horrific car crash; I was unable to look away. Rowan Speedwell's writing style sucked me in and kept me going even when I wanted to escape from the emotions the story evoked. Zach and David were awesome characters. Zach was a tremendously strong man to survive the horrific treatment that he went through much less progress to the point he had after only two years of therapy. David, my favorite character, was a pillar of strength upon which Zach could build his foundation. But, he also possessed a keen mind that allowed him to do what was best for Zach even as he struggled with his own wants and desires. This was the first, but will certainly not be the last, novel I read by this author!

Reviewed by: Hayley