Second Chance

Beyond the Skyline is Alex Lane’s diary of his life after leaving Hillbrook Juvenile Detention Center in Syracuse, New York. At the main gate an immaculately dressed man driving a black expensive foreign car meets him. The bearded stranger reveals himself to be Alex’s estranged brother Brandon.

Thus begins Brody Lane Gregg’s YA novel, Beyond the Skyline. Set in New York City, Gregg does an amazing job in the character study of Alex. Here is an eighteen-year-old hardened criminal who wants to turn his life around, but that means giving up control. 

Brandon provides Alex with a home and family he never really had as we breathlessly watch Alex learn about love, friendship, and faith.

Alex’s diary covers the four best months of his life. Raised by an alcoholic father and drug addicted mother, Alex never knew what a stable family life was like. His brother Brandon acquired wealth the legal way introducing Alex to his wife Jen and daughter Ally.

Alex relishes his role as uncle and brother-in-law developing a healthy relationship with Jen and his niece.

Soon, Alex finds himself attending high school and making new friends including drug dealer Reuben and his girlfriend Hannah. He’s befriended by Thomas, a huge muscular boy who enjoys acting gay, but really isn’t. Other misfits he encounter include Jess, a girl he meets in Chemistry class and Analeigh, the pastor’s daughter.

Throughout the book Alex writes about his feelings for each character and his fear of reverting back to his old criminal ways.

Beyond the Skyline is a character study delving into the mind of a criminal trying to go straight. It’s an inspirational story all teens and their parents should read and discuss.

About the Author

Brody Lane Gregg is a freelance editor and case manager for individuals with disabilities. He enjoys the editing process and boasts to have read the entire 16^th Edition of the Chicago Manual of Style. Brody lives with his wife and twin babies in Lafayette, Indiana.