River Lang spends his senior year mourning his best friend Dylan, who died tragically in a texting-and-driving accident that their small Michigan town commemorates—or exploits—with an obnoxious billboard. River vandalizes the billboard, then is blackmailed into joining an elaborate friendship-based science experiment to keep that fact a secret. The “Affinity Trials” take place in River’s high school under the eye of graduate student Mentors and somehow also include Mavis, his former best friend and Dylan’s ex-girlfriend, along with an assortment of other classmates. Everything about the Trials is ostensibly shady and unethical, from the unexplained disks participants must wear on their heads to the forced mystery surrounding what is even being tested, which contributes a suspenseful tone to an otherwise grounded story of complex grief. That is, until participants start having visions and River is paired up with non-participant Nash under questionable circumstances. Dylan’s narration leading up to his death is interspersed throughout the story and provides additional context to River, Mavis, and Dylan’s close-knit friend group developing into a queer love triangle by the time of his accident. The plot contrivances here are glaring, however, and the predictable reveal of the trials’ nefarious manipulations shortchange a deeper exploration of the emotional relevance of emerging virtual technologies, a premise that is teased but feels sloppily executed in this quiet sci-fi drama. WJ

– BCCB, 5/1/24

* "Couch expertly ratchets up suspense. A superb, thought-provoking effort that is sure to delight readers who enjoy original, beautifully imagined efforts."

– Booklist, starred review

"Readers who think they know what’s coming will be surprised....An emotionally intense exploration of grief combined with creative speculation about the nature of friendship."

– Kirkus Reviews, 04/01/24

"Distinct characters with strong presences, steady pacing, and a meaty mystery combine to deliver a rewarding experience."

– Publishers Weekly, 2/12/2024

"Gripping, unique, and heartfelt, Another First Chance is a gorgeous exploration of friendship and grief. Both the love story and mystery made my heart race; Robbie Couch is a master of emotion."

– Jen St. Jude, author of If Tomorrow Doesn't Come  

"Equal parts suspenseful and sincere, Robbie Couch had me on the edge of my seat one minute and clutching my heart the next! A completely captivating exploration of grief and the lengths we'll go to so we can move on."

– Jason June, New York Times bestselling author

“Another First Chance is a compelling and heartfelt tale of friendship, grief, and love in all its forms. The cleverly crafted plot is full of twists and turns that will keep the reader guessing until the final, revelatory page. A truly unique story about the ineffable mark people leave on us when they’re gone.”

– Tobias Madden, author of Wrong Answers Only