Fair Coin

There is a fair amount of violence -- a couple of fistfights, a couple of violent scenes that end in death, and three mysterious murders -- in Fair Coin, although much of the mayhem is referred to, rather than depicted directly. The exception is a shocking fatal shooting that's more emotionally wrenching than bloody.

Across the various realities Eph visits in Fair Coin, he encounters differing levels of sexual activity among his alternate selves and their friends. At home, he only has a crush on his classmate Jena, but it's made clear that Eph and his girlfriend Zoe in another reality have a fully physical relationship. Another character, who is awkward and immature in one universe, is sexual active, and perhaps even sexually abusive, in another. In general, the more intimate aspects of these relationships are not depicted. There are a couple of jokes about porn and masturbation.

There is some profanity in Fair Coin, but not to excess. "S--t" and "f--k" are used as expletives in a few moments of emotional turmoil. Mention is made, once or twice, to girl's "t-ts."

Ephraim's mother is an alcoholic and a smoker, who attempts suicide with liquor and pills in the first scene of the novel. A couple of the alternate versions of Ephraim indulge in underage drinking. These behaviors are not portrayed positively.

Parents need to know that Fair Coin is a fast-paced science fantasy adventure that becomes trickier and more engaging as the plot -- which involves alternate universes -- plays itself out. There's a small amount of profanity, a couple of fistfights, a couple of violent scenes that end in death, and three mysterious murders -- although much of the mayhem is referred to, rather than depicted directly. The exception is a shocking fatal shooting that happens in front of Ephraim. There's some discussion, though no actual depiction, of teen sexual activity.