If you guys are looking for a contemporary read with a fierce heroine, look no further. Not only does Rites of Passage tell a great story, it tackles serious issues like sexism very well. 
 By the time I got around to finally reading this one, I had forgotten most of the details in the synopsis, so a lot of the plot was a pleasant surprise. I was initially hesitant about this society that was going after her (mentioned in the synopsis) because I felt the story was strong enough without that particular plotline, but I was overall pretty pleased with the book. 
 All of the characters in Rites of Passage are extremely well written, whether it be the ones that make you just want to rip your hair out in frustration or the ones you just can't help but swoon over. They all have really unique personalities and I found myself quickly growing attached to Sam and her friends. Sam was my favorite character of all, not only can she hold her own with the men, she even surpasses some of them with her hard work and determination. 
 The setting of this book is part of the fun-it takes place at a military school and while this usually wouldn't be my thing, I absolutely loved it in this. The experience is written vividly and realistically, and I felt like I was there right alongside Sam as she went through it all. (Although I could never do anything like this in real life, I'm way too lazy!) So don't be afraid of this book just because of the setting, I promise it's good! 
 Even though Rites of Passage is no small chapter book, I was really happy it didn't have any serious pacing issues. I was immediately drawn into Sam's story, shocked by the hardships she has to endure throughout the book, and I couldn't wait to see if everything would work out for her in the end. 
 Speaking of the end, some things weren't wrapped up as well as I would have liked: (view spoiler)[Drill and Sam, what the heck? After all they have been through they don't really get to end up together? And Sam acts like she easily accepts this. (hide spoiler)] but it's not a deal-breaker. I'm definitely going to check out Hensley's next book, The Harder You Fall.