The Secret: Max's Story

Everyone tells me I should let go. But what if the only thing keeping me alive is exactly what I refuse to let go of?

After the dramatic events at Marl-Sinsen Clinic, 15-year-old Noah finds refuge with Max and his family. Between the two boys, an intense connection develops that goes far beyond friendship – while Max is still navigating his feelings for Noah and his complicated relationship with Lukas.

But after only four precious days, the youth welfare office tears Noah back into a closed institution, where a brutal system of looking away prevails.

While Noah fights for his bare survival, the Rieger family faces a seemingly hopeless battle against a justice system in which the powerful Bergmanns pull all the strings. How do you save someone from hell when the law is on the side of the perpetrators?

The fourth volume of the Max Saga is the most emotional and hardest yet – an unflinching look at the abysses of the German youth welfare system and at the same time a hymn to the power of unconditional love.

For fans of the series, an absolute must. New readers can easily jump in, but should be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster.

"SchalkesOpa surpasses himself in this fourth volume. Max has never been so vulnerable, the story has never been so important." – Reader review

For readers aged 14 and up who are not afraid of emotional intensity.