Gritty, urban, streetwise story shot through acerbic wit and compassionate humour like letters through candy rock, empowering and investing hope in young people to create their own future while respecting their past

This bitter-sweet story hurtles towards its inevitable conclusion, which is both frustratingly honest and overwhelmingly powerful. It is a heart-wrenching love story that will exert its power over you long after the book is finished

Rai's snappily-written dialogue and stream-of-consciousness narrative create a vivid, fast-moving take on the Romeo & Juliet story

This is a novel which challenges assumptions abour race, gender roles and family loyalties

It is well executed with convincing dialogue, humour and lively and believable main characters acting as teenagers of today do

An intricately plotted drama . . . Rai builds his story with consummate control . . . his empathetic portrayal of his multi-cultural cast of characters is underpinned by a sure grasp of street-language and mores

A cracking new book for older children . . . Like all her best work, this book is perfectly pitched to hook in even the most reluctant reader. The tone is fresh, funny and direct while strongly underpinned with genuine emotion

'Thought-provoking ... strong second novel'

'A poignant, delicately composed novel that doesn't stint on the wreckage of violence.'

McKeon ... is a writer to watch. He conveys how people who cause harm can sometimes be victims, in their own way, and that takes skill. If you enjoy Colum Mcann's work, this novel is for you.'

'... beautifully written, placed in those grey shadows between right and wrong and profound, terrible loss.'

A beautifully crafted story about the legacy of trauma

A supreme storyteller