Read for Concorde Book Awards 2016.
Front Cover Thoughts: Ooh this book will be interesting, especially with what's happening in the world right now, can't wait to read it.
Last Page Thoughts: Wow, another case of a great idea written so badly (flashbacks to The Maze Runner)
Characters: RICO: quietly angry teenage boy. KARIMA: angry teenage girl. STEFAN: angry dad. LENA: angry, tired mum. LOLA: not sure why she wasn't charged at the end?
Storyline: so basically this was a book about injustice. it was about a 15y.o boy who wants to change the world because everything is falling to pieces.
I didn't particularly like the attitude in this book, like the attitude was that in every city of every country people are protesting against the authorities. At one point, Rico watches TV and points out about all the protests going on - I'm not saying protests and things like it, rights and marches, don't happen (in fact, on Saturday the women in Saudi Arabia got to vote) it's just that Zephaniah was acting like its the only thing that happens, and its not.
also, did not enjoy the writing style, there was nothing to stir you up emotionally at all. as well, whenever there was dialogue, the characters only "spoke" or "shouted". there was pretty much nothing else.
Also, everyone in the book seemed to hate the police.. I didn't like that much. I understand that police do make mistakes, but on the whole they do a good job, and I respect them for that.
Another thing, there was no little bits in the story that are actually completely irrelevant but make you understand the character more. it was all just so.. factual (but fictional).
I guess it had a good message, which is why it's got 3 stars and not 2.
definitely not the book I'm going to vote for in the Concorde Book Awards.