Run, Riot by Nikesh Shukla

The Blurb On The Back:

Community. In the end, you’ll always want to help one of your own.

Taran and her twin brother Hari never wanted to move to Firestone House. But when the rent was doubled overnight and Dad’s chemo meant he couldn’t work, they had to make this tower block their home. It’s good now though; they feel part of something here.

When they start noticing boarded-up flats and glossy fliers for expensive apartments, they don’t think much of it – until Hari is caught up in a tragedy, and they are forced to go on the run.

It’s up to these teenagers to uncover the sinister truth behind what’s going on in the block, before it blows their world apart.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Nikesh Shukla’s first YA novel features authentic YA voices and focuses on working class characters while making interesting points on gentrification and who really benefits from it but the thriller elements descend into a ludicrously overblown plot with unbelievable antagonists, and a soap-opera worthy conspiracy element while the 48 hour real-time hook is undermined by necessary flashbacks to provide exposition.

RUN, RIOT was released in the United Kingdom on 14th June 2018. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.