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Raining Fire
Itch and Ethan are best friends. Together they dream of a better life for themselves, a life safe from the gangs that dominate their streets. But when Ethan's brother is charged with assault, violence soon seeps into the boys' lives - and their friendship. And it only takes one desperate bargain and a shocking betrayal, and suddenly it is Itch staring down the barrel of a gun . . . In this tense, gripping and absorbing real life thriller, Alan Gibbons explores the complex issue of gun crime, and the far reaching consequences it can have.
- GenresYoung Adult
288 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Alan Gibbons
165 books56 followersAlan Gibbons is an author of children's books and a Blue Peter Book Award. He currently lives in Liverpool, England, where he used to teach in a primary school. His father was a farm laborer, but was hurt in an accident when Alan was eight years old. The family had to move to Crewe, Cheshire where Alan experienced bullying for the first time. He began to write for his pupils as a teacher, but never tried to get any of his work published.
Gibbons trained to be a teacher in his mid-thirties and starting writing short stories for his students. Later, he began to write professionally. In 2000, he won the Blue Peter Book Award in the category "The Book I Couldn't Put Down" category for Shadow of the Minotaur. He was a judge for the 2001 Blue Peter Book Awards. He was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal in 2001 and 2003 and shortlisted twice for the Booktrust Teenage Prize. He has also won the Leicester Book of the Year, the Stockport Book Award, the Angus Book Award, the Catalyst Award, the Birmingham Chills Award, the Salford Young Adult Book Award and the Salford Librarians' Special Award.
Gibbons trained to be a teacher in his mid-thirties and starting writing short stories for his students. Later, he began to write professionally. In 2000, he won the Blue Peter Book Award in the category "The Book I Couldn't Put Down" category for Shadow of the Minotaur. He was a judge for the 2001 Blue Peter Book Awards. He was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal in 2001 and 2003 and shortlisted twice for the Booktrust Teenage Prize. He has also won the Leicester Book of the Year, the Stockport Book Award, the Angus Book Award, the Catalyst Award, the Birmingham Chills Award, the Salford Young Adult Book Award and the Salford Librarians' Special Award.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 12, 2014
I've been hearing talk about Alan Gibbons for years. Apparently he is a champion of libraries and librarians, so he can't be all bad :)
This books is filled with action from beginning to end. I know Middle School boys will definitely love it. It is a bit shallow in terms of setting, character development, and mood, but it adroitly incorporates several dramatic scenes (an absent father, what unemployment does to a soul, gang loyalty, etc.) into the plot. That alone makes it a worthwhile read.
Older readers may not enjoy it as much since it is somewhat predictable, but it is still a fun and interesting look into the gangs of Manchester, England.
This books is filled with action from beginning to end. I know Middle School boys will definitely love it. It is a bit shallow in terms of setting, character development, and mood, but it adroitly incorporates several dramatic scenes (an absent father, what unemployment does to a soul, gang loyalty, etc.) into the plot. That alone makes it a worthwhile read.
Older readers may not enjoy it as much since it is somewhat predictable, but it is still a fun and interesting look into the gangs of Manchester, England.
July 29, 2016
A bleak read, but a necessary one. Ethan comes close to losing his integrity when he tries to sort out the mess his brother, Alex, has got into. At times, this was unpleasant reading.
June 1, 2015
I thought this book had an interesting plot and really took you into the book, becoming apart of the character/character's life. I chose to read Raining Fire because I had heard Alan Gibbons was a good writer and so when I went to the library, I looked through the selection of Alan's books and came across this one. Raining Fire seemed like it would capture your attention from the first page and it did. The blurb of the book is, 'THE GUN IS THE COWARD'S FIST. THE GUN IS POWER.' I think the blurb was the main reason I picked up the book because I like violent, mysterious, thrilling stories and the words, 'THE GUN IS POWER,' drew me in straight away. It told me that it was going to be an exciting yet moral book that could teach me something.
A setting that I found interesting was where the main parts of the book is placed-in the neighbourhood. The way it was described made me think that the neighbourhood was like a dangerous place, a 'war' zone to be in fact. It reminded me of the movie we have just watched, 'Freedom Writers' because in the book gangs are roaming the streets, outbreaks of violence occur and big dramas happen because of nothing. The setting of the neighbourhood told me that it was a communal event, it was only happening around the area and it was more enclosed and not as big as a country situation. I found the setting interesting because it wasn't some sort of alien planet or a new world that doesn't exist, it was a neighbourhood, a neighbourhood just like mine or just like anyone else. It felt more realistic because of the setting like it actually could've happened.
My favourite quote from the book was, "There was no moon. The darkness was complete,". For some reason I liked this quote because I thought it really explained the situation that Ethan and Alex were going through. Alex wasn't apart of a gang anymore but Ethan, his younger brother was chased by a gang that wanted to know where Alex was because he knew something about a recent death caused by a gun. So when Ethan tries to talk to Alex about it, Alex completely shuts him out and ignores him. Ethan is affected by this because they're brothers and Ethan doesn't like it when there's secrets between them. At the end of the night is when they had their short cut-off conversation and that's when Ethan says, "There is no moon," referring to the night and how he feels saying there is no light in the darkness, no moon in the night. He also says, "The darkness is complete," meaning there is nothing more to say because he knows his brother won't tell him and the darkness is complete, there is no more light or no more trying to save the situation.
While reading the book, I thought more about how life can get really hard and when it does, you can't just give up but you've got to lean on some people and carry on. You can't carry the big heavy load on your own, you have to share the load. The book has really shown me how two brothers uniting to fix all the wrongs can have a positive effect and turn out okay. It has taught me how love really does help and that helping one another, helping family and friends, anyone who is in need can either make a small difference in their life or a massive difference. Either way it doesn't matter because at least it's making some difference to better their life.
A setting that I found interesting was where the main parts of the book is placed-in the neighbourhood. The way it was described made me think that the neighbourhood was like a dangerous place, a 'war' zone to be in fact. It reminded me of the movie we have just watched, 'Freedom Writers' because in the book gangs are roaming the streets, outbreaks of violence occur and big dramas happen because of nothing. The setting of the neighbourhood told me that it was a communal event, it was only happening around the area and it was more enclosed and not as big as a country situation. I found the setting interesting because it wasn't some sort of alien planet or a new world that doesn't exist, it was a neighbourhood, a neighbourhood just like mine or just like anyone else. It felt more realistic because of the setting like it actually could've happened.
My favourite quote from the book was, "There was no moon. The darkness was complete,". For some reason I liked this quote because I thought it really explained the situation that Ethan and Alex were going through. Alex wasn't apart of a gang anymore but Ethan, his younger brother was chased by a gang that wanted to know where Alex was because he knew something about a recent death caused by a gun. So when Ethan tries to talk to Alex about it, Alex completely shuts him out and ignores him. Ethan is affected by this because they're brothers and Ethan doesn't like it when there's secrets between them. At the end of the night is when they had their short cut-off conversation and that's when Ethan says, "There is no moon," referring to the night and how he feels saying there is no light in the darkness, no moon in the night. He also says, "The darkness is complete," meaning there is nothing more to say because he knows his brother won't tell him and the darkness is complete, there is no more light or no more trying to save the situation.
While reading the book, I thought more about how life can get really hard and when it does, you can't just give up but you've got to lean on some people and carry on. You can't carry the big heavy load on your own, you have to share the load. The book has really shown me how two brothers uniting to fix all the wrongs can have a positive effect and turn out okay. It has taught me how love really does help and that helping one another, helping family and friends, anyone who is in need can either make a small difference in their life or a massive difference. Either way it doesn't matter because at least it's making some difference to better their life.
April 29, 2014
Another excellent book from Alan Gibbons. And sadly topical, as I write it on the day the first ever teacher in Britain has been killed in her own classroom by a pupil. Although this story isn't about that theme, it is about violence, guns and hopelessness. The hero - if hero he is - is caught in a trap. He lives on a dead-end estate, overrun with gangs. He wants something better, to escape the gangs, but finds himself inevitably drawn deeper and deeper into a world of guns and violence. This is a bleak subject - but Gibbons is unafraid to look the subject in the face without romanticising it. Despite the subject matter the book does give you hope - but not in a folksy, rose tinted way, but hope that people can rise above their circumstances. I loved it - and the boys in my school will too.
August 29, 2013
| might be spoiler... |
One of the best books i ever read, couldn't put it down for a second. The story is so real you think you're the one living in it! a MUST READ! <3 i loved the ending, and how simmo made it up to ethan, it shows that how something so small can go such a long way, Ethan only helped him once and simmo never forgot that! And i love the fact that when jammie died everything was back together, and they could start something new, and forget the whole past! and i also loved the fact how Abi stuck up and stayed with Ethan even after she witnessed someones own death because of his actions! <3 This book is the best!
One of the best books i ever read, couldn't put it down for a second. The story is so real you think you're the one living in it! a MUST READ! <3 i loved the ending, and how simmo made it up to ethan, it shows that how something so small can go such a long way, Ethan only helped him once and simmo never forgot that! And i love the fact that when jammie died everything was back together, and they could start something new, and forget the whole past! and i also loved the fact how Abi stuck up and stayed with Ethan even after she witnessed someones own death because of his actions! <3 This book is the best!
December 22, 2017
More Realistic Fiction from top UK author Alan Gibbons. He excels at this genre and speaks to those who probably wouldn't go near a book even if you paid them: those young people who feel disengaged from life, school, the world around them and feel they have no voice. He connects with them, often via football (Alan is a passionate supporter) and he speaks the language of the streets, a rare skill. I won't repeat this book's blurb, read the Goodreads blurb (or my blog - shameless plug) but do discover Alan's books if you haven't done so already. This one deals with families, choices, loyalty, and gangs and of course, football. If you like Alex Wheatley's books, you'll like Alan's books too.
October 12, 2017
it was very good
lots of twists and unexpected events
the ending felt a bit rushed
good book on a topical subject
liked how Gibbons wrote at the start why he had written the book
lots of twists and unexpected events
the ending felt a bit rushed
good book on a topical subject
liked how Gibbons wrote at the start why he had written the book
November 28, 2021
Rival gangs on a deprived estate and how those on the periphery can become dragged in. A tough read for teen/YA readers just because this is everyday life.
November 3, 2013
Raining Fire by Alan Gibbons was a fantastic book. I read it in a matter of hours as it was extremely fastpaced, well-researched and featured a cast of realistic characters. The story centres around Ethan and Alex, two brothers who live on an estate run by a gang called The Tribe. Relations between The Tribe and the neighbouring gang called the North Side Crew are tense at best. As Alex is pulled into the conflict, Ethan must decide just what he will sacrifice in order to protect his brother and how far he is willing to go to protect those that he loves.
This is the first book that I read by Alan Gibbons. He is a brilliant writer as he quickly immersed me in Ethan and Alex’s world. The pages are full of action. Though the story takes place over two years, so much happened that before I knew it, I was finished. Gibbons perfectly captured the essence of gang life, culture and warfare that many of us know about but have never had direct contact with. Our main character Ethan knows gang members and is even friendly with them, but he has higher aspirations than to be in a gang. He wants to be a footballer, and luckily for him, he has the skills to go along with the dream.
Ethan was a great main character. Though he has his own dreams, he is always looking out for his loved ones. It’s because he cares that he has to enter a world he would much rather avoid. Gibbons shows that it is all too easy to become a part of a gang. For many, they feel as though they have no other option.
However, I’m not going to excuse crimes committed by gangs and Gibbons doesn’t either. He shows that gangs are downward spirals that lead to destruction as they live by a motto akin to ‘an eye for an eye.’ I felt for Ethan and hoped he could leave the vicious cycle.
Overall, I would recommend Raining Fire to teenagers. It’s highly relevant to our society. I look forward to reading more from Alan Gibbons.
This is the first book that I read by Alan Gibbons. He is a brilliant writer as he quickly immersed me in Ethan and Alex’s world. The pages are full of action. Though the story takes place over two years, so much happened that before I knew it, I was finished. Gibbons perfectly captured the essence of gang life, culture and warfare that many of us know about but have never had direct contact with. Our main character Ethan knows gang members and is even friendly with them, but he has higher aspirations than to be in a gang. He wants to be a footballer, and luckily for him, he has the skills to go along with the dream.
Ethan was a great main character. Though he has his own dreams, he is always looking out for his loved ones. It’s because he cares that he has to enter a world he would much rather avoid. Gibbons shows that it is all too easy to become a part of a gang. For many, they feel as though they have no other option.
However, I’m not going to excuse crimes committed by gangs and Gibbons doesn’t either. He shows that gangs are downward spirals that lead to destruction as they live by a motto akin to ‘an eye for an eye.’ I felt for Ethan and hoped he could leave the vicious cycle.
Overall, I would recommend Raining Fire to teenagers. It’s highly relevant to our society. I look forward to reading more from Alan Gibbons.
May 3, 2020
Not the best written book in the world but that's what makes it so good. To day it's a war between two worlds (football and gangs) is a massive stretch, as one of them goes out of the window very early on. But the rest of the book makes up for it with the charm, family ties and close to home feel of it all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2013
The atmosphere is sinister and there is a lot of aggression and violence but none of it is graphic so it won't shock younger readers' sensibility. I found the whole book to be a tense page-turner right up until the end, which I thought was little weak, but I suppose it is aimed at teens so a happy ending, however seemingly unlikely, is for the best.
Author Alan Gibbons, who is often a visiting speaker and lecturer in schools and colleges, explains in his author's note at the beginning of the book that he wanted to explore the world of gangs without being judgemental or glamourising it and I think he's succeeded. It's a thought-provoking read that could lead to some interesting discussions with teen readers.
full review here : http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot...
Author Alan Gibbons, who is often a visiting speaker and lecturer in schools and colleges, explains in his author's note at the beginning of the book that he wanted to explore the world of gangs without being judgemental or glamourising it and I think he's succeeded. It's a thought-provoking read that could lead to some interesting discussions with teen readers.
full review here : http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot...
June 25, 2014
Raining Fire captures the sense of the struggle to do the right thing against the odds, feeling trapped into a downward spiral. I really cared about Ethan and Alex and wanted the perfect ending; it wasn't which is good! It left me wondering what would happen to Simmo next, but thinking that for Alex and Ethan, perhaps there would be opportunity. Realistic and a sense that this story belongs to many young people growing up on 'The Green'
December 10, 2014
A superb YA thriller that explores complex issues of gangs and loyalties. Great cast of characters. Interesting relationships. Possibly a little cliche at times, but overall a great read.
January 19, 2016
I thought that the book had no description and no layered characters
October 5, 2023
Easily one of the most intriguing books I’ve read in a while! Was the only book that got me out of my reading slump
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews