What do you think?
Rate this book
Wild East
When fourteen-year-old music-lover Ronny's life gets messy, his mum decides they're moving out of London. In Norwich, as a Black teenager in a mostly white school, Ronny feels like a complete outsider. He tries his best to stay out of trouble, and keep his goal of becoming a rapper alive. But when a local poet comes into class, he opens Ronny's world to something new. Rap is like spoken word, lyrics equal poetry - and maybe the combination of both could be the key to Ronny's dreams?
288 pages, Paperback
Published May 23, 2024
9 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Hickson-Lovence
7 books68 followersAshley Hickson-Lovence was born in London in 1991 and is a former secondary school English teacher with a PhD in Creative and Critical Writing from the University of East Anglia. His debut novel, The 392, was released in April 2019 and his second novel, Your Show, was released in April 2022. His third book, a YA-in-verse called Wild East, is released with Penguin in May 2024.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 26, 2024
Really enjoyed this, a YA verse novel about a young man moving from London to Norwich in the aftermath of his friend's murder. It was powerful and hopeful and very well constructed.
Hickson-Lovence - author of the brilliant Your Show - is a stupendously gifted young writer, and it's great to see him being given licence to write different kinds of stories and employ vibrant structures of storytelling.
Hickson-Lovence - author of the brilliant Your Show - is a stupendously gifted young writer, and it's great to see him being given licence to write different kinds of stories and employ vibrant structures of storytelling.
August 15, 2024
In lyrical prose Ashley Hickson-Lovence writes about mistaken identity, talent and ambition, country lines, identity, home and friendship.
Ronny loves music and writes rap lyrics although he doesn’t consider himself a poet or a writer.
A tragic case of mistaken identity leads to his mum to move them out of London to a predominantly white neighbourhood in Norwich.
Although a YA (young adult) novel, this is a book I think everyone should read. I was thoroughly entertained and enlightened by it.
I would also highly recommend it to young boys that don’t consider themselves readers but love words in songs or rap as this book contains Ronny’s lyrics.
There’s an excellent audiobook narrated by the author himself that I can imagine parents playing on a long trip to the seaside during the summer holidays with the kids in the back of the car, listening, pretending not to be ‘reading’.
Apart from Ronny, I liked all the characters, felt their struggles from Malachi the troubled but to Ronny’s mum, a single mother working multiple jobs and their ambition, hope and joy.
As a tote bag enthusiast, I adore Lucas’s collection.
This is a five star quick read. Pick it up this summer.
Ronny loves music and writes rap lyrics although he doesn’t consider himself a poet or a writer.
A tragic case of mistaken identity leads to his mum to move them out of London to a predominantly white neighbourhood in Norwich.
Although a YA (young adult) novel, this is a book I think everyone should read. I was thoroughly entertained and enlightened by it.
I would also highly recommend it to young boys that don’t consider themselves readers but love words in songs or rap as this book contains Ronny’s lyrics.
There’s an excellent audiobook narrated by the author himself that I can imagine parents playing on a long trip to the seaside during the summer holidays with the kids in the back of the car, listening, pretending not to be ‘reading’.
Apart from Ronny, I liked all the characters, felt their struggles from Malachi the troubled but to Ronny’s mum, a single mother working multiple jobs and their ambition, hope and joy.
As a tote bag enthusiast, I adore Lucas’s collection.
This is a five star quick read. Pick it up this summer.
May 14, 2024
Such an important and wonderful novel!!! The verse style worked so well both for pacing and also to give us an insight into Ronny’s mind and world as a poet and lyricist. I loved the discussions of art and politics and everything - superb 🫶
September 8, 2024
snappy, stylish — so many good pop culture references. “verse novel” exploring black britishness
July 5, 2024
A slow start that builds to a well written comment on society.
October 30, 2025
This book came on my radar earlier this year as it was shortlisted for the older category in the Spark! Book Awards, the Branford Boase awards, and the Diverse Book Awards (which it went on to win) and probably more! And I can see why it has been so well-received.
Ronny is 14 and his life changes suddenly and shockingly when his friend is killed in a knife attack by other youths in London. Maz’s death as an innocent caught up in violence is shocking. But the author also invites reflection upon how young people become involved in such activities- a theme that resurfaces later through the tragic and nuanced character, Malachi. The prologue is brimming with anger and futility as it highlights the apathy, and privilege, of onlookers -largely unaffected by such activity-as well as the act of violence.
Ronny’s mum relocates their family to Norwich, where Ronny initially feels a bit of a fish out of water. There’s a noticeable lack of diversity compared to the Capital and he must endure moments of casual racism like being told he looks like Marcus Rashford, hearing his mum being asked ‘where’re you really come from?’ - London not being the answer they’re looking for, and people wanting to touch his hair.
The passage of time is clearly defined through the novel’s episodic structure- each part taking place in a new month, spanning almost a year. As time passes, Ronny makes friends with Leigh, who is himself a bit of an outsider jostling with with his gender identity in the brutal teen arena. Their friendship is cemented in the creative writing workshops they both attend with a visiting poet. Here, they learn to express themselves and be themselves.
The majority of the novel is restorative, optimistic and hopeful as Ronny reshapes his story from one of tragedy to one of possibility through friendship, hard work and creativity. That said, you never lose sight of the tragic fact that for Maz (the boy who is killed at the start, and the many kids like him in real life) there will be no such opportunities.
I love the use of verse, which echoes Ronny’s own creative journey. It’s a really accessible length for a book with such meaty themes and it’s full of pop culture references that make it totally contemporary and relevant to its intended readership.
Ronny is 14 and his life changes suddenly and shockingly when his friend is killed in a knife attack by other youths in London. Maz’s death as an innocent caught up in violence is shocking. But the author also invites reflection upon how young people become involved in such activities- a theme that resurfaces later through the tragic and nuanced character, Malachi. The prologue is brimming with anger and futility as it highlights the apathy, and privilege, of onlookers -largely unaffected by such activity-as well as the act of violence.
Ronny’s mum relocates their family to Norwich, where Ronny initially feels a bit of a fish out of water. There’s a noticeable lack of diversity compared to the Capital and he must endure moments of casual racism like being told he looks like Marcus Rashford, hearing his mum being asked ‘where’re you really come from?’ - London not being the answer they’re looking for, and people wanting to touch his hair.
The passage of time is clearly defined through the novel’s episodic structure- each part taking place in a new month, spanning almost a year. As time passes, Ronny makes friends with Leigh, who is himself a bit of an outsider jostling with with his gender identity in the brutal teen arena. Their friendship is cemented in the creative writing workshops they both attend with a visiting poet. Here, they learn to express themselves and be themselves.
The majority of the novel is restorative, optimistic and hopeful as Ronny reshapes his story from one of tragedy to one of possibility through friendship, hard work and creativity. That said, you never lose sight of the tragic fact that for Maz (the boy who is killed at the start, and the many kids like him in real life) there will be no such opportunities.
I love the use of verse, which echoes Ronny’s own creative journey. It’s a really accessible length for a book with such meaty themes and it’s full of pop culture references that make it totally contemporary and relevant to its intended readership.
November 15, 2024
What a read! Wild East by Ashley Hickson-Lovence is a triumph in contemporary YA literature - a verse novel that speaks directly to today’s youth while delivering a universally powerful and hopeful message. With its immersive narrative and well-fleshed-out characters, it’s a poignant story of loss, identity, and resilience that I can see becoming a major hit in my library.
The story follows Ronny, a young man thrust into upheaval after the tragic murder of his best friend. Moving from London to Norwich, Ronny’s journey unfolds in lyrical prose, grappling with themes of mistaken identity, systemic racism, and the tug-of-war between ambition and circumstance. Through Ronny’s passion for rap and lyricism—despite his reluctance to label himself as a poet—Hickson-Lovence masterfully blends poetry with narrative, making this book accessible even to reluctant readers. It reminded me of Crossing the Line (a big hit last year), as it similarly captures the raw, authentic voice of youth and tackles challenging issues with grace and optimism.
The characters are beautifully constructed, from Ronny’s mum, a tenacious single parent working tirelessly to support her son, to Malachi, whose struggles are both heartbreaking and relatable. Hickson-Lovence’s attention to detail—even quirky touches like Lucas’s tote bag collection—breathes life into these individuals. Ronny’s voice is especially compelling; his emotions, struggles, and growth feel deeply authentic, making his journey one of self-discovery a resonant and rewarding experience.
Wild East is a fabulous read for young people—and adults—offering hope, empathy, and inspiration. I can already imagine recommending it to students who loved Crossing the Line or who are looking for something fresh, real, and empowering. A potential classic in the making.
Thank you to the publisher who has provided me with a copy of 'Wild East' as a part of Spark! Awards nomination process.
The story follows Ronny, a young man thrust into upheaval after the tragic murder of his best friend. Moving from London to Norwich, Ronny’s journey unfolds in lyrical prose, grappling with themes of mistaken identity, systemic racism, and the tug-of-war between ambition and circumstance. Through Ronny’s passion for rap and lyricism—despite his reluctance to label himself as a poet—Hickson-Lovence masterfully blends poetry with narrative, making this book accessible even to reluctant readers. It reminded me of Crossing the Line (a big hit last year), as it similarly captures the raw, authentic voice of youth and tackles challenging issues with grace and optimism.
The characters are beautifully constructed, from Ronny’s mum, a tenacious single parent working tirelessly to support her son, to Malachi, whose struggles are both heartbreaking and relatable. Hickson-Lovence’s attention to detail—even quirky touches like Lucas’s tote bag collection—breathes life into these individuals. Ronny’s voice is especially compelling; his emotions, struggles, and growth feel deeply authentic, making his journey one of self-discovery a resonant and rewarding experience.
Wild East is a fabulous read for young people—and adults—offering hope, empathy, and inspiration. I can already imagine recommending it to students who loved Crossing the Line or who are looking for something fresh, real, and empowering. A potential classic in the making.
Thank you to the publisher who has provided me with a copy of 'Wild East' as a part of Spark! Awards nomination process.
April 2, 2024
This is the second book I’ve read about county lines recently and I think it’s great that teen/YA authors are addressing this issue. This title isn’t as hard hitting as the other book I’ve read – but that is possibly a good thing and makes it more accessible/suitable to younger readers – who need to know about this just as much as the older ones… if not more so.
Ronny is a black boy who moves to Norfolk when his mother decides she has to get him out of London for his own safety. There are elements about how hard he finds it to fit in but the focus is definitely on his love for words and how he develops his love for music into a real talent for poetry/song words.
I read the ARC on my Kindle and sadly lost the arrangement of the text on the page as a result. This is such an important aspect of verse novels it was a shame but I still enjoyed the book. It promotes reading and language; shows the importance of inspiring teachers; has given me ideas to use for a creative writing group; has given me fresh resolve to read Manjeet Mann’s The Crossing and inspired me to look at Ugly Dogs Don’t Cry by DD Armstrong.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Ronny is a black boy who moves to Norfolk when his mother decides she has to get him out of London for his own safety. There are elements about how hard he finds it to fit in but the focus is definitely on his love for words and how he develops his love for music into a real talent for poetry/song words.
I read the ARC on my Kindle and sadly lost the arrangement of the text on the page as a result. This is such an important aspect of verse novels it was a shame but I still enjoyed the book. It promotes reading and language; shows the importance of inspiring teachers; has given me ideas to use for a creative writing group; has given me fresh resolve to read Manjeet Mann’s The Crossing and inspired me to look at Ugly Dogs Don’t Cry by DD Armstrong.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
September 11, 2025
The first novel-in-verse I read was The Poet X, and since then I’ve been fascinated by the form. I picked this one up after learning about Ashley and having a session with him in my creative writing course. His work spans across a really interesting variety of forms and genres, but of course I had to start with Wild East knowing I’d be in awe just by the form.
And it certainly DID NOT DISAPPOINT. In fact, it exceeded my expectations. I am simply amazed by how much he managed to pack into the stanzas, despite the economical lines — all the important and relevant contemporary social themes like drug-dealing gangs, racism, identity, and refugee struggles; a seamless plot; a character you easily empathize with. And the emotional resonance too surprised me (I cried at several points)!
I’m a 40-year-old woman but still deeply related with a 14-year-old Black boy’s thoughts and reflections on feeling like an outsider in a new place — that’s how well Ashley developed Ronny’s character, alongside well-crafted elements of poetry.
Just overall well-crafted. An easy five stars from me. Well done, Ashley.
And it certainly DID NOT DISAPPOINT. In fact, it exceeded my expectations. I am simply amazed by how much he managed to pack into the stanzas, despite the economical lines — all the important and relevant contemporary social themes like drug-dealing gangs, racism, identity, and refugee struggles; a seamless plot; a character you easily empathize with. And the emotional resonance too surprised me (I cried at several points)!
I’m a 40-year-old woman but still deeply related with a 14-year-old Black boy’s thoughts and reflections on feeling like an outsider in a new place — that’s how well Ashley developed Ronny’s character, alongside well-crafted elements of poetry.
Just overall well-crafted. An easy five stars from me. Well done, Ashley.
April 13, 2024
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
I largely picked this up because it's a novel-in-verse and I'm yet to read one that hasn't been amazing. I'm glad this kept that pattern up.
This book seemed to have two key aspects - the power of words/writing and the dangers of just existing as a young Black man. It handled both incredibly well and merged them in Ronny as his move to Norwich and much of his writing was shaped by the tragedy of Maz's death.
I also really enjoyed the side-characters in this - they may not have necessarily had tons of page time, they all really shone and felt fully fleshed-out - especially Lana, Leigh, Maher, Ronny's mum, Mr Bruce, Malachi and Lucas.
And, the way writing was discussed in this, he way poetry and music were compared, the way other works like The Black Flaming and The Crossing were mentioned, this really feels like a book that will pull its readers into other books and possibly inspire a greater or renewed love of books/words/writing/poetry.
I largely picked this up because it's a novel-in-verse and I'm yet to read one that hasn't been amazing. I'm glad this kept that pattern up.
This book seemed to have two key aspects - the power of words/writing and the dangers of just existing as a young Black man. It handled both incredibly well and merged them in Ronny as his move to Norwich and much of his writing was shaped by the tragedy of Maz's death.
I also really enjoyed the side-characters in this - they may not have necessarily had tons of page time, they all really shone and felt fully fleshed-out - especially Lana, Leigh, Maher, Ronny's mum, Mr Bruce, Malachi and Lucas.
And, the way writing was discussed in this, he way poetry and music were compared, the way other works like The Black Flaming and The Crossing were mentioned, this really feels like a book that will pull its readers into other books and possibly inspire a greater or renewed love of books/words/writing/poetry.
December 6, 2024
This book thrust you straight into the action. I mean the first chapter. It was all there. I won’t lie, it wasn’t bad it was interesting. I’ve always liked books that used in media res.
Anyway, this book was really interesting and I enjoyed it.
However, I felt like there weren’t any real problems. Like we had Malaki and we had his friend who went missing for a little bit but the whole book was basically about him pursuing writing as a hobby.
I liked the portrayal of war victims with his friend. It was really interesting especially how they still cared for each other even though they couldn’t communicate properly.
I also liked his best friend. I’ve kind of forgotten his name but he was really confident in himself and his sexuality. However that stuff with his boyfriend. It was mention around once and then not again. I felt it was kind of rushed like there could have maybe been more information about it.
Overall, this was a very interesting book and I liked it.
Anyway, this book was really interesting and I enjoyed it.
However, I felt like there weren’t any real problems. Like we had Malaki and we had his friend who went missing for a little bit but the whole book was basically about him pursuing writing as a hobby.
I liked the portrayal of war victims with his friend. It was really interesting especially how they still cared for each other even though they couldn’t communicate properly.
I also liked his best friend. I’ve kind of forgotten his name but he was really confident in himself and his sexuality. However that stuff with his boyfriend. It was mention around once and then not again. I felt it was kind of rushed like there could have maybe been more information about it.
Overall, this was a very interesting book and I liked it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2025
A verse novel about Ronny, a Black boy from London who's mum moves him to Norwich after he is caught up in gang related violence.
Ronny feels out of place in Norwich, which lacks London's diversity, but realises that it's quieter vibe is allowing him to express himself better through songs and poetry and he begins to really shine at school, despite racial stereotypes and assumptions threatening to drag him back into a world of violence.
Wild East deals with a lot of issues from child poverty and immigration to gang violence and racial stereotypes, but I found the verse style in this case, made the story feel a little superficial. It lacked the raw power of The Final Year, for example, and it's theme of the disadvantaged young black man finding his way out of trouble through words and poetry was less engaging than If My Words Had Wings. Fans of Steady for This by Nathael Lessore may enjoy this book. For me it had great aims, but didn't quite hit home with any impact.
Ronny feels out of place in Norwich, which lacks London's diversity, but realises that it's quieter vibe is allowing him to express himself better through songs and poetry and he begins to really shine at school, despite racial stereotypes and assumptions threatening to drag him back into a world of violence.
Wild East deals with a lot of issues from child poverty and immigration to gang violence and racial stereotypes, but I found the verse style in this case, made the story feel a little superficial. It lacked the raw power of The Final Year, for example, and it's theme of the disadvantaged young black man finding his way out of trouble through words and poetry was less engaging than If My Words Had Wings. Fans of Steady for This by Nathael Lessore may enjoy this book. For me it had great aims, but didn't quite hit home with any impact.
June 12, 2025
Ronny is a fourteen year old boy who's mum has made the decision to move from East London to East Anglia. Ronny was one of the only black pupils in the school and had a massive ambition to become a rapper, but his life is struck by tragedy when his best friend gets stabbed in London.
My favourite character was Ronny because he used slang a lot and I also liked how every time you read a page there was always a mystery trying to be solved.
I did not dislike anything about the book.
I would recommend this book to my mum because she really likes reading. I would also recommend this book to my friend Mohamad. I would compare this to the series Jamie Johnson.
I would definitely rate this book a ten just because of the way it's written and the way it sounds like non-fiction but it is actually fiction.
My favourite character was Ronny because he used slang a lot and I also liked how every time you read a page there was always a mystery trying to be solved.
I did not dislike anything about the book.
I would recommend this book to my mum because she really likes reading. I would also recommend this book to my friend Mohamad. I would compare this to the series Jamie Johnson.
I would definitely rate this book a ten just because of the way it's written and the way it sounds like non-fiction but it is actually fiction.
December 19, 2025
This verse novel is set in London and Norwich, narrated by Ronny who is in Year 10 and a big fan of rap music. He and his mum move from Hackney to get away from the ever present risk of violence, which has been getting worse since Ronny's friend was stabbed to death, for no reason at all. Ronny isn't sure how he'll find starting in a new town and at a new school, especially since he's one of only a few kids of colour. But with a supportive teacher who encourages his creative writing, Ronny looks likely to make a totally fresh start. There are lots of references to musicians and some use of slang in this book that I didn't get, so I'm not sure if that is an age thing or if my students will also struggle with some of these. Good messaging around being yourself and doing the right thing though, so I hope it will be popular.
September 10, 2025
This was an easy enough read, and an okay enough read. But I felt like I needed more from the storyline.
The in verse writing style was good and suited the story.
I did like seeing Ronny slowly fall in love with poetry, and go on that journey of self discovery.
He also makes a queer friend who slowly comes out, and that was lovely too.
Aside from pointing out when racist things happen and that there is injustice happening generally, there isn't too much on Ronny's depth of feeling on the matter. Or whether there is something to do to combat any of those things.
In the end, this had an okay storyline, okay characterisation and was okay on its themes. It didn't do anything wrong, but it won't be a memorable one for me either.
The in verse writing style was good and suited the story.
I did like seeing Ronny slowly fall in love with poetry, and go on that journey of self discovery.
He also makes a queer friend who slowly comes out, and that was lovely too.
Aside from pointing out when racist things happen and that there is injustice happening generally, there isn't too much on Ronny's depth of feeling on the matter. Or whether there is something to do to combat any of those things.
In the end, this had an okay storyline, okay characterisation and was okay on its themes. It didn't do anything wrong, but it won't be a memorable one for me either.
September 29, 2024
We all know my love of free verse, so when a friend told me about Wild East I had to go grab it.
This books tells of Ronnie, who I moved by his mum from East London to Norwich to get away from the growing violence.
Ronnie has a love of music and through this is added to a school poetry class.
This is a moving story told in verse about how Ronnie integrates with the new school, finds his love of poetry and battles against being pulled into situations by peers.
I found the long hand free verse took me a while to adjust to, but I enjoyed spending a year with Ronnie and the book had an overall hopeful vibe to it.
This books tells of Ronnie, who I moved by his mum from East London to Norwich to get away from the growing violence.
Ronnie has a love of music and through this is added to a school poetry class.
This is a moving story told in verse about how Ronnie integrates with the new school, finds his love of poetry and battles against being pulled into situations by peers.
I found the long hand free verse took me a while to adjust to, but I enjoyed spending a year with Ronnie and the book had an overall hopeful vibe to it.
November 11, 2025
A compelling novel in verse telling the story of a year 10 boy who moves away from London with his mum following the violent death of his friends.
It’s a story of humanity and trying to do the right thing. It’s a quick read, and a page turner. The characters are believe able, even if they make stupid decisions.
Although the protagonist is 14 I think it’s less brutal than Crossing the Line. There are 2 deaths, but they are not explicitly described and the drug element isn’t explored, more used as a cautionary tale.
There are also positive storylines around finding identity as non-binary.
Fine for 12+
It’s a story of humanity and trying to do the right thing. It’s a quick read, and a page turner. The characters are believe able, even if they make stupid decisions.
Although the protagonist is 14 I think it’s less brutal than Crossing the Line. There are 2 deaths, but they are not explicitly described and the drug element isn’t explored, more used as a cautionary tale.
There are also positive storylines around finding identity as non-binary.
Fine for 12+
July 16, 2024
Ashley Hickson-Lovence’s YA novel effectively uses its verse narrative to tell a compelling story of a boy who learns how to tap into his creativity to express himself. However I don’t think that the Malachi storyline had the intended impact and nor did Ronny’s friendship with the extroverted Leigh. That said, the use of language is great and Ronny’s guilt over Maz holds true. I’d definitely check out the author’s other work on the basis of this.
November 10, 2024
When 14-year-old Ronny’s best friend is stabbed to death in East London, his mum moves them both to Norwich to protect him and give him a better life. At first Ronny feels out of place in his new school, but a visiting poet helps to give him a creative outlet to express himself.
Though it has a few bleak moments, this moving and accessible verse novel is ultimately a redemptive and optimistic story (and it gave me lots of ideas for a poetry club at school! 😊)
Though it has a few bleak moments, this moving and accessible verse novel is ultimately a redemptive and optimistic story (and it gave me lots of ideas for a poetry club at school! 😊)
January 19, 2025
Absolutely fantastic. Novel in verse is such an underrated genre, it's so readable and accessible. It was so refreshing to read a book about a black teen that was on the whole extremely positive...when I saw the warning at the start about county lines I was genuinely worried! Black boy joy and self expression is so important. The up to date pop culture references were fab too. Such an entertaining, joyous, relatable and touching read. 10/10.
June 12, 2024
This is such a poignant story about coming to terms with your grief, the dark and dangerous reality of county lines, and about the complexities of identity. Ashley is an incredibly beautiful writer and I think this story should be on the top of everybody’s reading list - regardless of age!
August 8, 2025
Special gem of a book for reluctant readers
Being a school librarian, this is great for any reluctant reader, our pupils who don't enjoy reading or can't find a book to read that could possibly represent them and their lives.
Being a school librarian, this is great for any reluctant reader, our pupils who don't enjoy reading or can't find a book to read that could possibly represent them and their lives.
June 20, 2024
3.5 star from me. Not what I'd normally pick up but part of book club. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
June 25, 2024
Read & reviewed for The Bookbag: https://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/...
August 15, 2024
Fresh, original, engaging, important, relevant… could go on. Highly recommend.
September 18, 2024
A great one for younger readers - a fast pace, and lots of interesting reflections on writing.
September 18, 2024
read this in one train journey, it hit the mark completely!
November 7, 2024
read in 1 sitting!
March 27, 2025
Great Book! Also recommend that you go back and read it with the Spotify audio version- it’s good to hear it in Lovence’s voice, along with the playlist of songs weft through too! :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews