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Juice
WINNER 2025 RUBERY PRIZE YOUNG ADULT NOVEL
In a world that fears the future, one boy dares to seek it.
Sixteen-year-old Will has been raised to distrust technology. After a cataclysm known as the Devastation, his isolated community rejected the old world—shunning electricity, machines, and the progress they once promised. But Will yearns for more.
When he's cast out for questioning the rules, he sets off alone on a perilous journey to Coal City, the last place his estranged father was seen—and a place rumored to hold the key to a better life. Armed with only his survival skills and relentless determination, Will navigates treacherous terrain and encounters unlikely rugged coal miners, a band of traveling circus performers, and a fearless acrobat who challenges everything he thought he knew.
As Will’s journey unfolds, so does his understanding of the world’s harsh beauty—and its hidden dangers. When he finally reaches Coal City, he uncovers a brutal the city is ruled by a tyrant who thrives on slavery, corruption, and fear. To confront this evil, Will must risk everything—and decide what kind of future he truly believes in.
YAClimateFiction #PostApocalypticReads #FoundFamily #WillAndLeonie #CoalCityChronicles #CircusMeetsSurvival #NewBookAlert #YAFiction
Josie Lloyd, Sunday Times #1 bestselling author calls it “A thrilling, epic adventure that’s also a prescient tale for our times. I could not put it down.’
Nikki Sheehan, Award-winning author and writing coach says ‘Peter Deadman is a striking new voice in YA literature and his debut, Juice, is an important addition to the post-apocalyptic canon, with a timely environmental twist. Highly recommended.’
Reader reviews
‘Beautifully and skilfully written, a moving, exciting and relatable tale’, ‘
‘A very ingenious, colourful and exciting read’,
‘A great read, thought provoking, gripping, and faultlessly written. It took me quickly into a place I didn’t want to leave’,
‘The post-apocalyptic vision is mesmerising. What a trip!’,
‘Page turning...moving...gritty...visceral... a timely reminder of what's important’.
‘Riveting! The anticipation of each next chapter. The unexpected plot twists. The emotional rollercoaster.’
‘I was absorbed in it for two days, gripped by the narrative drive, loving the characters and, of course, the theme. I also want to acknowledge also the quality of the writing. It’s a cracker’.’
‘I LOVED this riveting book! The anticipation of each next chapter. The unexpected plot twists. The emotional rollercoaster. Truly excellent writing that kept my attention from beginning to end.
This novel is not only entertaining but also thought provoking in all the right ways. An environmental breakdown of this proportion could actually happen in our not so distant future.’
‘A powerful page turner of a dystopian novel with a clear warning of what humans are doing to planet Earth and the inheritance we will be leaving to young people if we don’t get our collective ‘act’ together. I do hope there will be a sequel!’
‘I loved this book and can't wait to read the next instalment. Eloquently written, engaging and thought provoking. Enjoyable for young and older adults alike.’
In a world that fears the future, one boy dares to seek it.
Sixteen-year-old Will has been raised to distrust technology. After a cataclysm known as the Devastation, his isolated community rejected the old world—shunning electricity, machines, and the progress they once promised. But Will yearns for more.
When he's cast out for questioning the rules, he sets off alone on a perilous journey to Coal City, the last place his estranged father was seen—and a place rumored to hold the key to a better life. Armed with only his survival skills and relentless determination, Will navigates treacherous terrain and encounters unlikely rugged coal miners, a band of traveling circus performers, and a fearless acrobat who challenges everything he thought he knew.
As Will’s journey unfolds, so does his understanding of the world’s harsh beauty—and its hidden dangers. When he finally reaches Coal City, he uncovers a brutal the city is ruled by a tyrant who thrives on slavery, corruption, and fear. To confront this evil, Will must risk everything—and decide what kind of future he truly believes in.
YAClimateFiction #PostApocalypticReads #FoundFamily #WillAndLeonie #CoalCityChronicles #CircusMeetsSurvival #NewBookAlert #YAFiction
Josie Lloyd, Sunday Times #1 bestselling author calls it “A thrilling, epic adventure that’s also a prescient tale for our times. I could not put it down.’
Nikki Sheehan, Award-winning author and writing coach says ‘Peter Deadman is a striking new voice in YA literature and his debut, Juice, is an important addition to the post-apocalyptic canon, with a timely environmental twist. Highly recommended.’
Reader reviews
‘Beautifully and skilfully written, a moving, exciting and relatable tale’, ‘
‘A very ingenious, colourful and exciting read’,
‘A great read, thought provoking, gripping, and faultlessly written. It took me quickly into a place I didn’t want to leave’,
‘The post-apocalyptic vision is mesmerising. What a trip!’,
‘Page turning...moving...gritty...visceral... a timely reminder of what's important’.
‘Riveting! The anticipation of each next chapter. The unexpected plot twists. The emotional rollercoaster.’
‘I was absorbed in it for two days, gripped by the narrative drive, loving the characters and, of course, the theme. I also want to acknowledge also the quality of the writing. It’s a cracker’.’
‘I LOVED this riveting book! The anticipation of each next chapter. The unexpected plot twists. The emotional rollercoaster. Truly excellent writing that kept my attention from beginning to end.
This novel is not only entertaining but also thought provoking in all the right ways. An environmental breakdown of this proportion could actually happen in our not so distant future.’
‘A powerful page turner of a dystopian novel with a clear warning of what humans are doing to planet Earth and the inheritance we will be leaving to young people if we don’t get our collective ‘act’ together. I do hope there will be a sequel!’
‘I loved this book and can't wait to read the next instalment. Eloquently written, engaging and thought provoking. Enjoyable for young and older adults alike.’
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2025
16 people want to read
About the author
Peter Deadman
12 books10 followersPeter Deadman is the founder of Infinity Foods, a natural health food store in the 1970s. He studied acupuncture at The International College of Oriental Medicine in East Grinstead, England, graduating as a Bachelor of Acupuncture in 1978. Since 1979 he has lectured on Chinese medicine and acupuncture throughout the world. Peter Deadman is the founder, editor and publisher of “The Journal of Chinese Medicine” which has been published continuously since 1979.
The JCM has played a vital role in raising the standards of education and practice in Chinese medicine throughout the English-speaking world. In 1998, Peter co-authored “A Manual of Acupuncture”, a textbook that is a compulsory requirement for nearly all acupuncture schools in the English-speaking world.
He has lectured internationally on Chinese medicine and related topics for the last thirty years. Moreover, Peter has practised qigong for the last seventeen years. Peter’s interest in traditional health preservation practices is complemented by his study of more than fifteen years of modern lifestyle research.
The JCM has played a vital role in raising the standards of education and practice in Chinese medicine throughout the English-speaking world. In 1998, Peter co-authored “A Manual of Acupuncture”, a textbook that is a compulsory requirement for nearly all acupuncture schools in the English-speaking world.
He has lectured internationally on Chinese medicine and related topics for the last thirty years. Moreover, Peter has practised qigong for the last seventeen years. Peter’s interest in traditional health preservation practices is complemented by his study of more than fifteen years of modern lifestyle research.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 26, 2025
I went into this book thinking it was YA, but really I felt like it was aimed more at children. The plot was fast-paced and exciting, but the solutions to problems were almost too easy to come by and left little suspense. However, I didn’t see the plot twist coming. I’m excited to see how Deadman continues the story, but hope that he adds more subtly and show not tell to the sequel.
Again, I would have devoured this as a 10 year old, and believe it would serve as a great introduction to children about the climate change and the devastation that is imminent
Again, I would have devoured this as a 10 year old, and believe it would serve as a great introduction to children about the climate change and the devastation that is imminent
June 30, 2025
When we meet 16-year-old Will of Peter Deadman’s young adult novel Juice, he is living with his depressed mother Olivia and older cousin Jerome. It is after the Devastation and life is austere and grim; food is limited and survival is achieved by foraging abandoned homes for wood to burn and clothes to wear. They live in darkness, both literally and figuratively. Juice, the term for electricity, is forbidden in this strict community governed by fundamentalist values. Deemed the culprit for civilization’s downfall – the epidemics and famine, to name a few – juice is not allowed in any fashion, even if solar-powered. The ice cold baths and showers in the dead of winter are constant reminders of their predecessors' mistakes, and the purpose of school – which students attend occasionally when they have a break from endless chores – is to teach young people about the wasteful habits and subsequent consequences of previous generations, so they aren’t repeated.
While Will knows nothing but life after the Devastation, the shift is recent enough that people like Olivia, his mother, lived through the chaos and violence of the shift. Though she describes it as cataclysmic, we also understand it was years in the making. But Will is questioning and restless, frustrated by the community’s choice to make life so hard when embracing solutions like solar energy could alleviate the constant hardship. Curious about what exists beyond his small world and propelled by a desire to connect with the father who left the family ten years earlier, Will defies all societal convention and warnings, and strikes out on his own, aiming to make it to far away Coal City, the last known location of his father.
Thus begins Will’s remarkable and harrowing journey. Author Peter Deadman infuses peril and obstacle at every turn, pushing Will to endure isolation and pain – both physical and emotional. Deadman has created a hero that is brave and clever, and endearingly imperfect. Will meets countless people along the way who push him to grow, namely Leonie, the illiterate carnival acrobat and healer-in-training, who is perhaps even more courageous than he is. Deadman also crafts some despicable villains who feel very Dickensian, and the reader’s guard is constantly up, uncertain as to who Will and Leonie should trust. The action scenes are gripping, and one could easily see how well they’d translate to the screen.
While this adult reader thoroughly enjoyed the dystopic quest of Juice, the teenage reader is the target, and not only because they will certainly find characters they identify with. Deadman connects the dots for readers of all ages to understand the endless ramifications of our thoughtless consumption of limited resources (floods, fires, unfarmable land, overfished waters), but he also shows the impotence of the adults to fix the problem, calling on the young people to lead the charge, as Leonie aptly describes, “I don’t think they’ve got a clue. Adults that is. Devastation is such a long time ago to us but they lived through it. They’re still in shock. Anyway, they landed us in this mess and it’s our job now, not theirs, to figure out what’s right and what’s wrong.”
This clarion call to our younger generations to take action might be considered too great a burden and an abdication of our collective responsibility to do something. But the need for new, fresh-eyed leadership is undeniable, and Juice provides characters who might very well inspire the courage needed for change.
While Will knows nothing but life after the Devastation, the shift is recent enough that people like Olivia, his mother, lived through the chaos and violence of the shift. Though she describes it as cataclysmic, we also understand it was years in the making. But Will is questioning and restless, frustrated by the community’s choice to make life so hard when embracing solutions like solar energy could alleviate the constant hardship. Curious about what exists beyond his small world and propelled by a desire to connect with the father who left the family ten years earlier, Will defies all societal convention and warnings, and strikes out on his own, aiming to make it to far away Coal City, the last known location of his father.
Thus begins Will’s remarkable and harrowing journey. Author Peter Deadman infuses peril and obstacle at every turn, pushing Will to endure isolation and pain – both physical and emotional. Deadman has created a hero that is brave and clever, and endearingly imperfect. Will meets countless people along the way who push him to grow, namely Leonie, the illiterate carnival acrobat and healer-in-training, who is perhaps even more courageous than he is. Deadman also crafts some despicable villains who feel very Dickensian, and the reader’s guard is constantly up, uncertain as to who Will and Leonie should trust. The action scenes are gripping, and one could easily see how well they’d translate to the screen.
While this adult reader thoroughly enjoyed the dystopic quest of Juice, the teenage reader is the target, and not only because they will certainly find characters they identify with. Deadman connects the dots for readers of all ages to understand the endless ramifications of our thoughtless consumption of limited resources (floods, fires, unfarmable land, overfished waters), but he also shows the impotence of the adults to fix the problem, calling on the young people to lead the charge, as Leonie aptly describes, “I don’t think they’ve got a clue. Adults that is. Devastation is such a long time ago to us but they lived through it. They’re still in shock. Anyway, they landed us in this mess and it’s our job now, not theirs, to figure out what’s right and what’s wrong.”
This clarion call to our younger generations to take action might be considered too great a burden and an abdication of our collective responsibility to do something. But the need for new, fresh-eyed leadership is undeniable, and Juice provides characters who might very well inspire the courage needed for change.
May 14, 2025
In Juice, Peter Deadman crafts a vivid and unsettling portrait of a world reshaped by environmental collapse—one where the comforts of modern life have all but vanished, and survival hinges on adaptability, resourcefulness, and a reconnection with the natural world. Set three decades after a catastrophic ecological event has rendered electricity scarce and modern infrastructure obsolete, the novel follows seventeen-year-old Will and his companion Leonie as they journey across a fractured landscape in search of Will’s long-lost father.
What begins as a personal quest quickly unfolds into a layered exploration of identity, responsibility, and the legacy of a generation that failed to act. Deadman’s post-collapse society is hauntingly believable, not because it relies on science fiction tropes, but because it extrapolates from existing environmental concerns.
The scenario he presents feels startlingly plausible, shaped by humanity’s dependence on convenience and unchecked consumption. In this new world, younger generations must confront not only physical hardship but also the moral and existential burden of creating a sustainable future from the ashes of the old one.
Will is a compelling protagonist—curious, resilient, and emotionally complex. His background, steeped in the survival skills passed down in his early years, gives him the tools he needs to navigate the journey ahead, while his evolving relationships with the people he meets deepen the narrative. These encounters—sometimes tense, sometimes tender—serve as mirrors, reflecting different aspects of society’s fractured psyche and helping Will understand both himself and the world he hopes to help rebuild.
Leonie, as his companion, adds emotional depth and a sense of balance to the narrative, their bond offering a quiet but powerful counterpoint to the harshness of their environment.
Deadman’s writing is both lyrical and purposeful, balancing introspective moments with vivid descriptions of a ravaged but still awe-inspiring natural world. The novel functions on multiple levels: as an adventure, a love story, and a stark environmental parable. Yet it avoids moralizing, instead offering a reflective and nuanced perspective on what it means to live with intention and integrity in a world stripped of its distractions.
Ultimately, Juice stands out not only for its storytelling but for its relevance. It asks urgent questions about the future we’re creating and who will bear the consequences. By blending a powerful narrative with ecological and ethical concerns, Deadman delivers a work that is both thought-provoking and deeply human. Juice is a timely, resonant novel that challenges readers to rethink their relationship with the planet—and with one another
What begins as a personal quest quickly unfolds into a layered exploration of identity, responsibility, and the legacy of a generation that failed to act. Deadman’s post-collapse society is hauntingly believable, not because it relies on science fiction tropes, but because it extrapolates from existing environmental concerns.
The scenario he presents feels startlingly plausible, shaped by humanity’s dependence on convenience and unchecked consumption. In this new world, younger generations must confront not only physical hardship but also the moral and existential burden of creating a sustainable future from the ashes of the old one.
Will is a compelling protagonist—curious, resilient, and emotionally complex. His background, steeped in the survival skills passed down in his early years, gives him the tools he needs to navigate the journey ahead, while his evolving relationships with the people he meets deepen the narrative. These encounters—sometimes tense, sometimes tender—serve as mirrors, reflecting different aspects of society’s fractured psyche and helping Will understand both himself and the world he hopes to help rebuild.
Leonie, as his companion, adds emotional depth and a sense of balance to the narrative, their bond offering a quiet but powerful counterpoint to the harshness of their environment.
Deadman’s writing is both lyrical and purposeful, balancing introspective moments with vivid descriptions of a ravaged but still awe-inspiring natural world. The novel functions on multiple levels: as an adventure, a love story, and a stark environmental parable. Yet it avoids moralizing, instead offering a reflective and nuanced perspective on what it means to live with intention and integrity in a world stripped of its distractions.
Ultimately, Juice stands out not only for its storytelling but for its relevance. It asks urgent questions about the future we’re creating and who will bear the consequences. By blending a powerful narrative with ecological and ethical concerns, Deadman delivers a work that is both thought-provoking and deeply human. Juice is a timely, resonant novel that challenges readers to rethink their relationship with the planet—and with one another
Read
May 13, 2025Juice by Peter Deadman
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Juice is a captivating young adult dystopian novel that takes readers on an unforgettable journey through a world thirty years after a massive environmental collapse. In this post-Devastation future, electricity—now referred to as “juice”—has become a rare and precious commodity. The modern conveniences we take for granted are long gone, and humanity has been forced to return to primitive methods of survival. What truly makes this story stand out is how it weaves themes of resilience, hope, and love into the harsh fabric of a shattered world.
👉At the center of the novel is 17-year-old Will, a resourceful and determined teenager who embarks on a dangerous overland journey in search of his father. Accompanying him is his girlfriend, Leonie, a spirited and fearless acrobat from a traveling circus. Together, they face immense challenges—harsh terrain, uncertainty, and the deep scars of a broken society. And yet, their journey is not just one of physical endurance, but also of emotional growth and spiritual awakening.
👉Peter Deadman does a brilliant job of immersing the reader in a vivid, post-apocalyptic landscape that is both breathtaking and sobering. The world he paints is raw, real, and unforgiving—but it's also filled with moments of beauty, quiet reflection, and awe-inspiring natural wonder. Through Will and Leonie’s eyes, we see not just the remnants of what was lost, but the fragile seeds of what might still be saved.
👉What touched me most was the emotional connection between the characters and the depth of their bond. Will and Leonie’s love feels authentic and grounding—it’s their shared strength and unwavering support for one another that keeps them going. Their relationship adds a layer of warmth and intimacy to the novel that makes it much more than a survival story.
👉Beyond the love story and the adventure, Juice is a powerful commentary on the choices humanity has made and the consequences we face. But instead of focusing solely on blame, it offers a glimmer of hope it celebrates the strength and vision of the younger generation, who must now take the lead in creating a sustainable future.
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Juice is a captivating young adult dystopian novel that takes readers on an unforgettable journey through a world thirty years after a massive environmental collapse. In this post-Devastation future, electricity—now referred to as “juice”—has become a rare and precious commodity. The modern conveniences we take for granted are long gone, and humanity has been forced to return to primitive methods of survival. What truly makes this story stand out is how it weaves themes of resilience, hope, and love into the harsh fabric of a shattered world.
👉At the center of the novel is 17-year-old Will, a resourceful and determined teenager who embarks on a dangerous overland journey in search of his father. Accompanying him is his girlfriend, Leonie, a spirited and fearless acrobat from a traveling circus. Together, they face immense challenges—harsh terrain, uncertainty, and the deep scars of a broken society. And yet, their journey is not just one of physical endurance, but also of emotional growth and spiritual awakening.
👉Peter Deadman does a brilliant job of immersing the reader in a vivid, post-apocalyptic landscape that is both breathtaking and sobering. The world he paints is raw, real, and unforgiving—but it's also filled with moments of beauty, quiet reflection, and awe-inspiring natural wonder. Through Will and Leonie’s eyes, we see not just the remnants of what was lost, but the fragile seeds of what might still be saved.
👉What touched me most was the emotional connection between the characters and the depth of their bond. Will and Leonie’s love feels authentic and grounding—it’s their shared strength and unwavering support for one another that keeps them going. Their relationship adds a layer of warmth and intimacy to the novel that makes it much more than a survival story.
👉Beyond the love story and the adventure, Juice is a powerful commentary on the choices humanity has made and the consequences we face. But instead of focusing solely on blame, it offers a glimmer of hope it celebrates the strength and vision of the younger generation, who must now take the lead in creating a sustainable future.
July 27, 2025
Being the supposed target audience of the book as a young adult/ teenager (15) I was introduced to this book my a family member, thinking it would be your typical coming of age story about saving the planet and finding your place in the world. However, I was truly taken aback by the narrative and depth of emotional complexity that the story brought to me. As I refer to myself as a vivid enjoyer of the post apocalyptic genre, I came into this novel expecting purely an entertaining read, with slight twinges of general climate change warnings throughout.
How wrong I was. We follow the character of Will as they leave their world of pure sustenance in search for something different, something more modern and convinient that he constantly hears tales of from a world pre-devastation. All the clues point to an illusive 'Coal City', where he, and the people he meets along the way, are compelled to travel to, seizing the chance to meet Will's long lost father. The world of 'Juice' is beautifully illustrated in Peter Deadman's writing, incapsulating the contrast between gritty nature of industrialisation and the beauty of the natural world. The novel had an astounding impact on the way I think about the world we know today, how we take things for granted, and harsh reality that humanity will always negatively impact the world around us. I am excited to see how Peter Deadman further builds on to a gripping read, further building on the romance, adventure and beautiful characters that he has already created
How wrong I was. We follow the character of Will as they leave their world of pure sustenance in search for something different, something more modern and convinient that he constantly hears tales of from a world pre-devastation. All the clues point to an illusive 'Coal City', where he, and the people he meets along the way, are compelled to travel to, seizing the chance to meet Will's long lost father. The world of 'Juice' is beautifully illustrated in Peter Deadman's writing, incapsulating the contrast between gritty nature of industrialisation and the beauty of the natural world. The novel had an astounding impact on the way I think about the world we know today, how we take things for granted, and harsh reality that humanity will always negatively impact the world around us. I am excited to see how Peter Deadman further builds on to a gripping read, further building on the romance, adventure and beautiful characters that he has already created
May 5, 2025
Juice is a gripping young adult novel set in a world thirty years after a catastrophic environmental collapse. In this new reality, electricity—referred to as “juice”—is a scarce luxury, and society has regressed to more primitive ways of living. The story follows 17-year-old Will and his girlfriend Leonie, an acrobat in a travelling circus, as they journey across a devastated landscape in search of Will’s father. Along the way, they must rely on their instincts, survival skills, and each other. At its core, the novel is not only an adventure and love story but also a powerful tribute to the resilience of youth and the enduring beauty of the natural world.
What I loved most about Juice was its immersive setting and the way it balances an urgent environmental message with a very human story. The relationship between Will and Leonie adds emotional depth, and their journey feels both epic and intimate. I also liked how the author uses the post-apocalyptic backdrop to reflect on the mistakes of past generations and the hope placed in the younger ones.
I recommend Juice to anyone who enjoys thoughtful dystopian fiction with heart. With its mix of action, romance, and reflection, Juice not only entertains but also encourages readers to think about the kind of future we are shaping today.
What I loved most about Juice was its immersive setting and the way it balances an urgent environmental message with a very human story. The relationship between Will and Leonie adds emotional depth, and their journey feels both epic and intimate. I also liked how the author uses the post-apocalyptic backdrop to reflect on the mistakes of past generations and the hope placed in the younger ones.
I recommend Juice to anyone who enjoys thoughtful dystopian fiction with heart. With its mix of action, romance, and reflection, Juice not only entertains but also encourages readers to think about the kind of future we are shaping today.
November 1, 2025
I read this book right after one where society collapsed and everything was blamed on sinfulness, leading to a theocratic dystopia. This one is another novel in which society has collapsed, but this time it is the anti-technology zealots who have come out on top, and are extremely anti-electricity ('juice'). In some ways this was refreshing, as a less common variation on a popular theme. It justified the primitive way everyone is living, somewhat, and provides a framework for pitting a sort of 'evils of capitalism' side against the back-to-nature side. Of course, the pro-technology side is stuck on coal, despite the obvious existence or solar technology in among the stuff left behind be society, and with coal as the source of 'juice' the author could bring in the horrors of coal mining to weigh in against the tech/capitalist side. This felt very contrived, and there were of course no moderate positions represented in this book, just the extremes. So, while I wanted to like this book more, I was annoyed at both sides a lot. The simplistic way this book boils down the choices in society was too artificial. I still liked this book, but not as much I hoped to.
May 18, 2025
A wonderful read - an enthralling story set in a skillfully painted dystopian-post-apocalyptic world, where those remaining must both survive and create new relationships with what is left after a great Devastation.
The young Will and Leonie embark on an epic journey - a kind of Rite of Passage through a landscape returned to a semi-pre-technological primal state, where people live as best they can, salvaging the remnants of the pre-disaster days and memories of their lost world - a world where 'Juice' - electricity, has become a scarce and ambivilent evil force, although still coveted and produced by some.
This fast-moving tale is full of memorable characters, some dark, some luminous, and during the telling, I experienced a profound respect for their enduring humanity, as well for the natural world, and its benevolent, creative potential.
Danger and redemption lurk on every page! Enjoy!!
The young Will and Leonie embark on an epic journey - a kind of Rite of Passage through a landscape returned to a semi-pre-technological primal state, where people live as best they can, salvaging the remnants of the pre-disaster days and memories of their lost world - a world where 'Juice' - electricity, has become a scarce and ambivilent evil force, although still coveted and produced by some.
This fast-moving tale is full of memorable characters, some dark, some luminous, and during the telling, I experienced a profound respect for their enduring humanity, as well for the natural world, and its benevolent, creative potential.
Danger and redemption lurk on every page! Enjoy!!
May 7, 2025
A gripping page turner of a book! This is a very accomplished first novel: well crafted, original and richly imagined. Once started it was very hard to put down.
The context of the novel is a world where things have fallen apart, and fallen fast and dramatically, as a result of climate and ecological breakdown. It is a fragmented world and a dangerous one which the two young protagonists must navigate.
But is not without hope. At its heart is a belief in the courage and wisdom of youth. As Will and Leonie confront oppressive and often life threatening situations in this dystopian future you get the feeling that somewhere a better world awaits and that, even if they don't find it, they will create it.
I hope they do. Bring on the sequel!!
The context of the novel is a world where things have fallen apart, and fallen fast and dramatically, as a result of climate and ecological breakdown. It is a fragmented world and a dangerous one which the two young protagonists must navigate.
But is not without hope. At its heart is a belief in the courage and wisdom of youth. As Will and Leonie confront oppressive and often life threatening situations in this dystopian future you get the feeling that somewhere a better world awaits and that, even if they don't find it, they will create it.
I hope they do. Bring on the sequel!!
December 2, 2025
This is the book that got me back into reading. The world building is simply amazing and completely engaged me with beautifully crafted characters and exciting, intense storyline. I loved how Will explored and learned about the world outside his secluded settlement and met a contrast of characters from all walks of life including his relationship with Leonie, which was a bittersweet adventure of its own. The plot twist in Coal City was unexpected and Will dealing with his dilemma, to choose between the life he wanted or the life his father wanted, was a fantastic character development. I completely adore this book and I think it is an essential read for anyone who enjoys dystopian or adventure novels. I can't wait for the sequel!
May 10, 2025
A heartwarming tale of a young man's quest for self discovery.
Juice follows the narrative of Will, a young man who is compelled to journey out of his community seeking a better life. He lives in a world trying to rebuild itself after Devastation, a world a kin to ours if we don't listen to nature and continue to abuse it. We see him uncover a range of people and environments on his quest for a better future. These experiences help him to learn and grow as a young adult, they shape him into the man we see him become at the end of this heartwarming, coming of age novel.
Juice follows the narrative of Will, a young man who is compelled to journey out of his community seeking a better life. He lives in a world trying to rebuild itself after Devastation, a world a kin to ours if we don't listen to nature and continue to abuse it. We see him uncover a range of people and environments on his quest for a better future. These experiences help him to learn and grow as a young adult, they shape him into the man we see him become at the end of this heartwarming, coming of age novel.
April 14, 2025
I LOVED this riveting book! The anticipation of each next chapter. The unexpected plot twists. The emotional rollercoaster. Truly excellent writing that kept my attention from beginning to end.
This novel is not only entertaining but also thought provoking in all the right ways. An environmental breakdown of this proportion could actually happen in our not so distant future. Get this book into the hands of our young adults stat!
This novel is not only entertaining but also thought provoking in all the right ways. An environmental breakdown of this proportion could actually happen in our not so distant future. Get this book into the hands of our young adults stat!
June 4, 2025
Such an amazing book, I finished it in less than 24 hours it was that good! Right from the start I was hooked with the uncertainty of what was happening whilst still being engaged with what was going on, it was introduced perfectly. Throughout the whole book I was constantly wondering what was going to happen next, the unpredictability of the plot was great and it had the perfect ending. I would 100% buy the next book if it were to be made into a series and will recommend to friends.
July 23, 2025
As a super overaged teenager, I couldn’t put Peter Deadman‘s book ‘Juice’ down. Fascinating plot, beautiful descriptions and warm sensitivity to nature and love, whilst making an overall critique to the way we live in this modern world. It contains multiple thrilling life and death episodes that sets your heart beating in a realism that is be known to us all. It is ready-made and very readable to the inspired teenager, whilst equally inspiring and exciting for the young heart adult.
March 28, 2026
Juice is a memorable and compelling read.
Following Will, the protagonist, we are introduced to a diverse range of characters who each embody a different way of coping with a broken world. Some with optimism and hope for a second chance, while others seem stuck in the ways of the past.
The novel naturally indulges in themes of love, loss and friendship while prompting us to rethink our current world.
All in all I highly recommend and hope to see more.
Following Will, the protagonist, we are introduced to a diverse range of characters who each embody a different way of coping with a broken world. Some with optimism and hope for a second chance, while others seem stuck in the ways of the past.
The novel naturally indulges in themes of love, loss and friendship while prompting us to rethink our current world.
All in all I highly recommend and hope to see more.
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April 8, 2025I loved this book and read it in one sitting. The story drew me in immediately and I found Will, the central character, a complex, enigmatic and totally relatable protagonist. The central themes of the heroes journey in an environmental dystopian world are elegantly woven into a classic coming of age story with a strong moral and emotional appeal.
It deserves a sequel.
It deserves a sequel.
July 19, 2025
This is a great addition to the storehouse of young adult fiction. It has all the best ingredients. Strong characters, adventure, peril and a very important environmental message. It's beautifully written and can be enjoyed by people of any age. (I stopped being a young adult a long time ago.) Thoroughly recommend.
April 12, 2025
Set in an imagined future ruined world, Juice is a page turner as we follow the young heroes on their journey.
So well written that the reader vividly sees and feels each new landscape and experience.
The author teases with a “to be continued” postscript. One can hope!
So well written that the reader vividly sees and feels each new landscape and experience.
The author teases with a “to be continued” postscript. One can hope!
April 15, 2025
A powerful page turner of a dystopian novel with a clear warning of what humans are doing to planet Earth and the inheritance we will be leaving to young people if we don’t get our collective ‘act’ together.
I do hope there will be a sequel!
I do hope there will be a sequel!
December 31, 2025
I really enjoyed this topical adventure novel. It was clever, exciting and witty and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens in the sequel. Good book for the youth but can be enjoyed by any age.
April 21, 2025
I loved this book and can't wait to read the next instalment. Eloquently written, engaging and thought provoking. Enjoyable for young and older adults alike.
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April 29, 2025Page turning...moving...gritty...visceral...a timely reminder of what's important!
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