Blood Red Sky

by Sara Cullen

The high school is on fire. Aaron Smith, the local bad boy, is arrested at the scene. He’s locked up by the end of the night, guilty until proven innocent. Only two people know the truth about what happened; Aaron and his little sister. Aaron will do anything to save his sister, including going to prison without a trial. But then the pandemic comes to Scotland, and trials are cancelled. Aaron finds himself locked up, in a lockdown, and no one is able to help him.

Blood Red Sky is a story of love, loss, humour and hope and makes you wonder; what should we do with teenagers who cross the line? Should we lock them up, or take time to find out the truth?


Praise for Blood Red SkyGraeme Armstrong, author of Scots Book of the Year, ‘The Young Team’,
An important read about the glamour free YOI custody experience in Scotland for young people, anyone working around or concerned with youth justice (we all should be!).

Fiona Dyer, Director, Children & Young People’s Centre for Justice,
Despite the darkness that Blood Red Sky explores, this is not a hopeless book. What Sara has done so well is to balance truth with hope and show that with the right support, change is possible. Cycles can be broken. Futures can be reimagined. Relationships can heal. This is not wishful thinking – it is a reflection of what happens when compassion, courage, and understanding meet action.

Chris Wild, National Youth Advisor for Young People and author of ‘The State of It’,
Blood Red Sky shines a harsh light on youth justice in lockdown – a powerful story of love, loss, and the fight for truth.

Jennifer Horgan, author of ‘O Captain, My Captain': One Teacher's Call for Change…’
Realist fiction at its most powerful.

Gwen Adshead, co-author of BBC Book of the Week, ‘The Devil You Know’,
A necessary light of compassion in the dark shadow of social exclusion.

Gráinne Murphy, author of 'Winter People',
A deeply affecting look at the impact of intergenerational poverty and violence on family bonds and teenagers' perceptions of inevitability and their own power and choices.

Nicola Garrard, author of 'On the Edge',
Hard-hitting, immersive and poignant.



About the Author, Sara CullenSara Cullen is an Irish writer living in Fife, Scotland. Sara’s commitment to writing for social justice began in her teens when she joined Amnesty International and corresponded with a pen pal on death row in Oklahoma. Inspired by To Kill a Mockingbird at age 13 (thanks to her English teacher), Sara pursued a degree in English Literature from University College Cork and later spent 17 years teaching English in Scottish high schools. She also served as a Guidance Teacher in areas of high deprivation.

Sara’s dedication to child welfare led her to work in the Public Protection Unit and earn a qualification in Child Welfare and Protection from the University of Stirling. Her writing reflects her belief that books have the power to change the world and her commitment to amplifying the voices of care-experienced children who have encountered the justice system at a young age.

287 pages, Paperback

Published November 4, 2025

About the author

Sara Cullen is an Irish writer and social activist living in Fife, Scotland. Her writing reflects her belief that books have the power to change the world. Her debut novel Blood Red Sky reflects her commitment to amplifying the voices of care-experienced children who have encountered the justice system at a young age.

Sara was an English and Guidance Teacher for 17 years and was inspired by her students’ stories of bravery, in the face of impossible systems, to begin writing her debut novel.

Reviews

[Morven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. A true representation of inequality within youth justice in Scotland. Read it in a day as I couldn’t put it down.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book and one that needs to be read to understant the experiences of children and young people in the justice system. As someone who works in this area, this book speaks to everything a young person needs when they have lost what we all take for granted, their liberty. Opportunities to learn, develop and rehabilitate, support and compassion from people in authority trusted to care for them, a decent standard of healthcare anyone would demand as a basic right, compassionate sentencing options that address the core issues of children in conflict with the law, alternarives to custody, and support for families to remain connected during and after imprisonment.
There are too many Aarons lost in a system because society and services have failed them, this book highlights everything we need to do better.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very powerful book, was totally drawn in and invested in Aaron’s character along with his brother Dylan and sister Chloe. At times, found it very emotional, heartbreaking for this family and I’m sure others living on the fringes and I had to take a break from reading it. But hope springs eternal and it was great to see this come to the fore in the end along with the kindness and humanity of the ordinary worker. It was a learning exercise for me to be introduced to the local dialect, enjoyed that too. So well written Sara.

[Sandra Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a brilliant book, really enjoyed it.

[Sofia McGarry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Whilst it outlines the harsh reality for many families, it's bursting with compassion and hope for a better future. Sara skilfully draws the reader into Aaron's world, capturing the difficulties that he and his family face in a way that helps us all better understand key societal issues. I passed it on to my 15-year old daughter who has also enjoyed it. Thanks for your powerful use of storytelling Sara!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most thought provoking books I’ve read in a long time. Thoroughly enjoyed it despite tears of frustration and safeness for the characters.
Bloomin fantastic read.

[Susan Williamson]

Read Blood Red Sky in 4 hours, thoroughly enjoyed it & felt very attached to the main character Aaron. Red Bloid Sky certainly makes you stand back & really think about the treatment of Young Offenders in our Justice system. Red Blood Sky is written with both passion & compassion. Fantastic read Sara Well Done

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally got round to reading Blood Red Sky this week, and from the very first pages I was completely absorbed. I was especially struck by how thoughtfully Sara develops her characters; her compassion for them shines through on every page.

While the depictions of poverty and the social justice system make this a challenging read at times, the book also suggests solutions and is ultimately hopeful that meaningful change is possible.

As a teacher in Scotland, this book prompted me to pause and reflect on the experiences of so many of the young people I have worked with over the years. By recommending it to colleagues and friends, I hope it can open up meaningful conversations about the power of empathy and how we can each play a part in influencing change.

[Douglas Dunlop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional and enthralling book, tells an important story with warmth and insight

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous book! I found myself invested in the lives of the characters and their family.The book offers a compassionate and honest portrayal of the challenges that many people face and encouraged reflection on the support needed for our most vulnerable. Sara truly brings the story to life with sensitivity and care.

[Mia Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Cullen’s Blood Red Sky provides the reader with relevant social issues faced by many families and young people in Scotland, creating a hard-hitting novel which deserves great praise. Having had a background in studying and writing a dissertation on conditions within Scottish prisons and young offenders’ institutions, Aaron story is one that will be felt by many who have experienced the hardship of the justice system. Cullen forces the reader to consider positive alternatives for young offenders in Scotland but ends on the reality of so many in Scotland. Whilst the characterisation of the rest of the Smith family offers the raw portrayal of a struggling Scottish family.
Aaron is plunged into the darkness of the judicial system, his fear and vulnerability forces the reader to engage with his character, especially when he is put on reprimand, and experiences the lows of imprisonment. Cullen draws on real issues faced by the prison service, specifically during Covid. Aaron’s narrative explains the confinement to cells, the lack of fresh air, and the inhumane conditions he was put through due to staff shortages and the risk of the virus spreading. Blood Red Sky highlights the mistreatment of prisoners leading to suicide of many men around Aaron, this forces the reader to think about alternatives to imprisonment, especially for young offenders and those who would struggle in a prison environment. Additionally, the novel also highlights drug use within prisons, and touches on the issue of reoffending in the UK justice system. Aaron’s fellow prisoner Lewis is a good example of this; he smuggles drugs into prison and consequently has an overdose within the prison walls. Lewis even explains the lack of support upon release, and that he is better off incarcerated, this is the view of many upon release from prison as they are without a home, money, a job, and in some cases a family and social interaction. Lastly, the lack of medical aid Aaron is provided with highlights the mistreatment of prisoners, Aaron needs to ask on countless occasions for his eczema cream, Grant Smith (Aaron’s father) also shares the story of his brother, who passed away in prison due to insufficient medication for his diabetes.
Cullen ensures the no stone goes unturned, highlighting brilliantly through a fictional novel the realities of the Scottish prison service.
The novel’s other themes are represented through Cullen’s characterisation within the Smith family highlighting strained dynamics through the stress of poverty, imprisonment, abuse, the death of loved ones, and the pandemic. We are introduced to the family’s struggles immediately as they visit the food bank, Cullen ensures that readers could relate to these characters as they experience real life events. This theme is also continued with Dylan and Chloe’s engagement in school after Aaron’s arrest, both characters go to school in wet clothes, skip meals to avoid wasting food, and are provided with free school meals. Although both receive support, the representation of the attainment gap is clear, especially with Dylan who avoids school all together and deems it as pointless. Dylan also abuses drugs and alcohol throughout the novel, his character highlighting to the reader the normality of underage drinking and drug abuse in Scotland. Grant Smith is a violent character, often punching walls and it is illuded to him also being violent to his wife Mhari. Having had a history of imprisonment he decides that Aaron should be put on reprimand in prison rather than going home and waiting for his court date. His assertive, violent, and controlling attitude creates tension within in the family, and having a history of imprisonment himself he is more focussed on money than ensuring Aaron is safe, free from the dangers of prison and the possibility of his son reoffending in the future. Furthermore, tensions are heightened due to the Covid 19 pandemic, where the family witness the loss of a loved one, confinement to their flat, and Dylan and Chloe fail to engage with schoolwork as they don’t have WIFI. The Smith family represent thousands of families in Scotland, Cullen’s experience of working as a secondary school teacher is clear, as she creates relatable characters who feel the effects of real social issues.
Sara Cullen’s Blood Red Sky provides a thought-provoking story of a family suffering with poverty, imprisonment, abuse, and loss. The author’s background as a guidance teacher in deprived areas and knowledge on child welfare and protection is clear as she shines a light on stories that should be represented. Conditions within Scottish prisons are an ongoing issue, with a lack of mental health support, medical care, and the abuse of drugs prisoners are often released from prison in a bad place, often leading to them reoffending. The novel concludes with the Smith family leaving town to take part in a rehabilitation programme, helping prevent Aaron, Dylan, and their father from reoffending, whilst also reducing tension within the family. However, this isn’t the case for most families in Scotland. The novel urges the reader to consider alternatives to imprisonment and highlights the link between poverty, crime, and lack of educational engagement. Therefore, Blood Red Sky is both fictional and educational to stories in Scotland that go untold, stories felt by so many involved in the justice system.

[Jackie Galbraith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Red Sky by Sara Cullen is a novel about 16-year-old Aaron Smith, his role in a fire that causes major damage to his school and the consequences that follow. Because his parents won’t allow him to be bailed in their home, and he is technically regarded as an adult by the legal system, Aaron is detained in a Young Offenders Institution while he awaits trial scheduled for five months later. The book paints a very sobering picture of life inside a prison, particularly for teenagers and those on remand.

What I liked most about the book was the development of Aaron’s character and his two siblings, 14-year-old brother Dylan and wee sister Chloe. It gave a voice to these young teenagers who were trying to get on with day-to-day life, while their parents tried to keep them fed through demoralising trips to the food bank. The problems arising from intergenerational poverty and childhood trauma were illustrated through the children’s father’s involvement with crime, as well as his brother and father before him.

Blood Red Sky is categorised by booksellers as fiction for young adults but I believe its reach should be much wider. Storytelling, whether fictional or based on lived experience, is a powerful way to raise awareness, develop empathy and accelerate action. Blood Red Sky helped me understand better the pressures young people face in handling difficult and alien situations, especially in being heard. Aaron not being listened to was a theme throughout the book.

The book also highlighted how the systems that are there to support young people and their families at the worst moments in their lives often exist in isolation and end up making things worse. While more and more parts of the public sector aspire to be trauma-informed and to deliver on The Promise to care experienced young people, there remains a desperate need to join up and do more.

Fiona Dyer is the director of the Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice based at the University of Strathclyde. CYCJ exists to ensure that Scotland’s approach to children and young people in conflict with the law contributes to better outcomes. In her Afterword in the book she reminds us that:

“We live in a society where many children and young people who end up in conflict with the law do so not because they are inherently bad or dangerous, but because they have been shaped by circumstances far beyond their control. Trauma, neglect, abandonment, coercion and adversity are often part of their daily lives. Many have experienced things no child should have to go through: the imprisonment of a parent, living in unsafe or violent homes, growing up in poverty, going through the care system and suffering the deep and lasting effects of bereavement. And still, we expect them to survive, to cope, to behave ‘appropriately’.”

Aaron’s story encapsulates all of these themes.

Blood Red Sky is an excellent book that takes us into the minds of the teenagers caught up in the criminal justice system. It is especially valuable for those with no first-hand personal or family experience of a young person in conflict with the law. Empathy is built on understanding and I have no doubt that this book would help readers get a sense of what Fiona Dyer describes.

[Maye Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read! From the outset, 16-year-old Aaron’s plight grabs you. He’s been remanded into custody just as the pandemic strikes Scotland. You immediately want to find out more about the criminal incident at the school and what the outcome will be for this teen turning adult. Living in Fife, the setting is very familiar to me, with mentions of Ravenscraig, the Links Market, the Prom, Kirkcaldy Town Square, the Sherriff Court — it really brings the narrative home!

Sara’s writing evokes a sense of the fall-out following the opening scene. You feel for the parents, the siblings caught up in circumstances beyond their control. Add to the chaos, poverty, bullying, communication breakdowns, systemic failures, violence and lack of opportunity.
It's not all grim, though, there are glimpses of hope when changes and opportunities affect choices and outcomes.

Sara's novel leaves you wondering about what rehabilitation of young offenders in our community looks like, and how we're all affected.

[J.M. Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

The horrors of the criminal justice system are explained here. Many kids are pulled into a brutal system they don't understand, that isn't fair but within that system they only become visible when the news is bad. This is an important book about young people who have been let down and need to know that there are people who care about then, as Cullen makes clear in her introduction and the clearly painstakingly research she has put into explaining the processes of prison life - Aaron is the eldest of three siblings and his journey is the gripping heart of the book. Cullen understands young people in scotland. I wondered if Chloe, the youngest, was too young to act as she does with regards to boys, makeup and her parents, but it is a point repeatedly made that all three siblings have to grow up well before they are ready. Books such as this give an understanding of exactly what this looks like and where it leads. A call for compassion if ever there was one.

[Yevheniia Zhdankina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Red Sky by Sara Cullen is a young adult realistic fiction novel that explores personal and social issues. The story follows Aaron, a young boy who is accused of setting his school on fire. He is portrayed as a complex and reflective character, struggling with guilt, identity, and the consequences of his actions while trying to make sense of his situation. Throughout the book, readers also observe Aaron’s family and friends as they go about their daily lives, reflect on their past, and reminisce about him while he is in prison. With each chapter, the book reveals more details about the crime committed, Aaron’s family, and his reflections on himself and his loved ones.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its detailed description of average, low-income Scottish family life. Sara Cullen immerses readers in the difficulties these families face and shows how hard it is to overcome them. I was also impressed by the author’s writing style. She authentically uses Scottish slang and local mannerisms, which helped me connect deeply with the characters and feel transported into their world. Towards the end, I began to feel tension surrounding Aaron’s actions, and the final chapters delivered a satisfying and emotionally powerful conclusion. Overall, Blood Red Sky is a powerful, thought-provoking book that I would definitely recommend to readers of all ages.

[June Anne Welsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad, soulful and heartbreaking...
I read this in a few days while on holiday and but felt very much like I was at home with these young people. Aaron, Chloe and Dylan, three young people trying to survive a pretty harsh world, rife with intergenerational trauma and a system that feels hard to make sense of. I felt like I knew them, or knew other young poeple very much like them. We have to do better than this and congratulations to Sara for writing a story that shines light on the lives of our young people running out of hope. I hope it is very well read and I hope it makes a difference.

[Mariane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Red Sky is a gripping and deeply emotional read. I was hooked from the start and found it incredibly thought-provoking, especially in the way it explores family pressures, social inequalities and the impact of the justice system on young people. It’s heartbreaking at times, but handled with such honesty and care that it stayed with me long after I finished.

I love books that tackle real issues with sensitivity, and this one does exactly that. It reminded me why stories like these are so important—they make you reflect, question and understand the world a little more.

A beautifully crafted, unforgettable book that I’d highly recommend.

[Shumela Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I’ve read in years. Honest, authentic and meaningful on so many levels. Through the art of storytelling and decades of experience Sara helps us understand the true impact of trauma, poverty and ultimately, relationships. Couldn’t recommend more- get ready for laughter, for tears and for shout out loud moments as you embark on a truly wonderful story told by a truly exceptional storyteller!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Red Sky is an intense and engaging read that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The story is full of suspense with plenty of tension that makes it hard to put down. The characters feel real and emotionally layered, which makes the stakes even higher as the plot unfolds. The writing is vivid and easy to get into, pulling you right into the atmosphere of the story. What a fantastic read - would fully recommend!

[Hazel Swan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful book that completely drew me in. Prison is a frightening place for any adult to navigate, never mind a child, and it really made me think about the circumstances some teenagers are exposed to.

The insight into prison life and the justice system is eye-opening and It’s clear how much research and lived experience has been put into this book.

A moving, thought-provoking read that I’d highly recommend

[Glyn Allan]

I read this book from page to page in only a few sittings and after working for over 30 years in the field of youth justice, it resonated, frustrated and inspired in equal measure. The author captures the challenges and constrained opportunities which some children are born into, alongside the often dysfunctional responses of wider society and the systems which are supposed to protect them. I would strongly recommend the book to anyone interested in addressing inequality and championing hope.

[Zoey Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely gripping from the very first page. Blood Red Sky is the kind of book that pulls you in fast and refuses to let go. Sara Cullen’s writing is vivid, atmospheric and packed with tension — every scene feels emotionally charged with some hitting me personally.
The characters are layered and compelling, and the pacing keeps you turning pages late into the night. A bold, powerful read that proves Cullen is an author to watch.

[Linda O'Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an important book about an important topic, the youth justice system, handled with compassion, humanity and rightful inclusion of the immediate family and greater community. A strong voice for an under represented minority. Blood Red Sky makes a powerful impact and stayed with me long after the final page.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this powerful and sometimes emotional book. Very well written which gives one more of an insight into the injustice that many unprivelaged people have to deal/live with. Tears fell at times. A must read .

[katie beer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a thought provoking, heart wrenching yet heart warming book. I read it in two nights as I couldn't put it down. It has a brilliant and realistic storyline that is so close to reality for so many. Highly recommend reading.

[Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting and insightful read. It had characters which felt real and raw, and followed them on their journey. Covid adding another harsh element to the story. I was hooked from the start and it’s heartbreaking to think about how it reflects a really sad reality.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating from start to finish. Being from Fife it allowed me to engage heavily with the book.

Highly emotional read which pulled on my heart strings. Took me only 4 days to read since I could not put it down.

Beautiful from start to finish

[Nicola Crean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping, heartbreaking read that feels raw and real, while not shielding the reader from what is the reality for so many of our young people. A must-read for everyone in the education system and beyond!

[Laura Cruickshanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book . Very well written and informative about the justice system too with a lot of local landmarks thrown in

[Marian Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Red Sky is a powerful, socially conscious novel that pushes readers to consider justice, empathy, and the strength of youth. Sara Cullen’s writing is both incisive and compassionate, unflinching in its exploration of the difficult realities facing young people today. It’s a demanding read at times, but ultimately a deeply rewarding one.