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Five Hundred Miles
For brothers Cole and Ruben it's another rainy morning in the badlands of East London, selling dodgy paperwork for even dodgier motors. But arriving in a grimy pub on their latest errand, the brothers stumble across a trio of gangsters, a beautiful young girl and a monkey in a cage - and their entire day is knocked off course. They soon find themselves fleeing in a hot-wired car, girl and chattering monkey in tow, surrounded by police. Their final destination: Oban, five hundred miles north, where they hope to find sanctuary. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 12+
88 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2016
4 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Brooks
75 books878 followersKevin Brooks was born in 1959 and grew up in Exeter, Devon, England. He studied Psychology and Philosophy at Birmingham, Aston University in 1980 and Cultural Studies in London in 1983. Kevin Brooks has been in a variety of jobs including: musician, gasoline station attendant, crematorium handyman, civil service clerk, hot dog vendor at the London Zoo, post office clerk, and railway ticket office clerk.
Kevin Brooks's writing career started with the publication of Martyn Pig in 2002 through The Chicken House which won the Branford Boase Award 2003 and was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. He also wrote Lucas (2002) which was shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize and Booktrust Teenage Prize in 2003 also winning the North East Book Award in 2004.
In 2004 he published Kissing the Rain and Bloodline and I See You, Baby and Candy in 2005. In 2006 he published 3 books including: Johnny Delgado Series - Like Father, Like Son and Private Detective as well as The Road of the Dead; a standalone novel. In February 2008 he published the standalone book Black Rabbit Summer.
As a child, Kevin Brooks enjoyed reading detective novels. He writes most plots of the various books he has written around crime fiction. He likes mystery and suspence and enjoys putting both of those components into each and every story he writes in some shape or form.
Kevin Brooks's writing career started with the publication of Martyn Pig in 2002 through The Chicken House which won the Branford Boase Award 2003 and was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. He also wrote Lucas (2002) which was shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize and Booktrust Teenage Prize in 2003 also winning the North East Book Award in 2004.
In 2004 he published Kissing the Rain and Bloodline and I See You, Baby and Candy in 2005. In 2006 he published 3 books including: Johnny Delgado Series - Like Father, Like Son and Private Detective as well as The Road of the Dead; a standalone novel. In February 2008 he published the standalone book Black Rabbit Summer.
As a child, Kevin Brooks enjoyed reading detective novels. He writes most plots of the various books he has written around crime fiction. He likes mystery and suspence and enjoys putting both of those components into each and every story he writes in some shape or form.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 28, 2016
- Not what I thought it would be about
- Weird plot
- Confusing characters
- Nothing adds up
I thought this would be more about finding the brothers' dead sister rather than a random girl who kind of emulates her. I don't feel the plot ties in together with the synopsis or with the plot itself. It doesn't have a clear ending, it's more of a cliffhanger and you make up who the girl was for yourself. Also through-out the book bits and pieces do not tie up together such as; what originally happened to the sister, what Cole had to do with it, how old Cole is (he drives a car) the setting of the story (they talk about Scotland but claim it's 5 hundred miles away.
Cole's relationship with the sister look-a-like was very weird. Non of this book made sense...?
- Weird plot
- Confusing characters
- Nothing adds up
I thought this would be more about finding the brothers' dead sister rather than a random girl who kind of emulates her. I don't feel the plot ties in together with the synopsis or with the plot itself. It doesn't have a clear ending, it's more of a cliffhanger and you make up who the girl was for yourself. Also through-out the book bits and pieces do not tie up together such as; what originally happened to the sister, what Cole had to do with it, how old Cole is (he drives a car) the setting of the story (they talk about Scotland but claim it's 5 hundred miles away.
Cole's relationship with the sister look-a-like was very weird. Non of this book made sense...?
April 8, 2021
Cole knows what’s going down is dangerous. Why doesn’t the girl leave? What have the three men got planned?
Coles knows it’s not his business, but he is pulled to intervene, to help the girl. It’s clear she’s not leaving without the monkey.
What is it about the girl that mesmerises Cole? What will they do now? Nobody crosses Darnell Bliss and gets away with it. Where to now?
I enjoyed the rich characters. I could picture them, and their personalities shone through. The descriptions of the environment were vivid too. The font and lay out helped with the fast pace of the story.
Recommended for Tweens 10+ and YA particularly reluctant readers.
Coles knows it’s not his business, but he is pulled to intervene, to help the girl. It’s clear she’s not leaving without the monkey.
What is it about the girl that mesmerises Cole? What will they do now? Nobody crosses Darnell Bliss and gets away with it. Where to now?
I enjoyed the rich characters. I could picture them, and their personalities shone through. The descriptions of the environment were vivid too. The font and lay out helped with the fast pace of the story.
Recommended for Tweens 10+ and YA particularly reluctant readers.
September 22, 2024
Der Titel „Long Road“ ist hier definitiv Programm, denn wir begleiten die Brüder Ruben und Cole, die in einem gestohlenen Auto unterwegs sind, sowie Trina, die sie mehr oder weniger aus einer brenzligen Situation in einer Kneipe gerettet haben. Mit an Bord ist auch ein kleines Kapuzineräffchen. Doch so lang wie der Titel, so langatmig empfand ich leider auch die Geschichte – sie zog sich wie Kaugummi, weil einfach nichts passiert.
Das ist wirklich schade, denn der Klappentext klang vielversprechend und das wunderschöne Cover ließ mich auf eine spannende Handlung hoffen. Leider konnte das Buch meine Erwartungen nicht erfüllen. In meinen Augen fehlte es sowohl an einem klaren Anfang als auch an einem befriedigenden Ende, und ich blieb am Ende ratlos zurück, was die Geschichte eigentlich aussagen wollte. Als Thriller würde ich „Long Road“ nicht bezeichnen – für mich war es eher ein Action-Roman, der vielleicht als Film besser funktioniert hätte, als über so viele Stunden gelesen zu werden.
Leider keine Empfehlung von meiner Seite.
Das ist wirklich schade, denn der Klappentext klang vielversprechend und das wunderschöne Cover ließ mich auf eine spannende Handlung hoffen. Leider konnte das Buch meine Erwartungen nicht erfüllen. In meinen Augen fehlte es sowohl an einem klaren Anfang als auch an einem befriedigenden Ende, und ich blieb am Ende ratlos zurück, was die Geschichte eigentlich aussagen wollte. Als Thriller würde ich „Long Road“ nicht bezeichnen – für mich war es eher ein Action-Roman, der vielleicht als Film besser funktioniert hätte, als über so viele Stunden gelesen zu werden.
Leider keine Empfehlung von meiner Seite.
March 11, 2021
Cole and Ruben are brothers of the back streets of East London. Now in their teens and their dad in prison, they
know how their part of the world works.
One morning, as the rain falls in a fine mist, they walk in silence in the comfortable way of brothers. They have an envelope to deliver and payment to collect.
Their destination is a pub which should be empty of punters at this hour, but isn't. The barman is there as expected, but so are some men, a teenage girl their age and a small Capuchin monkey.
The drop goes as planned but that's as far as anything straightforward goes for the brothers this morning. Violence is swift, escape as smooth as possible and then introductions made. Their morning changes further, with the scream of sirens, blue lights flashing and a suggestion of a drive to Scotland. Five Hundred Miles isn't too far to drive for a monkey - is it?
As always, Kevin Brooks delivers a gritty, genuine tale - a snippet of two brothers in the back streets of East London. Their past, family connections, and imprisoned but feared and respected father mould their reactions to what plays out in front of them, and when escape is not possible, Five Hundred Miles is the obvious solution. Loved it.
Author - Kevin Brooks
Reading Age 8 - Interest Age 13+
know how their part of the world works.
One morning, as the rain falls in a fine mist, they walk in silence in the comfortable way of brothers. They have an envelope to deliver and payment to collect.
Their destination is a pub which should be empty of punters at this hour, but isn't. The barman is there as expected, but so are some men, a teenage girl their age and a small Capuchin monkey.
The drop goes as planned but that's as far as anything straightforward goes for the brothers this morning. Violence is swift, escape as smooth as possible and then introductions made. Their morning changes further, with the scream of sirens, blue lights flashing and a suggestion of a drive to Scotland. Five Hundred Miles isn't too far to drive for a monkey - is it?
As always, Kevin Brooks delivers a gritty, genuine tale - a snippet of two brothers in the back streets of East London. Their past, family connections, and imprisoned but feared and respected father mould their reactions to what plays out in front of them, and when escape is not possible, Five Hundred Miles is the obvious solution. Loved it.
Author - Kevin Brooks
Reading Age 8 - Interest Age 13+
August 21, 2024
DE:
Rezension: Long Road von Kevin Brooks
Bewertung: 3.5 Sterne
Kevin Brooks schafft es in "Long Road" mich von der ersten Seite an in den Bann zu ziehen. Das Cover des Buches ist ein echter Hingucker und spiegelt die düstere und geheimnisvolle Atmosphäre des Inhalts wider, was sicherlich zur positiven Gesamtbewertung beiträgt. Und ja, ich bin “Cover-Opfer”.
Der Schreibstil ist fesselnd und dynamisch, sodass man sich schnell in die Handlung hineinziehen lässt. Die Geschichte entfaltet sich in einer rasanten Erzählweise, die jedoch weniger Thriller, sondern vielmehr als Action ist. Wer auf der Suche nach Nervenkitzel und Adrenalin ist, wird hier definitiv auf seine Kosten kommen.
Besonders gelungen ist die Darstellung der Gefühle und inneren Konflikte der Protagonisten. Die Brüder Cole und Ruben sind tiefgründige Charaktere, deren Entwicklung im Laufe der Geschichte beeindruckend herausgearbeitet wird. Sie wirken authentisch und komplex, was das Mitfiebern mit ihren Schicksalen erleichtert. Im Gegensatz dazu bleibt Trina, eine weitere zentrale Figur, etwas flach und klischeehaft.
Ein besonderer, wenn auch ungewöhnlicher Aspekt der Geschichte mit dem geretteten Äffchen. Diese Idee ist originell und verleiht der Handlung eine unerwartete Note, allerdings wirkt die Umsetzung bisweilen etwas sehr realitätsfern. In der Gesamtheit ist die Geschichte schon recht wirklichkeitsfremd, was für einen fiktiven Roman zwar legitim ist, aber dennoch wünscht man sich an einigen Stellen eine etwas mehr realistische Darstellung. Es werden Gewalt, Verfolgungen und Kämpfe recht intensiv geschildert, wer da Probleme hat, sollte Vorsicht walten lassen.
Das Ende des Buches überrascht und lässt einige Fragen offen, regt aber definitiv zum Nachdenken und zur Diskussion an.
Alles in allem ist "Long Road" von Kevin Brooks ein spannender Roman, der Actionliebhaber,die eine priese psychologischen Nervenkitzel mögen, anspricht und für eine Weile die Realität vergessen lässt. Wer jedoch auf der Suche nach einem intensiven schaurigen Thriller ist, der könnte hier etwas enttäuscht werden.
___________
ENG:
Review: Long Road by Kevin Brooks
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Kevin Brooks manages to captivate me right from the first page in "Long Road." The book's cover is a real eye-catcher, reflecting the dark and mysterious atmosphere of the story, which certainly contributes to the overall positive rating. And yes, I am a "cover victim."
The writing style is engaging and dynamic, quickly pulling you into the storyline. The narrative unfolds in a fast-paced manner, though it leans more towards action than thriller. If you're looking for suspense and adrenaline, you'll definitely get your money's worth here.
The portrayal of the characters' emotions and inner conflicts is particularly well done. The brothers, Cole and Ruben, are deep, complex characters whose development throughout the story is impressively crafted. They come across as authentic and multi-dimensional, making it easy to root for their fates. In contrast, Trina, another key character, remains somewhat flat and clichéd.
A unique yet unusual aspect of the story involves the rescued monkey. This idea is original and adds an unexpected touch to the plot, though at times it feels rather far-fetched. Overall, the story is quite detached from reality, which is acceptable for a fictional novel, but there are moments where a more realistic portrayal would have been appreciated. Violence, chases, and fights are depicted quite intensely, so anyone sensitive to these themes should proceed with caution.
The book’s ending is surprising and leaves some questions unanswered, but it definitely provokes thought and discussion.
All in all, "Long Road" by Kevin Brooks is an exciting novel that will appeal to action lovers who enjoy a touch of psychological suspense and want to escape reality for a while. However, those seeking an intense, chilling thriller might find themselves somewhat disappointed.
Rezension: Long Road von Kevin Brooks
Bewertung: 3.5 Sterne
Kevin Brooks schafft es in "Long Road" mich von der ersten Seite an in den Bann zu ziehen. Das Cover des Buches ist ein echter Hingucker und spiegelt die düstere und geheimnisvolle Atmosphäre des Inhalts wider, was sicherlich zur positiven Gesamtbewertung beiträgt. Und ja, ich bin “Cover-Opfer”.
Der Schreibstil ist fesselnd und dynamisch, sodass man sich schnell in die Handlung hineinziehen lässt. Die Geschichte entfaltet sich in einer rasanten Erzählweise, die jedoch weniger Thriller, sondern vielmehr als Action ist. Wer auf der Suche nach Nervenkitzel und Adrenalin ist, wird hier definitiv auf seine Kosten kommen.
Besonders gelungen ist die Darstellung der Gefühle und inneren Konflikte der Protagonisten. Die Brüder Cole und Ruben sind tiefgründige Charaktere, deren Entwicklung im Laufe der Geschichte beeindruckend herausgearbeitet wird. Sie wirken authentisch und komplex, was das Mitfiebern mit ihren Schicksalen erleichtert. Im Gegensatz dazu bleibt Trina, eine weitere zentrale Figur, etwas flach und klischeehaft.
Ein besonderer, wenn auch ungewöhnlicher Aspekt der Geschichte mit dem geretteten Äffchen. Diese Idee ist originell und verleiht der Handlung eine unerwartete Note, allerdings wirkt die Umsetzung bisweilen etwas sehr realitätsfern. In der Gesamtheit ist die Geschichte schon recht wirklichkeitsfremd, was für einen fiktiven Roman zwar legitim ist, aber dennoch wünscht man sich an einigen Stellen eine etwas mehr realistische Darstellung. Es werden Gewalt, Verfolgungen und Kämpfe recht intensiv geschildert, wer da Probleme hat, sollte Vorsicht walten lassen.
Das Ende des Buches überrascht und lässt einige Fragen offen, regt aber definitiv zum Nachdenken und zur Diskussion an.
Alles in allem ist "Long Road" von Kevin Brooks ein spannender Roman, der Actionliebhaber,die eine priese psychologischen Nervenkitzel mögen, anspricht und für eine Weile die Realität vergessen lässt. Wer jedoch auf der Suche nach einem intensiven schaurigen Thriller ist, der könnte hier etwas enttäuscht werden.
___________
ENG:
Review: Long Road by Kevin Brooks
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Kevin Brooks manages to captivate me right from the first page in "Long Road." The book's cover is a real eye-catcher, reflecting the dark and mysterious atmosphere of the story, which certainly contributes to the overall positive rating. And yes, I am a "cover victim."
The writing style is engaging and dynamic, quickly pulling you into the storyline. The narrative unfolds in a fast-paced manner, though it leans more towards action than thriller. If you're looking for suspense and adrenaline, you'll definitely get your money's worth here.
The portrayal of the characters' emotions and inner conflicts is particularly well done. The brothers, Cole and Ruben, are deep, complex characters whose development throughout the story is impressively crafted. They come across as authentic and multi-dimensional, making it easy to root for their fates. In contrast, Trina, another key character, remains somewhat flat and clichéd.
A unique yet unusual aspect of the story involves the rescued monkey. This idea is original and adds an unexpected touch to the plot, though at times it feels rather far-fetched. Overall, the story is quite detached from reality, which is acceptable for a fictional novel, but there are moments where a more realistic portrayal would have been appreciated. Violence, chases, and fights are depicted quite intensely, so anyone sensitive to these themes should proceed with caution.
The book’s ending is surprising and leaves some questions unanswered, but it definitely provokes thought and discussion.
All in all, "Long Road" by Kevin Brooks is an exciting novel that will appeal to action lovers who enjoy a touch of psychological suspense and want to escape reality for a while. However, those seeking an intense, chilling thriller might find themselves somewhat disappointed.
March 12, 2018
Upon starting this book I had high hopes. The language was great and the setting had me hooked.
However, the story was rather slow getting to the point.When we arrived at the plotline to Five Hundred Miles it was a very bizarre one.
The build-up around the 2 brothers and their missing sister made you wonder what dark twist was coming up but then the story was actually just about 3 gangsters and a monkey!
It was rather ludicrous. The 2 brothers ditch their deal and help a girl beat up gangsters so she can rescue a monkey. Her place in the story seemed very odd and not realistic at all.
There are mentions of the brothers' family being searched by the police but these interesting points are swept under the rug.
As usual, Kevin Brooks writes well and delivers an enticing start but the plot made this story fall flat.
However, the story was rather slow getting to the point.When we arrived at the plotline to Five Hundred Miles it was a very bizarre one.
The build-up around the 2 brothers and their missing sister made you wonder what dark twist was coming up but then the story was actually just about 3 gangsters and a monkey!
It was rather ludicrous. The 2 brothers ditch their deal and help a girl beat up gangsters so she can rescue a monkey. Her place in the story seemed very odd and not realistic at all.
There are mentions of the brothers' family being searched by the police but these interesting points are swept under the rug.
As usual, Kevin Brooks writes well and delivers an enticing start but the plot made this story fall flat.
Read
November 23, 2023Shit.
Ok, don't get me wrong, the plot was alright. What u don't get is why the book is so freaking short. I mean, it is bad enough the book is only 100 pages but the text being as large as your granny's pimples?! No hun, this ain't for us.
Ok, don't get me wrong, the plot was alright. What u don't get is why the book is so freaking short. I mean, it is bad enough the book is only 100 pages but the text being as large as your granny's pimples?! No hun, this ain't for us.
Read
February 11, 2022For once I liked the latter part of a book more than the former, and I kind of enjoyed the monkey talk in the middle.
July 13, 2023
Nice read but I really want to know what happens to Trina after they leave the monkey at the sanctuary.
Read
December 14, 2023this book sucked ass. had to read it for a class and i was so angry at it the ending sucked, had the opportunity to make something lovely and failed.
the writing was incesty and weird.
the writing was incesty and weird.
April 17, 2025
amy wenn du da siehst wir müssen reden über dieses buch!!
November 16, 2016
This book is teen fiction, it probably won't appeal to everyone, as it doesnt really have a fast paced exciting story, but if you have a teen who struggles to read, I think this book would be a useful addition to their bookcase. The print is very easy to read and it is split into very short and manageable chapters, in fact the whole book does not take that long to read, I managed it in half an hour.
May 27, 2017
As with the other 'dyslexia friendly' and 'easy read' books used in the school where I teach, I can see why Five Hundred Miles has been used; we have some incredibly reluctant readers so these books are not without merit, but I find them to be lacking regardless. The plot is underdeveloped and the ending is rushed, although it was an easy read and engaged my class fairly well.
June 10, 2016
I enjoyed this book not a bad read but took a while to get into
September 28, 2016
Quickly grabbed this from the library shelf, so glad I didn't pay for it. I've enjoyed some of his other work but this was truly terrible. Don't bother
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews