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Run, Riot
A powerful novel about young people standing up for themselves and their community, from the editor/author of The Good Immigrant.
When teenagers Hari and Jamal film an unarmed youth from their estate being beaten by police, they find themselves hunted by the very people who should be protecting them. But as they go on the run with Hari's twin sister, Taran, and Jamal's girlfriend, Anna, the four friends discover that the truth behind the shooting goes so much deeper, with terrible personal consequences for them all.
A hard-hitting YA crime thriller dealing with timely themes of youth helplessness, gentrification and police brutality.
When teenagers Hari and Jamal film an unarmed youth from their estate being beaten by police, they find themselves hunted by the very people who should be protecting them. But as they go on the run with Hari's twin sister, Taran, and Jamal's girlfriend, Anna, the four friends discover that the truth behind the shooting goes so much deeper, with terrible personal consequences for them all.
A hard-hitting YA crime thriller dealing with timely themes of youth helplessness, gentrification and police brutality.
262 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2018
9 people are currently reading
656 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 6, 2018
A book outside of the United States that tackles both gentrification and police brutality? I didn’t even imagine I could come across something like this, it feels like such a personal problem here nobody else could possibly be suffering the same way as us right? But this book managed to tackle the subject and felt like it was happening in my neighborhood not 3000 miles away.
We see the lives of poor people, immigrants, working class families just trying to make it while the people with power stack the deck against them. A fast paced single evening adventure for Justice that feels so real it’s like it was ripped from the headlines. If you come from a block like this read this, and if you come from anywhere else in the world also give it a go. It’s compelling and deep and it brings this place alive for you. Really I wish I could give it more then five stars.
We see the lives of poor people, immigrants, working class families just trying to make it while the people with power stack the deck against them. A fast paced single evening adventure for Justice that feels so real it’s like it was ripped from the headlines. If you come from a block like this read this, and if you come from anywhere else in the world also give it a go. It’s compelling and deep and it brings this place alive for you. Really I wish I could give it more then five stars.
July 11, 2018
* I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinion of the book.
After Taran’s twin brother witnesses a murder, it suddenly becomes a giant game of cat and mouse in their tower block. Them vs the police. Them vs everyone else. Hari and her friends soon learn there’s something else happening in the estate, something that will uproot from everything they knew.
Run, Riot tackles some pretty important topics. Racism, police brutality, corruption and gentrification. It has the makings of being a very compelling book. It was fascinating to read this fast-paced story as these group of kids face these moments of injustice from the very people who are meant to protect them. One death leads to the breakdown of an entire community and exposes a trail of corruption that goes further than anyone expected. I really enjoy how the narrative played how, a minute by minute account of events, over a twenty-four-hour time lapse, with moments of flashbacks. I could definitely see this on TV.
I’m actually struggling to put into words what I didn’t like about this book. I just didn’t connect with the characters nor plot. It just felt bland, and many moments were just so dull to read. It’s not as adrenaline-fuelled you would think it would be. Which was a real shame because I actually enjoy its concept and plot, but I was actually really disappointed in its execution. The plot was gripping, its characters genuinely fascinating to read about but the whole book just didn’t work for me. Which really frustrated me because I was enjoying this and I wanted it to be better, but it wasn’t.
Overall, an interesting read about a group of teens standing up and speaking up for what they believe in. Personally, I think my dislike of this is just from my own personal reading experience/taste, but I still think it’s a book that a lot of people will enjoy, hopefully much more than I did.
After Taran’s twin brother witnesses a murder, it suddenly becomes a giant game of cat and mouse in their tower block. Them vs the police. Them vs everyone else. Hari and her friends soon learn there’s something else happening in the estate, something that will uproot from everything they knew.
Run, Riot tackles some pretty important topics. Racism, police brutality, corruption and gentrification. It has the makings of being a very compelling book. It was fascinating to read this fast-paced story as these group of kids face these moments of injustice from the very people who are meant to protect them. One death leads to the breakdown of an entire community and exposes a trail of corruption that goes further than anyone expected. I really enjoy how the narrative played how, a minute by minute account of events, over a twenty-four-hour time lapse, with moments of flashbacks. I could definitely see this on TV.
I’m actually struggling to put into words what I didn’t like about this book. I just didn’t connect with the characters nor plot. It just felt bland, and many moments were just so dull to read. It’s not as adrenaline-fuelled you would think it would be. Which was a real shame because I actually enjoy its concept and plot, but I was actually really disappointed in its execution. The plot was gripping, its characters genuinely fascinating to read about but the whole book just didn’t work for me. Which really frustrated me because I was enjoying this and I wanted it to be better, but it wasn’t.
Overall, an interesting read about a group of teens standing up and speaking up for what they believe in. Personally, I think my dislike of this is just from my own personal reading experience/taste, but I still think it’s a book that a lot of people will enjoy, hopefully much more than I did.
July 7, 2018
A fast paced, action packed thriller of a story that I believe to be The U.K’s answer to “The Hate U Give” (THUG). A story that explores social injustice at the hands of corruption, a story that turns the lives of 4 teens upside down when they become privy of too much information and the decision they need to make - stay silent and go on the run or take a stand and have justice prevail.. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, dialogue and the characters we followed and I also liked the story’s structure as it was following a time line (as in time of day) rather than chapters so it really brought the story to life for me. I hope this story is adapted to film, I believe it would be well received by the YA reader community.. special thanks to Date A Book YA/Hachette Publishers for sending me a review copy of this book.
June 30, 2018
Disclaimer: I received this free from the publisher via NetGalley.
Hari and Jamal witness and film a murder of an unarmed man from their estate. A murder committed by police. Soon, they find themselves running and being hunted by the very people who are supposed to be protecting them. They soon discover, along with Taran and Anna, that there is something much bigger happening in their estate.
‘He pushes past so many people in the block whose lives intersect with his own, who live above, below, next door, and in the pockets of everyone else in the building. His friends, they complain all the time about where they live, but are the quickest to defend it if anyone from outside says anything similar. Constantly love-hating this place. We don’t even appreciate how connected we are, Jamal thinks. We’re residents of a block, existing side by side like it’s not a strange thing that we’re all shoved into this space together.’
Run, Riot is an important book about police brutality and gentrification. It takes places in real time over one night which makes it a tense and fast-paced read. It is about young people fighting for what is right and standing up for themselves and their community. It’s a tough and brutal read about corruption and greed in society but a very important and relevant book.
It takes place in a tower block and I really loved this and the sense of community it shows. Shukla has managed to create a fantastic group of characters with some great dynamics which you can’t help but care about. At the heart of this, it’s about community, friendship, and family and I really liked that. To say that Run, Riot takes place over a night Nikesh Shukla managed to create some really well rounded and complex characters which is really impressive.
Overall, Run, Riot is a fantastic book about incredibly important topics. It tackles injustice, racism, gentrification, police brutality, and corruption. It is also a book so desperately needed in UKYA and one that I highly recommend. I will definitely be looking out for more from Nikesh Shukla!
Hari and Jamal witness and film a murder of an unarmed man from their estate. A murder committed by police. Soon, they find themselves running and being hunted by the very people who are supposed to be protecting them. They soon discover, along with Taran and Anna, that there is something much bigger happening in their estate.
‘He pushes past so many people in the block whose lives intersect with his own, who live above, below, next door, and in the pockets of everyone else in the building. His friends, they complain all the time about where they live, but are the quickest to defend it if anyone from outside says anything similar. Constantly love-hating this place. We don’t even appreciate how connected we are, Jamal thinks. We’re residents of a block, existing side by side like it’s not a strange thing that we’re all shoved into this space together.’
Run, Riot is an important book about police brutality and gentrification. It takes places in real time over one night which makes it a tense and fast-paced read. It is about young people fighting for what is right and standing up for themselves and their community. It’s a tough and brutal read about corruption and greed in society but a very important and relevant book.
It takes place in a tower block and I really loved this and the sense of community it shows. Shukla has managed to create a fantastic group of characters with some great dynamics which you can’t help but care about. At the heart of this, it’s about community, friendship, and family and I really liked that. To say that Run, Riot takes place over a night Nikesh Shukla managed to create some really well rounded and complex characters which is really impressive.
Overall, Run, Riot is a fantastic book about incredibly important topics. It tackles injustice, racism, gentrification, police brutality, and corruption. It is also a book so desperately needed in UKYA and one that I highly recommend. I will definitely be looking out for more from Nikesh Shukla!
June 15, 2018
What do you do when the people who’ve vowed to serve and protect you are the ones causing trouble? Sadly, the teens we follow through the course of this novel are forced to find out.
Thanks to NetGalley for granting me access to this prior to publication.
It’s an explosive read, with a growing sense of injustice and anger that builds to an unforgettable climax. I’d like to say we were truly in the realms of something that could never happen, but know that’s not the case.
We follow Taran and her twin through a momentous evening. It begins with the death of a local man at the hands of the police. Asking someone to document what happened and not intervene suggests he knew what was coming - and as we work out the extent to which the corruption has spread the sense of injustice was palpable.
Thanks to NetGalley for granting me access to this prior to publication.
It’s an explosive read, with a growing sense of injustice and anger that builds to an unforgettable climax. I’d like to say we were truly in the realms of something that could never happen, but know that’s not the case.
We follow Taran and her twin through a momentous evening. It begins with the death of a local man at the hands of the police. Asking someone to document what happened and not intervene suggests he knew what was coming - and as we work out the extent to which the corruption has spread the sense of injustice was palpable.
March 10, 2020
A YA thriller set in one night in a tower block in a UK city as teens find themselves on the run from police after they film a horrifying episode of police brutality. This is a really unique concept for a novel. It really focuses on the community created in tower blocks and on the damage of gentrification on poor, ethnic communities. It’s got a lot to unpack, especially in the light of Grenfell. I’m really excited to teach this in a few weeks and I can see the kids getting really into it, although I am providing them a vocab list of British slang, because I can see them getting really lost!
While I really like this book, I definitely felt like it fell short of the “UK version of The Hate U Give.” The Hate U Give is such an amazingly-written book. It helps students develop so much empathy for those different from them. For a lot of my white students, reading it last year helped them become open to thinking and even advocating for racial justice. This book struck me at points as being kinda “Disney Channel Movie”-esque. The villians, the police, are SO bad. They don’t stop at just killing an innocent boy, but they beat at least half a dozen others, kidnap a girl, and set up someone for a crime they didn’t commit. I think that for students who might come from quite conservative homes, this book might not be the best place to start the conversation about BLM, because it sort of seems over the top. For kids who have already “bought in” for issues of racial justice, I think that this book will be perfect and they will really enjoy it. I enjoyed it and flew through it, but just thought it lacked the finesse of a book like THUG.
While I really like this book, I definitely felt like it fell short of the “UK version of The Hate U Give.” The Hate U Give is such an amazingly-written book. It helps students develop so much empathy for those different from them. For a lot of my white students, reading it last year helped them become open to thinking and even advocating for racial justice. This book struck me at points as being kinda “Disney Channel Movie”-esque. The villians, the police, are SO bad. They don’t stop at just killing an innocent boy, but they beat at least half a dozen others, kidnap a girl, and set up someone for a crime they didn’t commit. I think that for students who might come from quite conservative homes, this book might not be the best place to start the conversation about BLM, because it sort of seems over the top. For kids who have already “bought in” for issues of racial justice, I think that this book will be perfect and they will really enjoy it. I enjoyed it and flew through it, but just thought it lacked the finesse of a book like THUG.
April 25, 2019
Run, Riot spends a single night following a group of teenagers trying to hide in their tower block after they video police murdering another teenager from their neighbourhood. It addresses police brutality, corruption, gentrification and racism as the the group uncover a plot between police, politicians and housing developers.
The book felt really current and it was great to see these elements written about in a UK context, when more of this kind of YA is based in the US. The middle class tenants who'd moved into former social housing and had 7 types of Waitrose cheese in the fridge while other block residents struggled for food money felt very on the nose.
Run, Riot has a cinematic quality and would make a brilliant movie in the single location style of Attack The Block or The Raid, and at times I did wonder whether it would have made a better screenplay than a novel. As the characters are constantly on the run from the police, occasionally I lost track of where in the block they were and all the action didn't always leave enough room for character building.
However, the book has a strong message that the police can never be trusted to take the side of working class people and people of colour, and that mutual aid in the community is the best resource, which I was really pleased to see in a YA novel.
The book felt really current and it was great to see these elements written about in a UK context, when more of this kind of YA is based in the US. The middle class tenants who'd moved into former social housing and had 7 types of Waitrose cheese in the fridge while other block residents struggled for food money felt very on the nose.
Run, Riot has a cinematic quality and would make a brilliant movie in the single location style of Attack The Block or The Raid, and at times I did wonder whether it would have made a better screenplay than a novel. As the characters are constantly on the run from the police, occasionally I lost track of where in the block they were and all the action didn't always leave enough room for character building.
However, the book has a strong message that the police can never be trusted to take the side of working class people and people of colour, and that mutual aid in the community is the best resource, which I was really pleased to see in a YA novel.
June 19, 2020
Positives:
- The first chapter did make me want to keep reading but it was a little confusing trying to understand where exactly the main character was seeing the big thing happening.
- The inclusion of Roberts as a character was a great idea as I, like the characters in the book, couldn't work out whose side he was on.
- Despite the writing, the story is fast-paced and it was difficult to put the book down.
- The story had lots of twists and turns and it was nice not being able to guess what was going to happen next.
Negatives:
- Couldn't remember the main characters name after the end of the first chapter despite it being mentioned so many times.
- The book title name came up way too quickly in the story - I would have liked to have waited until much later in the story to know the reason for the title.
- This is an own voices novel in my culture and although that is so rare, unfortunately I didn't feel like the characters represented me that much. If I didn't recognise the characters name as Indian then it would not have been obvious that they were Indian. The character descriptions throughout the book didn't make this clear either.
- Sadly, the story isn't too memorable for me and I don't think I will remember or think about it for a long time after reading this book.
- The first chapter did make me want to keep reading but it was a little confusing trying to understand where exactly the main character was seeing the big thing happening.
- The inclusion of Roberts as a character was a great idea as I, like the characters in the book, couldn't work out whose side he was on.
- Despite the writing, the story is fast-paced and it was difficult to put the book down.
- The story had lots of twists and turns and it was nice not being able to guess what was going to happen next.
Negatives:
- Couldn't remember the main characters name after the end of the first chapter despite it being mentioned so many times.
- The book title name came up way too quickly in the story - I would have liked to have waited until much later in the story to know the reason for the title.
- This is an own voices novel in my culture and although that is so rare, unfortunately I didn't feel like the characters represented me that much. If I didn't recognise the characters name as Indian then it would not have been obvious that they were Indian. The character descriptions throughout the book didn't make this clear either.
- Sadly, the story isn't too memorable for me and I don't think I will remember or think about it for a long time after reading this book.
April 11, 2020
*2.5 stars
i liked this book's commentary on gentrification corrupt authority, specifically in terms of racism and classism in the police force as well as rich and powerful companies that have no regard for actual people. i also loved the emphasis on how important close-knit communities are, especially among minorities. i don't think i cared really enough about each character to enjoy it as much as i could have because i just never found myself excited to pick it up, but i do really appreciate the important messages and issues that this story brought awareness to.
i liked this book's commentary on gentrification corrupt authority, specifically in terms of racism and classism in the police force as well as rich and powerful companies that have no regard for actual people. i also loved the emphasis on how important close-knit communities are, especially among minorities. i don't think i cared really enough about each character to enjoy it as much as i could have because i just never found myself excited to pick it up, but i do really appreciate the important messages and issues that this story brought awareness to.
January 27, 2019
I wanted to absolutely love this, the pages did fly by, I liked Taran and it is such and important topic and concept. The writing was decent, the only let downs were I felt all the adult characters were flat and the same, and the children only distinguishable by catchphrases rather than personality. I did like this though so a good, quick, exciting, topical YA (I would say middle grade??) book!
April 14, 2018
Tough read exploring corruption and greed. But also inspiring young people to take the lead in exposing these types of social injustice.
September 24, 2018
This is a powerful, page-turning, through-provoking YA novel involving teenagers, gentrification and corruption. So absorbing it made me miss my stop TWICE (so probably best read at home and not while using public transport!)
October 25, 2018
I read this in two days. If you know me, you will know how impressed I must have been. I was totally gripped. Nikesh has much to say and does it with integrity, magic storytelling, authentic voices and big morals. Bravo, sir. I hope you get many more ratings of this book than there are currently (I'm only 77th). I will definitely be getting lots of my school pupils to read this soon!
January 11, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I thought that the plot was very unique and interesting
June 10, 2018
Here is my review of this wonderful book! http://georgiasbookishthoughts.com/20...
March 2, 2019
This book was so much fun! I thoroughly enjoyed myself while reading this. It was fast-paced always action packed which reminded me why I started reading. Great book to get you out of a reading slump. But the writing was really poor and the dialogue often cringy and unrealistic nevertheless, had quite a stable plot.
September 3, 2018
This is a powerful story of community and using your voice. I adored Taran, Hari, Anna, Jamal and their fight for what is right. This story has moments that induce sadness, fear, anger and hope. Whilst reading this I couldn’t help but get excited for all the young people who will read this book and just GET it. This is the kind of life that is massively under represented in UKYA and I’m so glad this book exists for those young people. The UK’s answer to THUG.
A big thank you to NetGalley, Hodder Children’s Books and Nikesh Shukla for my eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
A big thank you to NetGalley, Hodder Children’s Books and Nikesh Shukla for my eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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August 9, 2021Run, Riot by Nikesh Shukla
Run, Riot is a contemporary YA novel that follows a group of British teens over the span of about 24 hours that'll change their lives and the future of their neighborhood. An adrenaline-fulled story almost only set in a single building, this story manages to tackle big topics through the eyes of young people who won't let the corrupt adults take their home and their community away.
Among many other important topics, the novel explores gentrification in great dept. I was somewhat aware of the concept before going into this book, but I still feel like I learned a lot and have a more nuanced view on the problem now. This exploration never feels shoved into the narrative and a lot of discussions come up naturally, which work very well.
As the story follows a group of teens, the point of view shifts often. This made it hard for me to get into the story at the beginning, but as I read along, the story started to flow. In the same way, the writing didn't immediately click with me, but as the stakes were upped and the action really got started, it became less of a barrier for me to enjoy the story.
Another uncommon storytelling choice that'd been made was the way it split up the story. Run, Riot doesn't have chapters but is instead split up with timestamps. At first, I thought it was cool, but there are a few times at the beginning of the book where the timestamps aren't linear and as the story had still to get started, I was a bit confused, but this was only a problem for me at the beginning of the book and didn't affect my reading experience.
All in all, I'm glad I read this book, but more because of how the story explored themes of police brutality, corruption, inequality, and gentrification rather than the writing or the characters with whom I never really felt like I connected. Definitely, an important story told by a passionate writer, that could help many young people feel seen and bring light to corruption that is far from fictional.
Run, Riot is a contemporary YA novel that follows a group of British teens over the span of about 24 hours that'll change their lives and the future of their neighborhood. An adrenaline-fulled story almost only set in a single building, this story manages to tackle big topics through the eyes of young people who won't let the corrupt adults take their home and their community away.
Among many other important topics, the novel explores gentrification in great dept. I was somewhat aware of the concept before going into this book, but I still feel like I learned a lot and have a more nuanced view on the problem now. This exploration never feels shoved into the narrative and a lot of discussions come up naturally, which work very well.
As the story follows a group of teens, the point of view shifts often. This made it hard for me to get into the story at the beginning, but as I read along, the story started to flow. In the same way, the writing didn't immediately click with me, but as the stakes were upped and the action really got started, it became less of a barrier for me to enjoy the story.
Another uncommon storytelling choice that'd been made was the way it split up the story. Run, Riot doesn't have chapters but is instead split up with timestamps. At first, I thought it was cool, but there are a few times at the beginning of the book where the timestamps aren't linear and as the story had still to get started, I was a bit confused, but this was only a problem for me at the beginning of the book and didn't affect my reading experience.
All in all, I'm glad I read this book, but more because of how the story explored themes of police brutality, corruption, inequality, and gentrification rather than the writing or the characters with whom I never really felt like I connected. Definitely, an important story told by a passionate writer, that could help many young people feel seen and bring light to corruption that is far from fictional.
August 13, 2018
3.5 stars
Meatspace was brilliant, an on-the-money look at a social-media-obsessed world. Shukla here turns to the YA audience and a selection of other hot topics: gangs, violence, corruption.
Twins Taran and Hari live in a rundown estate, after their Dad's chemo and unfairly rising rents out-priced them from a nicer area. They've settled there, made friends. In a THUG-like (Angie Thomas) scenario though, things come crashing down very quickly.
The tragic setup that they film sets up a community-spanning set of events that endangers their group of friends as they try to work out why things are happening and if they can work things out for themselves.
While I liked the overall scenario and aim of the book, I didn't really get a feel for the protagonists, and the key scene that sets off the plot didn't make sense to me - it seemed unrealistic that it would take place as it did (I don't want to specify to avoid spoilers). Characters also seem to recover from the shock/grief of it quite quickly as well, and the character involved, I felt, never got a chance to explain why he let it happen.
It may have detracted from the novel, listening to this on audiobook. I might have felt more flow reading this on paper/e-reader, rather than disjointedly over several days in the car via Audible. I also didn't feel the narrator conveyed the voices I expected in my mind for these young people in this particular setting.
The hidden story (again, no spoilers) was one I wasn't sure teenage readers would care too much about, they are more likely to be interested in the relationship between youth and the police, gangs and related crimes, family and loyalty. I lost interest in listening a few times and had to backtrack.
I'd say this will have an audience. I just don't think I'm 'it'.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
April 19, 2018
Run, Riot is a fast-paced and tense YA novel about community, gentrification, and fighting to expose the system. Taran and her twin brother Hari live in Firestone House, a tower block near the centre of the city. It wasn't where they would've chosen to live, but they have friends there and a life. When Hari gets caught up in police violence, the twins and their friends Jamal and Anna find themselves on the run in their own home, in a race to uncover what is really happening to Firestone House and how far the corruption really goes.
The novel is structured predominantly around one night with some flashbacks, which gives it an electrifying atmosphere as the reader is drawn into the world of Firestone House and the frantic anger and fear of the main characters. Shukla has created a gripping bunch of characters, particularly Taran who is chasing her dream of being an MC whilst her brother dreams of leaving the area for the potential jobs of London.
Run, Riot is for fans of books like The Hate U Give who would like a novel set in England, exposing racism, gentrification, and police brutality closer to home for British readers. It is also for anyone who is looking for a carefully-paced YA novel with characters who feel alive and varied, whilst also angry and learning how to effectively fight for themselves and their community.
The novel is structured predominantly around one night with some flashbacks, which gives it an electrifying atmosphere as the reader is drawn into the world of Firestone House and the frantic anger and fear of the main characters. Shukla has created a gripping bunch of characters, particularly Taran who is chasing her dream of being an MC whilst her brother dreams of leaving the area for the potential jobs of London.
Run, Riot is for fans of books like The Hate U Give who would like a novel set in England, exposing racism, gentrification, and police brutality closer to home for British readers. It is also for anyone who is looking for a carefully-paced YA novel with characters who feel alive and varied, whilst also angry and learning how to effectively fight for themselves and their community.
July 7, 2018
A YA novel about a people supporting, battling for their community, their homes, family and friends. A novel about standing up together for what they believe in and making their voices heard!
Twin brother and sister, Taran and Hari 17 years old live in Firestones House tower block in London. Their dad becomes gravely ill with cancer and their mum works long hours as a nurse in a nearby hospital.With their dad being gravely ill with cancer and the increase of rent on their home, they have to move to Firestones House, where they become friends with Jamal and Anna. Taran a rapper starts rapping in Sims recording studio in the tower block. With them spending a great deal of time together they become close.
I like the way this YA novel is set over a 24 hour time lapse
Taran, Hari, Jamal and Anna have to protect some vital evidence that Sims has discovered. Which could get Anna's father out of prison. The tower block in which they live in is being sold to a development company. Protecting this information becomes dangerous! Are their lives at risk?
There is murder, riots, corruption, imprisonment, race, greed, gentrification and community spirit.
Young people and their community are taking charge of their own destiny and making their voices heard.
Twin brother and sister, Taran and Hari 17 years old live in Firestones House tower block in London. Their dad becomes gravely ill with cancer and their mum works long hours as a nurse in a nearby hospital.With their dad being gravely ill with cancer and the increase of rent on their home, they have to move to Firestones House, where they become friends with Jamal and Anna. Taran a rapper starts rapping in Sims recording studio in the tower block. With them spending a great deal of time together they become close.
I like the way this YA novel is set over a 24 hour time lapse
Taran, Hari, Jamal and Anna have to protect some vital evidence that Sims has discovered. Which could get Anna's father out of prison. The tower block in which they live in is being sold to a development company. Protecting this information becomes dangerous! Are their lives at risk?
There is murder, riots, corruption, imprisonment, race, greed, gentrification and community spirit.
Young people and their community are taking charge of their own destiny and making their voices heard.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2018
I found this to be a fast paced, action packed thriller of a story that I believe to be The U.K’s answer to “The Hate U Give” (THUG). A story that explores social injustice at the hands of corruption, and rogue police. A story that turns the lives of 4 teens upside down when they become privy to too much information and the decision they need to make - either stay silent and go on the run or take a stand and have justice prevail. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, the dialogue between the characters and I even came to care for the characters we followed. The book's structure was also well done as it was following a time line (as in time of day) rather than chapters so it really brought the story to life for me. To be honest, I really hope this story is adapted to film as I believe it would be well received by the YA reader community. I recommend this book to readers of YA who enjoy suspense, action and is interested in reading stories that explore deep themes such as social injustice and community.
Special thanks to Date A Book YA (Hachette) Publishers for sending me a review copy of this book.
- Annie
Special thanks to Date A Book YA (Hachette) Publishers for sending me a review copy of this book.
- Annie
May 7, 2018
I received this as a free eBook from Netgalley. This does not affect my review.
Run, Riot is an absolute rush of a book. The action is entirely compressed to little more than 24hrs and one building. It is tense as hell, and though it took me a few chapters (actually time periods) to get into it, I couldn't put it down. I particularly liked Taran and Anna's characters (the boys were not quite as well-characterised, imo) - their differences in approach made the pacing of the action just right. The plot, though seeming far-fetched initially, starts to seem all too horribly plausible as it unfolds. If you're looking for a British T.H.U.G., Run, Riot is clearly one to try.
Run, Riot is an absolute rush of a book. The action is entirely compressed to little more than 24hrs and one building. It is tense as hell, and though it took me a few chapters (actually time periods) to get into it, I couldn't put it down. I particularly liked Taran and Anna's characters (the boys were not quite as well-characterised, imo) - their differences in approach made the pacing of the action just right. The plot, though seeming far-fetched initially, starts to seem all too horribly plausible as it unfolds. If you're looking for a British T.H.U.G., Run, Riot is clearly one to try.
December 18, 2018
Originally as I read, I was making connections between this book and its American counterparts such as The Hate U Give and Pride. However, this book is quintessentially British action mixed with social justice and YA empowerment. The connection between the four main characters as well as their home (literally running around one building for the majority of the story) is tangible and intense, and what saves the day, in the end. Good read, once I did finally get into it--and quite a few impactful lines.
December 23, 2022
I found this book a bit of a struggle. The multiple voices I think is the pain point. When the kids get split up and Anna is on her own, Anna’s part seems OK, but the other three voices get lost in the mix. Good things: the first act really builds the excitement, but then the second act is quite long and gets a little tedious. Thankfully, the third act picks right up and leaves on an excitable, satisfying end. Overall, a fun little read with an important message, but the story would’ve benefited from having two main voices rather than four.
June 16, 2018
I had this book as a prepub and it is so good I have ordered it for my school library. Set in a tower block in London that is under threat from developers, this takes place in one night when violence erupts and four teenagers are caught up in a web of lies, deceit and police corruption and brutality. This is a good story about the importance of cohesion and the fight back of a disadvantaged community against gentrification. Excellent read.
September 16, 2018
Nikesh Shukla’s first YA novel features authentic YA voices and focuses on working class characters while making interesting points on gentrification and who really benefits from it but the thriller elements descend into ludicrously overblown plot with unbelievable antagonists and a soap opera worthy conspiracy element while the 48 hour real-time hook is undermined by necessary flashbacks to provide exposition.
November 4, 2018
DNF
truth be told this IS A GREAT CONCEPT THIS BOOK HAD SO MUCH POTENTIAL but the execution was just...meh...
I honestly felt nothing for the characters and the writing was a bit all over the place for me.
I really wanted to love this book especially because BRITISH YA BY A POC about police brutality etc but I wasn’t feeling it AT ALL.
truth be told this IS A GREAT CONCEPT THIS BOOK HAD SO MUCH POTENTIAL but the execution was just...meh...
I honestly felt nothing for the characters and the writing was a bit all over the place for me.
I really wanted to love this book especially because BRITISH YA BY A POC about police brutality etc but I wasn’t feeling it AT ALL.
January 31, 2019
How does this only have 31 reviews? This book is being slept on and it deserves more; it feels like the UK's answer to THUG and it is scary. It took me a while to get into it but then I had to know what would happen.
February 9, 2019
Run, Riot is a fast-paced YA novel. The action starts from the first page where the teenage protagonists witness and film a murder. The narrative is gripping throughout, the characters well-drawn. I really enjoyed Run, Riot though feel like I need to sit down and catch my breath now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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