This isn't the first time that someone's tried to silence me forever. Ruthless killers are hunting Ty. The police move him and his mum to a quiet seaside town. But a horrific attack and a bullet meant for Ty prove that he's not safe yet.
On the road again, Ty's in hiding with complete strangers...who seem to know a lot about him. Meanwhile he's desperate to see his girlfriend Claire, and terrified she may betray him.
Ty can't trust his own judgement and he's making dangerous decisions that could deliver him straight to the gangsters.
When I Was Joe
Sequel Almost True releases in the UK on 2nd September 2010
For more information visit Keren David's blog
Review:
Ty and his mother have been in witness protection since Ty saw a murder committed and gave a statement to the police. After their safety was compromised they were moved again and are now living in a small seaside town far away from their home in London. When the killers track them down yet again, a case of mistaken identity means that this time someone ends up dead and Ty is on the run again. His family no longer feel that they can trust the police to keep them safe so they decide to take matters into their own hands. Ty finds himself on his own and living with strangers but are they really strangers or are they people he should remember from his past?
If you've read my review of When I Was Joe you'll already know what a massive fan I was of that book and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this sequel. Let me start by saying that Almost True didn't disappoint and if anything was even more gripping than the first book. The story is fast paced and sweeps you back into Ty's world in a way that has you hooked from the very beginning. It is one of those books that you just won't want to put down. If you haven't yet read When I Was Joe I would recommend reading the stories in order but I would highly recommend both books.
Ty has been through a lot and it doesn't look like things will get easier for him any time soon. He has to do a lot of growing up in this story and I found it really interesting watching him build relationships with the family members he has no memory of. I don't want to give away any spoilers so let's just say that Ty gets to learn a lot of family secrets in this book which help him to understand things from his past. I enjoyed going with him on his journey.
Almost True gives a fascinating insight into Britain's knife culture and really makes you think about what it can be like for teenagers growing up in inner city areas with gangs. The story has a fast paced and interesting plot but will also make you think. I'd highly recommend this series to anyone from teen to adult and would think this story would make for a good talking point as part of the school curriculum. I'm looking forward to seeing what Keren David comes up with next!
Source: Received for review from publisher Frances Lincoln
Other Reviews:
I Was A Teenage Book Geek
Fluttering Butterflies
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.
great review, i have never heard of this book before so off to find out more
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked the review & I'd definitely recommend both of these books :o) I hope you enjoy them as much as I did if you read them!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this author but I could easily see Hollywood making an adaptation of this. Does witness protection ever work though because I don't think I've ever heard of a successful one before. Guess that wouldn't make much of a story though huh?
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this review! Agree with Ladytink, wondering if witness protection really works?
ReplyDelete@ Ladytink - I could see these books being made into a really good film, it would be interesting to see how it was done :o) I don't think I've ever read about a successful witness protection program but then again, like you say it wouldn't make much of a story LOL
ReplyDelete@ Kelli - I guess witness protection must work in some cases but you never really get to hear about it. I guess it makes sense that we only hear about unsuccessful stories though as they wouldn't want to draw attention to successful ones :o) What I really liked about the first book When I Was Joe was that you got to see exactly how hard it was for Ty to become Joe and have to make up a whole new background. It must be so hard to constantly have to remember not to mention anything from your past!