Naked by Kevin Brooks

For Review: Puffin
Published: 6 October 2011

From Goodreads:  London, 1976: a summer of chaos, punk, love ...and the boy they called Billy the Kid. It was the summer of so many things. Heat and violence, love and hate, heaven and hell. It was the time I met William Bonney - the boy from Belfast known as Billy the Kid. I've kept William's secrets for a long time, but now things have changed and I have to tell the truth. But I can't begin until I've told you about Curtis Ray. Hip, cool, rebellious Curtis Ray. Without Curtis, there wouldn't be a story to tell. It's the story of our band, of life and death ...and everything in between.

This characteristically gripping novel from award-winning author Kevin Brooks will rock you to the core.

Having really enjoyed iBoy by Kevin Brooks I jumped at the chance to review this one. Set in the summer of 1976, it is an atmospheric and realistic tale of a girl's experiences. I was completely and utterly gripped!

Lili is a wonderful character - I loved her and felt that I really understood her. Curtis was someone that I hated and was enthralled by in equal measure - so I perfectly understood why Lili let him get away with what she did. William was by far my favourite character - I loved him and as soon as he entered the picture I knew he would be perfect for Lili.

I have to admit that I am not the biggest fan of music - I just don't have any particular interest in it - but I was completely gripped by this story. I felt as if I was transported back to 1976 and was part of this music scene. The descriptions of the time and the music are incredibly vivid and really bring it all to life.

This is not just a story about music though. I don't want to go into too much detail but there are secrets and violence too - the whole thing is very exciting and very much the gritty, realistic and intense portrayal I am beginning to associate with Kevin Brooks. Having only read iBoy prior to this I am definitely very keen to read more of his work.

Immensely thrilling - music buffs will no doubt be in some kind of heaven. For the rest of us it's an original and mesmerising tale of one girl's experience during the summer of 1976.

Review and Giveaway: iBoy by Kevin Brooks

For review: Puffin. Published 1 July 2010
From Goodreads: Before the attack, sixteen-year-old Tom Harvey was just an ordinary boy. But now fragments of a shattered iPhone are embedded in his brain and it's having an extraordinary effect...Because now Tom has powers - the ability to know and see more than he could ever imagine. And with incredible power comes knowledge - and a choice. Seek revenge on the violent gangs that rule his estate and assaulted his friend Lucy, or keep quiet? Tom has control when everything else is out of control. But it's a dangerous price to pay. And the consequences are terrifying.

This was my first book by Kevin Brooks and I am so glad I read it.

I was initially attracted to this book because of its premise. I was really intrigued about iBoy and what his ‘powers’ would be and how he would use them. What I wasn’t expecting was the dark and gritty back drop for this premise. For me, it was the high point of the book.

I found myself completely engrossed in the world depicted – life on a London tower block estate ruled by gangs and fear. The idea that someone can be attacked in their own home and can’t do anything about it – and know that nothing will ever be done about it – is scary. But the realisation that for some it is a reality –it is really terrifying. I think you need to be prepared for how dark this story is. It feels wrong to say I am surprised it’s a teenage title – but it does touch on some very adult themes.

I loved all the main characters. Tom was a typical, kind of nerdy boy finding himself in a very unique situation. Lucy was really sweet and I really felt for her. I loved Tom’s Nan – the way she got rid of the policemen in the hospital had me laughing out loud just because of how much attitude she had.

As for iBoy – I thought it was such a great idea. I could have done without all the technical information but I think others will love it – and I loved the struggle inside of Tom. How it made him unsure of who he was and whether he thought ‘iBoy’ was doing the right thing. I spent most of the book thinking of the line from Spiderman (or possibly Superman?) - ‘With great power comes great responsibility’ – and I thought this book really touches on that. It raises the question of what to do with power if we have it. Should we fight violence with violence? Should we become vigilantes if we feel the authorities are not there to protect us? Interesting material that I wasn’t expecting but I really enjoyed.

I also liked how the book ended – there is scope there for another book - but it is a self contained story. It was also very exciting and I really wasn’t sure what was going to happen.

On the basis of reading this I bought 2 more books by Kevin Brooks. I love his writing style – it feels original and very ‘real’ – I just love it and can’t wait to read more.

Sound good? The lovely team at Puffin have offered a book to one lucky winner. All you need to do is fill in the form below. Good Luck:)

Contest Rules:
UK only
Deadline - Thursday 15th July
You don't need to be a follower of my blog to enter.

This contest is now closed.