Taran's dream is to become an MC, her and her twin brother Hari live in Firestone House, a tower block in London with a bad reputation that doesn't paint the full picture of community and togetherness that the twins know and love. When Hari and his friend Jamal witness a horrible crime, they find themselves on the run from corrupt policemen. Using Firestone House as their refuge, they begin to uncover the truth behind the crime they have witnessed. Now the clock is ticking to get their evidence into the right hands before they and their friends befall a horrible fate at the hands of the dirty cops. Run, Riot is about a lot of things but it focuses a lot on gentrification. "Cleaning" up areas of a city that are viewed as unprofitable in the eyes of faceless corporations. Their goal is to bring in middle to upper class people and rid the area of those who need affordable housing. They don't care where they go as long as they aren't in the way. Firestone House is up for redevelopment and it plays a crucial role in the novel. It's also a straight up thriller which reminded me of a movie I used to love as a teen, one called Judgement Night which takes place all in one night and sees people on the run from violent criminals. The novel portrays the everyday distrust that many people have of authority and especially the police. The rage and anger that boils up in people who feel like they've got no one to really turn to, even in times of dire emergencies, is a constant thread throughout. It's a hard hitting theme that strikes a nerve with anyone who is living through this kind of dystopian nightmare and people who think it can't possibly be that bad but should be awoken to it. It is in this vein that Run, Riot breathes life into its characters. They are typical teens and not so typical at the same time. They are afraid, angry, resilient and possess a strong sense of community and justice. It's a great YA novel with a lot of thrills and anger and retribution. I highly recommend it for ages 14 and up!
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