Red Rock

If I am honest, I'm not a great fan of books with a disaster, 'end of civilisation as we know it' scenario. In my teens I hoovered up vast quantities of these from War of the Worlds to Day of the Triffids, and absolutely loved them in my typical teen enjoyment of misery, but as I've grown older I have become increasingly fond of it all ending happily ever after. I think my problem with disaster books (and films) is the cavalier way that millions are slaughtered by the author. We are expected to feel connected to the main character, who usually miraculously survived, but I am always kept at a cold distance, because I am so sad for everyone else, the bit part players who are killed off for the sake of the scenario.This meant I was a little nervous coming to Kate Kelly's young adult novel Red Rock, as this is 'cli fi' - fiction based on the world being transformed by climate change, and on the whole that's a pretty disaster-laden scenario. I needn't have worried - although the backdrop is of civilisation crumbling in the face of climate change, the storyline is pure action thriller with plenty of mystery and suspense, which soon distracted me from any concern about the fate of the world.The main character, Danni, is beset by a host of problems, left on her own (or at least with a stranger) in an attempt to escape capture and understand more about the mysterious object (not unlike the one in the hands on the cover) given to her by her dying aunt. The tension rarely gives up for long - this is one of those excellent stories where the reader accompanies the MC on a race against time and the odds.If I have any complaint it's an unusual one for me - there is not quite enough description. I felt this particularly when Danni visits both Oxford and Cambridge, cities I am very familiar with, yet I was never given enough to know where she was. Particularly irritating was the way she has find the library of a Cambridge college, but we aren't told which. But any frustration from this is washed away as the action pounds on.Particularly good for a young adult novel is the way that there is a 'bad' character who turns out to not be all bad. For those familiar with that epic of Australian art, Neighbours (what can I say? my children made me watch it), I've always been rather impressed by the character Paul Robinson, who despite being a long-running baddy is at the same time very caring for those who are close to him, and has moments of genuine thoughtfulness to season the self-centred, grasping ruthlessness. Similarly, Red Rock has a character (I won't give it away by saying who) who betrays a friend but then more than makes up for it.The other surprise was that I rather liked the climate change backdrop. It is never heavily laid on, but both the sad remains of Cambridge, under water when the tide is in, and the casual decay of coastal towns is beautifully handled. It is never trowelled on, but really gives a feel for the depressing reality of a future where climate change is unchecked.Overall a book that works both as a good, page-turning thriller and one that makes you think.

I enjoyed Red Rock and found the premise an interesting one. The plot was well-paced and carried me along so well that I found myself thinking about the book at odd moments in the day, and looking forward to reading the next few chapters. I would definitely recommend this intriguing book to the children in my life. Well done Kate. Looking forward to your next one!

This book has been aimed at the younger market but I can assure you that it is also an excellent read for adults as well.Coincidentally, National Geographic have an article in September 2013 edition about the world's rising sea levels, particularly about the increased speed of rise. This book has been cleverly written and really makes you consider how our Island could be affected in the future ( hopefully not in our lifetime).Very exciting book, great characters and well written, couldn't put it down.

The mystery of the Red Rock is intriguing the sort of story that catches the imagination and you have to keep reading on to see how the adventure ends, great book for 14+teenagers and young at heart adults.

A lovely thought provoking story set in the not too distant future with a mixture of sci fi/climate change and mystery. Really enjoyed this book although it is aimed at teens. Very easy to read and fast paced.

This author knows her stuff. Brilliantly written sci fi novel that I bought for my daughter but read first. It was compelling and as good a read for adults as it is for teens. Can't wait for Kate Kelly's next novel!

Great story, local author, good speaker

Daughter loved the book. She has meet the author at her school and wanted to read the book. Xxx xxx