Promoted as a gritty coming-of-age drama urban thriller with a powerful message and an irresistable central character
The Voice
A contemporary urban thriller with a powerful family drama at its heart
The Bookseller
I liked the lack of judgement the author made and the fact this is ultimately an action packed story with a strong male protagonist
Bibliomaniac
Keeps the reader enthralled and wanting more
Nudge.com
One of those books I wish had been written when I was a teenager...simply brilliant
Medieval Jenga
What a book! Such a gripping, gritty storyline, with such wonderful, believable characters. Loved it
- Tanya Landman, author,
'I absolutely adored this story...it's a truthful and powerful story that is much needed in the UK YA scene
Charlie in a Book
Pacey crime thriller that feels unique, realistic and truthful
Book Trust
A gripping debut about gang culture and the consequences of making bad decisions
The Guardian
It is direct and punchy
The Guardian
The book travels at speed to a climax that is both sudden and shocking. This story of family ties, gang culture and the dangers of drugs is without a doubt one of the finest YA debuts I've read and Marlon Sunday is a character that you won't forget in a hurry.
The Crime Review
This powerful coming-of-age drama -- both violent and sensitive -- keeps the reader on the edge of their seat
Optima Magazine
Readers with strong stomachs can expect to be entirely hooked into a story that is well written, pacy and within its own terms horribly convincing
Books For Keeps
Patrice Lawrence's Orangeboy - an exploration of gang culture centred around Marlon, who follows in his older brother's footsteps when an innocent date ends in tragedy - won the 2017 YA book Prize.
Independent
A truly brilliant book. I galloped through it. Spoiler alert! The car incident and standoff at the end... edge of the seat stuff!
Malorie Blackman
Pitch-perfect teen voices and a bruising, thrilling pace.
Metro
Incredible book and experience. Thank you Patrice Lawrence for such a fresh and riveting piece of fiction.
Ben Bailey Smith (Doc Brown)
<p>Orange Boy is a page turner. It gripped my heart from page one and didn't let go. <br /><br />Marlon goes on a date with the hottest girl in school and his world begins to tip. And it doesn't stop until everything in his life is upside down. <br />Faced with almost impossible choices, Marlon has to grow up fast and work out exactly who he is at the same time as working out how to survive. <br /><br />This is a book that explores the meaning of family, friendship and loyalty. And it does so with intelligence and sensitivity.<br /><br />It's fast, clever, often funny and always truthful. Patrice Lawrence is a writer to watch.</p>
Jenny Downham, author of 'Before I Die'
What a book! Such a gripping, gritty storyline, with such wonderful, believable characters. Loved it.
Tanya Landman, author of 'Buffalo Soldier'
This powerful urban story will challenge preconceptions and melt the hardest heart.
The Sun
a young adult thriller with a gritty edge, diverse characters and a drum-tight plot that will get even the most reluctant teenage reader hooked.
Good Housekeeping
A young adult thriller with a gritty edge, diverse characters and a drum-tight plot that will get even the most reluctant teenager hooked.
Good Housekeeping
Knuckle-in-the-mouth stuff... It's impossible not to gulp down this wonderful, intense story in one mouthful.
The Times
A fast-paced thriller, written with a keen ear for young voices, <i>Orangeboy</i> is an original and fresh perspective on the struggles facing London's teenagers.
Amnesty International UK