Turf

15-year-old Jaylon is a member of the Blake Street Boyz gang. He carries a knife and spends his time defending his turf on the Hackney estate. That’s how it is.

When gang leader Shads decides it’s time for Jay to step up and join the Olders, his initiation involves stabbing and killing a rival gang member. Realising he is not entirely comfortable with the idea, Jay begins to question whether he has a choice.

This compelling story sheds light on the lives of a group of disaffected young people, for whom life is cheap and belonging to a gang is everything. It is about loyalty, love, making choices and living with the consequences.

Containing sex, violence and strong language, this is a shocking and heartbreaking novel which will leave readers with plenty to think about.