Ally Kennen - Quarry - Book Review
When he receives anonymous texts challenging him to bizarre dares, Scrappy's sure one of his mates is having a laugh. Anyway, his confusing teenage life just got more exciting. But the unknow sender cannot be a friend - and the challenges become increasingly dangerous. Someone knows all the secrets of Scrappy's troubled family - and is luring him into a deadly trap ..
This is the fifth book to be published by Ally - another gritty portrait of teenage life portrayed through intense family and social emotions. Eventually though, events get out of hand.
The story is told through the eyes of Scrappy, a teenage boy, in his final year of school. His family life is complicated as he spends most of his time looking after his Grandad. However, some of Scrappy's best moments come from the time he spends with his Grandad, tinkering around in a Fokker 27 aeroplane, which has found it's way into their scrapyard. This book is full of significantly poignant family moments, which are skilfully written and had me hooked. Such 'reality' books don't tend to appeal to me, but in this case, I really loved the storyline and everything wrapped up in this.
The story turns into a nail-biting thriller when Scrappy is sent text messages from an anonymous person. He's challenged to become involved in things that could be the undoing of him. This makes for interesting reading as the dares become more dangerous and personal. The ending is a shock and totally unexpected.
The author has a creative skill that draws the reader into the world of the characters. So if, like me, you haven't read any of Ally's other books, then I would recommend reading them just on the strength of this book. Especially as they have been so well received and nominated for prestigious awards.
Thanks to Scholastic for sending this book to me.
If you have read any of Ally's books then please leave a comment. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Author Biography:
- Beast - 2006
- Berserk - 2007
- Bedlam - 2009
- Sparks - 2010
- Quarry - 2010
- All books published by Marion Lloyd for Scholastic Children's books.
About The Author
Ally Kennen comes from a proud lineage of bare-knuckle boxers, country vicars and French aristocracy. Prior to becoming a writer she has worked as an archaeologist, a giant teddy bear and a professional singer and songwriter.Her first novel BEAST, published in 2006, was shortlisted for the Booktrust Teenage Prize and the Carneige Medal and won the 2007 Manchester Book Award. her second novel BERSERK won the North East Teenage Book Award and the Leicester Book of the Year Award 2008.
Comments