A fast-paced thriller, written with a keen ear for young voices, Orangeboy is an original and fresh perspective on the struggles facing London's teenagers.
Amnesty International UK
Knuckle-in-the-mouth stuff... It's impossible not to gulp down this wonderful, intense story in one mouthful.
The Times
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
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
This powerful urban story will challenge preconceptions and melt the hardest heart.
The Sun
What a book! Such a gripping, gritty storyline, with such wonderful, believable characters. Loved it.
Tanya Landman, author of 'Buffalo Soldier'
Orange Boy is a page turner. It gripped my heart from page one and didn't let go. 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. 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. This is a book that explores the meaning of family, friendship and loyalty. And it does so with intelligence and sensitivity. It's fast, clever, often funny and always truthful. Patrice Lawrence is a writer to watch.
Jenny Downham, author of 'Before I Die'
Incredible book and experience. Thank you Patrice Lawrence for such a fresh and riveting piece of fiction.
Ben Bailey Smith (Doc Brown)
Pitch-perfect teen voices and a bruising, thrilling pace.
Metro
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
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
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
This powerful coming-of-age drama
both violent and sensitive
keeps the reader on the edge of their seat
Optima Magazine
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
It is direct and punchy
The Guardian
A gripping debut about gang culture and the consequences of making bad decisions
The Guardian
Pacey crime thriller that feels unique, realistic and truthful
Book Trust
'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
What a book! Such a gripping, gritty storyline, with such wonderful, believable characters. Loved it
Tanya Landman, author One of those books I wish had been written when I was a teenager...simply brilliant
Medieval Jenga
Keeps the reader enthralled and wanting more
Nudge.com
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
A contemporary urban thriller with a powerful family drama at its heart
The Bookseller
Promoted as a gritty coming-of-age drama urban thriller with a powerful message and an irresistable central character
The Voice