DNF. I couldn't connect with this book at all and found it really hard to get into. I had high hopes for this, which is a shame.

Street Soldier by Andy Mcnab.
A very good read with some great characters. Lots of action too. 4*.

A graphic coming of age story. Gang member Sean weaves his way through trouble and violence to find pride and respect as part of something he can believe in.

I received a copy from the publisher (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review!


What I say: *Full disclosure - I wrote this review a while ago and forgot to post it*

Due to the more adult themes and language used I'm going to label Street Soldier as mature YA.

Teenage gangs are a big problem in England. London definitely has a lot of gang related crime, so it wasn't difficult to imagine the scenarios Sean ends up in happening outside of the book. The story is about Sean's crimes and the long lasting consequences.

We see his life in the gang, in a young offenders institution and as a solider in the army. London is the war zone he always knew but that we may not have expected.

I loved the raw honesty and heartbreaking authenticity Andy McNab works into Sean's story but it was his daily struggle to turn his life around, to right his wrongs, to be a better version of himself which really won me over. He charmed me.

The concept is clever and terrifying in parts, yet hopeful and inspirational in others. The plot is engaging and original. The pace is dramatic and action filled.

4 Stars in my Sky!