It's a very dark insight into a world that we all know exist, but often pretend not to see and for Donny it's a world he can't completely escape from even if he wants too, with a Mum whose addiction holds her hostage and caused him to be torn away from all he knows. Locks does not shy away from the realities of growing up in poverty, and it is an eye-opening read, but most of all, it is a tender, fully-realised portrait of a wonderful character that everyone needs to meet. It's far from gentle, it's certainly not a fairytale and it doesn't have a single prince (or princess) charming.

I missed him when I finished reading 29 Locks, and I think that’s the best compliment I can pay a character! Donny's inner strength is one to be admired and whilst you nay want to scream at the pages, you will also cheer him on.

The message I took away from the novel was that despite all the inequalities of this world there is always hope for justice. Nicola Garrad has painted a harsh and vivid picture that is an immersive, entertaining and educating (for some anyway) read. Garrard deals with hugely important issues, without ever preaching or compromising the pace and excitement of the narrative. I was rooting for Donny from the off, and the unwavering love he had for his mother despite the crappy life she gave him, was heart warming.

Hotjar sets this cookie to know whether a user is included in the data sampling defined by the site's pageview limit.The ending was absolutely unrealistic, and any teen of color in such a situation would get railroaded by the system, not released with a wink and an 'attaboy'. Beautifully written with compassion and urgency, this is a thrilling read for both children and adults.