Crossing the Line, the “compelling” (Lucy Cuthew) debut verse novel by Tia Fisher, has received a five-star review from Books for Keeps.

In the review, which you can read in full here, Val Randall writes:

“The novel is written in verse, which immediately conveys Erik’s inner voice and the varying speed of events by means of shapes and patterns echoing what he is feeling and what others are doing…

Fisher researched the issue of county lines thoroughly and her book pulls no punches in both educating and warning, helping to raise the profile of this callous exploitation of children.”

Crossing the Line is a stunning YA novel and a poignant story about seeking safety and asking for help in times of crisis.

Erik’s life has been falling apart ever since his dad died. Homework and being good at school stop feeling important when you’re the new man of the house. When Erik’s bad behaviour attracts the wrong crowd, he’s sucked into a terrifying new world of drug dealing, trap houses and violence.

Making money feels good but Erik soon learns that a small favour can become a huge debt.

And when his sisters’ lives are threatened, Erik will have to cross one more line to save them.

Crossing the Line is out now. Grab your copy here or, better, via your local bookshop or Bookshop.org.

Follow Tia on Twitter @tiafisher_.