Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas (Review)

Format: eBook

Source: Owned

Publisher: Walkers Books

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Fiction

Publication Date: 12th January 2021

Synopsis/Blurb (Taken from Goodreads):

“The son of a drug king, seventeen-year-old Maverick Carter is negotiating life in Garden Heights as he balances school, slinging dope, and working two jobs while his dad is in prison. He’s got it all under control – until, that is, Mav finds out he’s a father. Suddenly he has a baby, Seven, who depends on him for everything. Loyalty, revenge and responsibility threaten to tear Mav apart, especially after the brutal murder of a loved one. So when Mav is offered the chance to go straight, it’s an opportunity – in a world where he’s expected to amount to nothing – to prove he’s different and figure out for himself what it really means to be a man.”

My Thoughts

Having read and really enjoyed The Hate U Give I was both intrigued and excited to read this prequel Concrete Rose and I’m glad it didn’t disappoint!!

In this book we learn more about Mavericks life before he left gang life and became a father and husband.

Although I found the plot to be a little all over the place at times I still enjoyed it very much and couldn’t bit the book down. Compared to T.H.U.G I definitely feel Concrete Rose was more character driven, and I liked it!! It made the book feel more realistic and made me feel more connected to the characters.

All the characters were superbly done, and I absolutely loved Mavericks character. He really showed that even with pressures of gang life and the difficulties he faced in changing his life he was determined to the best for his son and family.

The main theme in this book is definitely family and I enjoyed reading about it especially as we get a glimpse into Mavericks family dynamics and seeing the relationships he has with his family. No matter Maverick always makes sure that family comes first!!

Concrete Rose is a little predictable in places but never the less another great read from Angie Thomas. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has already read and enjoyed The Hate U Give or are planning to read it!

My Rating