This is an excellent introduction to a series - it stands alone and describes a world far too many people are actually facing - a world where something bad happens and the government takes complete control turning all into hostages to their hunger for power. I couldn't put it down until I finished! Thank goodness it's a novella!

Making Trouble – a stand-alone novella in the Battle Ground series. Making Trouble takes place before the events of Battle Ground. There are no spoilers, you don’t need to have read the other books, and you can read it at any point in the series.

The Battle Ground series is set in a dystopian near-future UK, after Brexit and Scottish independence.

Fifteen-year-old Topher Mackenzie has a complicated life. His Mum is in Australia, his Dad is struggling to look after him, and Auntie Charlie is the only person who understands. When his girlfriend is forced to leave the UK after a racist attack, Topher faces a choice: accept the government’s lies, or find a way to fight back. ( )

Prequel Novella and a great introduction to Rachel's writing and the Battle ground universe.

Christopher only realises how important politics can be when his girlfriend's family choose to emigrate to Canada because of the tensions created in the suburb of London he'd never really otherwise thought much about. Fortunately for him he's got a very cool and rebellious aunt to confide in. Making Trouble hadn't crossed his mind, caught up with studies and family dramas. But now he's angry enough to want to strike back however he can.

Rachel's got a great voice for characters, capturing the details of teen angst and the broad range of adult subtleties that are mostly missed by the teenager. It's only a novella so there's not much space for intricate plotting, but it all moves along well from desire to action and consequences. Sometimes you only realise how fragile society is when the things you take for granted are threatened. This is a prequell written after the main series, but set chronologically beforehand, there's only minor crossover between the characters (although adding depth to one of my favourites). It is readable at any point within the series. ( )