Rock, Paper, Killers
This young adult thriller centres around five Dublin teenagers spending their summer in the Gaeltacht, where their friendships are put to the extreme test – a test we know from the outset that one of them won’t survive. Filled with twists and turns and complicated dynamics between every character, Rock Paper Killers is an intriguing read.
Not only are we thrown headlong into the messy lives of these teenagers, we’re also introduced to the equally complicated lives of the adults around them. The multi-perspective narrative offers emotional insights into the actions of the central characters that fundamentally drive the story forward. However, jumps between perspectives can be rather confusing and ultimately impact the narrative flow. Flash-forwards are sporadically used but do add a certain element of mystery and tension to the story, with the reader left wondering how these specific situations will soon unfold.
The Gaeltacht setting is an unexpectedly wonderful backdrop for the drama, and the use of the Irish language scattered throughout feels authentic. Of course, the translations alongside are sure to engage readers regardless of whether they are able to speak the language or not. Featuring themes of grief, heartbreak and self-acceptance, this book may suit younger readers in the young adult audience who will no doubt be gripped by the story and the jaw-dropping twist at the end.
