How I Live Now meets Exodus – a startling YA dystopia that imagines London as the epicentre of the refugee crisis, from critically acclaimed author Clare Furniss.   In the near future, in a world that could be, but is not quite, ours, sixteen-year-old Clem is happy. Celebrating her birthday surrounded by friends, family and a warm summer evening, there’s nothing that could ruin this day. But by morning, everything has changed . . . After years of a growing totalitarian regime, civil unrest in London has reached an all-time high, and it’s no longer safe to stay in the city. Fleeing with nothing but her half-sister Billie, a notebook filled with stories and memories of home, Clem must make the treacherous journey to Edinburgh, first by road and then by boat. What waits for the sisters on the other side – the start of a new life, or a mirror held up to the past? PRAISE FOR CLARE FURNISS: ‘Lingers in the mind long after the final word has been read’ Malorie Blackman, author of Noughts & Crosses    ‘Absolutely gorgeous, heartfelt and incredibly enjoyable’ Robin Stevens, author of the Murder Most Unladylike series  ‘Funny, sharply observed, shocking and wonderful’ Sunday Times  ‘A beautifully executed story . . . gloriously funny, deeply emotional and a triumph’ Daily Mail   ‘Beautifully written’ Stylist

Shif is just an ordinary schoolboy who loves chess and playing with his best friend. But, one day, he is forced to leave home to avoid conscription into the army. He embarks on an epic journey, in which he encounters dangers and cruelties - and great acts of human kindness - as he bravely makes his way to a future he can only imagine.

Told in the powerful first person, this startling debut novel will encourage understanding and empathy in young readers, and allow the news headlines of the day to resonate with the humanity involved in creating them.