Unfortunately, I have not been able to read and review this book.

After losing and replacing my broken Kindle and getting a new phone I was unable to download the title again for review as it was no longer available on Netgalley.

I’m really sorry about this and hope that it won’t affect you allowing me to read and review your titles in the future.

Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.
Natalie.

I'm afraid that had this novella been longer it would have been a DNF. While well paced and written, the narrator voice was almost unbearable for me.

I’ve always loved Kevin Brooks’ work, and this was no exception. It’s fast paced, and a fascinating thriller – there’s no way to guess what’s about to happen next.

I loved Elliot, and felt he was very like Jack in Room. They’re both young boys just experiencing the world for the first time, and it was amazing to see Elliot’s outlook on the world.

The way each of the characters intertwined was done perfectly.

I am a massive fan of Kevin Brooks. After discovering one of his books lying on a coffee table after my housemate had been to the library, I have devoured every title I can get hold of.

Born Scared is a very typical Brooks book. Aimed at the younger market (but perfectly acceptable for older people to read - I'm in my thirties) but not fantasy, his books appeal to a much larger audience, and are great for reluctant readers. I love the realism mixed with weird in all of his books, and in true Brooks style, this one is realistic and gritty, with a touch of bizarre.

Elliott, our protagonist, is scared of literally everything, and relies on pills to subdue his anxieties. The way Brooks writes, he really puts you in the mindset of Elliott and you start to empathise a lot more with his fears. Throw in a good build up of tension and criminal activity, and you have an exciting, tense (and a sensory overload) of a read.

I know I'm a bit of a fangirl when it comes to Brooks and realise that this book or his style of writing is not for everyone. However, if you enjoy gritty realism mixed with weird ([book:iBoy|7807446], I'm looking at you!), then give Brooks a go.

Born scared is the story of Elliot and what happens when he is unable to get the drugs he so desperately needs to deal his phobias. Elliot is scared of so many things in life, he is scared of being scared. Throughout the book you can almost feel his tension. Elliot is essentially housebound by his fears and phobias and is totallly dependent upon his anti-anxiety drugs which help to keep the beast at bay.
It's Christmas Eve and there has been a mix up at the pharmacy which means that Elliot's drugs are not ready as expected. Elliot's mother has to return to the pharmacy to collect the prescription later in the day, however after many hours of waiting Elliot begins to realise that something has gone wrong and he needs to leave the house to find his mother. This is where things start to go horribly wrong for Elliot.. A great short read. Much thanks to Netgalley for the chance to review this book.