"This high-concept sci-fi thriller explores choice, fate and people-smuggling through the lens of a teenage refugee who can steal time"
September 2022 Debut of the Month | Shortlisted for the Week Junior Book Awards 2023
Simon Fox’s Running Out of Time debut is a blast of super-charged perils as a father and son flee an unnamed country that’s being destroyed by “a war that the world doesn’t know about and we don’t know how to win.”
Alex can see seconds into the future: “My grandmother said it’s a gift and my dad said it’s a curse. And I don’t know which is right.” While Alex’s grandmother encourages him to develop his ability — “one day it might be the only thing you have” — his father has been gathering evidence of war crimes, so he and Alex flee, knowing they’ll be pursued. To his dad’s anger, Alex uses his gift throughout their journey to England to help them survive.
As the fiercely-fast narrative switches between Before and After, from their perilous passage across Europe, to their separation, Alex has someone on his side, but it’s not long before they’re in grave danger at the hands of brutal people-smugglers. Then, when the stakes are (almost) at their highest, Alex is struck by his Grandmother’s words: “You can’t change the future but you can see what is coming and change the present.”
With a succinct, razor-sharp writing style, Running Out of Time is an all-out action thriller fans of Alex Rider will be gripped by. And, at the same time, it’s a powerful presentation of the plight of refugees.
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FIVE STARS!!! A fantastic read full of adventure, mystery and suspense! One of the best books I've read this year and a must-read for anyone ages eleven and up!
FIVE STARS!!! This is an excellent book that has been one of my favourite reads this year! I could not put it down, so unsurprisingly, I read it in two days! (I'm in trouble with my mum for stopping in between my learning to read it!)
The plot has a seemingly never-ending amount of twists and red herrings that constantly keep you on your toes and your eyes glued to the book.
The way the author has laid out the book assures that you have the best reading experience possible. The book was perfect for me because when I read a book, I don't like to finish with questions still in my head and cliffhangers irritating me; I like to know everything and have all my questions answered.... Read Full Review
‘Running Out of Time’ is a one-sitting read!
When Alex and his father are forced to flee their home to escape the brutal regime, he leaves everything he knows, including his grandmother, behind and sets off on a perilous journey across Europe. Separated from his father when leaving France, Alex has to rely on himself- and his gift for stealing time- to survive.
‘Running Out of Time’ is a compelling story with much to recommend it. Told in sections which reflect the shifts in time, it moves at a pleasing pace, each chapter leaving the reader desperate to know what happens next and swiftly building to an unexpected, dramatic conclusion.
Being able to steal time allows Alex to see fifteen seconds into the future. His Grandmother shares his gift and can take more and assures him that he needs to practise to develop his talent.... Read Full Review
I really enjoyed this book. It was extraordinarily interesting right from the first page.
Running out of Time is a captivating story about Alex, a young boy who is forced to leave his home. It focuses on many different aspects of his life as he makes an epic journey to seek refuge in England. From stealing time to making friends (and enemies) this story really does have it all. Follow Alex and his father as they travel across borders, sail across the channel and try find a new life in England with only Alex’s unusual talent to help them. I really enjoyed this book as it was completely different to anything I had ever read before.... Read Full Review
