"A dystopian novel with many allegorical themes that grips from the start. Kaspar starts to question his teaching once he realises his dream of becoming a Guardian in the society ."
Best-known for Noughts & Crosses, the newly appointed Children’s Laureate’s latest book is as thought provoking as ever. Here, society has been torn apart by war. The Guardians keep the city peaceful by keeping out the rebels. Kaspar is honoured to join the Guardians but when he meets Rhea, a beautiful rebel girl, he becomes haunted by memories from the past. Has he given up too much for the sake of safety and protection?
Years after a violent war destroyed much of the world, Kaspar has grown up in a society based on peace and harmony. But beyond the city walls, a vicious band of rebels are plotting to tear this peace apart. It is up to the Guardians - an elite peacekeeping force - to protect the city, without ever resorting to the brutal methods of their enemy. When Kaspar joins the Guardians, he has a chance encounter with a rebel - a beautiful girl named Rhea. Haunted from that moment on by strange visions and memories - memories that could only belong to Rhea - he realises he hasn't been told the truth about what the rebels really want, and what he's really fighting for.
As ever, for Blackman, story is king. The dialogue is vivid, inclusive, full of energy and ribald humour ... her legions of fans have a treat in store Guardian
A tense plot, convincing world and sassy dialogue demonstrate exceptional storytelling skill -- Nicolette Jones Sunday Times
Blackman is a terrific storyteller whose strongly drawn characters thrill young readers and draw them into dilemmas about love, loyalty, truth and violence The Times
Expertly plotted and well-paced, Noble Conflict also touches on telepathy and the ability to turn memory into reality Independent
Malorie's back with a new novel exploring love, violence, trust and betrayal ... highly anticipated -- Fiona Noble The Bookseller
Author
About Malorie Blackman
A World Book Day Author 2019| Children's Laureate 2013-2015
Malorie Blackman has written over sixty books for children and young adults. Many of her books have also been adapted for stage and television, including a BAFTA-award-winning BBC production of Pig-Heart Boy and a Pilot Theatre stage adaptation by Sabrina Mahfouz of Noughts & Crosses. There is also a major BBC production of Noughts & Crosses, with Roc Nation (JayZ's entertainment company) curating and releasing the soundtrack as executive music producer.
In 2008 Malorie received an OBE for her services to children's literature, and between 2013 and 2015 she was the Children's Laureate. Most recently, Malorie wrote for the Doctor Who series on BBC One, and the fifth novel in her Noughts & Crosses series, Crossfire, is published by Penguin Random House Children's.
