PRAISE
“With each book, Sonia Patel expands the boundaries of YA fiction. This is a mesmerizing, singular coming-of-age story, drawn indelibly in beauty and brutality; love and violence. ”
— Jeff Zentner, author of Morris Award winner The Serpent King
“In bold, simple prose, Sonia Patel tackles the universal themes of bullying, family, loyalty and compassion. An unforgettable story filled with tension, drama, and humor.”
— Fred Aceves, author of The Closest I’ve Come
“Patel’s writing shines. Her words flow across the page like a poem - descriptive yet succinct, observant of an entire world in so few phrases. Her writing style reflects Rocky’s character...in the face of hardship all we can do - all we must do - is keep moving forward. BLOODY SEOUL teaches us this lesson through colorful and subtly powerful storytelling, gripping readers from beginning to end. A one-of-a-kind read.”
— Kristie Gadson, Cleaver Literary Magazine
“The spare writing style makes this a quick, engrossing read. Some of the action—especially that geared toward Ha-na—depicts the brutal nature of bullying and its effects as Rocky struggles with the cruel compulsions of his daily life. A powerful story about family, redemption, and finding out who you really are.”
— Booklist Review
“Readers who follow Rocky’s inner dialogue and forays through memory will be rewarded with an evocative read.”
— School Library Journal
“...Patel’s choppy, terse sentences reflect Rocky’s precarious emotional state and compulsive behavior, which are explored alongside themes of redemption, self-discovery, and generational trauma. ”
— Publishers Weekly
“As his eyes open to his father’s alcoholism and dark moods, Rocky unearths memories of his loving mother, who disappeared 10 years earlier. He discovers ugly truths about his parents’ relationship and his mother’s disappearance and starts digging deeper. ”
— Kirkus Reviews