Blade was named after a Marvel Super Hero, but that doesn’t surprise him.

His father is Rutherford Morrison, an ageing but still recognised in public, rock star.

Also an accomplished musician, he has passed his talents onto both Blade and his sister Storm. Storm is keen to follow in her father’s footsteps, but is struggling to make the same impression her father did on the world.

Blade loves music and song writing but his dreams lay in the near future with his girlfriend Chapel and their life together at College. He is keen to be away from the glitz of Hollywood and the blitz of media – and every time his father screws up again.

Even since Blade’s mum died, Rutherford has needed rehab over and over, but to Blade’s dismay, he never sees it through.

When Rutherford epically embarrasses him at an important event, Blade has had enough. Pile on a breakup and a family secret hidden for too long, and Blade finds himself flying SOLO in his life with no anchors to keep him sane.

He knows what he must do, not knowing what the fallout may be.

This verse novel is yet another marvel of story writing from Kwame Alexander & Mary Rand Hess.

SOLO is a beautiful story of family, relationships, rage and forgiveness. It is a tale of excess and alcohol, patience and kindness, and a quest for meaning in a young man’s life.

As always, wisdom shines from the verse, bringing smiles and nods as I read, and reason and understanding to main character, Blade.

Author/s – Kwame Alexander / Mary Rand Hess

Age – 12+

(2017, Harper Collins, Los Angeles, LA, Rock star, Music, Song, Love, Family Secret, Relationships, Truth, Verse novel, Siblings, Alcoholic, Excess, Wealth, Redemption, Forgiveness, Understanding, Search)