Changes

A routine endoscopy looking for stomach ulcers ends sixteen-year-old Robert Smith's conception of himself as a teenage boy like any other. Conscious but still anaesthetised, he can hear the commotion surrounding an operation gone wrong. For the surgeons haven't found an ulcer. Instead, they have found a network of mysterious and advanced technological implants. Terrified, they have called in a shadowy government agency and a sinister agent called Ryan appears to be directing the doctors. And then all hell breaks loose. On the run from the authorities, Robert hooks up with Eddi Ray, the ex-girlfriend of an old friend's brother. Eddi specialises in producing false identities and together they try to find out what has happened to Robert.

''Being'' isn't quite a reprise of Bladerunner, although it isn't so very far away. It is a sci-fi thriller with a romantic sub-plot. But it is stamped all over with that singular voice. The world of teen literature is - thankfully - full of wonderful writers. But there are few who are so clearly driven to express themselves - warts and all - through art and who choose young people as their audience. David Almond is one, Melvyn Burgess is another. And Kevin Brooks is yet another. There is a very symbiotic relationship between Brooks and his readers. It's very clear that each are serving needs in the other. And it makes for some very special books.