Beautifully written in verse, this book had me gripped throughout. The characters felt well developed and I truly cared what happened to all of them. It was an emotional journey, and raised many questions about the criminal justice system in America, as well as forcing you to think about relationships and making the most of the time you spend with loved ones. Amazing book that I will be recommending. I'm going to read "One" immediately (I'm not sure how this has stayed in my to be read pile for so long!)

**I received a copy of the uncorrected proof of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

I really, really enjoyed this - it's a beautifully written book (though it took me a bit to get used to the writing style), and it resonates. It's a heavy book emotionally - not gonna lie, there were a few tears near the end, but it was well worth the read.

You would have thought that by now, I would know not to read a Sarah Crossan book in public. I haven't. Luckily I could pass off my watery eyes as hay fever but wow, I'm always surprised at how much her verses get to me emotionally.

In this we see the main character Joe visit his brother, Ed, for the first time in ten years and Ed just happens to be on death row in Texas. The story is told so unbelievably well, both in the present and the past, and like I said above; each segment is no longer than 200 words but I just got so emotionally invested which was a pleasant surprise. Each character is unique to the others and although it is all told from Joe’s POV, they are all so strong and I defy you not to get a lump in your throat as the book reaches its end.

Britain doesn't have the death penalty but reading about it in Moonrise really did make me think about it more than I possibly have before. This book is a fictional look at the injustice system but it is centred around real life events (that I'm aware is a testy subject with strong viewpoints on both side of the argument so won't go into my views). It was such a sobering read and, even though it hurt, I loved every second of it.

Sarah Crossan is one of my insta-read authors and I am so happy that she delivered once again.

My first ever Sarah Crossan story, no one warned me to guard my heart. A story that shows how unfair the justice system is on victims and their families. A harrowing story that leaves you emotionally drained.

What I liked: I love Sarah Crossan’s writing style. I’ve said that before. It’s prose poetry (I think?) and I’m not going to sound at all knowledgeable about that kind of thing because I am not, all I know is that it works for me. It’s lyrical and pretty and I like it. The story is moving and the issues are important and the way Crossan writes means that whilst the story seems simple, it actually gets you right in the chest.

What I didn’t like: Instalove. That again. Le sigh. Also Joe bugged me a little and I had lots of questions about the family dynamic that weren’t answered because I always have all the questions. It was a little predictable too, the family background especially.

I thought this novel was extremely unique and offered a really interesting view of capital punishment. However for me it was far too short! I felt it was just getting to the meat of the plot when - boom - it was finished. Having thought about it later I think perhaps the author was trying to convey the shock that occurs when a death penalty actually goes ahead but I was just left with so many questions.

A story of life and death. A difficult read but an important one.

I adore Crossan's writing, and the verse form. This was a very quick read for me, but a beautiful one that makes you think. Switching from present to past was done smoothly. Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this from Netgalley through the kindness of the publisher.

I have always admired Sarah Crossan's books. Her book -One- was kept as a bestseller and on our Buy One Get One Free and Three For Two since it first came out, being highly recommended. I always wanted to read one of them, but other obligations always came up. When I saw it as a potential Netgalley Early Reviewer, I immediately put my name forward as I saw it as a sign. So I went into this blind, and I think that this might have made my experience slightly harder than it should be.

This mostly stems from my own reading preferences in how books are written. I went into this completely blind, for some reason completely forgetting that I had dipped into -One- every now and then it had been written more in free-flowing proses where sentences can be divided between two paragraphs, and conversations between people can exist within one paragraph rather than given their own life. This caused me to find it slightly difficult to read, as my inner editor was forcing me out of the story with nearly every sentence I was feeling disconcerted with how it was written. This isn't the fault of the author. Once I managed to hit my head a few times that this was how it was written, and that there was a point to this, I fell deep into the story and didn't re-emerge until several hours later.

This story griped my heart and then just squeezed, becoming tighter and tighter as it progressed. From the first moment the Main Character (Joe) leaves home to travel to where his brother (Ed) is imprisoned, it's as if his voice leaps up in the page. The broken up sentences between paragraphs immerse the reader into this thoughts, as if you watch him carry out the motions and can hear his unique voice running through his head. He easily pulls in the emotions of the other characters around him, especially in the case of Ed, Angela (Sister) and Aunt Karen, to keep the entire story flowing at a fast-paced rate that doesn't let the reader go.

And as it feels as though it's tumbling into the abyss, as all becomes loss after loss, the reader can't help but feel the same slight hope that Joe feels. The possibility of it actually occurring is slim, because of the reality of the book mirroring the reality we live in, but at the same time the reader clings on to the same hope as Joe.

I would highly recommend this book, for anyone twelve up. It punches the reader in the chest, again and again, and drives home what is mentioned in the news, and in various publications around crime. I now have no excuse to not read her other book -One-, as I want to be able to hand this book, and her other books, to customers in the shop.

I can honestly say that I have fallen head over heels for Sarah’s writing. I read One last year, and this year I was thrilled to receive an early copy of Moonrise and it didn’t disappoint. I rarely cry at books (yep I’m heartless which is hilarious because in ‘real life’ I cry at everything but hey), but this brought tears to my eyes (as did One).

I don’t think I’ve read a book that focuses on death row; I know they exist but not really in the YA genre (or none that I’ve found anyway) and it was so fresh and unique. I loved that she chose to narrate it from the perspective of the brother, as it gave a different view of the impact death row can have on someone. So often the media singly focuses on the prisoner and their crimes, but the family goes forgotten or they are simply guilty by association. Here, this idea is explored, and it delves into the effect that family and childhood can have, but also how the family deal with having a member on death row, as the siblings are completely innocent and are just trying to make their way in the world.

There was so much variety in the characters and their situations which was amazing. To see them come together around the central focus of the prison and death row in spite of their differing positions and stories was fascinating, and I really, really loved it. My heart repeatedly broke for Joe and the struggles he went through, and honestly he was just a wonderful, but tragic, character.

As I’ve said, I love Sarah’s writing style so, so much. The poetry isn’t technical, but this story would not be half of what it is with ‘technical’ poetry. It’s simple, but it’s cutting and beautiful and everything it needs to be and more. It perfectly captures moments and feelings without dragging them out or going into too much detail. This is one of those stories that is all about moments and feelings, and this style tells it perfectly.

The pacing is fairly slow, but as I’ve said, this books is about capturing snippets of time and emotion. So, as a result, it doesn’t feel slow at all. I felt completely caught up in everything that was going on; in the stories of all of the characters, in the hope and heartbreak and everything else in between.

I loved this book, and I think that’s clear in this review. Sarah Crossan has become an auto-buy author without a doubt (I bought the rest of hers at YALC last weekend!), simply because of her uniqueness, wonderful storytelling, and ability to make me feel every emotion under the sun and bring tears to my eyes.

Gosh this book has worn out my poor heart. My nerves are frazzled but it was brilliant AND devastating.

In this story the narrator chronicles the harrowing count down (as the brother) of a young man on death row. As a result it gives a refreshing and provocative perspective that allows the idea of 'victims' of crime to be turned on its head. Important elements are woven in that will hopefully make the reader digest the duplicity behind a justice system that seemingly thrives on the notion of an 'eye for an eye'.

As a slight con the writing was good but the style is can be distracting and this is mainly because I'm not a fan of stories told in verse. However fortunately this is one of those rare occasions where I could look past the style and just enjoy the story. A definite worthwhile but heartbreaking read.

Sarah Crossan does write books about difficult subjects. This one is written in prose and is as powerful as "One" was. It explores the relationships between siblings in a dysfunctional family. Throughout the book more is learnt about their life together before Ed left. His character is contradictory and Joe's feelings towards him are understandably conflicted. The question remains, how could someone who cared for his much younger brother so much be the 'terrible' person the system says he is?

Unfortunately, I feel the author's telling of the story is the one that would play out in the United States and as such this book is making a strong political and social point. It confirms my views of how justice is administered at times and I wonder if this is healthy for all?

There are some good twists towards the end which help the plot move to its climax. It is difficult to write a review of this without providing spoilers. I would recommend this to readers but would also say it is not an easy ride and would welcome the opportunity to discuss it with them..

(3.5 stars) Sarah Crossan's books never fail to move me and Moonrise was no exception. I found that the verse form resulted in some beautifully constructed images and added to the poignancy at just the right moments, forcing me to dwell on the idea of the idea of the death sentence and how unjust the system surrounding it can be. The flashbacks to the character's childhoods also added to this. I didn't love it quite as much as I loved One, hence why I'm rating it slightly lower than I rated that, but I've already gone back and reflected on this story several times since completing it, so I think it's definitely going to be one that stays with me for a long time to come. I'd definitely recommend picking this up, especially as it deals with a topic that I've never read about in YA before.

Writing this with tears in my eyes and a heart broken once more by Sarah Crossan's beautiful, lyrical but oh so painful writing. Such a powerful, hard story to read but what it says about love for your family and personal responsibility will stay with me for a very long time. The utter hopelessness of Ed's situation brings the reality of the death penalty and its effects on everyone around it into stark, unforgiving focus and Joe's struggle to come to terms with his brothers imminent death is almost too painful to read. I will definitely reread this to revel in the blank verse format and the way that each and every word is measured and has such impact, but I think I'll give myself time to recover and digest first.

Another great read from Sarah Crossan. The blend of poetry and writing, the style of writing and the drama all make a fantastic book.

Short but not sweet. This is the story of Joe, whose big brother Ed is on death row in Texas who carry out their punishments at the 'Farm'. Joe has lived in a chaotic family, but one in which siblings loved one another as they survived without functioning parents. Joe felt the loss when his adored brother left, but at least he had his sister. But then Joe has to grow up when it's left to him to make the last visits to his brother. Along the way Joe finds friends and continues to be supported by some family. A shocking storyline but still full of hope. Sarah Crossan has done it again, managing to nail so much feeling in so few words.

Another outstanding book from Sarah Crossan., which is so moving, but never manipulative. It's almost too easy to read, and it's only on reflection that you realise the skill employed to weave such a heartbreaking story. Just as with 'One', I'll be putting this book into the hands of so many different readers - it will work for our book-loving gifted students as well as for our reluctant readers who are scared by full pages of closely knitted text. I know it is billed as YA but I see no reason why this isn't an 'adult' book too (not that YA in general isn't for adults too, obviously!). I think anyone with a heart could be hooked on this book.

An incredibly moving, terribly sad and beautifully written story about a brother trying his best to make the most of the time he has left with his big brother. His big brother who is on Death Row, and the date is set for his execution.

Joe is a really great protagonist because he is so very human - and normal. He doesn't inherently believe his brother is innocent of the murder he is accused of. In fact, he questions him even though his loyalty would remain unwavering. This really struck me as very honest and I loved the way Crossan has created Joe. The story is written in verse, but not lyrical, so you will speed through it in a matter of hours; this is also clever because it feels like you're actually living out Joe's thoughts and memories.

The topic itself is really thought-provoking. To see what it might be like for the families of those accused of an unforgivable crime in this way was refreshing. The media are really great at making the criminal the face of the news story, but actually I've often forgotten to explore the bigger picture. What must it be like if you are wrongly accused? How do you make the most of your last moments? What would it be like to know you have so little time to say goodbye to someone who means everything to you, regardless of whether they have been rightly or wrongly accused. Family, and loyalty, stretches far beyond the justice system and I think that Crossan really shows that off beautifully. It didn't matter to Joe, he just wanted to know the truth, he still would have loved his brother regardless. He still would feel the same gravity of loss.

A really powerful, cleverly written book that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.

3.75/5 stars. Heart-breaking, insightful and brilliantly executed.
I went into this novel completely blind, knowing only that it was written by Sarah Crossan. Sarah Crossan is an author that I trust wholly, who never neglects to make my heart ache and my tears flow. In Moonrise, her writing is unfailingly beautiful, and her story told through a cast of unusually lovable characters.
Every aspect of this novel appealed to me, As a highly opinionated individual with eyes open to the world around me, I really appreciated Sarah's exploration of the American justice system and its failings. I enjoyed seeing a family dynamic where all the family were present in the narrative, if not directly on the page. Joe's family has fallen apart around him, and still he persists in trying his hardest and not giving up. I loved Joe, and I would love to see more of him in the future (as unlikely as that is).
I would recommend this novel to anyone who loves Sarah Crossan and fast, intoxicating reads.

By the time I was a quarter of the way through this book I found that neither the plot, the writing or the characters had engaged me so I gave up. I wasn't that it was bad in any of those elements but perhaps for idiosyncratic reasons, it just did not gain or maintain my interest.