‘Numbers’ was published in January 2009.
‘Since her mother’s death, fifteen-year-old Jem has kept a secret. When her eyes meet someone else’s, a number pops into her head – the date on which they will die. Knowing that nothing lasts forever, Jem avoids relationships, but when she meets a boy called Spider, and they plan a day out together, her life takes a new twist and turn. Waiting for the London Eye, she sees everyone in the queue has the same number – something terrible is going to happen.’
Awards
- Wandsworth Fabulous Book Award 2010
Reviews
- “Numbers is a true pulse racing narrative, leaving you breathless after only the first chapter. Rachel Ward writes with a flair, picking out life’s more delicate moments amongst an unforgiving account of escape and hardship.” – John Lloyd, Waterstones – Here
- “Numbers is a high-concept, it-could-go-anywhere idea taken down an unexpected and interesting route. Seemingly downbeat, it is both intelligent and life-affirming.” – Philip Ardagh, The Guardian – Here
- “Rachel Ward has managed to write a realistic, gritty thriller that instantly pulls you in…” – Wondrous Reads blog.
- “I strongly recommend this book for anyone who wants something a bit different with a very emotional ending.” - So Many Books, So Little Time blog
- “This debut novel from Rachel Ward is a tautly plotted teenage thriller which poses disturbing questions of ethics, free will, predestination, and societal expectation. Powerful stuff!” – Armadillo online magazine, Spring 2009 issue.
Watch out for a sequel to ‘Numbers’ - ‘Numbers: The Chaos’ due for publication on 7th June 2010.