Emergency Weather

Tim Jones' 'Emergency Weather' is a timely and gripping climate fiction thriller aimed at 13-15 year olds that immerses readers in a not-so-distant future where the consequences of global warming have become tragically unavoidable. Drawing together the disparate narratives of three starkly different protagonists - a young Māori man, a widowed dairy farmer, and a jaded government advisor - Jones masterfully weaves a tapestry of contemporary social and environmental challenges.

What sets this novel apart is Jones' refusal to preach or take sides. Instead, he compassionately inhabits the perspectives of his characters, showcasing the complex realities they face as the climate crisis encroaches on their lives. Whether it's the alienated Zeke grappling with his identity and purpose, the resilient Allie reeling from personal tragedy, or the disillusioned Stephane confronting the systemic inertia around climate action, each voice rings with authenticity.

Grounded in the evocative setting of a near-future Wellington, 'Emergency Weather' balances the page-turning momentum of a thriller with poignant explorations of family, community, and the human capacity for adaptation and renewal. Jones' elegant prose and keen observational eye bring the city to life, capturing both its fleeting beauty and its institutional failings. This is a novel that enthralls while also stirring vital reflections on the challenges we must collectively face.