Numbers

Starred by PW and SLJ Now in paperback, Rachel Ward's gripping debut psycho-thriller that pairs futuristic sci-fi with a tender, touchingly real love story. Includes a teaser to the sequel

Ever since the day her mother died, Jem has known about the numbers. Numbers that pop into her head when she looks into someone's eyes. They're dates, the numbers. Dates predicting with brute accuracy each person's death. Burdened by such horrible knowledge, Jem avoids relationships. Until she meets Spider, another outsider, and takes a chance. Maybe they can find happiness together, if only in the brief time that remains before his expiration date. But on a trip to London, Jem foresees a chilling chain of events: The city's a target. The clock's running out. The countdown is on to a blowup

Even the idea of this book gave me chills. How would you like to know someone's fate just by looking in their eyes? Creepy and original." --R.L. Stine

"A page-turner. What starts as a simple extrasensory gimmick grows into an increasingly engrossing and au-courant plot line involving terrorism, class tensions, and youth. One thing is certain: Ward's NUMBERS is ace." -- The Los Angeles Times

*"It's a gritty tale, unsparingly told, and debut novelist Ward demonstrates exceptional control of her material. Her characters remain true to themselves and their bleak circumstances, making for some excruciating moments....Despite its supernatural premise, Jem's story shines a stark and honest light on the lives of teens on the fringe."* -- Publishers Weekly STARRED review

"A lovely, bittersweet tearjerker about living life to the fullest." -- Kirkus Reviews

"A moving portrayal of life and love lost." -- BCCB

"Intelligent and life-affirming. Rachel Ward is certainly one to watch." -- The Guardian (UK)

"Utterly compelling." -- The Sunday Telegraph (UK)

About the Author

Rachel Ward first won a writer’s award at a regional arts festival, and her prize-winning short story turned into the opening chapter of Numbers, which is her debut novel. She is currently working on the sequel. Rachel lives in Bath, England, with her husband and their two children.