In the year 2074 Billy was sent to prison for a computer crime. Although life on the Penal Colony was tough, it had one unexpected bonus: Billy was introduced to the pleasures of playing football. Real sport has died out on Earth and now sports are played virtually through simulators. No-one actually kicks a ball and hasn't for many years. The state sanctions this, approving of the lack of physical contact with its accompanying risks of injury and violence.

Alan Durant has definitely scored a hit with Fair Game! Far from being just another book about the beautiful game, Alan tackles sensitive subjects such as poverty and addiction in a current, up-to-date way that readers will be able to interpret and relate to. Alan's use of short chapters with a powerful story line can inspire confidence in reluctant readers as they are able to easily flick ahead and see an end point. Short chapters also promote a regular sense of accomplishment and can actually make you want to read on.

Not that we think you'll be able to stop reading Fair Game anyway!