On the Java Ridge

Praise for On the Java Ridge 'Devastatingly brilliant...an emotionally grueling mix of high-octane action, life-and-death political maneuvering and, at its heart, an anguishing portrayal of worldwide refugee crises...Beautiful, mournful, infuriating and brimming with tension, On the Java Ridge is utterly incomparable.'--Shelf Awareness 'Serong creates a sense of foreboding from the very start of his third novel, and then constantly ratchets up the tension with a keen sense of pacing.'--Books + Publishing 'Terrifying, compelling.'--ABR 'This is the mastery of Serong's novel, understanding that fictional dystopias are at their most profound when they take the everyday and tilt it towards the darkness...it is a deeply considered novel that steers us to the logical conclusion of an entrenched system rooted equally in brutality and silence.'--The Monthly 'Serong has his finger firmly on the pulse of current events: this is a thoroughly credible hypothetical, a truly intriguing and frighteningly believable "what if?" that is brilliantly executed, acutely topical and extremely relevant.'--Bookmooch 'You might want to clear the decks before you start Jock Serong's third thriller, because the odds are you won't be able to put it down.'--SA Weekend Praise for The Rules of Backyard Cricket 'A deeply interesting novel about sibling rivalry, family, masculinity, and the game of cricket...Serong is a talented storyteller, and he brings this unusual world to life.'--Booklist; 'Beautifully written and acutely observed...a noir tour de force.'--Sydney Morning Herald; 'Serong writes pithy, pin-sharp dialogue...The book is expertly plotted, and its noirish climax with its dark drama and its final twists, is devastating. Get out and buy this book; it is the best new novel I've read this year.'--Crime Time [UK; 'A novel of suspense, I heartily recommend it.'--Shots [UK]; 'Serong's writing displays wit, insight and occasionally, splendor.'--Books + Publishing Praise for Quota 'IPitch-perfect dialogue, and a strong sense of place about this small town in particular. The characters there are particularly believable and...actually quite likeable (a bonus). All of these elements combine to make for a very engaging, and extremely realistic debut novel.'--Reviewing The Evidence