Blood Red Sky

The high school is on fire. Aaron Smith, the local bad boy, is arrested at the scene. He’s locked up by the end of the night, guilty until proven innocent. Only two people know the truth about what happened; Aaron and his little sister. Aaron will do anything to save his sister, including going to prison without a trial. But then the pandemic comes to Scotland, and trials are cancelled. Aaron finds himself locked up, in a lockdown, and no one is able to help him.

Blood Red Sky is a story of love, loss, humour and hope and makes you wonder; what should we do with teenagers who cross the line? Should we lock them up, or take time to find out the truth?


Praise for Blood Red Sky

Listed Cork Fiction Book of the Year 2025 – The Irish Examiner

‘Infuriating, moving and uplifting, Blood Red Sky is a triumph.’ – The Scotsman

‘A sobering and thought provoking book for readers of any age.’ – The Herald

‘A no-nonsense, politically serious critique of class inequality and youth justice... Parents don't read books like this to their kids, but perhaps they should.' – Darren McGarvey, author of Poverty Safari: Understanding the Anger of Britain’s Underclass

An important read about the glamour free YOI custody experience in Scotland for young people, for anyone working around or concerned with youth justice (we all should be!). – Graeme Armstrong, author of Scots Book of the Year, The Young Team

‘Beautifully written, raw and real, the characters feel like flesh and blood and the pacing is 'edge-of-your-seat.' – Margaret McDonald, author of Glasgow Boys


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Sara Cullen is an Irish writer living in Fife, Scotland. Sara's commitment to writing for social justice began in her teens when she joined Amnesty International and corresponded with a pen pal on death row in Oklahoma. Inspired by To Kill a Mockingbird at age 13 (thanks to her English teacher), Sara pursued a degree in English Literature from University College Cork and later spent 17 years teaching English in Scottish high schools. She also served as a Guidance Teacher in areas of high deprivation.Sara's dedication to child welfare led her to work in the Public Protection Unit and earn a qualification in Child Welfare and Protection from the University of Stirling. Her writing reflects her belief that books have the power to change the world and her commitment to amplifying the voices of care-experienced children who have encountered the justice system at a young age.