Children of Violence is a work of fiction in the drama and social issues genres. It is aimed at older readers and was penned by Luke Gherardi. The book follows four young characters as they grow up in the shadow of adults who deal in violence in one form or another, from Gracie’s physically abusive father to Robbie’s mother being a sex worker to Reeves's radicalization as a child soldier and Cole living with his father who wrestles daily with PTSD. Each of the stories is a study on how violent environments affect the children growing up in them and, as they begin to interact with each other, the children are left with decisions that will determine just how much violence will go on to define them as adults.

The great strength of this book in studying the theme of violence, and how it affects the young who witness it, is in having four diverse characters who each have their own experiences with the issue. It’s too easy with complex issues to try to define a 'one size fits all' solution to the problem, but as Luke Gherardi is keen to reflect in the story, there are so many different situations in which young people find themselves. The resolution that one character finds wouldn’t work for another and the author is savvy enough to reflect this in the work. The characters in Children of Violence are excellently portrayed with each of them feeling like a unique individual on an equally unique journey. This is made most prominent in the sections where they meet each other, as despite having violence in common they don’t always manage to find common ground. This is a brilliant exploration of a delicate issue done through a compelling story. I’d recommend this book to anyone.

Stories of violence are always terrible, but when they involve children, they are even worse. The four young protagonists of Luke Gherardi's novel Children of Violence - Robbie, Gracie, Reeves, and Cole - know what it is like to grow up in dangerous places and with violent people. Although they come from various backgrounds and have different family histories, this novel will bring them all together. In the harsh and intense pages of Children of Violence, the reader will learn about the four protagonists and accompany them in their increasingly terrible vicissitudes.

I am not a reader who usually looks for books where the theme of violence is central. However, when I read one of them, it depends on the fact that some element of the plot is relevant to me. In the case of Children of Violence, it caught my attention because the protagonists of the book are four kids who suffer from the consequences of exposure to a violent environment. Luke Gherardi has chosen a delicate but significant theme for his novel - a theme that deserves attention and reflection even after the stories of the four protagonists are over. Children of Violence is a book that you read quickly, thanks to the author's fluent style, but the story it tells will continue to resonate for a long time. Overall, I am glad I have read this book, even if the context gets very gloomy at times and is definitely not a read for the faint of heart.

Following is a volunteer review by Maham Idrees
"Children of Violence" by Luke Gherardi

The fictional novella "Violence of Children" is written by Luke Gherarti. It consists of nineteen chapters and depicts the themes of murder, robbery, prostitution, child abuse, and spirituality. The author excellently covered fear, horror, and pain within 138 pages. Through this work, Luke attacks the authorities, racism, and religion of America. It has a collection of stories that contribute to the discourse of violence. It aims at revealing the injustice behavior of sovereignty and the brutish nature of humanity. The author introduces nine characters and each character discloses their own stories of destruction and chaos. The writer honestly portrays the family of a gangster and barbaric men. They face brutality at an early age. They are unable to survive in a chaotic atmosphere. Children do not only face street crime but also confront abusive relations with their families. The whole story revolves around Gracie and Robbie who confront violence at the age of 12 and 9. They both have suffered from an abusive family. Apart from this, the story touches its climax with the entry of the villain, Frederick who manipulates Gracie. In the end, her father dies, and she enjoys the freedom that she expected.
This fictional text illustrates the full picture of the mental and physical torture of children in an artistic way. However, the author introduces a subplot in his literary work. As the story unfolds; it comes out within a story that increases suspense.

The book has an ambiguous plot. It demands concentration to enjoy it. The novella's ending relates to the beginning and the multiple narration grabs the readers'attention. The writer chooses characters to narrate their own story of suffering. This technique allows it to be real. Luke pessimistically exhibits the social taboo of society. The author chooses bold imagery of sexual discourse in Revees with his mother " stroking his cock". Offensive words such as “f*ck”, “fucker”, “motherfucker”, and "dick", do not seem suitable for a book having children oriented plot.
It is being given four stars out of five. The reason for the one-star deduction is the offensive vocabulary and bold expressions. I can recommend it to adults to unmask the reality of innocent victims