Red Queen | Victoria Aveyard
Reviewed by Abby Green, age 15
If asked to rate Red Queen, I could easily give it a rating that would be closer to five stars than four. I’ve read it twice now, the second time not that long ago, and already I am starving for the time when long enough has gone by that I can deem it appropriate to let myself read it again.
It is a complex tale which has been masterfully woven with few, if any plot holes and a great tale of betrayal which took even me, someone who has guessed the endings to countless books and films by the halfway mark, by surprise. It was great to see such an old idea of the divisions of blood and colour shown in such a new and exciting way. I thoroughly enjoyed reading a book which engaged me as both a teenage girl and an avid reader of fiction books of all kinds.
Whilst some of the concepts for the book may not be as original as some would enjoy, the message that Aveyard puts across deepens the meanings of any of the modern-fantasy young adult novel storylines as well as showing a different aspect to them, which I feel appeals to a wider audience. As well as this, the very addition of these storylines allows Aveyard to engage the younger teen audience into reading a book that, behind the love triangles, pretty dresses and socially ostracized female lead, also explores the darker sides to human nature and how easy it is to trust someone who can only betray you.
The story world did seem slightly underdeveloped in this first installment. However, as it is set to be a trilogy, and I have read the sequel, Glass Sword, and both of the novellas in Cruel Crown, Steel Scars and Queen Song, it can be forgiven for the world to be left more alone in the first book. This is due to the more expansive look in the second book, the views into the two completely different worlds in the Cruel Crown novellas and the excitement which looks to be set not just in Norta, but also across the Red Queen globe, for the final chapter.
I would, and have recommended this book to anyone who asked, and will continue to do so happily into the future.
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The Tea-Planter’s Wife | Dinah Jefferies
Reviewed by Steph Hickman, age 19
How many secrets does it take to break the perfect marriage?
Set in 1925, recently married Gwendolyn Hooper travels to Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka) to join her husband, Laurence, on his tea plantation. Laurence had been married before, but Gwen knows little about his previous wife and what happened. Life in Ceylon doesn’t begin smoothly. There are many secrets that Gwen begins to uncover, such as a tiny, overgrown grave. However, Gwen soon settles into her role of manager of the house staff and the couple start enjoying life in the bedroom together.
However, Gwen goes to a ball with her cousin and becomes drunk. Savi, a Sinhalese that she has previously met on her journey to Ceylon, looks after her, taking her up to her room (which was considered very improper at the time) but something ambiguous happens that leaves Gwen feeling confused. She then falls pregnant. Laurence is overjoyed but in the deliver room, Gwendolyn faces an awful, life-changing choice that could destroy the couple’s happiness forever.
Although the ending was incredibly moving, it was amazing as it managed to tie up all loose ends. This book was an incredible read, I was thoroughly engrossed in the plot with it’s many twists and shocking moments. It was filled with rich, sensuous language, steamy romance and incredible, believable characters. Race, sex, workers rights and equality are key themes to this novel, as well as it being loosely based on historical events, such as the Wall Street Crash and battle of the flowers.
I wouldn’t recommend this book for anyone under 16 because of it’s sexual moments. It was amazing novel and has become one of my favourites books.
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The Honest Truth | Dan Gemeinhart
Reviewed by Ella Nieper, age 16
Wow. This book really got me from the off. It is a fast moving emotional rollercoaster for Mark, Jessie and their families. As the title suggests brutal honesty plays a large part of it.
Mark had cancer and they just found out that it was back. And that’s when he left. He had promised his grandpa just before he died to reach the top of Mt Rainier. So he left without telling anyone with only Beau his small dog for company.
He gets robbed and this means he can’t get the bus for the last part of his journey. So he attempts to walk it with the worst winter storm coming in for a long time. All the while his parents and Jessie are at home worrying. He asked Jessie to hold his secret and she does, but it brings her pain, will she decide to bring him home? Mark meets all types of people on his journey, some he can trust and others he can’t. More than one save his life. Throughout thick and thin Beau stays with him and really protects his boy. Will he make it or is he simply too ill to do it?
I really enjoyed this fast moving book and it was quite emotional in parts. I would recommend this book to those who like adventure books as this is one big adventure with a twist.
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Breaking Butterflies | M. Anjelais
Reviewed by Octavia Chappell, age 15
2 teenagers, far apart, yet kept together until the last moment because of a plan made long before they were born.
Breaking Butterflies is the story of Sphinx and Cadence, 2 teenagers who were destined to be born, marry and have children together. However, the story is not that simple as Cadence is dying from cancer and has no emotions. Cadence always relied on Sphinx to show him emotions and how to behave, yet when he moves to England he has to learn how to cope with his emotions – or lack of – by himself.
For Sphinx, ever since Cadence killed the butterfly and cut her with the knife, she has been scared of him and enthralled by him all at the same time. Therefore when Cadence asks Sphinx to spend his last summer alive with him in England, she can’t refuse.
Sphinx wants to help Cadence, yet Cadence only seems to get worse. Cadence only has interest for his artwork, yet he is controlling Sphinx and everyone around him at the same time. Sphinx is then faced with some of the hardest choices she’s ever had to make. Should she stay with the dangerous Cadence wherever he goes? In life and in death?
Breaking Butterflies is not the typical teen novel that I anticipated, and not a light read. Anjelais forces the reader to invest themselves into the characters and put themselves into Sphinx’s position and consider the choices she makes. I enjoyed this book because of the philosophical twist, and even after I had finished reading the book I carried on reading into the ideas put forward by the author. I did feel however, that the author could have added more to the storyline as it was repetitive in places and moved forward slowly.
I would recommend this book to readers of a similar age, who enjoy teen fiction, yet wish to read something more thought provoking.
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The Glass Bird Girl | Esme Kerr
Reviewed by Ella Nieper, age 16
The Glass Bird Girl tells the story of Edie, who is an orphan living with her grandmother, Babka.
However, when Babka goes blind and is put in a home, Edie’s life changes dramatically. She is sent to live with her Aunt Sophia and her three sons, Edie does not enjoy her time living with her aunt, so she tries to run away, then meeting her Cousin Charles who is friends with a rich Russian Prince. He has a daughter called Anastasia who attends an old fashioned boarding school, Knight’s Haddon, where Anastasia is struggling with her possessions going missing.
It falls down to Edie to discover what is happening to Anastasia. While on this mission Edie makes good friends with Anastasia and discovers something very interesting about Miss Fotheringay, the headmistress and the teachers there.
When the teachers start suggesting that Anastasia see a psychiatrist, Edie can see that there is a very deep mystery happening at Knight’s Haddon which involves the secrets held by the teachers. There is no-one Edie can trust, not even Anastasia who seems to have given in and has agreed to see the psychiatrist. Will the problems stop for Anastasia? Or is there something else that no-one would have foreseen?
I enjoyed the suspicious aspect and my curiosity prevented me from putting it down. A good, quick read.
I felt that this book is for younger readers than myself but I enjoyed it all the same. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy books that have a hidden plot and a deep mystery.
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Girl Online | Zoe Sugg
Reviewed by Octavia Chappell, age 15
The story is about a teenage girl, Penny, who is living a disaster-filled life in Brighton and writing it all on her blog. She visits New York over Christmas with her wedding-planner parents and meets Noah, a boy who seems to understand her. Penny suffers from panic attacks, and it is Noah who helps her overcome them. Just when it seems like Noah and Penny are meant to be, she has to return home to Brighton and leave her ‘holiday romance’ behind. But when Penny returns to the UK, she finds out a secret that Noah was holding from her. Will this destroy her life at home, just as she starts to get it back? Armed with her hilarious best friend Elliot, Penny takes us through her Christmas in New York and shares every second of it in her blog.
I loved this novel, and couldn’t put it down. The story is a page-turner; there are so many plot twists and exciting events, some of which make you laugh, others – cry. The book is also a good length; long enough to create an interesting plot, yet not so long that you become bored of the characters and the story. I found the characters very relatable and the plot very realistic and down-to-earth.
There was nothing I disliked about the book as I felt it suited a wide age range (from 10 to 18) but didn’t feel too immature. The cover was beautifully designed and looks impressive on the shelf and the story left me feeling warm inside.
I would love to read more by this author as I feel she has captured what it really feels like to be a teenager and reassured every reader that they are the same and that it will always work out in the end.
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Water Born | Rachel Ward
Reviewed by Steph Hickman, age 18
Sequel to The Drowning, Water Born provides the reader with a “gripping, shocking, intense” experience.
Nic loves to swim, so being picked for the swimming team is super important to her. However, that summer which is the hottest on record, 16 year old girls are tragically dying in outdoor water places while swimming.
How are these deaths all linked? Nic turns to her parent’s past in hope of finding the truth about herself and murders, but soon begins to hear a disembodied voice, in the water.
The plot line was interesting and original, with supernatural elements, misleading parts and plenty of tension. It was also very gripping (I ended up reading it in my university launderette!). I found it very hard to identify with the main character though, with her over-dramatic, always-jumping-to-conclusions narrative with incredibly foolish moments.
Perhaps this was intended by Ward though, to have a protagonist who is just a normal person with faults. Even though this is a sequel, it can stand as a book on it’s own, as I hadn’t read The Drowning but enjoyed Water Born and didn’t get confused. Not reading it just meant there was more ambiguity over Nic’s parents, as The Drowning is about them as teenagers.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it for teenage girls roughly 15+. This is because there are some adult themes, such as sexting.
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Frankenstein (1818 Edition) | Mary Shelley
Reviewed by Simon Marshall, age 18
What’s most striking about (arguably) the first and most influential Science Fiction novel to date, is that its writer was the age I am now as she wrote it.
The writing buzzes with the electricity of a talented mind, with a sophistication and resonance beyond its years, but also a tangible echo of the teenage girl whose experiences coloured the novel. With settings hopping from Switzerland to Scotland, and emotions soaring and spiralling, the book explores not only the life of Victor Frankenstein, but that of his creation, and the lives of those close to him. As a scientist whose ambition drives him to the edge of insanity in creating a human being himself, Frankenstein makes an impassioned narrator, with the reader following the currents of his happiness and despair to the bitter end.
The novel is compelling, drawing upon exploration of nature and romanticism to propel itself through the stormy Geneva evenings and the gloom of the Auckney Islands. It is short enough to linger in the imagination, with a scope surpassing its pages, and yet Shelley’s energy becomes exhausting towards the end, as the interspersed action wanders into hyperbolic description.
However, as a clever, powerful discussion not only of monsters and revenge, but of parenthood, love, ambition, education and storytelling itself, Frankenstein is a marvel. And it’s alive.
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Echo Boy | Matt Haig
Reviewed by Steph Hickman, age 18
Set in the not-too-distant future, humans have developed ‘Echos’ to help them out with their lives, such as security guards or for domestic purposes. They resemble humans but are emotionless machines. Audrey has one such Echo as a tutor, helping her eduction and she is soon to go to Oxford University. However, tragic events unfold that change Audrey’s life completely.
Daniel is a prototype Echo, but is unlike the others, which he cannot explain. He can question himself and begin to develop emotions…
As a lover of philosophy and ethics, I was intrigued by this book because of the ethical issues surrounding ‘Echos’, and the philosophical issues of what makes us ‘human’, of freedom and technology. Although the book focuses on the plot, rather than exploring the ethical issues, it was still thought-provoking and make me question the philosophical issue of personhood.
Haig writes in a fluent style, exploring the minds of Audrey and Daniel and demonstrating their personalities convincingly. There were cleverly thought-out moments and elements of the future that are believable. It showed humanity’s capability of both kindness and great cruelty, such as how humans laugh at other’s pain.
Do not be put off by its size, 399 pages in hardback, because it is a quick read. I read most of it in one sitting because it was surprisingly gripping. Unlike most books I acquire that just end up on the charity shop pile once read, I’m keeping this one because it was a thoroughly interesting and enjoyable read. Online, the reviews are mostly positive and I would recommend it for 13+. There are a few mature themes in it, but they are brushed over, so it is suitable for a younger teen.
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Grasshopper Jungle | Andrew Smith
Reviewed by Amelia Hand, age 18
One to always ignore the phrase “never judge a book by its cover,” the all-caps blurb and fluorescent green cover of this book gave me an intense feeling of woe when I received it to review.
I was proved wrong, of course, as in this novel, Smith has managed to combine two of my most hated things (sci-fi and giant insects) and actually create something that’s really not that bad.
He provides an interesting interpretation of the complexities of sexuality and teenage hormones, and managed to interweave the two with hardly any of the typical teen romance clichés.
The story begins quite simply, but as you continue reading it it grows in impact and leaves you reeling by the final chapter. On the whole it is admittedly quite messy, with many different complex ideas and themes that don’t really stick together, but this actually works well with both the storyline and the style of writing and should really be expected considering Smith’s statement that “Good books are always about everything”. The best thing about this book has got to be the frankness of every single thing that Smith has written, though. The words and language are not pretty, this isn’t writing that will rival Austen or Yeats on the synonym front, and yet I found the bluntness of the language refreshing and it matched the storyline perfectly.
Overall, ‘Grasshopper Jungle’ is a fabulous book, and I’d highly recommend it, but I would stick a giant red sign on the cover warning you to go into this with an open-mind. I don’t think it would work otherwise.
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Nowhere | Jon Robinson
Reviewed by Timothy Hand, age 15
Nowhere is an average book.
It tells the story of a group of children trapped in a massive prison in an isolated area. The children have been told by the prison authorities that they are all dangerous criminals, but none of them can remember committing crimes.
Although not a dreadful read, Nowhere fails to make an impression in a world full of much better books. The characters and plot are far from original, the idea of a mysterious prison having been used many times before. The only original aspect of the plot was ridiculous and confusing.
On the other hand, there were several tense moments throughout the story, which meant that the book was not a wholly dull read.
In conclusion, Nowhere is a mediocre story, that you should only read if you want a book that is simply a copy of others you have already read.
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The Killing Woods | Lucy Christopher
Reviewed by Kayleigh Stewart, age 17
‘The Killing Woods’ by Lucy Christopher is an intricate and well thought out murder mystery, perfect for young teenagers.
However, for some unknown reason, it did not captivate me at all. It is a shame, because the plot is incredibly clever and would make for a stunning novel; I was desperate to get into it.
However, I felt my enjoyment was being held back by an immature writing style, as in, the writing was more suitable for a much younger audience than myself, which therefore prevented me from wanting to read on.
However, ignoring me would be a fantastic thing for you to do right now, since after doing a bit of research I have found that I appear to be the only person on the planet not to enjoy this book. Many others have stated that thing book was ‘captivating,’ ‘beautifully written’ and ‘full of suspense,’ so don’t give it a pass because of my opinion.
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A Boy Called Hope | Lara Williamson
Reviewed by Steph Hickman, age 16
Dan Hope has a desperate hope that his father will return into his life However, his father walked out on him when he was seven and his mum has a new boyfriend: Big Dave. His older sister, he nicknames Ninja Grace, hears that Big Dave already has a wife and Dan finds a positive pregnancy test in the bathroom bin. His friend, Christopher, at school gets annoyed at Dan as he fancies Dan’s very religious friend; Jo and he suspects that Dan does too. Dan wants to “help Sherlock Holmes solve his most daring mystery yet”, but he ends up solving the confusing mystery of his life; creating “Operation Reichenbach”.
The novel explores challenging family issues with believable characters and realistic situations. It’s written in a contemporary and colloquial style, from the perspective of Dan Hope who is a wonderful narrator because he is friendly and easygoing, and can be very naïve, which is humorous.
A Boy Called Hope is Lara Williamson’s first novel and hopefully she plans to write other ones as well. It has a well thought out plot with very clever moments and it is uplifting, despite the sad parts. Reviews online are very positive (on Goodreads and Amazon) and I would recommend it for boys and girls aged around 10+, although most of the reviewers online were adults.
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The Testing | Joelle Charbonneau
Reviewed by Kayleigh Stewart, age 16
‘The Testing’ has been boosted to the position of my new favourite book; I don’t think I have ever been so captivated. Joelle Charbonneau has made a fantastic start with this book and I am eagerly awaiting the release of her second.
I will admit, it took a couple of chapters for me to get into the book, but by the fourth chapter I was hooked. The action and drama throughout the book is breathtaking (and not in a beautiful way); there were a couple of times where I was disturbed by what I was reading which, in my eyes, is what every thriller should be like. The book also contains a delicious amount of mystery; you find yourself trying to guess what’s going to happen next throughout the novel, and will be shocked at the actions of some of the characters.
The text is simple to read and realistic, which makes the entire book more enticing and shocking. I would definitely recommend this book (and in fact have already!). Go buy it now, it’s fantastic!
As the back cover of it says, “If you liked The Hunger Games, you’ll love this.”
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Hurt | Tabitha Sazuma
Reviewed by Steph Hickman, age 16
Mathéo Walsh is Britain’s top diver, at just 17, destined to win the nations and take his place at the up-coming Olympics. He’s also a top student at school, surrounded by his friends and dating the girl of his dreams, Lola. The only blemish in his life is his parents, pushing him to reach his full potential; at diving and in his academic studies. However, there was a weekend where something absolutely awful happened and that threatens to destroy everything. A weekend that he cannot remember yet has changed him so much. No longer does he enjoy diving or being around his friends.
As he pieces together the violent memories, he realises that he faces an awful choice: keep all of it a secret and put those around him at risk or tell someone and certainly lose Lola.
Suzuma conceals the plot in a cloak of mystery, leaving the reader unable to predict the clever plot twists. The gripping prologue draws the reader in, causing them to ask many questions, which develops into an amazingly crafted plot. It’s written in an incredibly descriptive style, almost to excess, but an extremely good read. Suzuma covers a range of issues that are serious and challenging to the reader. These issues do exist in our society but are brushed over as if they don’t. Conflict within it is well written and she carefully explores themes like love, sex, friendship, betrayal and fear. It wasn’t the easiest of reads, but that was because of the intense descriptive style and how utterly heart-breaking it was. The last couple of chapters were incredibly moving.
Online the reviews for this book are generally very positive and it’s a book I would definitely recommend. However, it is not suitable for younger readers and I recommend it for older teenagers/young adults. After reading finishing Hurt, I immediately bought Forbidden, another one of Suzuma’s books, and it was utterly amazing as well.
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The 5th Wave | Rick Yancey
Reviewed by Steph Hickman, age 16
“If aliens ever visit us, I think the outcome would be much as when Christopher Columbus first landed in America, which didn’t turn out very well for the Native Americans.”
-Stephen Hawking
Dystopia is already a commonly used book plot and a variety of different authors have made their own contribution to it, from George Orwell and John Wyndham to Suzanne Collins. Throw in a bit of forbidden love and you have the complete cliché. Fortunately, Rick Yancey has managed to weave original ideas into the overused plot, creating a new edge to the chaos of an alien invasion.
Cassie, the female protagonist, used to be an average 13 year old girl, but now lives on her own after the Others have taken everything from her. This isn’t the usual invasion the reader was expecting though, the aliens haven’t shown their faces or used flying saucers and death-rays. Instead, they send killer pandemics and tsunamis to wipe out the world’s population, in 4 different waves. There are survivors though, and the book switches perspective between them as they cling onto life. Cassie is forced to make choices that could lead to her death as the 5th waves approaches. Evan, the leading male, is forced to choose between his duty and his heart.
Opinions on this books dramatically differ, with those who found it a fantastic and thrilling read, and those who thought it was boring and a complete cliché. Unfortunately, I fell into the group of people who did not enjoy the book. However, there have been some very positive reviews. It was thought-provoking, as it did cause me to wonder about aliens, the chances of a possible invasion and how they would invade us. Yancey wrote it in a contemporary style, which meant the story was easy to read and follow, but he also wrote it in a different way to what I was expecting; not going chronologically through the waves as they occur, but through use of flashbacks. He ends the story on a rather frustrating cliffhanger. An aspect I did like was that every section started without telling the reader who the narrator is, creating a sense of mystery and giving the reader a small sense of achievement when they work out who it is.
I would recommend this book for ages 13+. Those who likes Stephenie Meyer’s The Host would probably also enjoy this book.
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This Dark Endeavour | Kenneth Oppel
Reviewed by Eve Foster, age 17
‘This Dark Endeavour,’ by Kenneth Oppel, is a prequel to Mary Shelley’s classic ‘Frankenstein’, and is definitely an effective prequel.
Oppel perfectly captures the gothic sense of ‘Frankenstein’ with beautiful descriptions. The main character Victor is inseparable from his twin brother Konrad, so when Konrad falls ill, Victor is determined to save his life.
It is interesting to see the ideas of modern science at the time, but even more interesting, is Victor’s use of alchemy. Oppel’s detail of how alchemy works, plus the very sinister character of Julius Polidori, gives the story a creepy, gothic feel. Victor’s many exciting quests contrasts with the more emotional scenes of the family worrying about Konrad’s health. The love triangle between Victor, his brother and their friend Elizabeth adds an extra layer to the story, and brings out Victor’s darker side – Elizabeth loves Konrad, but Victor is willing to go to drastic lengths to try and win her.
As the story continues, his desire for power which drives ‘Frankenstein’ begins to emerge, as he longs to not only save his brother’s life but to prove himself to Elizabeth and to gain power over the undead. The book is, in places, dark, tragic and somewhat violent, however this adds to its gothic power. It is certainly a fast-paced read, with many action scenes and twists and turns. However Victor’s emotions and character arc are the driving force of the plot which gives it a depth, as his worry for his brother, his conflicting jealousy at being second-best, and even his own desire for power, are something we can all relate to.
The ending is in many ways unexpected and certainly powerful, definitely making it original and setting it apart from other teenage books, as well as leading in well to the sequel.
Overall, ‘This Dark Endeavour’ is an action-packed, but emotional read that any ‘Frankenstein’ fan could enjoy.
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Trust Me | Malorie Blackman
Reviewed by Isabelle Purvis, age 15
You go on holiday with your boyfriend, you go to a party with someone you don’t know for a laugh, you wake up, and your boyfriend’s left you all alone in Fipoli and he’s left a note telling you he has to go and that he’ll explain later.
When Jayna goes on holiday with her boyfriend Andrew, their lives change. Andrew leaves her at their holiday destination with just a single note telling her that he’ll explain when he gets back. She loves him. He’s changed. He wants her to change too so that they can be together forever. But he’s a vampire now, eating animals just to survive. He attacks her best friend. She must decide which side she wants to be on, and both threaten everyone she loves.
This book was a bit disappointing and far too predictable – rather than a shocking twist, the ending was simple and obvious. The story line was not one of her best, but I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style. As with most of her books, Blackman teaches us a fact of life: living with mistakes can be tough, but always do what is morally right.
Personally, I wouldn’t read it again and wouldn’t recommend it , but I haven’t let this book lessen my opinion of Blackman overall.
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The Bunker Diary | Kevin Brooks
Reviewed by Kayleigh Stewart, age 16
First of all I would just like to say… My. Lord. Kevin Brooks can tell a story! I started reading ‘The Bunker Diary’ on a Saturday evening, and had already finished it by the Sunday afternoon; during the time inbetween it had barely left my hands. A book has rarely captivated me as much as this one had, and despite its incredibly heavy topic, I would happily read it again (when I’m in the mood for an intense thriller, that is!).
Brooks has very cleverly used a diary-entry writing style, which is to be expected from the title. This just adds to the excitement of the story, since it makes the nightmare situation the characters are in even more scary and realistic.
I am not going to reveal any of the plot, because the best part of this book was the mounting suspense Brooks had cleverly created. For the entire book I couldn’t help but think “Dear God, what is going to happen next?!”, something I have not experienced in a long time with a book.
However, a little warning! Do not read this book if you are easily scared by real life situations, or are nervous of strangers. If you don’t like the bad real-life stories you hear on the news, this mystery/thriller/horror mash-up is not the one for you. But I would happily recommend this to anyone, even if you are easily spooked. Not only is it a brilliant story, but it’s also a learning curve for anyone who reads it. I have already recommended it to many of my friends, and my mother is reading it as we speak. This book is fantastic.
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At Somerton: Secrets & Sapphires | Leila Rasheed
Reviewed by Steph Hickman, age 16
Those who enjoyed Downtown Abbey or Upstairs Downstairs would certainly enjoy this read! Set in England, 1910, Lord Westake with his two daughters, return from their luxury life in India to live atSomerton Court, a beautiful stately home in the country, but they are still followed by the scandal in India. Lord Westake is betrothed to a new wife, a widow with three children, and Westake’s daughter, Ada and her ladies maid Rose, are caught up in a scandal that could destroy the Averley’s reputation forever.
It’s very well written with a gripping, quickly-moving plot line, rich with scandal. This is the first book in the Somerton series, that explores two different worlds within one house that are tangled together; where dark secrets are hidden and ambition brews. It’s frustrating how people were limited by their gender or status in that society and how it can crush their dreams. The period was well researched, those do not know about the era would still enjoy it. There are many characters to keep track of in the complex plot and the scandals come thick and fast. Although the book is full of scandal, it remains rather innocent so younger readers could enjoy it. It was a very enjoyable read and I’d definitely recommend it! I’m looking forward to the next one in the At Somerton series to be published!
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Such Wicked Intent | Kenneth Oppel
Reviewed by Eve Foster, age 17
Such Wicked Intent, a prequel to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, is the second in the series. It follows the life of a teenage Victor Frankenstein, and the stories present Victor’s growing interest in the dark arts. Victor’s obsession with power is clear in this story, and it is intriguing to see it battle against the other conflicting interests in his life. The story begins after Victor’s twin, Konrad, has died, and Victor, although initially hesitant, soon becomes enthralled with the idea of bringing him back to life. However, this soon becomes less interesting to Victor than the power he might gain from the spirit world.
Kenneth Oppel’s tale is perfectly gothic, with rich descriptive language, broken up with believable dialogue which quickens the story’s pace. The story also contains a love-triangle, which initially seems a cliché, but this one has a twist: Victor is desperate to win the heart of Elizabeth, who is in love with Konrad. The romance brings out a different side to Victor’s character and gives him depth.
Such Wicked Intent is a book which grabs you from the beginning, with a twisting plot that won’t be put down. The many different plotlines all come together to create the ending which, although not entirely satisfying, sets up well for Frankenstein as well as leaving room for a sequel. I would recommend Such Wicked Intent as it is an exciting and mysterious read, but would also recommend that you read the first one in the series, and of course Frankenstein, first.
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Fallen | Lauren Kate,
Reviewed by Isabelle Purvis, age 15
Luce as a hidden past that even she cannot unlock alone – involving Daniel, a mysterious boy who she longs for, yet is treated horribly by. Dark shadows follow her every move, especially when close to Daniel, who seems perfect in every way. After being place at a reform school filled with criminal kids, a fire starts which kills one of the pupils, pulling Luce and Daniel together, but will he unlock her past?
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Colin Fischer | Ashley Edward Miller and Jack Stentz
Reviewed by Amelia Hand, age 16
Ashley Edward Miller and Jack Stentz, scriptwriters of ‘X-Men First Class’ and ‘Thor’, turn what could be a simple story about a teen detective into something purely fascinating when they invent the character ‘Colin Fischer’.
The story contains all the basics of teen fiction- romance, sport, guns – yet what makes this story so different and compelling is the main character and the way he is portrayed. Colin has Asperger’s Syndrome and copes with this through use of a strict routine. Colin also has a fixation on Sherlock Holmes though, and when given the opportunity to utilize his investigative skills his routine is suddenly no longer his first priority. ‘Colin Fischer is determined to find out who fired that gun.’
The only negative point I have for his book is Melissa’s role. I can see why her character is important, but I felt that the suggestion of a romantic relationship undermined the importance of her friendship with Colin and was unnecessary.
I think that this book is a really fulfilling read, but the story is also very interesting and portrays the mind of someone with Asperger’s in a way that I have never seen before. The friendship between Wayne and Colin was written perfectly. There was a good balance between the actual plot and Colin’s background and personality, and, while retaining a humorous level, it still managed to be emotional and touching.
The font choices and cover make his book feel as though it is aimed for an audience of young teenagers, but I actually feel like it is better suited to young adults or anyone who has an interest in developmental disorders. The plot and storyline is admittedly not that great, and at the ending there are several points left untied, but I felt like the book was more about Colin and how he advances throughout the story, not the mystery itself. I would certainly recommend this book to my friends; it was refreshing to read a story that managed to be touching while still being direct and blunt to its readers.
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Clockwise To Titan | Elon Dann
Reviewed by Kayleigh Stewart, age 16
What I liked about the book ‘Clockwise to Titan’ is that it delves right into the story. There is no introduction, no background, just instant action. This created a sense of mystery straight away, which Elon Dann has emphasised continuously throughout the novel with his clever use of nicknames or nameless characters/settings.
I couldn’t put this book down once I started reading, I don’t think I have ever been more hooked to a story. All the way through you find yourself wondering “what is going to happen?!” since the background of the characters’ life is told at the same time as their current adventure, using alternating chapters. Dann’s excellent writing skills manage to make a pure feeling of suspense and mystery; so much so, there is no doubt you will find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat whilst reading it. Not to mention the emotive language used throughout the plot. The emotions are so vivid and so well-written, you will find yourself living with the characters: Mo, Harete and The Moth, feeling their pain, joy, sadness, boredom and so much more.
To dilute the intensity of this gripping story, Dann adds extra little stories, such as ones the characters made up, or extracts from Greek myths and legends, making this story magical as well as adventurous.
The only fault I could find with this story was that the ending was a little abrupt, it took me a few moments to realise I had just finished a book. However, maybe there could be a sequel; it seems entirely possible! Despite that one little flaw, the rest of the book was just wonderful. If you are a fan of mystery or adventure then this is the book for you. I have already recommended it to many friends, and I recommend you read it too.
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VIII | H. M. Cast0r
Reviewed by Steph Hickman, age 16
Visions begin to torment Hal, the young, innocent Duke of York; second son of King Henry VII. After overhearing a prophecy, he soon believes that he has been chosen by God to become King, and rule over his people; eventually causing him to murder and reject the Catholic Church to get what he wants.
Castor has elegantly crafted the transformation from childhood to violent adulthood without the reader realising. At first Hal is a character that the reader can sympathize with, but as the book progresses, he becomes less likable. Castor was able to create a sinister mood to the book immediately and sustain it throughout, building tension as the brutality and madness increases.
The Tudor period was extremely well-researched and presented, without making the book too history-orientated. It has helped me with my history, learning about Henry’s wives and the Tudors, but you do not have to be interested in history to enjoy it. It is written in a contemporary style, told from the perspective of Hal, which was enjoyable to read and gave the reader valuable insight into the character’s head.
However, I found myself losing interest towards the end as Castor was skipping over time to the important parts in Henry’s life. The book finished very well though, because it provided a thought-provoking ending, an interesting twist in the plot. The reader is left wondering: how did that innocent child turn into such a tyrant?
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The Clockwork Three | Matthew Kirby
Reviewed by Kayleigh Stewart, age 16
‘The Clockwork Three,’ written by Matthew Kirby, is a book I would definitely recommend. It is a very different book since, instead of having one plot, it has three, slowly intertwining as the book continues, with each individual plot having the ability to captivate you. Set in America in the mid 1800’s it shows you the three different lifestyles of the main characters, Giuseppe, Frederick and Hannah, and how each of them try to escape from the hell they call their lives.
The writing is fairly simple, enabling many readers of varying abilities to enjoy the story. It is rated a “teen fiction,” however, I think that is a very loose rating since this book can be enjoyed by both adults and children alike. This book is very hard to put down, and when I did I found myself itching to pick it back up again and fall into the world of those amazing characters. It is a perfect adventure for everyone, full of strength, hope and life. I highly recommend this brilliant story.
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Prisoner Of The Inquisition | Theresa Breslin
Reviewed by Steph Hickman, age 16
One mistake can change the course of many people’s lives; Zarita’s mistake led to the death of an innocent beggar and the enslaving of his son. Saulo, the son of a beggar, witnessed his father being unjustly executed and was sent away to be a slave on a trading ship; eventually meeting the great Christopher Columbus. Zarita’s town is visited by a Priest who brings with him the horror of the Inquisition. Her father has remarried a woman who intends to make Zarita’s life a misery.
A very intense, unsettling story; Theresa Breslin is not shy when it came to the brutality of the Inquisition or everyday living in 1490’s Spain. The injustice and acts of revenge caused me to cringe whilst reading. Yet, it is still a thought provoking story; written from the perspectives of Zarita and Saulo, Theresa was able to capture their minds wonderfully. Both were very believable characters. Structurally, the book was written in very short chapters which suits me as I could read a chapter quickly before bed or before school. This story would be one that I would reread, as I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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The Pink Hotel | Anna Stothard
Reviewed by Lauren Townsend, age 17
The pastel-coloured, idyllic scene on the front cover of this teenage novel set me up falsely for what turned out to be the harrowingly gripping journey of a wayward youth. The nameless narrator from London sets off to LA to attend the funeral of the mother she cannot remember. It is strange that I did not notice the absence of her name until I sat down to write this review – which must be very telling of either my unobservant mind or more likely, Stothard’s brilliant storytelling which simply absorbs the reader into the plot. Reflectively, it adds an air of ambiguity to an already mysterious narrator.
The girl’s strange emotional detachment from her mother, yet her curiosity to discover more about her mother’s life in LA, provides the foundation for a controversial tale which will have any reader hooked until the end. Prominently geared towards older audiences, ‘The Pink Hotel’ follows the narrator as she travels around LA on her own, stealing from the funeral wake, sleeping with her mother’s ex-lovers and realising facts about her own life she never even knew could have happened. ‘The Pink Hotel’ is a book not to be judged by its cover, just a few pages in and you’ll be gripped until the very last few words – then wanting Stothard to write a sequel!
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Clarity | Kim Harrington
Reviewed by Eve Foster, age 17
I don’t often enjoy the popular paranormal romances aimed at teenage girls, so when I received Clarity by Kim Harrington, I was initially hesitant. Clarity tells the story of Clare, a psychic teenage girl who can read the memories of any object she touches.
Clare is, as many similar stories boast, a witty, self-assured heroine, however unlike many of the others, she is both likable and believable. She is never too dependent on anybody, but does ask for help when she needs it. Other characters in Clarity are equally engaging and, despite the large cast, all are memorable. The story begins after a girl has been murdered, and Clare is called in to use her gift to help solve the case.
I found the murder investigation gave a unique spin to the story, and Harrington made it realistic and built it up well, including lots of red herrings and foreshadowing to keep the reader guessing. The love triangle included in the story was less original, however it managed to add to the plot rather than detract, and both of the love interests were intriguing characters. Overall, Clarity is a fast paced romantic-mystery, which deserves to stand out from the crowd. Although the unresolved ending was not entirely satisfactory, this should be remedied by the sequel, which I will definitely be reading.
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The Glass Collector | Anna Perera
Reviewed by Lauren Townsend, age 17
Aaron, a fifteen year old Zabbaleen boy, had lived in Mugattem – a small village just outside Cairo – all his life. His people, the Zabbaleen, clear the rubbish away from Cairo and sort it to sell for recycling. Aaron is a glass collector, who helps his step-family to sort the garbage they collect every day. But Aaron is a boy with big dreams; dreams much bigger than the average Zabbaleen life in Mugattem – he dreams of owning the perfume shop he steals glass from, of marrying his childhood sweetheart and of having his mother back alive again, to be part of a loving family once more.
Anna Perera takes you on a journey with Aaron – a journey of his adolescence. Full of unexpected twists and turns, ‘The Glass Collector’ leaves you hanging on every sentence, and Perera’s vivid descriptions let you run with Aaron through the busy streets of Cairo, and cry with Aaron in his grief and become furious with Aaron at the cruelty of his step-brothers.
‘The Glass Collector’ is a novel that opened up another culture entirely to me and really made me appreciate the privileges we have in Western society. I cannot praise this book enough; only an extremely well-written book like this one could spark such an interest in finding out more about the real-life Aaron’s – because they really are out there, still without credit for all the work they do for Cairo’s cleanliness. This book is a must-read for anybody, simply to wipe out the ignorance and lack of understanding about people like these. Anybody who loves a good, gripping novel will adore ‘The Glass Collector’ – i simply can’t recommend it enough!
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Code Name Verity | Elizabeth Wein
Reviewed by Steph Hickman, age 15
“I have told the truth. I have told the truth.”
Julie, a WAAF wireless operator, was caught by the Gestapo after a plane crash in France. Her best friend Maddie was flying the plane. Von Linden, the SS-Hauptsturmführer who supervised Julie’s interrogation, provided Julie with paper and ink to write down the truth. Julie is forced to write down everything she knows, so Julie wrote about her best friend Maddie; “We are a sensational team.”
Maddie was a pilot, a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, who adored planes. She wrote about how Maddie becomes best friends with Julie (known at the base as ‘Queenie’), their experience in the WAAF and about the plane crash, also she records her experience in the present as a Gestapo prisoner.
This book explores different sides to the story, Maddie’s and Julie’s. Usually I do not like books where the whole story is a character writing down their feelings but I thoroughly enjoyed this book as the writing was realistic and presented the characters personalities well. I would definitely read this book again and would recommend it to a girl my age. You don’t have to be interested in history to enjoy it!
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There Is No Dog | Meg Rosoff
Reviewed by Lauren Townsend, age 17
For any Meg Rosoff fans, ‘There is No Dog’ – her latest novel – is a must-read and definitely one of her best. Rosoff’s intriguing and typical ‘stream of consciousness’ style of writing is particularly effective in this novel, from the perspective of an arrogant, teenage God. A perfect combination of cleverly plotted characters and a fresh take on what lies beyond the mortal world creates a book that I found myself glued to until the very last page. Rosoff’s animalistic portrayal of a typical teenage boy definitely leans ‘There is No Dog’ towards an older teenage audience, but unlike her other novels, I found ‘There is No Dog’ to have a truly satisfying ending – whereas Rosoff usually likes to leave me tied up in suspense or to imagine the ending myself. A lovely light summer read, ‘There is No Dog’ is a hilariously crude exploration of the teenage mind that weaves the fictional plot and reality so intricately together, you may start to see the world through the eyes of Rosoff’s teenage God…
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Inheritance | Christopher Paolini
Reviewed by Kayleigh Stewart, age 16
I read this book having only read a few chapters of the first book, Eragon, so obviously one of my first concerns was that I wouldn’t know enough of the story to fully appreciate it. As it turns out, I was pleasantly surprised, since Paolini had thought to summarise the last three books into a chapter at the beginning, giving you all the key details.
Not only had he included this ingenious idea, but he seemed to have thought of every technique possible that would make this book a hit, ranging from the glossary at the end to help us with the complicated elven language, to the mindboggling adventures and the history woven between the words. Paolini’s knowledge is apparent when reading Inheritance, at some points blowing your mind away with the many languages and astounding theories of the characters. It is quite obvious that Paolini had taken time to research his history and myths before writing this novel.
It is highly likely that you will fall in love with the most unexpected characters in this story (I know I did) and find yourself yearning for another spectacular tale. The slow start and complicated language structure may scare some people away from this book, since at times it can be a little confusing or boring. However, in my opinion, it’s worth sticking it out. I thoroughly enjoyed this magical book, and would read it over and over again.
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Black Heart Blue | Louisa Reid
Reviewed by Eve Foster, age 17
Black Heart Blue is a novel unlike any I had read. The story is told from the split narrative of two twins: the beautiful and popular Hephzi, and the disfigured and overshadowed Rebecca. Both long to escape their suffering at the hands of their violent, alcoholic father and mother, who looks the other way.
The story begins after Hephzi’s death, and is told half from Rebecca’s point of view after, and half from Hephzi’s before. Louisa Reid successfully creates two individual voices matching the girl’s personalities. The different time frames mean there is almost constant climax and both have dramatic twists even though you believe you already know what happened to Hephzi.
The novel’s subtlety gives it strength: Reid slowly unveils the horrors the girls have had to deal with as the story unfolds and the twins are reluctant to even think about these events, which is realistic of someone in their position. The story was definitely shocking, and its realism only made it more of an eye-opener. This is particularly evident as the reader sees the twins struggle to fit in, in the ‘real’ world outside of their home.
Some people have criticised the ending for not showing enough of what happened after the story’s main events, but I found this realistic: not all the loose ends are tied up, and the characters don’t know where they are going, but the end is satisfying as the characters try to overcome the events of the novel in a realistic manner.
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Unleashed | Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie
Reviewed by Lauren Townsend, age 17
Perfect for any Twilight fans, ‘Unleashed’ – the first novel in the new ‘Wolf Springs’ trilogy by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie – is a werewolf-packed, action-filled sensation that had me gripped to the very last page. Having never heard of either author before, I admit I was slightly apprehensive about getting really stuck into the book immediately. Being truthfully honest, I initially found the literary technique used in ‘Unleashed’ to be rather disappointingly bland but the plot is so brilliantly created, it soon completely erased any doubts I had about enjoying the novel. Holder and Viguie instantaneously throw you into spellbinding drama on the very first few pages with the death of the main character’s mother in a harrowing earthquake disaster, followed up by fast-paced action, teenage love and heart-wrenching loss until the final pages. I’ll certainly be buying the sequel as soon as it’s published – the ending left me with no clues of what might happen next – and I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for an easy read. ‘Unleashed’ may be no modern classic, but it scores so many points on entertainment factors that it would be a colossal waste to miss out on.
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The Devil Walks | Anne Fine
Reviewed by Kayleigh Stewart, age 16
When I was younger I read several of Anne Fine’s children’s books and had thoroughly enjoyed them. So when I found out she had written a different type of story, I was intrigued. Fortunately I was pleasantly surprised, since it seemed she was more than able to write books that aren’t for children and still captivate the reader.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery, since this book is packed full of mind boggling twists and spine tingling tales. It can, at times, be a little confusing, since the plot moves fairly quickly, and at times you may forget some key details, but you will always be able to remember in the end. However, if you are after a “grown up” story this won’t be the book for you, since the writing still portrays the story as a child’s tale, and probably wouldn’t be rated higher than a teen fiction.
Yet, despite this fact, The Devil Walks was thoroughly enjoyable, if not what I expected, and I would certainly read it again.
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A Greyhound Of A Girl | Roddy Doyle
Reviewed by Steph Hickman, age 15
This is a gentle, warming story of love across 4 generations of a family. Mary is 12 and lives with her parents and brothers. She and her mother visit her dying grandmother in hospital, her grandmother is very ill. Also Mary’s best friend has moved to another part of Dublin, so Mary is miserable. Mary, one day, meets a lady called Tansey, who appears young, but seems very old. This lady turns out to be her great-grandmother! The four women get together and have an adventure as a family before going on their own individual journeys. Written in a gently humorous and simple way this story is both amusing and thought-proving, with echoes across the generations.
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Runelight | Joanna Harris
Reviewed by Eve Foster, age 17
Runelight is the second in a series of books, the first of which I haven’t read. Although Harris included a helpful summary of the first book, Runemarks, at the beginning, as the series is of the high-fantasy genre, I would recommend reading Runemarks before Runelight. The series is based on the Nordic gods, and Runelights picks up three years after Ragnarok, or the end of the worlds, and the second end of the worlds is rapidly predicted. The story follows three main characters, amongst others, who are Maggie Rede, a girl living at World’s End, searching for order after the chaos of the end of the worlds, Maddy Smith, daughter of Thor, and the most powerful of the remaining gods who have had their runemarks – their source of power – reversed, and are taking other forms, from people to pigs. There is also Loki, god of treachery who is almost constantly considering abandoning everyone to save himself.
Harris cleverly creates flawed characters that make mistakes and consider doing the ‘wrong’ thing, but are still likable, something not often found in books. Although the book has an epic storyline – the end of the worlds – it’s also humorous, and it is satisfying to see the stories of many characters tie together. As a person who has never read many epic fantasy books, I would strongly recommend Runelight, an example of great storytelling often not seen in young adult books today.
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Paper Towns | John Green
Reviewed by Simon Marshall, Age 15
Margo Roth Spiegelman is a mystery. In truth, she remains a mystery even after you’ve finished pouring countless hours into avidly seeking for slight clues in Paper Towns, that may reveal something about her. But, she is also fantastic. Quentin Jacobsen, is her neighbour, and has been quietly fascinated by her his entire life. And that’s how he thinks it’ll continue, him silently observing her magnificence…. until she climbs through his bedroom window in the dark, and invites him to join her for one brilliant night of revenge.
From this moment on, you’re hooked to their story, smiling to yourself at Margo’s shocking schemes and pondering her worldweary sentiments, and when morning breaks, and you realise Margo’s vanished, you’re as desperate as Quentin is to discover who Margo Roth Spiegelman really is, and where she’s disappeared too.
This book, is pure gold. Appropriate to both genders, and enjoyable to all tastes of reading, Paper Towns is a masterpiece.
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Milicent’s Book | Charlotte Moore
Reviewed by Steph Hickman, Age 15
Milicent Ludlow’s life changes dramatically in 1883, when her father passes away. She’s left to the care of her siblings and her well-off family. This is a journal for her future self and Milicent writes about the world around her and about what is presently going on in her life. As she comes from a wealthy family with good connections she knows many famous people, for example Florence Nightingale. Unfortunately, being rich doesn’t protect Milicent and her family from misfortunes or illness.
For me, the best part is that Milicent was actually a real person and Charlotte Moore based this novel on her teenage diaries; all the events really happened.
Although this story was initially hard to get into I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was interesting seeing into the life of someone my age who grew up in a different time. Charlotte Moore captures perfectly the thoughts and feelings of Milicent.
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Boys Don’t Cry | Malorie Blackman
Reviewed by Steph Hickman, Age 15
Seventeen year old Dante is waiting for his A level results, but it’s not the postman he answers the door to. His ex-girlfriend is at the door…with a baby…his baby…Then she vanishes leaving Dante with the baby, Emma. Dante’s dreams of university are shattered as he has to look after her full time, with the support of his brother Adam and his father. However, there is more trouble brewing. Dante’s friends make homophobic remarks about Adam and a social worker turns up on his doorstep.
The story jumps from Dante’s perspective to Adam’s, but it mainly focusses on Dante.
This is a gripping and thought-provoking tale of fatherhood, friendship and how homophobia affects people. It’s fantastically written and you won’t be able to put it down. In some parts I was close to tears.
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Hunting Lila | Sarah Alderson
Reviewed by Megan Godber, age 14
When a mugging in the streets of South London reveals her unique power of moving things without touching them (telekinesis), 17 year old Lila is forced to run to the two people she trusts most in the world, her brother Jack and his best friend Alex. Jumping a plane to California sees her arrival at her brother’s house, where she meets them both for the first time in three years.
For as long as she can remember Lila has been in love with her brother’s best friend, Alex, and the coming events make her battle against her attraction much more difficult. She discovers that Jack and Alex both work for the ‘Unit’, an army base down the road, where they are hunting her mother’s murderers of years before. And that they’ve also found them.
But all is not as simple as it seems, so when Lila discovers that there are others that have similar abilities to hers out there, she must decide again who she can trust and who she can’t.
This book is written realistically, despite the events that happen throughout, and Lila is someone you can relate to well. Her struggles become your struggles and you can relate to her situation completely, both with Alex and her brother, she’s just a really believable character. Something is happening almost every second. I found it hard to put down, and if you like good books, then this is for you!
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The Gift | Alison Croggon
Reviewed by Ellie Birch
Maerad has been a slave for as long as she can remember, caught high in the mountains, ensnared by the tyrant named Thane Gilman, she has known nothing else. But Maerad unbeknown to her has always possessed a powerful gift, and it is only when the Bard Cadvan discovers her that it is revealed. Cadvan realising Maerad’s true potential and what this could mean to the darkening world of Edil-Amarandh, fights the will of man and elemental forces to help her escape the clutches of the Thane. Together, they journey through strange mountains, mysterious forests and barren wastelands, continuously battling the darkness that seems to slowly crawl its way through the Light.
Along the way, Maerad’s destiny is revealed, as she is the key to defeating the Nameless One, a terrifying, corrupt being, once a bard who rejected his True name, thus rejecting death. There is some hope however, as Maerad discovers her heritage, herself and most importantly the power of love and friendship.
The Gift is the first instalment of the Books of Pellinor and Croggon weaves an empowering tale. Throughout, there is a sense of reality that flows throughout as Maerad experiences moments that are relatable to both genders and all ages alike. The underlying sinister feel to the book juxtaposed with the warmth and hope of the Bards of the Light is a powerful combination and leaves the reader having felt every inch of the spectrum of emotion. This beautifully written tale is a definite high quality read and recommended to all.
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Elsewhere | Gabrielle Zevin
Reviewed by Lauren Townsend, age 15
“Sorry, but nothing of much importance ever happened to me…I’m just a girl who forgot to look both ways before she crossed the street”.
Elsewhere. A place not quite like any other; it is a place for those who have passed on from Earth, to begin a journey backwards towards rebirth in a new life. It is a heaven – an island where life’s only purpose is to grow younger and be whoever you want to be.
‘Elsewhere’ is the story of Liz Hall, a seemingly normal fifteen year old who wakes one morning to find herself on a boat, heading towards only one destination; with a one-way ticket. Bewildered, Liz is greeted by her long-dead grandmother when her boat arrives, and it takes her some time to realise that she had been killed in a sudden hit-and-run accident only a few days before.
‘Elsewhere’ follows Liz, in her tragic tale of growing up, love, loss and coping without everything she’s used to taking for granted.
A must-read for anyone over the age of twelve, ‘Elsewhere’ is heartbreakingly beautiful with its intricate twists, built around the most moving and inspirational characters and is guaranteed to bring a tear to the reader’s eye.
Elsewhere is a novel of sadness, happiness, love and redemption and will undoubtedly leave you with crossed fingers; wishing that Zevin’s ideas about the afterlife are truly a reality.
One of the most brilliant books written for teenagers, Elsewhere is sure to stamp it’s mark on your life and undeniably tug at your heartstrings – there simply aren’t enough words to praise this novel with justice.
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Reviewed by Jessica Walsh, aged 15
‘Bloodchild’ by Tim Bowler centres around young Will, left with nothing but a few broken images – screaming red faces, a girl with gaping blue eyes – for a memory after recovering from an accident, or, to be more precise: attack.
Will returns to his home in Havenmouth, but cannot shake the feeling that something is fundamentally wrong. Spurned by the community, and shaken with numerous dynamic visions, Will is becoming increasingly agitated and is in ever more danger, when he meets a small boy, Muck, and is struck by the boy’s blue eyes, which bear an uncanny resemblance to those from his visions.
Will must fit together the pieces of the puzzle and reach the bottom of the swamp that engulfs Havenmouth before he is silenced forever…
‘Bloodchild’ is so different, and so unique, that it really is unlike anything by any other author, and is a perfect example of the genre that Bowler himself seems to have created. Bowler weaves such vivid imagery into this book, filling it to the brim with mystery and secrets. It was one of those books that, no matter how greedy it felt, I couldn’t help but read it all in one day, and it was so gripping and tense that I felt physically exhausted reading it. The plot is so complex and involving that it swallows you whole, then spits you back out at the end having been taken on a whirlwind of an adventure. Packed with unexpected twists and turns, this novel runs like a labyrinth, and is an absolute must-read for all Bowler fans and newcomers alike!
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Reviewed by H. Chalmers, Aged 17
After the legendary Northern Lights trilogy by Philip Pullman, I along with many Fantasy and Sci-Fi fans was left wondering whether another other could compare… thankfully we have not been disappointed.
Scott Westerfeld is an American author whose latest works are without a doubt his best to date, ‘Uglies’ is the first of four novels set in a future where your every move is watched, and where everyone over the age of sixteen is beautiful . Living a life where your only job is to be pretty, party hard and be happy does appear to be perfect… Yet Tally watches her each of her friends turn sixteen, and turn pretty, and it seems their faces are not the only things that change. Tally and her last ‘ugly’ friend, Shay, set out to ask ‘What if?’ and they don’t necessarily like the answer they receive.
The brilliance of the novel is that you won’t be able to help believing this dystopian world could really happen. Totally gripping and “bubbly making” Westerfeld’s pretty society will grip you from page one and you will without a doubt be clamouring to get hold of the second one! It is a refreshingly well written book that will challenge you from start to finish, perhaps even more so than Mr. Pullman…
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The Host | Stephanie Meyer
Reviewed by Rebecca Dillingham, Aged 16
“The Host”, by Stephenie Meyer, who is also author of the Twilight series, takes place in a time on Earth when humanity has succumbed to a species of “souls”, who have invaded and who take over the minds of human hosts, within which they then live.
We follow the story of Wanderer, the “soul” who has been given the body of Melanie Stryder. She knew the challenges of living inside a human: overpowering emotions and fiercely vivid memories. But she is surprised to find that Melanie refuses to fade away and give up her mind to Wanderer. Wanderer is unable to separate herself from her body’s desires, and so, when Melanie fills Wanderer’s mind with thoughts of the man she loves- Jared, a human who lives in hiding- she too begins to love him also. Wanderer and Melanie are forced to become unwilling allies, as neither can gain full control of the other, and so they set off together to find the man they both love. The rest of the story follows their search and the consequences that unfold.
I loved the Twilight series, and, though this book was very different, it was as equally brilliant. I absolutely loved this hugely addictive book, and found it very hard to put down, especially as I read more and more. It was a lengthy 617 pages, but oh, how they flew by! The more I read of it, the more I wanted to read. The book was full of twists, and you never knew what would happen next. I was hooked!
This book, along with the Twilight series, has secured Stephenie Meyer as one of my favourite, if not top favourite, authors. If you love Twilight, you will love this!
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Who’s That Girl? | Alexandra Potter
Reviewed by Rebecca Dillingham, Aged 16
“Who’s That Girl? “, by Alexandra Potter, follows the life of Charlotte Merryweather, a stressed-out 30-something, trying hard to juggle work, friends, family and boyfriend, whilst keeping herself happy; something that, unfortunately, though she strives hard to be, she cannot seem to reach.
Then, one day, she meets her younger, 21-year old self, and, as events spiral out of her control, she finds out some rather surprising consequences.
I loved this book, because it was an easy-to-read, light and bubbly book, full of morals about love, life, happiness and being true to yourself.