Autumn 2024
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Young Adult Book Reviews
The Dagger and The Flame
Catherine Doyle, pub. Simon & Schuster Children’s Books
This is one of the very best fantasy/YA/Gothic/romance novels I’ve read of late. Moreover, it is the first in a new series called The City of Fantome, which I am certain readers will await with great enthusiasm and which is certainly an intriguing name!
Catherine Doyle is already an established author, with more than a dozen books for middle grade and older readers, with The Dagger and The Flame definitely a YA+ novel. Curiously there are some reviewers who consider the novel is suitable for middle grade readers, but that makes me wonder if they actually finished reading the story, with its steamy later sessions. I think Bowdler would turn in his grave! The novel swiftly and delicately engrosses readers into the world of Fantome, a kingdom of cobbled streets, safe by day but absolutely terrifying by night.
When her home has been burnt and her mother has been killed by Daggers, who form one of the two rival enemy guilds, the eighteen-year-old heroine, Seraphine (Sera to those in her new life) has taken refuge in House Armand, headquarters of the Cloaks. In good romantic style Sera meets Ransom, the heir to the Order of Daggers, and therefore an enemy, but gradually their love/hate turns to a secretive passion. Time after time Ransom prevents Sera from putting herself in the way of danger, but it is clear that at the end of this book there is a lot more danger and excitement to come in the following novel. I have to admit that, as a dog lover, I also greatly enjoyed Pippin’s part of the story, and I very much hope he continues to entertain readers in the sequel! There is only a slight drawback in this otherwise unusually enthralling, well written and lengthy first episode. It is somehow in the last quarter of the book that we feel that some of the excellence of both story and writing drifts into more conventional and less enthusiastic chapters. While Sera and Ransom’s passion for each other grows, we feel that the author’s ideas wain somewhat.
Nevertheless, this is undoubtedly outweighed by the overall quality and YA/adult readers will look forward to the next instalment/s, and an equally enthralling and excellently written novel soon appear.
Bridget Carrington
The Dark Within Us
Jess Popplewell, pub. Chicken House
When Jenny and Luc meet, their first impressions act as a draw to one another. Jenny is a sixteen-year-old girl experiencing homelessness and complex struggles in her relationships with friends and family, through no fault of her own. Luc however is a demon. A demon who perhaps is a little misunderstood and might just have a heart that does the unthinkable for a demon, it cares.
After a slightly rocky start and a ride in some dodgems, they travel to the depths of All Hell, which has the juxtaposition of well… being hell and therefore full of demons, but also the home of some kind people. The journey is one with a defined purpose, Jenny wants something very personal returned to her and Luc has been tasked by his father to be the one who helps her. There are some sparks that fly, a coy look here and there and a slow-burn build of a connection that is entirely appropriate for a teen audience.
With its contemporary setting, The Dark Within Us is clearly aimed at older teens, also being a story that will prove enjoyable to adults who enjoy their stories with a heavy dose of nostalgia. As a teenager of the 00s I certainly felt a familiarity to Jenny’s experiences, the music and clothing references and ‘probably shouldn’t be here’ house parties, as well as the dynamics of friendships. I really enjoyed the multiple points of view between chapters, allowing us to understand the motives and backgrounds of characters. We had a full cast of quirky and exciting side characters who hopped in for their own chapters, it really added to building the world of a reimagined hell and embellished it expertly. A brilliant read.
Hannah Bartleet
Desert Echoes
Abdi Nazemian, pub. Little Tiger
Desert Echoes is an Abdi Nasemain’s YA novel about Kam, a 15 year old who is head over heels in love with Ash. A trip to Joshua Tree, at the start of the story, ends with Ash’s disappearance, leaving Kam reeling for much of the novel. Kam’s family are worried about him, as is his best friend Bodie. Later in the narrative, a school trip to Joshua Tree sees Kam returning to the area and he is left wondering what happened to Ash - “I'm here in the present, haunted by the memory.”
The chapters of the novel are split into a dual timeline, delving into events from both the past and the present. The COVID 19 pandemic also plays a huge part in the story, with likely familiar themes and motifs to readers such as masks, vaccines and social distancing. However, this is not just another COVID 19 story, with author Abdi Nazemian delicately presenting the topic to readers in the form of Kam’s loneliness and his perceived loss of human connections - mirroring our own emotions during the pandemic. While there is some mystery, the narrative is mainly focused on exploring emotional growth and healing, the joy of teen friendships and the difficulty of maintaining them while maturing.
Kam's grief from losing Ash is palpable and is portrayed through his conversations with Bodie as well as the media he consumes. He suffers from survivor’s guilt - also a huge theme in the novel, which may mirror the emotions of readers. As the story reaches its climax, it is heartbreaking but also reassuring to see Kam, as the story’s protagonist, forgive himself “for surviving.” It is a simple sentiment, but one which shows how author Abdi Nazemian is able to convey such heartfelt emotions through the written word. Abdi Nazemian is a superb author of Young Adult fiction and Desert Echoes is a fine example, with both happy and sad moments. Love and mystery merge together beautifully in a novel that is already enticing readers with its page-turning narrative.
Chris J Kenworthy
On The Wall
Anne Fine, pub. Old Barn Books
On the Wall is the story of two children, their classmates and teachers. There is a girl called Juliet who is very anxious and worried about school life and a boy called Finley who is relaxed, and self-assured at school. Finley and Juliet have just started at Windfields Secondary School, and this story is about their transition from primary to secondary school. Everything is new and both the pupils and the teachers are getting to know each other. Finley seems different to all the other children. He is calm, composed and unflustered. The main theme of the story is centred around Finley spending his break times sitting quietly and alone on a wall in the playground.
This is a very simple story, but nevertheless a fascinating insight into the lives of the students. There are many questions to consider. What is Finley thinking about? Is he happy? Is he lonely? What is so special about the wall? What would happen if the wall wasn’t there? One teacher, Mr. Goodhew, tries to find some answers to the questions they all have. He is fascinated by Finley and wants to find out why he behaves the way he does. Finley tells his teacher that he is happy everywhere, all the time and he is not lonely, even though he spends time alone. Through his calm behaviour Anne Fine shows how students can make their way through school and home life. She shows how we can cope with our worriers and anxieties. Following life in a secondary school over three terms we learn about the value of silence and how we can be happy and content with who we are. Although a slow and gentle read, this story can help children to come to terms with their fears about a new school. Over time, even the other children begin to see Finley as someone who can help them and make them feel happy about themselves. He is even ‘worshipped’ by the others and his calmness is catching.
Remember Juliet? She has been away from school after a family tragedy and is very nervous about returning. She seems to find answers to her worries when she is on the wall and close to Finley. A very simple storyline still produces a magical and gripping book. This one isn’t full of action, but it is an interesting read nevertheless, featuring some unique characters.
Gary Kenworthy
The Seamaiden's Odyssey
Berlie Doherty, illus. Tamsin Roswell, pub. UCLan Publishing
From the author of so many classic books such as Spellhorn and Dear Nobody comes an exquisite new book perfect for those aged 10+.
When a strange and beautiful sea-creature is brought into the marine sanctuary where Sasha works, she cannot believe what she is seeing, half female human, half large fish – it couldn’t possibly be. Could it? The sanctuary director insists that the sea-girl, whom they name Marissa, is kept as an exhibit, after all she will be a ‘huge source of revenue’, not to mention the need for scientific research. Sasha, knows this feels wrong but desperately wants to know more about her – are there more of her kind? Where has she come from? At first Marissa grows stronger in Sasha’s care, but soon her colours begin to fade and finally Sasha makes a promise, a promise in return for a story. It is the story of Merryn, who travels from sea to land and back again in search of herself, a story bursting with cruelty, love, grief and the power of sisterhood.
Flooded with oceanic folklore this timeless tale takes us on a voyage of family, friendships, love and loss whilst subtly posing the question of whether we as a race have the right to intervene in nature, even in attempts to preserve it. The Seamaiden’s Odyssey draws its reader in from the very first page and sweeps them along to the very last almost without realising. It is a tale of empowerment, of coming of age, of belonging and of how we respond to those who are not like us. It is book which you will fall in love with, and not just for the beautifully told tale. It is also enchantingly illustrated with Tamsin Rosewell’s rich and spellbinding silhouettes which so hauntingly enhance the story and emerge you deep into an underwater world.
I felt that I barely drew breath as I read this book and cannot recommend it highly enough. It is a tale that will stay with me forever, a book I will treasure for its beauty and its secrets.
Tracey Corner
Sisters of the Moon
Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick, pub. Faber & Faber
At nearly sixteen years old Suzie Button finds herself in her garden at midnight making a wish on the moon. A year after her mother’s death, she’s still reeling in sadness and struggling with the loneliness of a new school in a new town. Her father is in the depths of depression, wrapped up in his own grief. Suzie feels utterly alone. Then, one day a mysterious new girl sits down next to her and becomes the best friend Suzie didn’t know she needed.
But Rhiannon doesn’t always act like a friend – too many questions go unanswered, like where do you live and why do you go away every few weeks? Plus, strange things seem to happen when Rhiannon is around. Does it have something to do with her constant fiddling of the string bracelets she wears? As Suzie pieces together the clues, she realises a truth that is beyond all reasonable logic. One that Sensible Suzie would never believe. But maybe Rhiannon is something that isn’t sensible. And maybe there’s something inside of Suzie that believes in magic.
As soon as I saw the cover of Sisters of the Moon, I knew it would be a fun YA read. Teens dancing on the beach at night in front of a stunning moon absolutely exudes the aliveness of teenage freedom. Then there’s the emotional turmoil – the despair of losing a parent, the drama of high school mean girls and the thrill of a first crush. Add to that a big dose of magical realism and you have a recipe for an absorbing, atmospheric story with a central character that I felt for in every way. The story takes place in a small, Irish town on the seaside – a dramatic setting for an already gripping concept. The mystery slowly unravels like the strings that Rhiannon wears and the ending feels like the cover, a perfect moment in time. Plus, this book might have my favourite first lines ever: “This story ends with me watching my best friend fly off a cliff. Consider yourself warned.” Recommended.
Stephanie Ward
The Skeleton in the Cupboard and other stories
Lilija Berzinska, trans. Zanete Vevere Pasqualini and Sara Smith, ed. Kate Wakeling, des. Normunds Ozols, pub. The Emma Press
Undoubtedly a classic to be! As I made my way through the nine short tales which introduce us to the little creatures who live on the Livonian coast I was reminded more and more of a land in which Moomins lived. It is just about eighty years since the Moomins first emerged in the first of the many books Finnish author Tove Jansson created. Livonia is in Latvia, not quite as far north as the Moomins’ home, but very much like it, and the creatures who live in Lilija Berzinska’s stories are definitely close cousins! Unlike the Moomins, who are creatures unlike those we can see in the countryside and the sea, Berzinska’s are birds, animals, insects, and even sea creatures. Readers can catch a glimpse of these in reality, from slugs (Squishbod) to Boik the sea urchin lighthouse keeper (boik means lighthouse in Livonian!).
There is no doubt that even though these are all real creatures, they have some interesting friends. For example, the first story is ‘The Skeleton in the Cupboard’, and Squishbod the slug (note slugs do not have bones) is about to open up the cupboard where he keeps a bony item which he spring-cleans in the open once a year! This is a small village in which the inhabitants know each other and often help each other out. Many of their concerns are very similar to ours, and as we read the stories we discover that whatever we readers are concerned about in our own lives can usually be resolved in a similar way to those Livonian creatures. Friendship, thoughtfulness and helpfulness all make the village a happy one.
The images which accompany each tale, usually at the beginning, are delightful, and definitely add a touch of Moomin! When the book first appeared in Latvia it won the 2019 Latvian Literary Award of the Year (Children’s Category). It was illustrated in colour, but the English translation revisits and revises the images, which are stunningly beautiful in their black and white ink. This is a lovely book and deserves recommendation for the splendid translation we can now read.
Bridget Carrington
Some like it Cold
Elle McNichol, pub. Macmillan Children’s Books
This is a fun and romantic YA novel, Elle McNichol’s first foray into YA fiction. She brings her characteristic empathy and as always, her unique insight into the lives of her neurodivergent characters.
In this story it is Jasper, a beautiful 18-year-old dancer, who is struggling to balance her family expectations, her new life at college and her long held dreams. It is certainly a lot to hold on to all at once and for one at a potential turning point of age, from child to adult. She returns to her ‘picture perfect’ hometown for Christmas and against the backdrop of her domineering sister’s wedding, we see the tensions start to build. We are also given the opportunity to see how Jasper’s neurodivergence both helps and hinders her when she has to navigate some difficult times. There is a romantic relationship with town 'grump' Arthur, that offers a nice lift to the story and some friendship issues that are tackled sensitively and well.
From the brilliantly conceived cover to the setting of the book with its looming family Christmas and a winter wedding it is perfect for cosy autumn winter reading. It brings us the small-town American dream of winter festivals, snow and ice markets. It makes it all sound incredibly magical and I am certain it is! This is a great book to read as the nights draw in, preferably in front of the fire with a hot chocolate, because that is how it will make you feel.
Marianne Digiovanni
This Dark Heart
Zeena Gosrani, pub. Firefly Press
Prepare to be taken away into the worlds of Indian folklore, into a world full of vivid colours and people in this gorgeous story which is bright as it is dark. This is This Dark Heart.
At the heart of this enchanting novel is Princess Thiya, a gifted healer mage whose extraordinary powers draw the attention of another mage, the earth mage Isaac. His immoral decision to take Thiya's true love, Amara, hostage adds an intense layer of conflict, launching Thiya on a harrowing quest to rescue her beloved. This story superbly amplifies the stakes, as it intertwines themes of love and peril, pushing Thiya to confront not only the external dangers posed by the daayan (shadow-like stalkers of the night) but also the internal struggles of her own vulnerability and determination. Thiya shines as a character throughout alongside her supporting characters; her quest is not taken alone, fire mage Kaayan and her brother Lochan are with her. She reveals more about herself with each encounter, illustrating her resilience and strength, revealing a heroine who is more than just her powers. The supporting characters complement the story beautifully, each with their own motives for supporting Thiya and taking on the quest with her and it is these layers that enrich the overall experience.
This story is paced in a way that keeps readers engaged, allowing for both intense action moments and reflection periods. An interesting backdrop is provided by the richness of the world, steeped in Indian folklore. Through the author's descriptive language, the reader is transported to enchanting landscapes and mystical realms, allowing the fantastical elements to feel grounded. I would recommend this moving story to reader’s age 13+ who appreciate tales of adventure that highlight love's triumph over adversity. Whether you are familiar with Indian folklore or new to it, this story promises an engaging journey that will leave you feeling satisfied and reflective.
Katy Ralph
Twenty-Four Seconds From Now
Jason Reynolds, pub. Faber & Faber
Jason Reynolds’ latest book, Twenty-Four Seconds From Now is once again a unique teen book. It explores a relationship from present to past. Neon and Aria are the two main characters in this tale and just as they are about to explore a physical side of their relationship, the story rewinds by 24 seconds then 24 minutes and 24 hours, weeks and days. Neon starts the story for us in the present, from his hiding place in the bathroom, before we go back twenty-four minutes to see him rushing to Aria’s house with his fried chicken gift. From there we are taken back twenty-four hours then days, weeks, months to when Neon and Aria first met.
Jason Reynolds takes a very clever approach to storytelling and delivering important messages with this novel. Leading the reader through this big decision and the emotions that have been building between Neon and Aria that have led them to be here. As you take the steps back into the relationship, getting to know them both, you adjust quickly and it keeps the story going at a brilliant pace. I know readers will find this a compelling read. It is brutally honest and at times awkward as with anything related to sex and teens might be, but Jason Reynolds uses this honesty to dispel myths and to ensure respect and consent are ever present in the conversations the teens have with family and friends.
I found this a brilliant story to immerse myself in and highly recommend it for young adults.
Erin Hamilton
Until We Shatter
Kate Dylan, pub. Hodderscape
The motto of Hodder’s ‘Hodderscape’ imprint and books is ‘never afraid to be out of this world.’ As such it offers an ever-increasing selection of teen, YA and adult reading for enthusiasts of fantasy, sci fi and horror. Here Hodderscape tell us that ‘lovers can hang out and talk books. We’re a safe space for fans of sexy vampires, enemies-to-lovers romances, LGBTQ+ fiction, Princes of Hell, sarcastic thieves and deadly assassins, and much, much more.’
Kate Dylan’s latest 320 pages (in thirty-two chapters!) certainly fit into Hodderscape’s wishes like a glove, presenting readers with a very substantial novel which offers many hours of ‘an action-packed, epic heist fantasy.’ Just a year old, the Hodderscape label is certainly fulfilling its intentions, and Until We Shatter is a novel which covers many of its genres in one fell swoop!
Our heroine, Cemmy, faces death whatever she does – seemingly she can’t win, with The Church likely to kill her for having any magic, and The Council of Shades wanting her dead for not having enough. Even more concerning is the possibility that in attempting to resolve the rival Church and Shades parties problems and rivalries she is very likely to destroy the city and its inhabitants, which certainly isn’t her wish. Add several teenage and twenties would-be bi, boy and girl lovers, who may appear to be on her side – but are they? – and we have a novel of depth and many twists and turns. So much depth, and so many twists and turns indeed that I sometimes felt that I was missing important clues, and that I needed to re-read some chapters to see what I’d missed. Found families are always a heart-lifting addition to books, and readers will find found families within the narrative, which are both exciting to discover but also psychologically helpful and reassuring. All in all, this is a long, dense and enthralling read for those who like their reading to run to several hundreds of tightly written pages, and to offer us lengthy and complex descriptions of fantasy countries.
Absorbing, complex and thoughtful, those readers will also welcome a forthcoming sequel.
Bridget Carrington
Within the Heart of Wicked Creatures
Rima Orie, trans. Laura Watkinson, pub. Ink Road
Are you ready to enter? This is Rima Orie’s Within the Heart of Wicked Creatures. There is a curse, an academy for magic users, a dark forest and dangerous secrets…
Priya is desperate to protect her brother and sister: when red light falls from a blood moon, it can fill the pathways of their village with dangerous spirits and primeval creatures. To be caught outside is terrifying. When her brother stumbles and falls on their homeward journey, Priya is jolted by a terrible panic. For the first time they are too slow to dodge the light, and Priya’s whole body feels she has failed. Priya’s mother is furious at the risk to Umed, as he lies injured after his exposure, and Priya is immediately blamed for not taking more care. She herself will always be safe: as a child born during a blood moon, she need not fear its light. But she cannot escape having put her siblings at risk, and this mistake feels even more painful for someone already at the fringes of both her family and society - all blood children are considered monstrous.
Priya is able to control the will of others, but she works hard to keep this curse suppressed within her. Yet her mother remains full of distrust, and nothing is sharper than these moments of rejection. Attempting to heal Umed leaves Priya in despair: even Master Haripersad, a kind teacher whose home full of books is a safe haven, insists that in all his learning, no cure is proven to work against the light of the moon. The only place that may possess more answers is Kuwatta: the largest military fortress in Awaran - with its very own host of scholars. Kuwatta is the centre for Awaran’s rebel army, who hope to bring an end to Awaran’s place as a colony of Freeland. Suryans were taken to Awaran to work on plantations, overseen by colonists who acted with awful brutality. At Kuwatta there is a chance to challenge Freeland, and every few years the base holds a contest to choose a potential new scholar to aid its purpose. Priya’s sister, Ishani, longs to win, and her admittance to the fortress could save Umed - but something inside Priya would crumple at being left behind…
Priya’s narrative is an emotional one, isolated among her family and community, and her longing for a different self is painful. Priya’s story feels compelling for lovers of fantasy and mystery, with unsettling forces at work under the moon and an unexpected sighting of another blood child. There are grooves in the soil, pools of strange slime and the possibility of meeting another like herself…
Jemima Breeds
