Book reviews of the latest Irish and international YA titles! From thrillers to romance and fantasy to poetry, you’re sure to find a book recommendation from our fantastic team of teenage and adult book reviewers! All our reviews are in our printed journals as well as online.
Any Way You Slice It by Méabh McDonnell
Reviewed by Amelia Grace, 18
“Any Way You Slice It blends baking, friendship and slow burn romance into a delightful mix of mouthwatering desserts and heartfelt character arcs.“
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Where Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell
Reviewed by Sarah Fitz
“The level of fantasy is exciting and not too dense. Caldwell’s ability to build a believable and rich world comes from her descriptive and detailed writing.”
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Exit Stage Death by Ava Eldred
Reviewed by Ciara Martin, 15
“Perfect for lovers of ‘Glee’, murder mysteries and musicals, this novel is full to the brim with mystery, romance, friendship and theatre.“
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Birdy Arbuthnot’s Year of ‘Yes’ by Joanna Nadin
Reviewed by Constance McHugh, 17
“This novel is delightful, dynamic and a fantastic summer read for older teens and young adults, especially for us aimless young people in much the same situation as Birdy, trying to escape monotony and live our lives to the fullest.”
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Normal Women – Making History for 900 Years by Philippa Gregory: Review
Reviewed by Dana Alnajdawi, 16
“Reading this book felt rewarding and allowed me to see beyond the typical perceptions of women from the past. It is definitely a must-read for teens interested in history, or want to start reading more nonfiction.”
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All Better Now by Neal Shusterman
Reviewed by Hariharan Senthilkumar, 15
“All Better Now is UNDOUBTEDLY one of the best books I have ever read. A captivating novel that captures the struggles of different sides of a conflict, and shows the struggles faced by different people in the midst of a pandemic unlike any other.”
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Skipshock by Caroline O’Donoghue
Reviewed by Freddie Higgins, 17
“The book is an epic tale of rebellion and love with unique worldbuilding, well-paced plot, and compelling characters.”
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Rock Band: Music and Misfits by Leah Osakwe
Reviewed by Kaila Patterson, 17
“An upbeat and feel-good read, Osakwe’s Rock Band is perfect for any young musicians, songwriters and dreamers.“
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The Binding Spell by Marisa Linton
Reviewed by Sophie White, 16
“I could feel chills as I found myself lost in the mysterious atmospheric village of Weir Hinny which is bubbling full of secrets.“
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Dead Real by Poppy T. Perry
Reviewed by Sabine Narzisi, 16
“It is filled with great drawings and doodles, so reading the book brings the same joy as reading books with illustrations for younger readers, but for a YA audience.”
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Captain of Fates by Katherine Webber
Reviewed by Robyn Lonergan Walsh, 13
“The book was well written, the plot was well structured with nothing left unfinished. Captain of Fates is a good read for fans of Romantasy or Twin Crowns.”
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The Other Girl by Emily Barr
Reviewed by Mark Jackson
“If incredibly readable, emotionally heightened mysteries are your thing, then this novel should be at the very top of your recommended reads list.”
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Lady’s Knight by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
Reviewed by Jerry Gearon, 17
“I loved the book, it took me on an emotional rollercoaster… I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a touching romance filled with queerness and chivalry!“
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Den of Liars by Jessica S. Olson
Reviewed by Anna Benn
“While the book can be exposition-heavy at places, and the worldbuilding hard to keep straight, readers will enjoy the fast-paced story and Lola’s romantic sparring with the brooding and villainous Liar.“
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Pieces of Us by Stewart Foster
Reviewed by Jes Paluchowska
“Stewart Foster’s Pieces of Us makes itself at home in the uncomfortable space between childhood and adulthood.”
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Crying Wolf by James Butler
Reviewed by Derek Carney
“Crying Wolf is a gritty tale of an all-too-real Dublin. The sound of the Luas, the smells of the coastal drive out past Fairview and the feel of the cobblestones of Trinity are palpable.”
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Solo by Gráinne O’Brien
Reviewed by Tara O’Malley
“Daisy’s heartache will strike a chord with any reader who has lost their way in life.”
Aphrodite by Bryony Pearce
Reviewed by Joanna Geoghegan
“Aphrodite acts as a demonstration of the fragility of power, both political and religious, particularly when it is built upon the oppression of others through discrimination and disinformation.”
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A Fix of Light by Kel Menton
Reviewed by Aoife Sheehan
“There are some wonderful concepts (using folk tales to explore queerness) and one of my personal favourites was the excellent prologue from the perspective of the forest.“
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Run Away With Me by J. L. Simmonds
Reviewed by Aoife McCarron
“J.L. Simmonds’ beautifully written debut novel expertly combines suspense and romance to create a compelling coming-of-age story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.”
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A Match Made In Hell by Charlotte Ingham
Reviewed by Lorna O’Dea
“The book is dark and playful all at once: Willow’s black humour keeps everything light, while the sexual tension throughout the book keeps you engaged. It is a fun read but not suitable for younger readers.”
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Issue 15
Something’s About To Blow Up – Sam Blake
Reviewed by Emer Cronin, 15
“This book provides a real reflection of secondary school life in Ireland, which is refreshing to see. Without a doubt every teen interested in crime and thriller novels should read this outstanding book.”
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Last Seen Online – Lauren James
Reviewed by Melissa Cooney, 18
“A twisty thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire ride. It perfectly reflects internet culture and the people who thrive on it.”
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The Dagger and the Flame – Catherine Doyle
Reviewed by Clara Wemyss, 15
“This book is for people who enjoy romance, magic, and mystery. I would recommend it if you enjoyed the Shadow and Bone series.”
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Someone’s Been Messing With Reality – John Hearne
Reviewed by Erin Gallimore, 14
“Eerie foreshadowing and the mysterious atmosphere of small town Glencooper combined with thrilling action and clever plot twists make for an engaging read.”
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Lavash at First Sight – Taleen Voskuni
Reviewed by Aidi Bao, 15
“The novel strikes a beautiful balance between romance and family dynamics. Voskuni captures the vibrancy of culture and food with rich, sensory details, bringing the pages to life.”
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The Undying Tower – Melissa Welliver
Reviewed by Lyric Moran, 18
“The Undying Tower is a gripping dystopian novel that excites and intrigues.”
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The Seamaiden’s Odyssey – Berlie Doherty, illustrated by Tasmin Rosewell
Reviewed by Clara Kamlah, 18
“A visually striking book. Before I even opened the front cover I felt like I was holding a little treasure in my hands, a clam that opened up to reveal incredible illustrations.”
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Wild East – Ashley Hickson-Lovence
Reviewed by Mae O’Connor, 18
“Wild East is written in a free-verse style that is extremely accessible while still being interesting and fresh, making it an excellent choice of book for young teenagers.”
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How to Survive a Horror Movie – Scarlett Dunmore
Reviewed by Lasairíona Scarff, 18
“A fast-paced, thrilling homage to the horror genre, How to Survive a Horror Movie is the ultimate book for horror fans..”
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Bite Me, Royce Taslim – Lauren Ho
Reviewed by Naomi Picovici, 14
“A compelling read that captivated me for its entirety, through engaging plots and likable characters..”
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The Forest of a Thousand Eyes – Frances Hardinge, Illustrated by Emily Gravett
Reviewed by Isobel Thorne
“A richly woven tapestry of adventure, mystery, and moral complexity. Set in a world where the boundary between reality and the supernatural is beautifully blurred, the novel invites readers into the depths of a haunting forest.”
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Who Watches This Place – Amy Clarkin
Reviewed by Mary Richard, 16
“The vivid and diverse cast manage to be incredibly relatable as well as compelling and dynamic. The cast’s banter with each other is hilarious and comes off so naturally, it is easy to feel a sense of familiarity.”
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My Teeth in Your Heart – Joanna Nadin
Reviewed by Anna Brennan O’Connor
“My Teeth in Your Heart is a novel which demands attention. Although the novel is set largely against the backdrop of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, it is less a historical novel, and instead is one which shows that we are far more similar than we are different.”
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I Shall Never Fall in Love – Hari Conner
Reviewed by Niamh O’Donnell
“Graphic novels have the ability to fully immerse the reader in the world crafted by the author. Conner’s stunning artwork has ensured that I Shall Never Fall in Love is no different.”
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EchoStar Is Always Listening – Melinda Salisbury
Reviewed by Ava Palmer
“Echostar Is Always Listening is a technological thriller that blurs the line between sci-fi and reality..”
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Tomorrow We Begin: Poems to Find Yourself In – Matt Goodfellow
Reviewed by Laura Marriott
“Tomorrow We Begin has as many shades as a child growing into a teenager and then touching the edges of adulthood, and is undercut by a deep and clear-eyed understanding of what it means to be young today.”
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Something to be Proud Of – Anna Zoe Quirke
Reviewed by Camille Boelt Hindsgaul
“Imogen is a believable, relatable, 100% their own character, with no lazy stereotypes entertained.”
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When the World Tips Over – Jandy Nelson
Reviewed by Esra T.
“The people in this story are so beautiful and bright, and their voices remain with you long after you’re done reading.”
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Old Wounds – Logan-Ashley Kisner
Reviewed by Morgan Lyons
“The use of the present tense and dark humour make this book easy to get into and impossible to put down. Logan-Ashley Kisner makes sure trans experiences take centre stage, from Erin’s gender euphoria to Max’s insecurities about not passing.”
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Braids Take A Day – Zainab Boladale
Reviewed by Medb O’Gorman
“”I highly recommend it, and am delighted it incorporated Irish culture alongside the history and love of hair that is often worn by mixed race and Black women.”
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King of Nothing – Nathanael Lessore
Reviewed by Eden Byrne
“This book had me laughing from the first chapter. Anton’s conversations with his Nana were so enjoyable, and my laughter continued throughout, despite sad moments.”
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Issue 14
When We Become Ours Edited by Shannon Gibney and Nicole Chung: Review
Reviewed by Danielle Briody
2024 Reads
Issue 13
The Grimoire of Grave Fates Created by Hanna Alkaf and Margaret Owen
Reviewed by Clara Kamlah, 17
Issue 12
You Are a Story: A creative writing guide by Laura Dockrill
Illustrated by Lotte Cassidy
Reviewed by Emer Cronin, 14
Magic Has No Borders edited by Sona Charaipotra and Samira Ahmed
Reviewed by Isobel Thorne, 16
Issue 11
Review: How to be a (Young) Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi and Nic Stone
Reviewed by Danielle Briody, 17
Review: Nubia: The Awakening by Omar Epps and Clarence A. Haynes
Reviewed by Pierina Campbell
Issue 10
Review: These Are the Words: Fearless Verse to Find Your Voice by Nikita Gill
Reviewed by Aoife Connolly
Review: Queer Up – An Uplifting Guide to LGBTQ+ Love, Life and Mental Health by Alexis Caught
Reviewed by Freddie Higgins, 15
Review: What I Love About Me: A Very Special Fill-In Journal to Inspire Self-Celebration and Growth for the Year Ahead
Reviewed by Ciara O’Hara
Issue 9
The Eternal Review of Clara Hart by Louise Finch (Little Island Books, August 2022)
Reviewed by Rachel Stephens, 18
Cinder & Glass by Melissa de la Cruz (Putman, March 2022)
Reviewed by Sarah Thompson O Sullivan, 16
Jameela Green Ruins Everything by Zarqa Nawaz (Mariner Books, March 2022)
Reviewed by Lasairíona Scarff, 16
Harley Quinn: Reckoning by Rachael Allen (Random House, April 2022)
Reviewed by Amina Abbassene, 18
I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston (Macmillan Children’s Books, May 2022)
Reviewed by Courtney Smyth
Say No To The Dress by Keren David (Barrington Stoke, April 2022)
Reviewed by Deirdre Power
Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys, Andrew Weiner, illustrated by Brittney Williams (Harper Alley, March 2022)
Reviewed by Emma Daly
Issue 8
The Fall of the Argosi by Sebastien de Castell (Hot Key Books, 2021)
Reviewed by Dylan Keane, 13
The Balloon Thief by Aneesa Marufu (Chicken House, March 2022)
Reviewed by Aoife McCarron, 17
Truth Be Told by Sue Divin (Macmillian Children’s Books, April 2022)
Reviewed by Daniel Akande, 14
The Secrets Act by Alison Weatherby (Chicken House, January 2022)
Reviewed by Maya Silasi, 16
The Colour of Hope by Ross MacKenzie (Andersen Press, May 2022)
Reviewed by Abbie Nolan, 13
When Shadows Fall by Sita Brahmachari (Little Tiger Group, 2021)
Illustrated by Natalie Sirett
Reviewed by Sarah Fitz, 17
Blood to Poison by Mary Watson (Bloomsbury YA, April 2022)
Reviewed by Aoife Sheehan Read More
The Gifts That Bind Us by Caroline O’Donoghue (Walker Books, February 2022)
Reviewed by Amy Clarkin
Echoes and Empires by Morgan Rhodes (Razorbill, January 2022)
Reviewed by Joanna Kleibauer
Lulu and Milagro’s Search for Clarity by Angela Velez (Balzer and Bray, February 2022)
Reviewed by Caitríona O’Malley
Pride And Prejudice: A Retelling by Laura Wood (Barrington Stoke, January 2022)
Reviewed by Patricia Hayes
Extasia by Claire Legrand (Katherine Tegen Books, February 2022)
Reviewed by Shauna Dalton
Issue 7
So, This Is Christmas by Tracy Andreen (Vikings Books, October 2021)
Reviewed by Aoibhe Toft, 15
Perfectly Preventable Deaths by Deirdre Sullivan (Hot Key Books, 2019)
Reviewed by Sara Kwiatkowska, 13
Precious Catastrophe by Deirdre Sullivan (Hot Key Books, September 2021)
Reviewed by Rebecca Downey, 15
Hope Against Hope by Sheena Wilkinson (Little Island, 2020)
Reviewed by Louisa Tyrrell, 14
Arisotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz (Simon and Schuster Children’s Books, October 2021)
Reviewed by Esmèe Kidd, 15
All Our Hidden Gifts by Caroline O’Donoghue (Walker Books, May 2021)
Reviewed by James Keegan, 15
The Betrayed by Kiera Cass (HarperCollins Publishers, July 2021)
Reviewed by Abby Cahill, 14
The Skulduggery Pleasant Grimoire by Derek Landy (HarperCollins, May 2021)
Reviewed by Emil W., 15
Tomorrow is Beautiful edited by Sarah Crossan (Bloomsbury YA, 2021)
Reviewed by Camille Boelt Hindsgaul
The Sisters of Reckoning by Charlotte Nicole Davis (Hot Key Books, August 2021)
Reviewed by Emma Muldoon-Ryan
Not Here To Be Liked by Michelle Quach (Usborne Publishing Ltd, September 2021)
Reviewed by Medb O’Gorman
Issue 6
Baby Teeth by Meg Grehan (Little Island Books, September 2021)
Reviewed by Hanna-Rose Sullivan, 16
The Theft of Sunlight by Intisar Khanani (Hot Key Books, June 2021)
Reviewed by Rachel Stephens, 17
The Falling in Love Montage by Ciara Smyth (Andersen Press, June 2020)
Reviewed by Rowan Beddows, 16
Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer (Bloomsbury YA, September 2021)
Reviewed by Lily Farrell, 14
This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron (Bloomsbury YA, June 2021)
Reviewed by Sarah O’Gara, 13
Skulduggery Pleasant: Dead or Alive by Derek Landy (HarperCollins, April 2021)
Reviewed by Grace Kelly
Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk and Nicola Yoon (Electric Monkey, June 2021)
Reviewed by Sinéad Creedon
Issue 5
City of the Uncommon Thief by Lynne Bertrand (Dutton Books, Feb 2021)
Reviewed by Shona Gogarty, teen reviewer
As Far As You’ll Take Me by Phil Stamper (Bloomsbury YA, March 2021)
Reviewed by Rory O’Sullivan
You’ve Got This! by Tammy Darcy (Gill Books, March 2021)
Reviewed by Amina Abbassene, teen reviewer
The Spirit of the River by Declan Murphy (Lilliput Press, April 2021)
Reviewed by Lasairíona Scarff, teen reviewer
The Crooked Mask by Rachel Burge (Hot Key Books, January 2021)
Reviewed by Dean Mc Morrow, teen reviewer
Guard Your Heart by Sue Divin (Macmillan Children’s Books, April 2021)
Reviewed by Juliet Russell, teen reviewer
I Think I Love You by Auriane Desombre (Underlined, March 2021)
Reviewed by Laura Alyward, teen reviewer
The Wild by Owen Laukkanen (Underlined, January 2021)
Reviewed by Holly Dolan, teen reviewer
My Epic Spring Break (Up) by Kristin Rockaway (Underlined, April 2021)
Reviewed by Eimear Feeney, teen reviewer
What Love Looks Like by Jarlath Gregory (The O’Brien Press, March 2021)
Reviewed by Sara Chudzik
The Deep-Sea Duke by Lauren James (Barrington Stoke, February 2021)
Reviewed by Elliot Gallogly
Issue 4
The Game Weavers by Rebecca Zahabi (Zuntold, 2020)
Reviewed by Brónagh Davis, teen reviewer
House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland (Hot Key Books, April 2021)
Reviewed by Halle O’Loughnan, teen reviewer
The Camelot Betrayal by Kiersten White (Delacorte Press, 2020)
Reviewed by Rachel O’Gara, teen reviewer
The Cousins by Karen M. McManus (Penguin Random House Children’s UK, 2020)
Reviewed by Daniel Akande, teen reviewer
A Vow So Bold And Deadly by Brigid Kemmerer (Bloomsbury YA, January 2021)
Reviewed by Maya Silasi, teen reviewer
How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Storiesby Holly Black (Hot Key Books, 2020)
Illustrated by Rovina Cai
Reviewed by Aoibhe O’Dwyer, teen reviewer
11 Paper Hearts by Kelsey Hartwell (Underlined, January 2021)
Reviewed by Saoirse Davis, teen reviewer
This Can Never Not Be Real by Sera Milano (Electric Monkey, April 2021)
Reviewed by Ross Kelly
Animal Farm by George Orwell (Barrington Stoke, January 2021)
Reviewed by Shauna Dalton, teen reviewer
The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen (Random House Graphic, 2020)
Reviewed by Joanna Kleibauer
Full Disclosure by Camryn Garrett (Penguin Random House Children’s UK, 2019)
Reviewed by Cliona Hornibrook
Bone Music: The Legend of Genghis Khan by Katherine Roberts (Greystones Press, 2018)
Reviewed by Lisa Redmond
Issue 3
Savage Her Reply by Deirdre Sullivan (Little Island, October 2020)
Reviewed by Hanna-Rose Sullivan, teen reviewer
Again Again by E. Lockhart (Hot Key Books, June 2020)
Reviewed by Aoibhe Toft, teen reviewer
Star Trek: Discovery – Aftermath by Kirsten Beyer and Mike Johnson (IDW Publishing, April 2020)
Illustrated by Tony Shasteen and Angel Hernandez
Reviewed by Joanna Geoghegan
Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron (Bloomsbury, August 2020)
Reviewed by Camille Boelt Hindsgaul
Wuthering Heights; A Retelling by Tanya Landman (Barrington Stoke, August 2020)
Reviewed by Jessica Militante
Dokkaebi: Vicious Spirits by Kat Cho (Penguin Random House, August 2020)
Reviewed by Anne Murray
How It All Blew Up by Arvin Ahmadi (Hot Key Books, September 2020)
Reviewed by Niamh O’Donnell
The Great Revolt by Paul Dowswell (Bloomsbury Education, August 2020)
Reviewed by Rebecca Downey, teen reviewer
Our Chemical Hearts by Krystal Sutherland (Hot Key Books, 2016)
Reviewed by Esmée Kidd, teen reviewer
The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black (Hot Key Books, July 2020)
Reviewed by Emma Muldoon Ryan
This Is My America by Kim Johnson (Penguin Random House, July 2020)
Reviewed by Anet Rumberg
Issue 2
Night of the Dragon by Julie Kagawa (HQ Young Adult, April 2020)
Reviewed by Emma Daly, teen reviewer
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark (Barrington Stoke, February 2020)
Reviewed by Deirbhile Brennan
The Oracle Code by Marieke Nijkamp and Manuel Preitano (DC Comics, March 2020)
Reviewed by Joanna Kleibauer
Canto, Volume 1: If I Only Had A Heart by David M. Booher and Drew Zucker (IDW Publishing, March 2020)
Reviewed by Joanna Kleibauer
Shakespeare’s Ghost by Mary Hoffman (The Greystones Press, 2016)
Reviewed by Sinéad Creedon
Dead Ed in my Head by Barbara Catchpole (Ransom Publishing, 2017)
Reviewed by Rowan Beddows, teen reviewer
The Stone Balancer by John Townsend (Ransom Publishing, 2019)
Reviewed by Cate Reid, teen reviewer
Tell Me No Truths by Gill Vickery (The Greystones Press, 2018)
Reviewed by Anne-Charlotte Gerbaud
A Hurricane in My Head by Matt Abbott (Bloomsbury Education, 2019)
Reviewed by Emily Cross
Issue 1
Queen of Coin and Whispers by Helen Corcoran (The O’Brien Press)
Reviewed by Karina Clifford
The Secret Commonwealth by Philip Pullman (Penguin Random House)
Reviewed by Deirbhile Brennan
Music from Another World by Robin Talley (HQ Young Adult)
Reviewed by Brigid O’Dea, teen reviewer
