A literary journal for all things to do with Teen and Young Adult Literature
These Infinite Threads
Tahereh Mafi
Electric Monkey, August 2023
Paperback, €12.59
9780008529529
These Infinite Threads follows the classic fantasy romance archetype – a magical kingdom, royalty, a girl blessed or cursed with a gift that will change the world – but is balanced with refreshingly lyrical prose that dances off the page.
Continue reading These Infinite Threads by Tahereh Mafi: Review
Treacle Town
Brian Conaghan
Andersen Press, October 2023
Paperback, £8.99
ISBN 9781839133619
Treacle Town truly encapsulates the life of a young adult trying to make a life for himself in a town with very little prospects. Con O’Neill, the protagonist of this story, realises that if he wants to live a long life full of meaning he will have to break free of this town. However, despite his understanding that this is the case, we see that Con finds it very difficult to go against the status quo. He is unsure of himself, he talks himself into staying more than once and he continues on with his self-destructive behaviours despite his heart screaming at him to stop.
Continue reading Treacle Town by Brian Conaghan: Review
The Faint of Heart
Kerrilynn Wilson
Greenwillow Books, June 2023
Paperback, £14.99
ISBN 9780063116221
What would you do if you lived in a world where living without sadness, anger, or pain also meant giving up happiness, hope, and love? In this deeply poignant graphic novel, all of June’s family and friends have had their hearts removed in order to get rid of the pain and stress of life. June, the only one left with a heart, is the only person who still sees the colour in life. She is determined to give the gift of happiness back to her sister.
Continue reading The Faint of Heart by Kerrilynn Wilson: Review
Rebel Fire
Ann Sei Lin
Walker Books, July 2023
Paperback, £7.99
ISBN 9781406399608
We are immediately plunged into the entrancing world of protagonist Kurara and her shipmates. Rebel Fire is the perfect novel for fans of Japanese mythology, filled with rich, vivid imagery and engaging descriptions. This adventurous thriller is set in a dystopian world of incredible flying cities and enthralling battles.
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The Grimoire of Grave Fates
Created by Hanna Alkaf and Margaret Owen
Delacorte Press, June 2023
Paperback, £8.99
ISBN 9780593705773
The Grimoire of Grave Fates has a cast of characters as diverse as its 18 authors – that’s right, 18! This gripping fantasy murder-mystery is told through 18 individual perspectives, with each chapter written by a different author. Each author gives their character their own unique flair, and every reader will find something relatable in this cast.
Continue reading The Grimoire of Grave Fates Created by Hanna Alkaf and Margaret Owen: Review
Every Exquisite Thing
Laura Steven
Electric Monkey, September 2023
Paperback, £8.99
ISBN 9780008627355
Every Exquisite Thing by Lauren Steven is a masterful retelling of The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde. Penny Paxton is the daughter of a living icon, a mother with high expectations and little room for love. In an effort to follow in her footsteps, Penny enrolls in the famous, and elite, Dorian Drama Academy, hoping to earn her mother’s love. Penny’s new mentor offers her the chance to have her portrait painted by a mysterious artist – paintings which offer eternal beauty to its subject
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Skrimsli
Nicola Davies
Illustrated by Jackie Morris
Firefly Press, September 2023
Hardback, £14.99
ISBN 9781913102807
Skrimsli, Nicola Davies’s prequel to The Song That Sings Us, explores the backstory of Skrimsli, the tiger sea captain from her debut. As in the previous novel, Skrimsli combines an adventure tale filled with heart with deeper themes of friendship, solidarity, and fighting back against environmental destruction, the author’s vivid writing conveying her deep love of nature.
Continue reading Skrimsli by Nicola Davies: Review
House Party – A Novel
Edited by justin a. reynolds
Underlined, June 2023
Hardback, €22.40
ISBN 9780593488157
Have you got your invitation to the party of the year? Edited by justin a. reynolds, House Party is a unique experience – a novel that has been co-authored by ten different writers – all weaving together the story of one incredible house party.
Continue reading House Party – A Novel Edited by justin a. reynolds: Review
Boundless
Ed. Ismée Williams and Rebecca Balcárel
Inkyard Press, June 2023
Hardback, £14.99
ISBN 9781335428615
“No matter where I was, I always felt like I was wearing someone else’s clothes,” says Frankie, the protagonist in ‘Thicker Than Water’. This line contains many of the feelings encapsulated in Boundless, a short story anthology focused on characters who are biracial and multicultural. The 20 stories explore the unique struggles that impact teenagers who belong to families with different racial or ethnic backgrounds. These protagonists may not look like their parents, or may not speak the same language as them. Their family gatherings can be strained as the differences between cultures try to coexist. Their classmates may not look past one part of their identity, unseeing or dismissive of other experiences. They face microaggressions and snippy comments because they cannot be categorised easily into one box, and often they feel at odds trying to work out where they belong.
Continue reading Boundless edited by Ismée Williams and Rebecca Balcárel: Review
Frontera
Julio Anta and Jacoby Salcedo
HarperAlley, June 2023
Paperback, £16.34
ISBN 9780063054943
Frontera is a compelling comic that delves into the complex and emotional topic of migration from Mexico to America. Set against the backdrop of real-life challenges faced by migrants, this graphic novel brings to life the personal stories of individuals and families seeking a better life in the United States.
Continue reading Frontera by Julio Anta and Jacoby Salcedo
