Review Archives - Paper Lanterns

Posted on December 3, 2023December 9, 2023 by Paper Lanterns

You Are Not Alone by Shauna Darling Robertson: Review

You Are Not Alone
Shauna Darling Robertson
Troika Books, January 2023
Paperback, £8.99
ISBN 9781912745173

You Are Not Alone is the second collection of poems from Robertson. Within the collection, Robertson talks about her personal experiences with anxiety and depression and the symptoms which follow her throughout her daily life. She expresses the unique perspectives on relationships and friendships and how mental health can affect these crucial aspects of life.

Posted on December 3, 2023December 9, 2023 by Paper Lanterns

The Changing Man by Tomi Oyemakinde: Review

The Changing Man
Tomi Oyemakinde
Macmillan, September 2023
Paperback
ISBN 9781035003082

“This book will change you whether you like it or not,” so reads the blurb on the back of this book. The Changing Man is a school story that is also a horror story with themes of identity, fitting into social norms and belonging. This is a book that is perfect for young readers. The characters are definitely well-rounded, in particular, Ife Adebola, who is the main character.

Posted on November 30, 2023December 21, 2023 by Paper Lanterns

Yours from the Tower by Sally Nicholls: Review

Yours from the Tower
Sally Nicholls
Andersen Press, September 2023
Hardback, £14.99
ISBN 9781839133190

Set in 1896, Yours from the Tower follows three 18-year-old girls who have left boarding school and returned to very different lives. In a series of letters full of dreams and drama, the girls search for happiness and love in Victorian society. Calling all fans of Bridgerton! This story will leave you feeling like you have read a dozen love letters with swoon-worthy moments and gossip to leave you giggling. Nicholls perfectly captures the reality of teenage girl drama through this epistolary format, especially when two girls write to one another and leave the third out.

Posted on November 30, 2023December 21, 2023 by Paper Lanterns

Rhubarb Lemonade by Oskar Kroon: Review

Rhubarb Lemonade
Oskar Kroon
Translated by A. A. Prime
Hot Key Books, June 2023
Paperback £7.99
ISBN 9781471413124

13-year-old Vinga is navigating life amid her parents’ split, and the island her grandfather lives on is the ideal escape from it all. Here, she can forget her parents’ problems and be with the only person who understands her: her grandfather. They drink homemade rhubarb lemonade and play chess under the lilac tree in his garden, far away from the city Vinga hates so much. On the island she can sit by her cliff near the lighthouse, work on her sailboat and be herself – that is, until Ruth arrives.

Posted on November 30, 2023December 5, 2023 by Paper Lanterns — 1 Comment

Black & Irish: Legends, Trailblazers & Everyday Heroes by Leon Diop & Briana Fitzsimons

Black & Irish: Legends, Trailblazers & Everyday Heroes
Leon Diop & Briana Fitzsimons
Illustrated by Jessica Louis
Little Island Books in collaboration with Black & Irish, October 2023
Paperback, €14.50
ISBN 9781915071231

Black & Irish: Legends, Trailblazers & Everyday Heroes is a non-fiction book that shines a light on prominent Black Irish individuals from various fields such as entertainment, politics, sports, business, and the arts. This significant release in Irish history marks a joyful recognition of Black Irish heritage. The book delves deeply into the lives of 25 individuals of Black and mixed-race heritage from various regions of Ireland.

Posted on November 30, 2023November 30, 2023 by Paper Lanterns

On Silver Tides by Sylvia Bishop: Review

On Silver Tides
Sylvia Bishop
Andersen Press, February 2024
Paperback, £8.99
ISBN 9781839133589

On Silver Tides is the kind of novel that leaves you wanting more. It follows the journey of Kelda and the great lengths she goes to in order to protect her little sister, Isla. Kelda and her family are freshwater merpeople but little Isla is born different. The family protects Isla from the suspicions of the community but when they are betrayed the sisters escape. They join forces with a mysterious boy and embark on a journey that will change their lives forever.

Posted on August 19, 2023July 24, 2023 by Paper Lanterns

Glow Up, Lara Bloom by Dee Benson: Review

Glow Up, Lara Bloom

Glow Up, Lara Bloom
Dee Benson
Hot Key Books, February 2023
Paperback, £7.99
ISBN 9781471412912

This book is like gold dust for teenage girls growing up, and is something I definitely wish I had at the beginning of my teens. When Lara’s nuisance of a brother, Danny, discovers her off-limits diary, Lara swears to never journal again in the fear he’ll spill all to her old crush Alex.

Posted on August 19, 2023August 26, 2023 by Paper Lanterns

Freya Harte is not a Puzzle by Méabh Collins: Review

Freya Harte is not a Puzzle

Freya Harte is not a Puzzle
Méabh Collins
O’Brien Press, March 2023
Paperback, €9.99
ISBN 9781788493451

Freya has recently been diagnosed with autism, but school is hard enough and she already feels different, so she decides to keep this part of her a secret. When a school trip to Irish college is announced, Freya decides to use this as an opportunity to show the girls in her year that she can fit in and be “normal”. But can true friendship be found when you try to change yourself?

Posted on August 19, 2023July 24, 2023 by Paper Lanterns

Review: Ghostlord by Philip Womack

Ghostlord by Philip Womack

Ghostlord
Philip Womack
Little Island Books, May 2023
Paperback, £8.99
ISBN 9781915071262

Meet Meg. New to country life, things are a lot different from London with its crowded streets and the bashed car windows. Supposed to be a safe haven for Meg, her new home seems to be a new kind of safe but is maybe not safe at all. Soon, Meg’s life is transformed from a life of a normal teen to a life of mystery, legacies, ancient battles and betrayals.

Posted on August 19, 2023July 24, 2023 by Paper Lanterns

Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher: Review

Crossing the Line

Crossing the Line
Tia Fisher
Hot Key Books, March 2023
Paperback £7.99
ISBN 9781471413049

Crossing The Line is an all-too-familiar cautionary tale of what can happen to a young and vulnerable person when they face difficult choices.

Erik’s world is changing. Fast. He finds himself needing money for his family soon after the death of his dad. His best friend Ravi is a great support as they both start secondary school, but Erik’s head is turned by the promise of “easy money” if he follows the wrong crowd.