Truth Be Told by Sue Divin (Macmillan, 2022)

“As an Irish reader, I loved being able to relate to certain moments and I liked the way it encompassed women’s stories specifically. All in all, Truth Be Told is an excellent, complex novel that tells the story of generations in Northern Ireland, their lives, their loves and their losses.”

“This book was a very satisfying and rewarding read and will be enjoyed by readers aged 13-16. “

Reviewed by Lara Fanning, 14 Read More and Daniel Akande, 14 Read More

Guard Your Heart by Sue Divin (Macmillan Children’s Books, April 2021)

“Guard Your Heart by Sue Divin is a romantic tale which centres around two teenagers living in Northern Ireland. Aidan and Iona come from very different backgrounds and have different beliefs. When they meet on the Northern Irish border, their worlds collide and they begin to learn a lot about each other, and themselves as well.”

Reviewed by Juliet Russell, teen reviewer Read More

The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar (Hachette Children’s Group, 2021)

“The Henna Wars is more than just a sweet romance, it is a story that tests friendships, exposes family dynamics and uncovers truths about school life while it weaves in questions of identity, racism, homophobia, bullying, loyalty and selfishness.”

Our Book Club Pick for Issue 11 Read More

The Eternal Return of Clara Hart by Louise Finch (Little Island Books, August 2022)

“The Eternal Return of Clara Hart is an incredible novel that tells an important message of toxic masculinity through an engaging story that anybody can connect to.”

Reviewed by Rachel Stephens, 18 Read More

The Gone Book by Helena Close (Little Island Books, April 2020)

“The Gone Book forces you to question the consequences of one decision… I would highly recommend this book. It’s a chaotic read, full of twists and turns. It is gritty and realistic, and highlights the anguish of an absent parent and the strife of teenage friendships.”

Reviewed by Emma Daly, 18 Read More

Things I Know by Helena Close (Little Island, May 2022)

“The setting near the seaside in Clare is evocative and wild in a very Irish way, in its portrayal of drinking culture, GAA and chippers… This is a beautifully crafted story, taking us into Saoirse’s mind as she struggles to find something to cling to.”

Reviewed by Derek Carney Read More

Why the Moon Travels by Oein DeBhairduin (Skein Press, 2020)

“Why the Moon Travels is a haunting collection of twenty tales rooted in the oral tradition of the Irish Traveller community. Brave vixens, prophetic owls and stalwart horses live alongside the human characters as guides, protectors, friends and foes while spirits, giants and fairies blur the lines between this world and the otherworld.”

Book Club Pick Issue 9 Read More

What Love Looks Like by Jarlath Gregory (The O’Brien Press, March 2021)

“What Love Looks Like is The O’Brien Press’s newest addition to Irish LGBT+ YA fiction. Last year, The Queen of Coin and Whispers was the LGBT+ fantasy we needed. This year we get a romance that takes place on the streets of Dublin. Ben is a 17 year-old living in Dublin at the time of the Marriage Equality Referendum.”

Reviewed by Sara Chudzik Read More

All the Invisible Things by Orlagh Collins (Bloomsbury, 2019)

“This, the sophomore novel of Collins, was a truly emotive piece of writing. The prose was gorgeous and the development of Vetty as our main character from beginning to end was a privilege to be a part of. The author tackles important issues like the struggle of being bisexual and how it often feels like you’re trapped between two different things.”

Reviewed by Ross Kelly Read More

Toffee by Sarah Crossan (Bloomsbury, February 2020)

“The touching verse novel explores complex family relationships, and themes of identity and loneliness. Both Allison and Marla struggle with finding and accepting themselves as they are, but as their bond grows it becomes obvious that understanding, patience, and dancing are the key to a healthy, supportive relationship.”

Reviewed by Danielle Hudson Read More

Tomorrow is Beautiful edited by Sarah Crossan (Bloomsbury YA, 2021)

“Tomorrow Is Beautiful is a collection of poetry from the last 200 plus years, by authors of many different backgrounds. The common theme across the poems is hope: hope for the future, hope in the present, hope after a break-up or in grief or fear, the very nature of hope.”

Reviewed by Camille Boelt Hindsgaul Read More

The Spirit of the River by Declan Murphy (Lilliput Press, April 2021)

“The Spirit of the River follows the writer’s experiences and awe of the captivating world around him as he follows the lives of birds and animals alike. Set in the Wicklow Mountains, Declan Murphy’s search for answers and knowledge drives him onwards. He feels a strong connection to the animals he comes across and treats them as family.”

Reviewed by Lasairíona Scarff, teen reviewer Read More

Queen of Coin and Whispers by Helen Corcoran (The O’Brien Press)

“Lia is a newly made queen, determined to be a better ruler for her people than her corrupt late uncle. Xania is focused on avenging her father’s untimely death, which means she needs access to secrets and power. When Xania becomes spymaster for the queen, both young women think they’ve struck a good bargain; driven by ambition, vengeance and duty, they are not prepared for the tenderness and attraction that starts to simmer between them.”

Reviewed by Karina Clifford Read More

Daughter of Winter and Twilight by Helen Corcoran (O’Brien Press, September 2023)

“It features romance, eccentric family dynamics, old secrets, intrigue and of course gods and magic!”

Reviewed by Medb O’Gorman Read More

Wildlord by Philip Womack (Little Island Books, October 2021)

“We’ve all had that moment; passing through an ancient graveyard or the dappled sunlight of a forest when suddenly the lines between worlds feel just a little too thin for comfort. And out of the corner of your eye, a twitch of movement, a flash of something you can’t quite put your finger on, something … unsettling. Philip Womack’s first YA novel, Wildlord, is exactly that — an exploration of the ethereal worlds of which we only catch brief glimpses.”

Reviewed by Fiona Murphy Read More

Review: What Walks These Halls by Amy Clarkin (The O’Brien Press, April 2023)

“What Walks These Halls is an interesting, modern take on a paranormal story following a handful of different characters, each with their own unique personality that shines throughout the story… Despite Raven’s disapproval and reluctant involvement, Archer revives the family business: PSI, or Paranormal Surveys Ireland. The two siblings, along with their team of friends, embark on a journey filled with secrets, mystery and most importantly, paranormal activity. “

Reviewed by Hanna-Rose Sullivan, 18 Read More

All Our Hidden Gifts by Caroline O’Donoghue (Walker Books, May 2021)

“All Our Hidden Gifts by Caroline O’Donoghue is about an Irish teen, Maeve Chambers. The plot of the book is very interesting and unique. The side characters Roe and Fiona stood out in the book and took the spotlight from the main character.”

Reviewed by James Keegan, 15 Read More

The Gifts That Bind Us by Caroline O’Donoghue (Walker Books, February 2022)

“The characters in this book are flawed and authentic, written with nuance and compassion. Themes like identity, friendship and love are interwoven with magic in a tale that neither shies away from difficult themes nor sugarcoats them. The intense emotions of a coming-of-age tale are combined with a gripping, twisting tale of power, magic and the things that bind us: for better or for worse.”

Reviewed by Amy Clarkin Read More

Blood to Poison by Mary Watson (Bloomsbury YA, April 2022)

“Women, magic, and anger are all intertwined in this urban fantasy. In a world where girls are often told that their anger is irrational or unladylike, Blood to Poison revels in female anger. Watson explores how Savannah’s anger can be both a weakness and a strength”

Reviewed by Aoife Sheehan Read More

The Wickerlight by Mary Watson (Bloomsbury, 2019)

“In The Wickerlight, Watson puts a new spin on Irish mythology and folklore, bringing it to life in a brand new vessel. Watson’s use of colloquialisms livens up dialogue and narrative alike, and her writing flows like a silk tear falling from the goddess Bríd’s cheek.”

Reviewed by Elliot Gallogly Read More

Banshee Rising by Riley Cain (Currach Books, October 2021)

“We are met with Irish teen protagonist, Caitlyn McCabe, who has the unique ability to see ghosts and spirits in her everyday life. The novel is set in modern day Dublin, but as Caitlyn switches between the three realms: mortal, immortal and forgotten, we get a mix of contemporary and Ancient Irish characters and concepts, which I thoroughly enjoyed.”

Reviewed by Maheen Cheema, 13 Read More

Perfectly Preventable Deaths by Deirdre Sullivan (Hot Key Books, 2019)

“Perfectly Preventable Deaths hooks you from the very first pages, drawing you into a story filled with magic, witchcraft and sisterhood. The book follows Maddy and her twin Catlin, who have just moved to the secluded town of Ballyfrann in Galway with their new stepfather… Something about the way Deirdre Sullivan has written this story makes it beautiful, eerie and utterly unique at the same time.”

Reviewed by Sara Kwiatkowska, 13 Read More

Precious Catastrophe by Deirdre Sullivan (Hot Key Books, September 2021)

“One of my favourite things about this book was that it included a number of currently topical issues, including the trauma Catlin experiences. As a young adult, I think it’s important that we are able to read about this kind of thing, in order to create awareness and change.”

Reviewed by Rebecca Downey, 15 Read More

The Skulduggery Pleasant Grimoire by Derek Landy (HarperCollins, May 2021)

“The Skulduggery Pleasant Grimoire is the paraquel of the Skulduggery Pleasant series by Derek Landy. It contains background information about the Skulduggery Pleasant Universe and summarizations of all the stories and short stories that are currently in the Skulduggery Pleasant series, along with several new stories that reveal never-before-seen information about the Skulduggery Pleasant Universe.”

Reviewed by Emil W., 15 Read More

Skulduggery Pleasant: Dead or Alive by Derek Landy (HarperCollins, April 2021)

“Derek Landy’s cast of characters return for their latest adventure in Skulduggery Pleasant: Dead or Alive, the fourteenth novel in the Skulduggery Pleasant series. Although this is the fourteenth novel in a series, this story is accessible independently. The narrative is rich with action and excitement, albeit with vividly violent descriptions, and gives adequate context for new readers without slowing the story down with too much information.”

Reviewed by Grace Kelly Read More

Savage Her Reply by Deirdre Sullivan (Little Island, October 2020)

“Savage Her Reply is a captivating tale that delves deeper into the myth ‘The Children of Lir’. It is a book that not only gives you a completely different perspective on the story but also makes you wonder about the lives and motives behind the characters in other legends and fables.”

Reviewed by Hanna-Rose Sullivan, teen reviewer Read More

All The Bad Apples by Moïra Fowley-Doyle (Penguin Random House)

“On the morning of her seventeenth birthday Deena Rys comes out to her unconventional family. Branded as a bad apple by her distant father and bullied in school for her sexual orientation, she seeks her eldest sister Mandy’s comfort… This novel is for curious, intuitive and opinionated young people who wish to explore a magical female-centred text.”

Reviewed by Lorna O’Dea Read More

Baby Teeth by Meg Grehan (Little Island Books, September 2021)

“Where can I start with Baby Teeth? It’s personal. Powerful. Passionate. It’s a book written in verse — something which, I must admit, I was intimidated by at first. I’ve never read something like it before. However, it didn’t take long to get swept up into the waves of the words, and become completely absorbed by the cryptic, tormented thoughts of the main character.”

Reviewed by Hanna-Rose Sullivan, 16 Read More

Review: Big Bad Me by Aislinn O’Loughlin (Little Island Books, October 2022)

“Big Bad Me is a very enjoyable book, with its own type of humour alongside the more gory moments, this is different to any other book I have read.  I do hope to see more from this book series and I await the next one!”

Reviewed by Arda Dogan, 13 Read More