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Great YA titles You Can’t Miss – #DiscoverIrishKidsBooks

Paper Lanterns is proud to be a part of the thriving Irish Young Adult Literature community and we are delighted to support the #DiscoverIrishKidsBooks campaign. There are brilliant YA books written by authors in Ireland and Northern Ireland. We encourage everyone to pick one up for their next read

We strongly believe it is important (and enjoyable!) to read books from a diversity of backgrounds, but equally we know how amazing it is to see yourself and your place in the books you read.

To make it easier to #DiscoverIrishKidsBooks, we’ve pulled together the Irish YA books our reviewers have read and enjoyed. What better way to discover new reads than going directly to teenagers and YA enthusiasts based all over the island of Ireland – find out what your next read should be in their words!

And of course, as well as reviews, Paper Lanterns is filled with poetry, stories, essays, art and interviews by teen contributors and older YA enthusiasts – you can pick up a copy in our shop here.

For more information on the campaign, visit http://discoveririshkidsbooks.ie

Table Of Contents
  1. Contemporary
  2. Historical Fiction
  3. Non-Fiction
  4. Fantasy
Continue reading Great YA titles You Can’t Miss – #DiscoverIrishKidsBooks
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Ride or Die by Gail-Agnes Musikavanhu: Review

Ride or Die 
Gail-Agnes Musikavanhu 
Soho Teen, 2023 
Hardback, €25.19 
ISBN 9781641294201

The best way I would describe this book would be a breath of fresh air while simultaneously being a breath holding experience.  

This thrilling YA novel Ride or Die explores the character Loli Crawford, who is always unapologetically herself, something you can both admire and hate. While plotting an elaborate heist, a mysterious stranger, X, interrupts her plans and proposes an offer she cannot refuse. While hoping to fulfil her adrenaline rushed fantasies, we see Loli juggle the act of self-discovery, school and relationships. The author puts an exciting twist on regular clichés so you never truly know where you’re going to end up.  

I’m a sucker for an interesting character with plenty of depth and this book had quite a few. The protagonist Loli is humorous, unpredictable and frustrating in all the right ways. Although I enjoy these attributes, I understand characters like this aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. I find it boring when a book has a set of characters who are essentially all copied and pasted, but each character in Ride or Die had their own unique traits, antics and flaws. So much so, you’d struggle trying not to find someone you relate to. While the characters aren’t particularly complex, I think that the story speaks for itself and is a light and funny read.  

My most read genres would include thrillers and mysteries, so I thoroughly enjoyed those elements in this novel. It was a perfect combination of classic chick flicks like Gossip Girl and famous stories like Bonnie and Clyde. With each chapter based off a song, you’re always kept entertained while reading. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush this is the book for you.  

Colene O’ Callaghan, 16 

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When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill: Review

When Women Were Dragons 

Kelly Barnhill 

Hot Key Books, 2023 

Paperback £8.99 

ISBN 9781471412226 

 When Women Were Dragons is a highly interesting book about transformation and feminine rage. It follows a girl named Alex as she grows up in 1950’s Wisconsin. Women turn into dragons, seemingly out of nowhere. The government is suppressing media and research, even though across America women are turning into dragons in a process called dragoning. There was a mass dragoning in 1955. Alex grows up wondering why some women dragon and what the phenomenon means for her family and her future. 

Most of the plot involves her struggles to care for her sister and to get to college despite a complete lack of familial support. She also must deal with trauma caused by emotional abuse from her father. The story is filled with loss, struggle, frustration, heartbreak, and rage. This book features a variety of different characters apart from Alex. Her mom, a math genius, a lesbian aunt who is a car mechanic, a badass librarian, and a determined scientist. 

This was a book I could not stop reading because of the amazing storytelling and complex characters. 

Máire Daly, 16 

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Queen of Gods by Katherine & Elizabeth Corr: Review

Queen of Gods 

Katherine & Elizabeth Corr 

Hot Key Books, 2023 

Paperback, £8.99 

ISBN 9781471411281 

Queen of Gods is a thrilling adventure filled with captivating characters, intricate world-building, and an engaging plot. The authors do a fantastic job of immersing readers in a rich and imaginative realm, filled with gods, magic, and intricate mythology. The vivid descriptions and attention to detail bring the setting to life, making it easy to get lost in the story. 

The story follows Deina, a relatable and compelling protagonist, as she discovers her hidden powers and navigates a world filled with gods, mythical creatures, and ancient prophecies. The authors’ descriptive writing style brings the settings and action to life, making it easy to get lost in the pages. 

One of the standout aspects of Queen of Gods is the depth and complexity of the well-developed characters. Deina’s journey of self-discovery is not only about her powers but also about her relationships with other characters. Each character possesses their own unique strengths, flaws, and motivations, making them feel incredibly real and relatable. As the story unfolds, we witness their growth, internal struggles, and the choices they make in the face of daunting challenges. It’s fascinating to see how their relationships and interactions shape the course of the plot. The interactions and dynamics between the characters are well-developed and add layers of depth to the story. 

Overall, Queen of Gods is a mesmerizing must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure. It’s a book that will keep you hooked from beginning to end, with its blend of magic, mythology, and a strong, relatable protagonist. 

Charlie O’ Keeffe, 16 

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You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron: Review

You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight
Kalynn Bayron
Bloomsbury, 2023
Paperback, £8.99
ISBN: 9781526658463

Kalynn Bayron’s You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight takes readers on a pulse-pounding journey that will leave you gripping the edge of your seat with anticipation and horror. 

The story unfolds at Camp Mirror Lake, a haven for thrill-seekers willing to pay for the ultimate scare of their lives. Our main protagonist, Charity Curtis, is thrust into a nightmarish reality when all of a sudden, her co-workers begin vanishing and this is no longer just a simulation. As terror escalates and the line between performance and reality blurs, Charity’s transformation from a scripted final girl to a survivor is both compelling and enthralling for the readers. The relationship between Charity and her girlfriend Bezi offers a pleasant escape for the readers amid the chaos that’s unfurling around them. There’s more to Mirror Lake’s dangerous past than what meets the eye and Charity must unravel the clues and solve the mystery of who the killer is and what they are after. 

Bayron’s ability to immerse the reader in the chilling atmosphere of the camp, the mood of fear and foreboding, and the fast-paced horror from the very beginning of the book made this a thrilling read for me. The author’s use of descriptive language and gore really amped up the spooky feels. 

I felt that the set up went slightly downhill after the first part of the novel, with the pacing being uneven, lack of character development and the transition from horror to paranormal. 

As this novel is quite short, I felt the ending was rushed. This book did get me out of my reading slump and I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a fast- paced thriller/horror YA book. 

Jefna Shaijo, 18

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Starlings by Amanda Linsmeier: Review

Starlings
Amanda Linsmeier
Delacorte Press, 2023
Hardback, $18.99
ISBN 9780593572337

Starlings is a wonderful fantasy, leaning into all the fantastic tropes that Young Adult fantasy/horror is best known for. It’s set in the mystical town of Rosemont, a beautiful yet sinister location. Our protagonist, Kit, goes to Rosemont to visit her grandmother, whom she believed was dead for most of her life, until letters begin arriving after her father’s passing.

From the get-go, this novel embraces foreshadowing and symbolism to really hook the reader instantly. With a dark mystery at its centre, we are also exposed to the themes of family, of legacy and of identity. It’s a beautiful story to connect to as a young person, but still allows the escapism and disconnect from reality we all crave from fantasy fiction. The town of Rosemont is a perfectly disconcerting location to set such a twisting story. Kit’s understanding of her family, and the forces which have shaped this strange town, begin to shift as the story progresses, as does a reader’s perception of the outward normalcy of Rosemont. Whilst leaning into the conventions of fantasy and folk horror, the novel is still genre-bending, and keeps us engaged with the characters who are so naturally and entrancingly developed.

The explorations of grief keep a reader grounded and connected to their own sense of self throughout this dark tale. Overall, its place as a YA novel lies beyond categorical definition, and will appeal to readers of all interests.

Sarah Fitz

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Welcome To Camp Killer by Cynthia Murphy: Review

Welcome To Camp Killer
Cynthia Murphy
Barrington Stoke, 2023
Paperback, £7.99
ISBN 9781800902282

Welcome To Camp Killer is a great novel. The plot is simple: an American-style summer camp, Camp Miller, run by teenagers, is set up in the grounds of an English mansion. Rumours spread that a tragedy took place on the grounds, along with unexplained ghost sightings. Then, the incidents begin; someone almost drowns, a fatal fall during rock climbing, and other occurrences.

This book is excellent, it is full of suspense, and includes little nods at franchises, like Supernatural. At 121 pages long, this is a fast-paced read, which unfortunately leaves the characters slightly underdeveloped, but that is just a minor issue, as the reader’s experience was not damaged by it.

The plot twist at the end was unexpected, but really heightened my experience of the book. You’re waiting for the big reveal, wondering if the current events are connected to the rumours associated with the camp, and then the twist is thrown right in your face.

The writing in Welcome To Camp Killer was captivating and descriptive, it made me feel immersed in the story, not being able to put the book down until I had turned over the last page.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading Welcome to Camp Killer, a horror novel in an English setting which is well worth reading if you’re looking for a short, gripping read. 

Sarah O’Connor, 16

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We’re looking for our next cover…

Our next issue is going to be published in May 2024, and we are looking for a piece of cover art!

It could be a painting, a photography, a drawing, a scan of textile art… anything you think would make a gorgeous, eye-catching piece.

You can have a look at our past covers to get an idea of what we like, although we’re open to something completely different too.

If you’ve created something for a school art class that you’re really proud of, please send it to us! You don’t have to create something for this competition, although you’re very welcome to.

You do not need to include text in your art if you don’t want to – our designer will create the cover using your image.

With the support of the Arts Council, we are able to pay a fee of €85 to our art contributors, and €100 to our cover artist. This will be paid via PayPal, or a book token if you are under 16.

Closes 16th February at 6pm

Please be sure to read and adhere to these guidelines carefully, or your submission will not be considered.

  • You must be 13+ years old to submit.
  • Please label your file correctly with the title of your piece, e.g. “Sunrise.jpeg” (do not include your name in the file, and please do not submit your file as “image2938.jpeg”).
  • Please fill out the subject of the email: Art – Title 
  • Please include your full name in the body of the email (feel free to include a short cover letter introducing yourself and a little bit about your work).
  • Please send your work to: submit.paperlanterns@gmail.com
  • You will receive an auto-reply email, requesting you to fill out a Google form.  Fill out the form for each individual piece. The form can also be found here.
  • Due to copyright laws, we cannot accept work that is a copy of someone else’s intellectual property or work. The piece must be original and owned by you.
    • For example, if you do a drawing of an image you found online, we cannot accept it, but if you draw from what’s in front of you, from an image you took or from your imagination, we can accept it. If you have any questions on this please email paperlanternsjournal@gmail.com
  • We do not accept work that has been published elsewhere. We accept simultaneous submissions, but we ask you to notify us immediately if your submission has been accepted elsewhere.
  • You are welcome to make multiple submissions. We will accept SIX art submissions.
  • While we are very open to the content of the submissions, we will not accept any pieces that are prejudiced in nature. We will not accept pieces that include, but are not limited to: sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, or classist content.
  • We reserve the right to chose a cover from other submissions, a cover may not be selected from this competition.
  • If you have any questions, please contact paperlanternsjournal@gmail.com
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Grapefruit Moon by Shirley-Anne McMillan: Review

Grapefruit Moon
Shirley-Anne McMillan
Little Island, August 2023
Paperback, €10.99
ISBN 9781915071422

A tale of two people trying to navigate, in their own, unique way, the social conduct of secondary school to try and fit in.

A tale of two seemingly very different people who seek out a future for themselves through a drag show, slam poetry and a trip to Spain, not realising their actions lead them to one another.

Continue reading Grapefruit Moon by Shirley-Anne McMillan: Review
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A Game of Life or Death by Triona Campbell: Review

A Game of Life or Death
Triona Campbell
Scholastic, January 2023
Paperback £8.99
ISBN 9780702317880

A Game of Life or Death is a thrilling, futuristic novel centred around the growing empire of VR technology and eSports in London. The protagonist, Asha, is a sixteen-year-old girl who has never had it easy. She grew up in the care system and her sister, Maya, is the only support she has. However, when Asha comes home one day to find Maya dead, her world is thrown into chaos.

Continue reading A Game of Life or Death by Triona Campbell: Review