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Review: Cinder & Glass by Melissa De La Cruz

Cinder & Glass

Melissa De La Cruz

Putman, March 2022

Paperback, £8.99

ISBN 9780593463086

Inspired by the stories of the court of Louis XIV, the sun king and based on a fairytale, Cinder & Glass is an entertaining read, adding its own twist to the story of Cinderella. Left at the will of her cruel stepmother and stepsisters after the death of her father, Cendrillon De Louvois is forced to become a servant to her new family. After attending the royal ball, she captures the heart of Prince Louis and his brother Auguste. Although she has a disinclination towards the Prince and a connection to Auguste, Cendrillon knows that the only way to leave the cruelty of her stepmother is to compete against the other courting girls for the Prince’s hand. This leaves her faced with an impossible decision. Is she willing to lose the boy that she loves in order to escape the life she so desperately hates?

While based on a well known fairytale, this book offers enough nuance to make the characters feel new. I really adored the friendship between Cendrillon, Elodie and Marius, it was heartwarming to see how much they cared for each other. The book has a way of getting you invested in the characters quickly and so it wasn’t too long before I found myself rooting for Cendrillon and Auguste’s relationship. The writing had good descriptions, in particular when the Hall of Mirrors was being described, it felt like I was actually standing right there. The only minor issue for me was that I felt like the pacing was a bit off however, at no point did I feel bored of the story. The quotes at the start of a new part were lovely and in my opinion, a great addition to the telling of the story. 

Perfect for fans of the Cinderella fairytale and fantasy genre, Cinder & Glass is an elegant, inventive retelling with a twist and a story worth reading. 

Sarah Thompson O Sullivan, 16

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Review: Harley Quinn: Reckoning by Rachael Allen

Harley Quinn: Reckoning

Rachael Allen

Random House, April 2022

Hardback, US $18.99

ISBN 9780593429860

Harley Quinn: Reckoning is a phenomenally excellent retelling of Harley Quinn’s origin story. It’s a book that not only focuses on her backstory but also targets topics such as relationships and the importance of feminism, as well as more sensitive themes such as trauma. It touches on a wide range of emotions, and has a lot of action and mystery. It basically encompasses everything you could ask for in a book!

Through reading the book we are able to see Harley Quinn’s vulnerable side, as well as where the walls she has built up around her heart come from, which is imperative to our view on her character. Throughout the book we also see Quinn’s mental state gradually and unexpectedly deteriorate.

The book is predominantly filled with simple, everyday language and the tone overall is quite casual so it’s a relatively easy and quick read. As well as this, it’s a real page turner and quite fast paced in my opinion which makes it all the more interesting. There is also a hint of mystery in the background as the plot plays out, which really adds an additional feel of excitement. Previous knowledge of Harley Quinn isn’t necessary for the understanding of the book however it might be beneficial.

I would definitely recommend this book to any DC fans out there as well as anyone who is looking for a quick, interesting read.

Issues some readers might find difficult: sexual assault 

Amina Abbassene, 18

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Review: The Eternal Return of Clara Hart by Louise Finch

The Eternal Return of Clara Hart

Louise Finch

Little Island, August 2022

Paperback, £8.99

ISBN 9781915071026

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. The book follows Spence, a teenager who finds himself stuck in a time loop where he must relive the same day in which his classmate, Clara, dies at a house party.

I found Finch’s writing style to be well done as it brings the reader into the mindset of a teenage boy. Spence makes the overall theme of the book easy to engage with as we see how his toxic mindset has been influenced by the world around him. He’s a flawed character that must learn from his mistakes which just makes him more realistic. 

The rest of the characters were all well-rounded too as each had their own problems that didn’t just revolve around Spence. We see snippets of their lives and personalities through Spence’s repetition of the same day which honestly made me feel as if I was reading about a real class. 

Another thing I loved about this book was seeing the different ways Spence dealt with the time loop. I thought this was extremely fun and the short chapters make it easier to keep reading. I found myself not wanting to put this book down and ended up finishing it in two days. 

I think this is an exceptional debut that can be enjoyed by anybody, but especially by teenage boys who can connect to Spence and his struggles.

Rachel Stephens, 18

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Review: Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys and Andrew Weiner

Girl on Fire 

Alicia Keys, Andrew Weiner

Illustrated by Brittney Williams

Harper Alley, March 2022

Hardback, £12.99

ISBN 9780063029569

Girl on Fire follows the story of Lolo Wright and her discovery of her hidden power, the ability to control objects with her mind. This is a beautiful graphic novel that portrays the realities of being a teenager with superpowers thrown into the mix. Prejudice, class, race and the importance of family and friends are just some of the themes explored within the colourful illustrations on each page. It was a refreshing change of pace to read about a strong female superhero. The authors don’t sugar coat the truth in this book, they tackle many different issues head on.

Lolo is such an endearing and inspiring protagonist as well as a great role model. At fourteen years old, she is razor sharp and top of her class. Even as she faces extreme danger and threats to herself and her family, she displays remarkable strength and resilience. The reader gets to observe her journey as she grapples with her newfound power, antagonists and fitting in at school.

I would highly recommend this graphic novel to anyone looking for a unique read, it is penned by Alicia Keys and the title comes from her chart-topping song of the same title. It is suitable for younger teens and anyone looking for a nail-biting, action packed read.

Emma Daly 

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Review: Three Girls by Katie Clapham

Three Girls

Katie Clapham

UCLan Publishing, May 2022

Paperback, £7.99

ISBN 9781912979806

Three Girls is a book about three different personalities thrust together to promote their school’s inclusivity and friendships. However these girls were made to pose for their school’s brochure, and told to pretend to have a friendship forged through differences. 

This book is relatable, inclusive and very much down to earth with what goes through teenagers minds today. 

These three girls put on an act however, one of them has a secret. A secret that may forge their friendship into something more than an act.

In my opinion I would rate this book a seven out of ten as it’s very much relatable in today’s society. I would recommend it to people who have read One of Us is Lying or any school drama or mystery book. 

Aoibhe O’Dwyer

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Review: Say No to the Dress by Keren David

Say No to the Dress

Keren David

Barrington Stoke, April 2022

Paperback, £7.99

ISBN 9781800900875

Say No to the Dress is decidedly unglamorous. Miri is struggling with the frustrations of being fourteen — and it’s not that easy when the mean girls in school become friends with your friends, and she’s lost control of her body as it goes through puberty. Nothing fits anymore, and Miri sticks to t-shirts and baggy jumpers, avoiding anything with the label ‘body-con’. A body-con dress does not make you feel body-confident.

Not only that, but her brother has decided to marry Toxic Tiffany’s older sister, and with Miri’s sister Alice getting married this summer as well, Miri is stuck in two weddings – which means two bridesmaid dresses she wouldn’t be caught dead in. Miri grapples with her family relationships, her self-confidence and sense of identity in an accessible and delightful exploration of body positivity and adolescence.

Keren David’s short novel for reluctant readers is refreshingly honest and authentic, capturing what it’s like to be a teenager and the familiar awkwardness of growing up so perfectly, it’s impossible not to relate to Miri. She lends Miri a voice that is irresistibly compelling and insightful about adolescence, and resonant with pretty much anyone who’s gone or going through puberty.

This is perfect for readers of Katie Kirby, Chloe Seager, Holly Smale and Dork Diaries, who should love the addition of this voice that makes them feel seen for their less-than-perfect experiences growing up.

Deirdre Power

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Review: I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston

 

I Kissed Shara Wheeler

Casey McQuiston

Macmillan Children’s Books, May 2022

Hardback, £14.99

ISBN 9781529099423

Shara Wheeler is perfect: she’s popular, academic, and the principal of Willowgrove Christian Academy’s daughter. She’s also a natural threat to Chloe Green winning valedictorian and getting out of her small, judgemental town in Alabama for good. Then Shara kisses Chloe a month before graduation and disappears, leaving Chloe confused and reluctantly curious for answers.

Following a set of cryptic, well-designed clues Shara left behind, Chloe teams up for a scavenger hunt with the two main players from Shara’s life — her long-term boyfriend, and the boy-next-door. With the race to graduation on, Chloe is thrown into a world that was right outside her front door the whole time, where she learns that people shouldn’t be judged by who she thinks they are.

I Kissed Shara Wheeler is a necessary and timely queer YA rom-com that presents a fresh take on the ‘mean girl’ trope. McQuiston expertly weaves in an enemies-to-lovers plot and a loveable, well-drawn cast of teens. The book breathlessly shows this cast taking the next steps into adulthood, affirming or discovering their queerness across the full spectrum of the LGBTQ+ umbrella against the backdrop of an unaccepting small town, while also showing that people do not have to behave perfectly to be loved. There are some beautiful, affirming coming out scenes. The premise is deceptively complex, but neatly paced, and everything ties up satisfyingly by the end.  

Courtney Smyth

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Review: Needle by Patrice Lawrence

Needle

Patrice Lawrence

Barrington Stoke, May 2022

Paperback, £7.99

ISBN 9781800901018

Comfort is not a word that can be used to describe Needle. It tells an incredible story of a young girl pushed to the periphery after losing her mother and being separated from her sister. Her pain is eminent throughout. The tone of the novella is such that it is suitable for younger readers and yet this does in no way limit its audience. There is something to be taken away by readers of every age.

  Lawrence interweaves knitting and a moving tale of a young girl going through the system with an expert hand. The intermittent reminders of click, click, click serve as a therapeutic rhythm that allows the writing to flow. It is interesting that she chooses knitting as a thread throughout because the rhythmic pattern of activities such as knitting and crochet have been known to be helpful in anxious situations.

The police system from such a young voice is not one that is prevalent in literature or media. In fact, the reverse is usually the case as there are numerous stories from the other side. Surely, we should be listening to the voices of the kids that need to be listened to more than anything. Those are the stories that can help change the system. Lawrence opens up a side of the conversation that hasn’t often had its chance to speak up and be heard.

Clíona Hornibrook

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Review: Kiss & Tell by Adib Khorram

Kiss & Tell

Adib Khorram

Dial Books, March 2022

Paperback, $11.50

ISBN 9780593463116

Hunter Drake, acclaimed lyricist for boyband Kiss & Tell, has recently broken up with his first love, the brother of his best friend/bandmate. The two decided to keep the details of their break-up private, but that hasn’t stopped the public from speculating. On top of headlining a North American tour, struggling to write for the band’s upcoming third album, and dealing with a controlling label, Hunter’s under a lot of pressure. Things start to look up when he meets Kaivan, a member of the band opening for him and his friends, but Hunter’s ex isn’t done with him yet.

Every chapter of Kiss & Tell is punctuated by interviews with band members, social media chatter, and think-pieces, emphasising the cacophony of voices Drake and the other characters have to appease. For the most part these come off as accurate representations of celebrity-focused internet culture, and the book is better for them, as they help the reader understand just how Drake is able to internalise some of the crueller things said about him in the media. The romance in the book is sweet and realistic, and though moments in the necessary climactic fight seems slightly forced, it’s difficult not to root for the pair. Author Adib Khorram manages to explore the media’s simultaneous commodification and erasure of gay men through Drake without sacrificing specific characterisation, keeping Kiss & Tell both thought-provoking and entertaining. Good for fans of Mackenzi Lee’s The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue and Ngozi Ukazu Check, Please!

Gillian Doyle

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Review: Things I Know by Helena Close

Things I Know

Helena Close

Little Island, May 2022

Paperback, £8.99

ISBN 9781915071033

Things I Know takes place over a summer in Cloughmore, a town you’d pass through in Clare on the way to the sea. Everything stays the same here. 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.

Saoirse’s friend Jade is a larger than life character who visits occasionally from Limerick where she and her family used to live. Her father has thrown himself into new ventures since the death of her mother. Saoirse feels like everything is wrong, even before the shocking death by suicide of her ex-boyfriend, Finn.

This is a beautifully crafted story, taking us into Saoirse’s mind as she struggles to find something to cling to. Nothing seems to stick; counselling with Malcolm, flirting with Dylan, even hanging out with Jade becomes fractured over the summer months. Saoirse still feels like she’s on the outside. Her sister Eva seems to fit in but things only get more worrying for our protagonist.

Helena Close skews the plague that is social media for young people, feeding the rumour mill in the town. The author never allows the narrative to descend totally into a depressive state, but instead portrays the poignant story of a young woman trying her best. Trying to ignore the relentless waves of toxic friendship and the platitudes being thrown her way by her family, by Dylan and by her counsellor. Something has to give eventually and Helena Close approaches this with sensitivity and poise in her writing. Another engaging read from the writer of the successful The Gone Book.

Derek Carney