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Who Watches This Place by Amy Clarkin: Review

Who Watches This Place is impossible to put down. The sequel to What Walks These Halls follows a small cast in modern-day Ireland with a simple premise: a group of friends are paranormal investigators and are tasked with solving a spooky case in a high-profile members’ club in Dublin city.

Despite being a sequel, it can be enjoyed without reading the first book and is not too confusing. The vivid and diverse cast manage to be incredibly relatable as well as compelling and dynamic. Their banter is hilarious and comes off so naturally that it creates an easy sense of familiarity.

The novel has a slow start and takes a while to get into the horror aspect. It also doesn’t delve deeply into Davis’ character as a Black man in Ireland, but the positives still outweigh the negatives, especially with the introduction of Adrian, a captivating and intriguing character. The foreshadowing was brilliant as well.

A good novel that is easy to digest—an addicting read that explores trauma, sexuality, and relationships, set against an amazing thriller backdrop that keeps the reader hooked.

Review by Mary Richard, 16

Who Watches This Place
Amy Clarkin
The O’Brien Press, 2024
Paperback, €12.99
ISBN: 9781788494588

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Bite Me, Royce Taslim by Lauren Ho: Review

Bite Me, Royce Taslim is a compelling read that captivated me for its entirety through engaging plots and likable characters.

Agnes Chan had her whole life planned, but her dreams of making a name for herself and going to a US college are ruined by an unlikely accident that pulls her from the track team. To make matters worse, her rival, the privileged, popular, and physically perfect Royce Taslim, witnessed it all.

Trying to find a new passion, Agnes joins a local comedy club, where she hopes to succeed in the upcoming international stand-up comedy contest. This chance to stand out, however, comes with complications—the last person she expects to be competing against is also the last person she wants to see: Royce.

Though primarily a comedy, this book also takes a serious look into mental health and the effects it can have not only on the person suffering but also on their family. Agnes’s mother struggles with depression, and particularly heartfelt moments show how draining anxiety can be but also how it can be overcome.

I loved this book due to its diverse themes and overall message. Agnes’s story is one of great inspiration, and I couldn’t help but root for her. The cover art is visually pleasing, as is the perfect, flowing, slow-burn romance inside. If you love YA contemporary and romances, you must pick this book up!

Review by Naomi Picovici, 14

Bite Me, Royce Taslim
Lauren Ho
Hyperion, 2024
Hardback, $18.99 US
ISBN: 9781368095358

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The Forest of a Thousand Eyes by Frances Hardinge, Illustrated by Emily Gravett : Review

The Forest of a Thousand Eyes is a richly woven tapestry of adventure, mystery, and moral complexity. Set in a world where the boundary between reality and the supernatural is beautifully blurred, the novel invites readers into the depths of a haunting forest.

The story centers around a young protagonist who embarks on a journey filled with peril and wonder. Hardinge’s ability to blend whimsical elements with darker themes captivates the reader, drawing them into the narrative. The characters are multi-dimensional, each facing their own inner struggles and growth throughout the tale.

The author’s lyrical prose and intricate world-building create an immersive reading experience. Hardinge’s attention to detail and knack for vivid imagery, along with Emily Gravett’s beautiful illustrations, bring the forest to life, making it feel both enchanting and threatening. Readers will find themselves captivated by the lush descriptions and the rich symbolism that permeates the narrative.

The Forest of a Thousand Eyes showcases Frances Hardinge’s exceptional storytelling skills. The dialogue flows naturally, enhancing character development and adding to the overall richness of the narrative. It is a tale that resonates with readers of all ages, encouraging reflection on themes such as truth, choice, and the intricate bonds that tie us all together.

This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys immersive fantasy and character-driven stories, and it is perfect for fans of Chris Colfer’s Land of Stories.

Review by Isobel Thorne, 17

The Forest of a Thousand Eyes
Frances Hardinge
Illustrated by Emily Gravett
Two Hoots, 2024
Hardback, £14.99
ISBN: 9781529090802

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My Teeth in Your Heart

Billy is hooking up with her best friend’s crush in a flat above a betting agent in Cambridge. Her mother is constantly drunk or high, her grandmother is on her deathbed, and now her best friend is refusing to talk to her. Fifty years earlier, in July 1974 in Famagusta, Cyprus, Anna is secretly seeing a local boy who may be the one who got her pregnant. She longs to study in Cambridge, which seems impossible now, and she’s about to witness the terrifying invasion of Cyprus.

My Teeth in Your Heart is a novel that demands attention. Although the novel is set largely against the backdrop of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, it is less a historical novel and more a reflection of how we are far more similar than we are different. Billy’s discovery of Anna’s diary from the summer of 1974 sends her on an exciting quest. She breaks police lines and countless rules as she attempts to piece together a forgotten history with direct impact on her own life.

While Billy’s story is told in the first person in present tense, Anna’s is in the third person past tense. This might sound jarring but is carried off masterfully by Joanna Nadin, whose prose is accessible and evocative. Be aware, however, that this novel is not always an enjoyable read. There are descriptions of violence, sexual assault, and drug use that make it unsuitable for younger readers.

Review by Anna Brennan O’Connor

My Teeth in Your Heart
Joanna Nadin
Uclan Publishing, 2024
Paperback, £8.99
ISBN: 9781916747142

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How to Survive a Horror Movie by Scarlett Dunmore: Review

Charley, an avid horror enthusiast, moves from the city to a remote island in the middle of the sea to attend an all-girls boarding school. However, as her classmates begin dying one by one, she realises her once-fictional obsession is slowly becoming a reality and a killer is on the loose. Stuck on the island, Charley sets out to unravel the killings and find the suspect before it’s too late…

Dunmore’s novel is a delightful homage to the horror genre, packed with nods to the tropes that horror fans know all too well. From Scream to The Midnight Club, Dunmore encompasses all aspects of the horror genre to excite readers. The island setting is atmospheric and unsettling. The imposing stone monasteries, jagged cliffs, and unpredictable weather create a school shrouded in mystery and suspense.

A major theme seen throughout is Charley’s attempt to figure out the unwritten rules of “surviving” a horror movie, including “don’t split up” and never say “I’ll be right back.” The book is broken up not by traditional chapters, but rather by Charley’s rules, which I thought was really clever and engaging. The self-awareness of this book was one of its strongest points; Dunmore knew exactly what readers expect from the genre and used that to her advantage, creating twists that both honoured and subverted those expectations.

I really enjoyed reading this book, and I think it would especially appeal to those who love horror movies. A fast-paced, thrilling homage to the horror genre, How to Survive a Horror Movie is the ultimate book for horror fans.

Review by Lasairíona Scarff, 18

How to Survive a Horror Movie
Scarlett Dunmore
Little Tiger, 2024
Paperback, £8.99
ISBN: 9781788957120

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Wild East by Ashley Hickson-Lovence: Review

Wild East tells the story of Ronny, a young Black boy with a huge love for music, who moves from London to Norwich after his friend was killed. At the beginning he struggles, both with his grief and with feeling like an outsider in his new, mostly white, community. However, due to encouragement from his teachers he discovers his talent for writing, especially poetry, and this helps him to truly come into his own.

I think this is a very important book for a multitude of reasons. It deals with a number of extremely sensitive and important themes such as racism, gang violence, grief, drugs, and poverty, with extreme empathy and compassion, something that is often sorely lacking in discussion about these topics. Nevertheless, I found the most compelling aspect of this book was that despite its exploration of these difficult themes, its primary aim was to uplift young people who are going through similar struggles; to show them that their hopes and dreams are just as valuable and achievable as everyone else’s.

Wild East is written in a free-verse style that is extremely accessible while still being interesting and fresh, making it an excellent choice of book for young teenagers who may not particularly enjoy reading traditional novels – especially since so much of the book is about a young person finding joy in literature for the first time.

Mae O’Connor, 18  

Wild East
Ashley Hickson-Lovence
Penguin Books, 2024
Paperback £8.99
ISBN: 9780241645444

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Someone’s Been Messing With Reality by John Hearne: Review

Martin Ryan makes a shocking discovery – one that makes him question everything he knows. Bored enough to be spotting squirrels on video cameras, he sees something that changes his life. Now the future of the human race depends on him.

Someone’s Been Messing With Reality is action packed right from the first page. Eerie foreshadowing and the mysterious atmosphere of small town Glencooper combined with thrilling action and clever plot twists make for an engaging read. The writing style is casual and easy to read and the dialogue is funny and well written.

I would’ve liked to get to know a few of the characters better, especially Martin’s friend Enda. It feels like some of the character development had been sacrificed in order to make room for more plot points. But having said that, all the exciting events (exploding mines, stealing police cars and fighting flesheating aliens, to name a few) make the reader feel invested in even the blandest of characters.

If you’re a fan of science fiction, the TV show Stranger Things or if you’re just looking for a fun but gripping novel you’ve come to the right place. This book delivers an exciting story that makes you forget you’re reading, which is surely the mark of a great book. So, will Martin be able to save the planet? You’ll have to read it to find out…

Erin Gallimore, 14

Someone’s Been Messing With Reality
John Hearne
Little Island Books, 2024
Paperback, £7.99
ISBN 9781915071484

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The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle: Review

The Dagger and the Flame is an imaginative, original romantasy, featuring the common enemies-to-lovers trope and an innovative magical system. The book focuses on Seraphine Merchant as she navigates her way through the city of Fantome trying to solve the mystery surrounding her mother’s death, while making friends and dodging the hot assassin sent to kill her.

The city is a place of scholars, shadow and intrigue. It is home to two Orders, the Cloaks and the Daggers, and danger lurks around every corner. The descriptive imagery used adds to an already unique setting and cast of diverse characters. The emotions portrayed are realistic and relatable, and each character has their own motives and values. The dual point of view of Seraphine and her love interest, Ransom, keeps the novel refreshing, and ensures the full story is told. The romance is hot and heavy, with occasional sweet moments.

My only criticism would be the development of Ransom’s other relationships. I felt Seraphine’s relationships were fleshed out well, but Ransom’s often took the backseat as a result. Ransom’s relationships with the people around him and his emotions towards them weren’t explored fully, especially near the end of the novel. I would have liked to see more of his reactions and inner turmoil. However, the merits of this book far outweigh the flaws.

This book is for people who enjoy romance, magic, and mystery. I would recommend it if you enjoyed the Shadow and Bone series. Death, abuse, grief, and love are all topics explored in this book. For those with a spirit of adventure, and a penchant for mystery, this book is well worth the read.

Clara Wemyss, 15

The Dagger and the Flame
Catherine Doyle
Simon & Schuster, 2024
Paperback, €12.99
ISBN: 9781398528383

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Something to be Proud Of by Anna Zoe Quirke: Review

When Imogen (she/they) attends their first Pride, nothing goes as hoped. Overwhelmed by the noise and masses of people, they are left by their “friends” to recover from a meltdown in a café. While her dad thinks this is exactly what she should have expected to happen, Imogen decides that it shouldn’t have to be, and they set up an activist society with the goal of putting on a Pride festival that is accessible to everyone.

The book’s narration is split between Imogen and Oliver, an initially reluctant member of the activist society. Their individual viewpoints and developing friendship are what really drive the plot. Watching Imogen and Oliver’s friendship grow as they learn to appreciate and support each other’s challenges and ambitions was my favorite part of reading.

Often, one character will set up a secret in their chapter, only for it to be revealed to the other (and to the reader) in their friend’s respective chapter. This device felt a little overused, but each individual reveal was still exciting, and I liked how the foreshadowing made the reading experience feel very safe without being predictable.

Apart from being queer, another important part of Imogen’s identity is that they are autistic, and that side of their characterization is superbly written. Imogen is a believable, relatable, 100% their own character, with no lazy stereotypes entertained.

Something to be Proud Of is an exciting addition to the LGBTQ+ centered YA lineup. If you want a queer book where the focus is friendship and activism, you should try this one.

Review by Camille Boelt Hindsgaul

Something to be Proud Of
Anna Zoe Quirke
Little Tiger, 2024
Paperback, £8.99
ISBN: 9781788956901

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Tomorrow We Begin: Poems to Find Yourself In by Matt Goodfellow: Review

Our protagonist Matt is 11 and about to start secondary school. He doesn’t know what his future holds or what to expect as he embarks on this new stage of life.

The poems cover the next five years, as Matt experiences the thorny lows that spike our teenage years: difficulties with his mum, the stress of schoolwork, and a nameless depression that makes his head feel like it is full of snakes. There are also glorious highs, such as discovering drama, playing with his mates, and that thrill of being out in the sun with people who make you feel alive.

There are moments that are delicate and touching, like clouds passing by before they fade away. Other moments are robust and peppered with humor, which are all the more powerful thanks to the chatty, youthful language.

Tomorrow We Begin has as many shades as a child growing into a teenager and then touching the edges of adulthood. It is undercut by a deep and clear-eyed understanding of what it means to be young today. I found this book of poetry more enjoyable than some of the classic poetry I was made to read at school. With this collection, Matt Goodfellow has captured the confusion, discomfort, and sheer joy of growing into oneself.

Review by Laura Marriott

Tomorrow We Begin: Poems to Find Yourself In
Matt Goodfellow
Bloomsbury Education, 2024
Paperback, £7.99
ISBN: 978180199339