Posted on by — Leave a comment

Lady’s Knight by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner: Review

Lady’s Knight is a positively gripping story that puts on display themes of love, feminism and sexism. I adored the cast in this novel. From Isobelle, the glowing optimist who weaponises femininity, to the hardened but caring Gwen and her noble aspirations, there’s no shortage of colourfully written characters to fall in love with. One thing that stuck out to me was between some chapters and at the start of the book there were pages where a narrator talks directly to the reader and gives context or commentary on what’s happening in the plot. I found this annoying at first because it would take me out of the book, when I was so deeply immersed in the well-built world. By the end I found myself enjoying its presence as an almost pseudo companion during my read.

Overall I loved the book, it took me on an emotional rollercoaster throughout the course of the story and it kept a consistently light tone with some heavier moments in between, I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a touching romance filled with queerness and chivalry!

Lady’s Knight is chivalrous, heartfelt, comedic, empowering, and charming with LGBTQIA+ representation. It also has themes of betrayal and sexism which may cause discomfort for some readers.

Jerry Gearon, 17

Lady’s Knight
Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
Electric Monkey, 2025
Paperback, £9.99
ISBN: 9780008714062

Posted on by — Leave a comment

The Other Girl by Emily Barr: Review

The idea has struck all of us at least once – what if we could run away and become someone else for a day? Of course, we might consider the moral and legal implications of this and soon think otherwise. The Other Girl explores what would happen if you pressed ahead with the idea and expands it into a three-hundred-and- fifty-page narrative that is guaranteed to entertain, if not mildly confuse.

Narrated in three parts from the perspectives of two teenage girls who swap places one summer day, this story covers a lot of ground, both geographically and thematically. What begins as a humdrum thriller set on a train soon becomes a complex mystery that is unlike any other in its no-holds-barred examination of serious issues such as body dysmorphia, addiction, and death. This is, of course, framed by a fun, globe-trotting plot that never fails to amuse with plenty of memorable quotes and secondary characters.

Emily Barr’s newest title constantly surprises with two protagonists who are the definition of unreliable narrators but that’s what makes this tale so tantalising – you never know what the other is going to uncover about the girl she is meant to be and how that affects her new life. If incredibly readable, emotionally heightened mysteries are your thing, then this novel should be at the very top of your recommended reads list.

Mark Jackson

The Other Girl
Emily Barr
Penguin Random House UK, 2025
Paperback, £8.99
ISBN: 9780241643440

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Den of Liars by Jessica S. Olson: Review

For fans of the Caraval series, Den of Liars is a wickedly sumptuous rollercoaster of heists, magic, and romance. Set in a magical, Roaring Twenties-esque casino where contestants gamble with their secrets to win a high-stakes tournament, with vivid writing that brings all the glitz and glamour to life, Den of Liars is a unique read, as well as lots of fun.

After a failed heist, prospective thief Lola St. James gets drawn into a cat-and-mouse game with the casino’s owner, a magically cursed man known only as the Liar (brother of her best friend, the Thief). Lola is an intriguing character, flawed but sympathetic, whose character arc feels believable and well-earned. She also has amblyopia and wears glasses, providing much-needed representation in fantasy novels for both conditions.

While the book can be exposition-heavy at places, and the worldbuilding hard to keep straight, readers will enjoy the fast-paced story and Lola’s romantic sparring with the brooding and villainous Liar. Their chemistry really sparkles on the page, and they have a dynamic physicality thanks to some excellently written aerial hoop and ballroom dancing scenes. Meanwhile, Lola’s relationship with the Thief is also a messy one, calling into question who is manipulating whom as she races to win the tournament and also learn the secret behind the brothers’ curse.

With older protagonists, violence, and some mildly spicy scenes, this book is best suited for readers aged 16 and up.

Anna Benn

Den of Liars
Jessica S. Olson
Hot Key Books, 2025
Paperback, £16.99
ISBN: 9781471417382

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Pieces of Us by Stewart Foster: Review

Stewart Foster’s Pieces of Us makes itself at home in the uncomfortable space between childhood and adulthood. Told in the voice of the 17-year-old Jonas, a bulimic British teenager in the 90s, it is a story of growth – of both changing and learning to love the parts of yourself that maybe don’t need to change.

Pieces of Us is written as half-love-letter-half-eulogy to Louis, an outgoing older teenager whose friendship changed Jonas’ life. Coming into each other’s lives seemingly out of nowhere, the two’s bond is fast-made and strong, toeing the line between queer and platonic, descending at points into co-dependency. Together, the boys balance adulthood and artistic creativity, reaching a painful conclusion that sometimes you can’t have all you want without giving up the building blocks of your comfort zone.

Foster’s Jonas comes off as authentically 17 – both a strength and a weakness. He is immature, especially to start with, and his writing reflects that. The world he describes centres around him and Louis, pushing other matters to the background and justifying behaviours that the reader might not find the most sympathetic. Depictions of other characters suffer, making it difficult to imagine them as people in their own lives rather than props. The style grows with Jonas, becoming richer in the later chapters, but the realism persists. Even by the end, we are distinctly feeling that we are reading the words of a teenager.

If you enjoyed Perks of Being a Wallflower or Wintergirls, then Pieces will find a good home on your reading list.

Jes Paluchowska

Pieces of Us
Stewart Foster
Simon & Schuster, 2025
Hardback, £14.99
ISBN: 9781398535671

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Crying Wolf by James Butler: Review

Joey is used to the streets of Dublin but he’s ready to move on, to make something of himself beyond the world of crime. He wants to get away from the dodgy dealings of the past, make them disappear like his stepdad, Vinnie. When there’s talk of Vinnie returning and the local gangs looking for him, Joey gets drawn back in.

Crying Wolf is a gritty tale of an all-too-real Dublin. The sound of the Luas, the smells of the coastal drive out past Fairview and the feel of the cobblestones of Trinity are palpable, as described here. This book is populated with memorable characters as seen through the eyes of Joey. His girlfriend Sharon is the ideal to which he aspires, a way out of the usual humdrum, herself attending Trinity and trying to keep up with the norms there. His aunt, his mother, his old friend Weso and the looming shadows of criminals like Quinlan are all entrenched in Joey’s mind, peppered throughout with the nightmares he keeps having, mixing all of these up, reminding him of past traumas.

Joey himself is a great character. You really get to know a young man struggling with the death of his own father when he was younger, and coming to terms with becoming an adult with a job and a life away from crime. There is a very interesting subplot around restorative justice that gives us a great insight into the innate goodness of Joey. He’s also clever and resourceful, quietly assessing people as they harangue him for information about the recently returned-to-town Vinnie. He gives away very little in return.

All things must come to a head though, and the conclusion of Crying Wolf leaves a lot to think about in the city of Dublin.

Derek Carney

Crying Wolf
James Butler
Little Island Books, 2024
Paperback, £8.99
ISBN: 9781915071507

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Solo by Gráinne O’Brien: Review

When Daisy’s boyfriend David dumps her, she is devastated – especially as she realises that she abandoned much of what made her happy to make space for David and his interests. She stopped meeting with friends, she skipped choir practice, and she stopped playing her recorder – the thing that brought her the most joy. Music, once her lifeline in the dark, is lost to her. Amid all this, a new girl appears at school, and she may be just the person Daisy needs to rediscover her rhythm.

The structure of O’Brien’s Solo is clever. She uses musical terms as headings for each section, choosing ones that fit the content well. This is most successful when she writes about the complex emotions Daisy struggles with throughout the story. She is a raw nerve, pulsating with anger and anxiety, and O’Brien uses verse to make that sing across the pages.

While some of the plot points could have been delved into deeper – there are revelations toward the end that weren’t explored as much as they could have been – this was still an enjoyable read. I read it in one sitting!

Daisy’s heartache will strike a chord with any reader who has lost their way in life. There are heavy moments of course, particularly as Daisy’s family face challenges within the narrative. Hope comes in the form of Daisy’s enduring love for music, the thread that ties the story together. If you’re in the mood for a healing read – look no further.

Tara O’Malley

Solo
Gráinne O’Brien
Little Island Books, 2025
Paperback, €8.24
ISBN: 9781915071798

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Aphrodite by Bryony Pearce: Review

Even goddesses know what it’s like to not be taken seriously. Born from the sea, Aphrodite knows three things: she is powerful, she is so beautiful that men would go to war for her, and, above all else, she must find her home. This, it turns out, is Olympus. But Olympus is not safe, and soon Aphrodite finds herself in greater danger than she could ever have imagined.

Pearce’s most recent title relates an experience that is all too common among girls and women; Aphrodite is forced to deal with men’s lust, greed, and cruelty, all while knowing she is stronger and cleverer than any of them. Even in Olympus, she is seen as weak, fragile, and nothing more than a beautiful tool for the machinations of the gods.

Aphrodite encourages its readers to challenge misogyny in the modern world through the lens of Ancient Greek cultural practices and beliefs. Throughout the novel, Pearce illustrates the damage that wilful ignorance can cause to relationships and power structures and enchants readers with powerful characters, a colourful historical setting, and intricate court dynamics. The dangerous games played by the gods on Mount Olympus in Aphrodite keep readers on the edge of their seats right until the end.

Aphrodite acts as a demonstration of the fragility of power, both political and religious, particularly when it is built upon the oppression of others through discrimination and disinformation. Perfect for fans of Belladonna by Adalyn Grace, and Lore by Alexandra Bracken.

Joanna Geoghegan

Aphrodite
Bryony Pearce
Fox & Ink Books, 2025
Paperback, £8.99
ISBN: 9781916747548

Posted on by — Leave a comment

A Fix of Light by Kel Menton: Review

A Fix of Light follows two queer teenage boys in the Cork village of Skenashogue. Hanan has deep struggles with mental health, meanwhile Pax has recently moved to the village to transition. A chance encounter between them leads to a discovery of long-dormant magic.

This is a book where the village itself should feel like a character. And while some of the natural environs of Skenashogue – Hanan’s cove, or the ominous forests – are vivid in their realness, the village and its inhabitants felt a little empty. There are some really interesting concepts about the intersection between the “normal” and the “magical”, and the erosion of natural magic and environment by the presence of humans, that are ultimately diminished by the empty setting.

Throughout the novel, Jessie and Brooke’s identities as teenage girls are not sacrificed. They are allowed to react in realistic ways that expose Brooke’s privileged upbringing and Jessie’s complicated past. Moreover, Jessie’s sexuality is not a source of stress or conflict in the story; it is a non-negotiable aspect of her identity.

Despite this, the book has many strengths. The magic manifests in unique and clever ways, leaning into the natural surroundings and classic Irish folklore. The characters are sympathetic despite some of the mistakes they make, and the author depicts mental health in a way that is both harrowing and sensitive. There are some wonderful concepts (using folk tales to explore queerness) and one of my personal favourites was the excellent prologue from the perspective of the forest.

There are many difficulties the characters face in this book, such as suicidal thoughts and transphobia. These are explored with a delicate touch that remains empathetic while not shying away from reality. Author Kel Menton’s ability to balance an unflinching look at the bigotry and hate in our communities while still maintaining a thread of hope and optimism throughout is perhaps the novel’s greatest achievement. Irish YA could benefit from a lot more novels like this.

Aoife Sheehan

A Fix of Light
Kel Menton
Little Island Books, 2025
Paperback, €10.99
ISBN: 9781915071699

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Run Away With Me by J. L. Simmonds: Review

Run Away With Me is the type of novel that you shouldn’t start reading in the evening or you’ll be stuck turning the pages until the first signs of dawn start peeking through your window! J.L. Simmonds’ beautifully written debut novel expertly combines suspense and romance to create a compelling coming-of-age story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

In this tale full of shady characters and even shadier motels, we are told the story from the perspective of Jessie “Mouse” Swift as she embarks on the roadtrip of a lifetime with her classmate (and long- time crush) Brooke Summer. They are both on a mission to outrun their respective pasts – pasts they slowly uncover along their journey.

Throughout the novel, Jessie and Brooke’s identities as teenage girls are not sacrificed. They are allowed to react in realistic ways that expose Brooke’s privileged upbringing and Jessie’s complicated past. Moreover, Jessie’s sexuality is not a source of stress or conflict in the story; it is a non-negotiable aspect of her identity.

As they drive across America in Brooke’s vintage red Mustang, Jessie and Brooke’s friendship begins and slowly blossoms into something more. Their slow-burn connection feels almost inevitable and adds tenderness and warmth to an otherwise action-packed journey as they face all kinds of adversaries together, from creeps in pubs to well-meaning deputies.

Although aspects of the harsh realities of runaway life are addressed in this novel, certain events feel outlandish in both their occurrence and their resolution. However, the many twists and turns that keep you turning the pages make it well worth the occasional suspension of belief.

Aoife McCarron

Run Away With Me
J. L. Simmonds
Penguin Random House, 2025
Paperback, £8.99
ISBN: 9780241708149

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Where Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell: Review

Where Shadows Meet is a genre-bending debut novel, building a world of monsters, gods, and vampire royalty. From the get-go, we’re immersed in a world with rich history and intricate mythology.

Two stories take place simultaneously. First, the story of Favre and Thana, their love and sacrifice, and the chaos that ensues when they descend from the heavenly realms. In the present day, the crown princess Leyla is faced with a perilous adventure to save her best friend. Leyla is aided by a seer, Najja, as they grapple with the implications of Favre’s pending return, all these years later.

The level of fantasy is exciting and not too dense. Ingham’s ability to build a believable and rich world comes from her descriptive and detailed writing. Willow’s snappy thoughts and dialogue can seem out of place in the depth of the world but she serves as a reminder of human failings. Willow’s desire for the devil becomes more prominent as the story progresses but there are plenty of other story points that keep the pages turning.

Sarah Fitz

Where Shadows Meet
Patrice Caldwell
Hot Key Books, 2025
Paperback, £8.99
ISBN: 9781471411861