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Posted on December 5, 2023December 5, 2023 by Paper Lanterns

Wise Creatures by Deirdre Sullivan: Review

Wise Creatures
Deirdre Sullivan
Hot Key Books, September 2023
Paperback, £8.99
ISBN 9781471411205

There were multiple points in my initial reading of Wise Creatures that I assumed I knew what was going to happen next. Not once was I correct. Deirdre Sullivan’s latest novel is full of moments that had me flipping back through the pages to re-read brilliant foreshadowing that I had previously overlooked. In this darkly thrilling tale of the otherworldly, she expertly evokes a growing sense of wrongness and paranoia while exploring the residual impact of repressed childhood trauma.

Posted on December 5, 2023December 5, 2023 by Paper Lanterns

Overemotional by David Fenne: Review

Overemotional

David Fenne

Ink Road, July 2023

Paperback, £7.99

ISBN 9781785304729

OveremotionaI by David Fenne is a majestically woven tale of finding yourself, queer identity, growing up, and coming to terms with your magic emotional superpowers that can make sinkholes appear out of nowhere. Steven’s emotions create a supernatural effect on the world around him (like when he kissed a guy and his head exploded) and, becoming overwhelmed by his powers and fearing for those around him, Steven flees to the dingy town of Grusby-on-Sea in an attempt to stifle them. But trouble seems to follow Steven wherever he goes.

Posted on December 5, 2023December 5, 2023 by Paper Lanterns

These Infinite Threads by Tahereh Mafi: Review

These Infinite Threads

Tahereh Mafi

Electric Monkey, August 2023

Paperback, €12.59

9780008529529

These Infinite Threads follows the classic fantasy romance archetype – a magical kingdom, royalty, a girl blessed or cursed with a gift that will change the world – but is balanced with refreshingly lyrical prose that dances off the page.

Posted on December 5, 2023December 9, 2023 by Paper Lanterns

Treacle Town by Brian Conaghan: Review

Treacle Town

Brian Conaghan

Andersen Press, October 2023

Paperback, £8.99

ISBN 9781839133619

Treacle Town truly encapsulates the life of a young adult trying to make a life for himself in a town with very little prospects. Con O’Neill, the protagonist of this story, realises that if he wants to live a long life full of meaning he will have to break free of this town. However, despite his understanding that this is the case, we see that Con finds it very difficult to go against the status quo. He is unsure of himself, he talks himself into staying more than once and he continues on with his self-destructive behaviours despite his heart screaming at him to stop.

Posted on December 5, 2023December 9, 2023 by Paper Lanterns

The Faint of Heart by Kerrilynn Wilson: Review

The Faint of Heart

Kerrilynn Wilson

Greenwillow Books, June 2023

Paperback, £14.99

ISBN 9780063116221

What would you do if you lived in a world where living without sadness, anger, or pain also meant giving up happiness, hope, and love? In this deeply poignant graphic novel, all of June’s family and friends have had their hearts removed in order to get rid of the pain and stress of life. June, the only one left with a heart, is the only person who still sees the colour in life. She is determined to give the gift of happiness back to her sister.

Posted on December 4, 2023December 5, 2023 by Paper Lanterns

Rebel Fire by Ann Sei Lin

Rebel Fire

Ann Sei Lin

Walker Books, July 2023

Paperback, £7.99

ISBN 9781406399608

We are immediately plunged into the entrancing world of protagonist Kurara and her shipmates. Rebel Fire is the perfect novel for fans of Japanese mythology, filled with rich, vivid imagery and engaging descriptions. This adventurous thriller is set in a dystopian world of incredible flying cities and enthralling battles.

Posted on December 4, 2023December 5, 2023 by Paper Lanterns

The Grimoire of Grave Fates Created by Hanna Alkaf and Margaret Owen: Review

The Grimoire of Grave Fates
Created by Hanna Alkaf and Margaret Owen
Delacorte Press, June 2023
Paperback, £8.99
ISBN 9780593705773

The Grimoire of Grave Fates has a cast of characters as diverse as its 18 authors – that’s right, 18! This gripping fantasy murder-mystery is told through 18 individual perspectives, with each chapter written by a different author. Each author gives their character their own unique flair, and every reader will find something relatable in this cast.

Posted on December 4, 2023December 5, 2023 by Paper Lanterns

Every Exquisite Thing by Laura Steven: Review

Every Exquisite Thing

Laura Steven

Electric Monkey, September 2023

Paperback, £8.99

ISBN 9780008627355

Every Exquisite Thing by Lauren Steven is a masterful retelling of The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde. Penny Paxton is the daughter of a living icon, a mother with high expectations and little room for love. In an effort to follow in her footsteps, Penny enrolls in the famous, and elite, Dorian Drama Academy, hoping to earn her mother’s love. Penny’s new mentor offers her the chance to have her portrait painted by a mysterious artist – paintings which offer eternal beauty to its subject

Posted on December 4, 2023December 9, 2023 by Paper Lanterns

Skrimsli by Nicola Davies: Review

Skrimsli
Nicola Davies
Illustrated by Jackie Morris
Firefly Press, September 2023
Hardback, £14.99
ISBN 9781913102807

Skrimsli, Nicola Davies’s prequel to The Song That Sings Us, explores the backstory of Skrimsli, the tiger sea captain from her debut. As in the previous novel, Skrimsli combines an adventure tale filled with heart with deeper themes of friendship, solidarity, and fighting back against environmental destruction, the author’s vivid writing conveying her deep love of nature.

Posted on December 4, 2023December 9, 2023 by Paper Lanterns

House Party – A Novel Edited by justin a. reynolds: Review

House Party – A Novel

Edited by justin a. reynolds

Underlined, June 2023

Hardback, €22.40

ISBN 9780593488157

Have you got your invitation to the party of the year? Edited by justin a. reynolds, House Party is a unique experience – a novel that has been co-authored by ten different writers – all weaving together the story of one incredible house party.