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After You Vanished by E.A. Neeves: Review

At her summer job at Bottomrock Lake, Teddy meets the new lifeguard, Toby – the last person to see her twin sister, Izzy, alive before she disappeared the year before. Izzy’s body has never been found and her passport has disappeared. Teddy has a lot of questions about what happened that night. How could an aspiring Olympic swimmer disappear during a lake swim? Could Toby be lying about what happened that night? Teddy is determined to find out. Toby is the only one who can help her unravel the truth.

Written solely from Teddy’s point of view we journey through her grief and confusion as she realises her twin hasn’t shared some of the most important parts of her life with her. Guilt and anger give way to doubt and acceptance. Teddy sometimes speaks to Izzy, addressing her in the first person, which feels both intimate and jarring in patches. The pacing suffers slightly from being slow at the start to switching to a gallop in the last third of the book.

While this is a mystery story, it is also a story of grief and self discovery. Teddy, her parents and friends are all trying to rebuild their lives, their relationships and themselves. Neeves handles the topics of loss, mental health and death sensitively and subtly. The characters are well rounded and keep the reader interested. After You Vanished is a satisfying, quiet mystery about grief and navigating through it.

Patricia Hayes

After You Vanished
E.A. Neeves
Hyperion, 2023
Hardback, £16.99
ISBN 9781368092708

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Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah ÀbíkéÍyímídé: Review

Where Sleeping Girls Lie is a treat for people who grew up reading bookssuch as The School for Good and Evil and other dark academia fiction. We follow the story of Sade Hussein as she starts fresh at Alfred Nobel Academy, a place filled with secrets.

I really enjoyed this book, as it tells a story that is engaging and mysterious, yet in many ways I found it relatable and realistic as a girl who has been through a high school experience herself.

I loved the diverse range of characters. The various personalities created realistic dynamics that you can become invested in – or inversely, look forward to their downfall. While I loved Sade’s character, I have to say my favourite character was Baz.

I also have to admire the way that more serious topics are handled. For example, this book contains the theme of sexual assault and the author handles this with the gravity it deserves, and also portrays the aftermath in a way that accurately reflects the tragic reality that many victims have to experience. I look forward to reading more literature written by Faridah ÀbíkéÍyímídé.

Hanna-Rose Sullivan

Where Sleeping Girls Lie
Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Usborne Publishing, March 2024
Paperback, £8.99
ISBN 9781474967549

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The Bad Ones by Melissa Albert: Review

In the small town of Palmetto, four people vanish with no explanation in the dead of night. One of them is Nora’s best friend Becca, whom Nora has not spoken to since they fell out months before. Nora is at a loss as to where Becca could have gone. Only Becca seemed to know she’d vanish before she did. She’s left clues for Nora, sending a message only Nora can decipher. Every clue leads Nora back to the one game she never wanted to play again: the goddess game.

The experience of reading this novel is akin to hearing a mystery told at a campfire. The writing is cinematic, creating a gothic atmosphere that perfectly complements the strange goings-on. The majority of the novel is narrated by Nora, who feels like a real teenager: flawed, scared, but fiercely loyal. It is Nora’s love for Becca that pushes her to solve the mystery, and you cannot help but root for her.

The ending was abrupt, but since the story had good pacing before this and all loose ends were tied up, it still felt like a satisfying conclusion. Albert pokes at elements of small-town life and the teenage experience in this novel – from the spreading of rumours to high school drama – which adds a needed level of realism to the supernatural plot. At its core, however, The Bad Ones explores what people are willing to do to protect those they love. For that exploration alone, it is a worthwhile read.

Tara O’Malley

The Bad Ones
Melissa Albert
Penguin Books, February 2024
Paperback, £8.99
ISBN 9780241662038

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I Loved You In Another Life by David Arnold: Review

I Loved You In Another Life sings to the very thing that makes us human: the need to love and be loved. Indeed, Evan and Shosh’s love is one that transcends time itself, and what could be more romantic than that?

Their connections are fantastical and aspirational, they inspire us to dream big and love fully and honestly. In a world where there is so much anger and hate, it gives us something to hope for, because even in the dark, there is someone there to reach out and hold our hands. Arnold shows us that no matter how alone we feel, there is someone out there for us.

These characters are beautifully, almost lyrically written and at their core just wonderfully human. They are not perfect, but flawed in a way that speaks to the very truth of being alive. We love them not despite their imperfections but because of them. Arnold writes the main characters with a raw honesty that demands to be respected and loved. Every part of you wants to root for these characters and their musically linked love story.

There’s a warmth and familiarity about this story. The tale is expertly woven through time and perspectives with a lilting and lyrical style. It’s sad and funny and in many ways a classic tale without feeling stale.

Clíona Hornibrook

I Loved You In Another Life
David Arnold
Bonnier Books, 2023
Paperback, £8.99
ISBN 9781471414329

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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