Something’s About To Blow Up is the definition of a book that can’t be put down. I read this book over the course of two days in constant shock over the twists and turns that leads the reader down a different path each time.
Six girls in Raven Hill school, based in Kilmurray Point, are caught up in an enormous explosion during the middle of the day in the chemistry lab. All six end up in hospital, severely injured. One of the girls, Maeve, is in a coma. When the Gardaí don’t believe Sorcha about her witness statement, Jess decides they have to find out what happened themselves. Was it an accident or was the bomb planted by an enemy? As the girls navigate toxic relationships, mental health, bullying and a school sexting scandal, they have to find out what happened because danger is never too far away.
Blake achieves an amazing sense of setting through her writing which is unmissable as she sets the majority of the story in the hospital. This book also provides a real reflection of secondary school life in Ireland, which is refreshing to see when most YA books nowadays are based in the US or the UK. The author also represents serious youth issues such as anxiety and depression with complete clarity and understanding.
Sam Blake has quickly become one of my favourite authors in Young Adult literature. Without a doubt every teen interested in crime and thriller novels should read this outstanding book.
Emer Cronin, 15
Something’s About To Blow Up
Sam Blake
Gill, 2024
Paperback, €12.99
ISBN: 9780717197163
