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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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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

Continue reading Every Exquisite Thing by Laura Steven: Review
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Review: Bad Things Happen Here by Rebecca Barrow

Bad Things Happen Here
Rebecca Barrow
Hot Key Books, June 2022
Paperback, £7.99
ISBN 9781471411243

 

Luca lives on Parris, a seemingly idyllic island with secrets to hide. The deaths of young women are scattered across it, including that of Luca’s best friend Polly. There’s also a shocking betrayal, an old friendship and a haunting curse.

  Luca believes she can escape the threat of this curse until it claims the life of her sister. Luca embarks on a mission to investigate her sister’s death, uncovering lies and deception, while her relationship with her neighbour Naomi deepens. 

  This book is extremely inclusive. Luca is plus-sized, queer and mixed race, with a refreshing mindset. The mental health representation was excellent, with many emotional themes explored in a realistic and respectful manner. I was impressed by the depiction of Luca’s feelings, giving us a character to relate to and connect with. The theme of privilege was also woven into the book, Parris being a place of rich families who are almost oblivious to the murders in their area. I found this interesting, creating tension between characters and giving another layer to these murders.
I really enjoyed the small, fast-paced chapters with intriguing conclusions, prompting you to continue. The relationship between Luca and Naomi was captivating, and Luca’s complicated relationship with her old friend Jada left us wondering what happened between them. 

          Although the investigation was fast-paced and exciting, some parts were slightly disappointing. I never quite understood what Luca was aiming for or trying to achieve. She mainly focused on one source for clues, giving the book a rather narrow-minded conclusion. Something else I found disappointing was that the connection between the murders was never revealed. We get the solution for the death Luca is investigating but the others almost fade into the background. Sadly, I did not have that ‘gasp’ moment at the end. However, the inclusion, diversity, characters and beautiful writing were amazing and I really enjoyed it! 

 Lasairíona Scarff, 16

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Review: The Spirit of the River by Declan Murphy

The Spirit of the River
Declan Murphy
Illustrated by Clodagh Power
The Lilliput Press, April 2021
Paperback, €15.00
ISBN 9781843518020

The Spirit of the River follows the writer’s experiences and awe of the captivating world around him as he follows the lives of birds and animals alike. Set in the Wicklow Mountains, Declan Murphy’s search for answers and knowledge
drives him onwards. He feels a strong connection to the animals he comes across and treats them as family.

This is a mystical and, at times, comforting novel, which explores the beauty of nature, and the loss and death that come hand in hand with it. The book follows the writer’s idea of patterns, and how he cannot help but see the patterns all living things are driven to create. Murphy also mentions the less colourful birds who almost go unnoticed, yet their lives are as busy and remarkable as their vibrant friends. The book does not present time as a key factor, and instead shares moments, past, present and future, tying the book together.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, sharing with the author his joy at finding the next nest of a kingfisher or discovering that the bird he had been tracking for weeks had found a mate. Murphy connected the book well and created a smooth flow throughout. This is a novel of lessons and journeys brought together by nature and beautiful illustrations, which I would recommend to everyone.

Lasairíona Scarff, teen reviewer.