The Red Ribbon by Lucy Adlington

Lucy Adlington is a writer and costume historian. I was aware of her non fiction books about fashion history such as the excellent Stitches in Time but I had not realised that she was also a YA author. Lucy has previously published a number of Young Adult books as L.J Adlington. This is Lucy's first foray into historical fiction and it is a fantastic story, deeply moving and full of intricate detail. The book is the story of Ella who must pretend to be old enough to work if she is to survive and as a talented dressmaker she is determined to work at the sewing workshop at Birchwood. We know it as Auschwitz. It is also the story of the people she meets; Marta, Carla and Rose. If, like me you believe in the importance of historical authenticity in children's fiction then you will really appreciate this book. It is painfully truthful about the horrific conditions that Ella and her friends endure. This is a story about friendship, survival and hope, about what it means to collaborate and to resist and about doing the right thing when everything around you is wrong. The writing is powerful and thought provoking. I found myself re-reading passages constantly and the characters stayed with me long after I finished. This is a book that I urge you to read; eye opening, shocking and inspiring. An incredibly difficult and yet hugely important read. Thanks to the publisher Hot Key Books and Midas PR for a review copy which I will treasure. 

The Irish Women writing YA Fiction and Making it their own

I wrote a piece which Children's Books Ireland kindly featured on their website, on the fantastic Irish Women who are writing Young Adult fiction. And as Louise O'Neill moves to riverrun the new upmarket crime imprint of Quercus Publishing, I mused who might take her place on the awards and bestseller lists. There is certainly no shortage of talented women to add to your reading lists. This article has been shared quite a bit on facebook and twitter so I  am delighted if it spreads the word. You can see it at the link below.

http://childrensbooksireland.ie/features/21950

Song of the Current by Sarah Tolcser

Song of the Current is the debut novel by Sarah Tolcser and it's a thrill a minute tale of river girl Caro and the cargo she must carry to Valonikas. The cargo however turns out to be a snotty, aristocratic although admittedly rather handsome boy. Chased by the Black Dogs Caro soon discovers that the boy is more than just a hindrance aboard her ship, he's much more important than he's letting on and by taking him upriver and being chased by Black Dogs she is endangering all their lives. I really, really enjoyed enjoyed this immersive and romantic fantasy tale. There is a diverse cast, lots of strong women and a great deal of witty rejoinders. Not to mention adventure on the high seas, battles, bullet wounds and dastardly magicians to contend with. A thrilling and fantastic debut. Aimed at the 14+ age range it will appeal to fans of Sarah J Maas, Laini Taylor, V. E. Schwab and Marissa Meyer.  Published in June by Bloomsbury Kids. Thanks to LoveReading for a copy. 

Defy The Stars By Claudia Gray

This book came in the post one day last week and as I already had three other books on the go I had no intention of starting straight away but I opened it, read the first line and I was instantly hooked. The first line lets you know immediately that you are in the company of a master storyteller. 

'In three weeks, Noemi Vidal will die - here, in this very place.'

Obviously I wanted to know more and so I read on and on and finished the book later that day. However I didn't gobble it all in one sitting every so often I stopped just to savour the cleverness of the plot and the characters; oh my the characters. This book is a masterclass in creating wonderful, compelling, complex characters. 

Noemi is a soldier from the planet Genesis; settled many years before by colonists from Earth. Now however Earth and Genesis are at war. Earth seeks to exploit the resources of the other planets just as it destroyed it's own. Genesis has become a haven for people of faith and technology is limited while the people of Earth have pushed technology to it's very limits creating the ultimate robot warriors. When Noemi ends up on an abandoned spaceship she comes face to face with one of these mechs and although their initial response is to try and kill each other they somehow end up helping each other out. Soon they are facing a race against time to travel across the galaxy and try and save Noemi's home planet. On the way they make a variety of friends and enemies and as they learn more about the world they live in and each other they start to question everything they've been taught. 

Blending high stakes adventure with science fiction, romance and a thrilling plot this is a book that deserves to be huge. Fantastic storytelling. Wow. Claudia Gray just wow. Perfect for fans of  Star Wars, V. E. Schwab, Becky Chambers and Sarah J. Maas. Published by Hot Key and available on e-book and in paperback. The kindle edition is currently only 98p. Thanks a million to Tina at Hot Key who sent me a copy. Buy this book now you will not be disappointed. 

The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein

The Pearl Thief is Elizabeth Wein’s fourth book for young adults. While previous books have featured daring female pilots and WW2 heroines the heroine of The Pearl Thief is Julie; a 1930s Scottish aristocrat back from finishing school to help her mother close up her grandfather’s estate for the last time. Grieving for her grandfather and for the summers she used to have Julie meets a family of Scottish Travellers including brother and sister Ellen and Euan whose way of life is also being closed off and who meet disdain, prejudice and opposition at every turn. On top of this Julie and her new friends have mysteries to solve; what happened to visiting academic Dr Housman who has disappeared? Who knocked Julie unconscious? And what has happened to the pearls in her grandfather’s collection. It’s not all about the mystery though as there is also romance, humour and a lovely portrait of a way of life slowly coming to an end as the countryside changes and the threat of war looms. The struggles with class, poverty and a changing way of life are all deftly handled. Elizabeth Wein is a powerful and consummate storyteller. Beautifully crafted and unputdownable The Pearl Thief is a wonderful mystery, filled with nostalgia and a real homage to the author’s adopted home of Scotland, to the Scottish countryside and to a fading way of life. With echoes of I Capture the Castle and Agatha Christie this will be a real hit with slightly older fans of Robin Stevens, and Enid Blyton.

This book will be published on May 4th 2017.

With thanks to LoveReading and Bloomsbury for a copy. 

Street Song Blog Tour

Sheena Wilkinson's latest novel for young adults is the story of former TV star Ryan. Ryan is not quite 18 but he feels he's already failed, having  had a short lived career as a singer following his appearance on a TV talent show. His fame as RyLee has turned him into an addict. The press have had a field day with his bad boy antics and Ryan has had enough of the manufactured and inauthentic sound that defined him. Following a stint in rehab Ryan is desperate to stay clean but his stepdad also wants him to return to school and the arguments become heated. A chance meeting with a girl called Toni also a musician leads to Ryan taking a trip to Belfast and he persuades himself that he's not running away he's starting over. But starting over with a new name and no money is going to be very tough. This is a fantastically written book; sharply plotted, full of interesting characters and plenty of twists and turns. It was a real pleasure to follow Ryan's journey to reinvent himself from the arrogant and pampered pleasure seeker to someone who starts to take responsibility for himself and others. The details and dialogues of teens lives in contemporary Dublin and Belfast are so spot on. There is real insight in this book about many issues that young people may face; exam pressure, drugs and alcohol, relationships, money and homelessness. The dark issues are dealt with carefully; with honesty but never loosing the air of hope and Sheena's insight is impeccable. If you are a fan of contemporary YA authors like Claire Hennessey, Sarah Crossan, E. R. Murray or Patrice Lawrence then this book is for you.

Today is the final day of The Street Song blog tour. Check out all the other stops listed on the banner for more reviews of Street Song. Thanks a million to Lina at Ink Road for the chance to review the book and take part in the blog tour.

To learn more about Sheena herself you can catch up with her on twitter @sheenawriter
Street Song is published by Ink Road the new YA imprint of Black & White Publishing in Edinburgh.

Romance in Fiction

As it is Valentine's Day I felt I should write a little about romance especially as I will be writing about serial killers later. Generally I'm in favour of romance in novels but I'm not a fan of novels which are just 'will they won't they' stories and I can't stand romance that feels unconvincing. I prefer when the romance seems to happen amongst the chaos of everything else in the story. Obviously the writer knows what they are doing but it's much more enjoyable for the me if the romance is part of the story not the purpose of the story. A good example of this is one of my favourite book series Outlander in which 20th Century nurse Claire Randall accidently travels back to the 18th Century and is forced to seek protection from an English Army Captain by allying herself with a Scottish highlander James Fraser and she finds herself falling in love with him.
However I specifically wanted to talk about Romance in Young Adult fiction. Firstly because it's especially important that Young Adult fiction is more than just romance and because it's important for readers to see romance portrayed realistically and sensitively.
I was asked my thoughts on this very topic by Irish writer Claire Hennessy for an article which appears in today's Irish Times online. You can check it out HERE

I mentioned Eleanor and Park as a good example of Young Adult romance and My good friend Maera Black of https://inkandpaperhearts.wordpress.com/ mentioned Graceling and the relationship between Katsa and Po, which is a real favourite of mine. I would also like to mention Resonance by Celine Kiernan as there are a number of beautifully portrayed relationships but Tina and Joe are particularly well done as they are tested to their absolute limits and not found wanting.

"The title characters in Rowell’s Eleanor and Park similarly work well for readers. Children’s bookseller Lisa Redmond describes them as “a wonderful couple: awkward and embarrassed at first but you really root for them. Their shared interest in music gives them a connection and a way of communicating without words.”

As I Descended by Robin Talley

As I Descended is the third novel from Robin Talley; winner of the inaugural Amnesty Honour for her debut novel Lies We Tell Ourselves. The author once again chooses a school as the setting of her story. This time it is exclusive Acheron Academy, which prides itself on being diverse and 21st Century despite its gothic campus and the rumours of numerous hauntings over the years. Lily and Maria are senior students, near the top of their class, room-mates and secretly a couple. Only Maria's best friend Brandon knows their secret. So Brandon is happy to play along when Lily wants the three of them to call up some of the spirits of Acheron's spooky past with a Ouija board. Brandon thinks it'll be a bit of fun but when strange and frightening things happen during the session with the Ouija board and the girls start behaving strangely afterwards he's not so sure. Maria is desperate to win the coveted Cawdor Kingsley Prize which goes to the top senior student every year but there's one problem Delilah Dufrey. Delilah is the most popular girl in school, captain of the girls’ soccer team and just a fraction of a percent ahead of Maria. While Maria has always worked hard and played by the rules Delilah flirts, sleeps and cheats her way to the top and  Maria has had enough; with the spirits of Acheron's gruesome past as a plantation peopled with slaves now unleashed Maria may just get what she wants.

This novel is a modern retelling of Macbeth, a psychological gothic horror with fantastic storytelling and some real twists and turns in the narrative. It highlights the danger of putting teenagers under so much pressure to perform academically and also to be the most popular in the school as well as the stresses that can cause students to buckle when they have to hide a part of themselves because of pressure from friends, teachers, parents etc. The horror and haunting is well done and there some really creepy moments. The back story about the plantation and the cruelty that was inflicted on the slaves is also intriguing. 

A great spooky read in the lead up to Halloween. 

Thanks to Isobel Fenlon at Midas PR for a review copy. As I Descended is out now published by MIRA Ink a division of Harper Collins. 

Dear Charlie by N. D. Gomes

Dear Charlie is a powerful contemporary debut novel. Set in England in 1996/97, it deals with the aftermath of a school shooting. The book is narrated by Sam; 16 years old and brother of Charlie, the one who carried out the shootings before taking his own life. Sam is desperate to understand Charlie's actions and he is also dealing with the media frenzy, the anger and grief of local people and trying to grieve for the brother he loved but he's not sure if he really knew him. The book is Sam's letter to Charlie and his attempt to work his way through his own grief. 

The book opens with Sam's fear as he starts a new school. He is bullied and harassed but he simply accepts it making no complaint. He soon realises that there are a group who don't attack him and begins to sit with them and eventually make friends. This group of outsiders become Sam's lifeline. He is able to just be a normal teenager; hanging out after school, joking around, going to parties. Somehow Sam is able to pull himself through the tortuous final months of school and try to get his life back on track.

This is a very clever and important book. While the author doesn't try to offer any easy answers to the great question of why school shootings happen she does show us Sam's and his parents struggle with the shock, anger, guilt, grief and recovery. We see Sam slowly make progress in therapy and return to his music and the tentative recovery of a relationship with his parents who had each retreated into their own misery after the killings. 

The author grew up in Scotland and was studying at Stirling University not far from Dunblane when the tragic school massacre took place there. She went on to become a teacher specialising in special needs and she was teaching in the U.S. just a few hours away from the Sandy Hook school when the horrific shootings took place there in 2012. The author's interest in and understanding of vulnerable teenagers really shines through in the writing of this novel and I highly recommend it.

Published by HQ an imprint of Harper Collins on 20th. Thanks to Isobel Fenlon of Midas PR for a review copy of the book.

The Curious Tale of the Lady Caraboo by Catherine Johnson

Cassandra is a beautiful young lady bored and restless she longs for adventure. Mary Wilcox is a young woman who has been ground down by society, poverty and men, she is ready for change. Fred and Edmund are privileged young men with the world at their feet. Everyone has their place and everyone has a role to play. But what happens when a young woman decides to play a different role? Inspired by a true story this is the tale of a young woman who turns up at small village in England apparently unable to speak English. Taken in by a local wealthy family who decide that she is an exotic Princess, she is subject to experimentation and media speculation. As the questions come thick and fast how long will it be before the origins of Lady Caraboo will be discovered.

Catherine Johnson's wonderful new book was shortlisted for the YA Book prize although it missed out on the final prize; which went to Sarah Crossan. (The Irish ladies are winning all the prizes recently!) Nonetheless Lady Caraboo is an astonishingly powerful tale that combines gritty storytelling; the opening is stomach churning, with romance, friendship, self discovery and a portrait of Georgian England that you can feel yourself sinking into. There is squalor and splendour in equal measure. This is not an easy read. The treatment of women and of the poor is upsetting and vividly written. I am a huge fan of Catherine Johnson's writing and I highly recommend this book and all her books. Perfect as a companion to Pride and Prejudice or Frankenstein or if you enjoyed Frances Hardinge's The Lie Tree.

Thanks very much to Clare Kelly from Penguin Random House for a review copy. 

Dreamland by Robert L Anderson

Dea and her Mom have lived an erratic life, moving from place to place, a new school every year, only one step ahead of their debts. Dea has never really had the chance to make friends; until now, living in the town of Fielding she meets Eleanor whom everyone calls Gollum but not even with her best friend can Dea reveal her secret. Ever since she was six she has walked through people’s dreams. Her Mom does it too, and she teaches her the rules; never interfere, never be seen and never walk the same person’s dreams twice. Until this year Dea has followed the rules but when a new boy moves into her neighbourhood Dea is intrigued he wants to be friends with the town’s two outcasts and when she walks through his dreams she realises he has dark secrets about his past that are buried deep. Soon Dea is breaking every rule and when her Mom wants to leave town Dea knows that she can’t leave her friends. She wants to help Connor confront his past and learn more about her own. This is an atmospheric and riveting debut with huge crossover appeal. The characters are empathetic and well written and the twists and turns are completely unexpected. Perfect for fans of Daughter and Smoke and Bone.

This review originally appeared at welovethisbook.com    http://www.welovethisbook.com/reviews/dreamland

Fantasy Titles I can’t wait for in 2016

Having made a resolution to read even more fantasy, here is a small selection of the books that I hope to read this year. Are there any here that you are excited about? Any that I’ve missed? Tweet me @LisaReadsBooks and let me know.

Judged by Liz de Jager

Jan 2016 Tor Books   9781447247708

This is the final instalment of one of the best urban fantasy series ever written. This instalment sees Aiden, Dante and Kit tracking down the dealers of “glow” an addictive fae created drug all across London bringing them much unwanted attention while in the Otherwhere Thorn realises that the Goddess is dying and with her the veil between the worlds and he needs Kit’s help. I cannot recommend this series highly enough.

The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman

Jan 2016 Walker Books 9781406358964

Australian Fantasy author Goodman blends Buffy the Vampire Slayer with Pride and Prejudice in this dark regency fantasy for young adults. Full of thrills, romance and magic this is a story sure to captivate.

A Gathering of Shadows by V E Schwab

February 2016 Titan Books  9781783295425

Continuing the series begun with A Darker Shade of Magic about a dimension hopping traveller called Kell. The tale grows darker in this instalment as Black London rises again and a pirate ship arrives carrying old friends. Perfect for fans of Ben Aaronovitch and Doctor Who.

Into the Dim by Janet B Taylor

Feb 2016 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt  9780544602007

Billed as Outlander for teens this book had me sold at that but it also features a secret society of time travellers and an adventure filled race through time including a trip to the court of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. It should appeal to fans of A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray so here’s hoping it gets a UK and Ireland release.

Half Lost by Sally Green

March 2016 Penguin 9780141350905

The final book in the trilogy sees Nathan travel to America to win the support of Ledger in a bid to end the war between black and white witches for good. Sally Green won the Teen Book Category in the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2015 for the first in the series Half Bad but I would recommend this series to fans of urban fantasy of all ages.

Passenger by Alexandra Bracken

April 2016 Quercus Books 9781786540003

A New York Times bestseller this has been described as being perfect for Outlander fans because it features time travel, enough said as far as I'm concerned. 

Masks and Shadows by Stephanie Burgis

April 2016 Pyr Books   9781633881327

Best known for her Middle Grade series set in the regency era and featuring young magician Kat Stephenson this book is the first adult fantasy novel from  Burgis; set among the 18^th Century Austrian aristocracy and blending alchemy, music and blackmail. This one is perfect for fans of Susanna Clarke and Zen Cho.

Skin (Daughter of Albion) by Ilka Tampke

June 2016  Hodder  9781473616431

Many readers may have missed this when it was published in hardback in August in the UK and Ireland. It will be released in the US in Feb, with a paperback release for the UK and Ireland this June. Straddling the genres of Fantasy and Historical Fiction and with crossover appeal for adults and teens, this is a stunning portrayal of Celtic Britain facing the threat of roman invasion. Perfect for fans of Wolf Brother.

Roses and Rot by Kat Howard

June Saga   9781481451161

A writer that Neil Gaiman has called remarkable is definitely one to watch. Kat Howard’s first novel blends fairy tale and gothic archetypes and questions what sacrifices an artist should make to create good art.

Ghost Talkers by Mary Robinette Kowal

Tor.com July 2016  9780765378255

Generating a lot of pre publication interest this features Ginger an American heiress in London during WWI and a corps of Spirit Mediums helping the war effort. This looks like it will have huge crossover appeal particularly for fans of Cassandra Clare and Libba Bray.

Some Witchy YA

Originally featured on the waterstones blog here are my top picks of witchy YA

https://www.waterstones.com/blog/witchy-ya-for-the-samhain-season

Witchy YA for the Samhain Season - Halloween Spooktacular

Bookseller Lisa Redmond gives us a round up of Young Adult Witchery in time for Halloween.

Posted on 29th October 2015 by Lisa Redmond

Whether you are just looking for a seasonal slice of the supernatural or you need something to fill the gap while you await one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2016; Susan Dennard’s Truthwitch coming from Tor in January or like me you just love reading books about witches. This list is for you. 

Here are ten of the best Young Adult reads featuring Witches and Witchcraft. An obvious exclusion is the Harry Potter series but I’m going to assume you have heard about that already.

Witch Hunter by Virginia Boecker

Hodder Books 2015

Set in an alternative 16th Century England. Elizabeth Gray is a witch hunter; part of the king’s elite guard, until she is falsely accused of witchcraft and sentenced to burn. Broken out of jail by a mysterious group of magicians she begins to question her loyalties. This is the first in a new historical fantasy series; dark, thrilling and romantic. 

Witchstruck by Victoria Lamb

Corgi 2012

This is the first in a trilogy and believe me you’ll want to read them all. Meg Lytton is in service to the banished Tudor Princess Elizabeth who begs Meg to use her power to tell the future. It is a very dangerous time to practise witchcraft and Meg has caught the eye of a local witchfinder and a handsome young priest in training. This is a book full of action and power and a great series.

 

Conversion by Katherine Howe

Oneworld 2014

This is a dual time tale revisiting the Salem witch trials and also featuring a contemporary mystery of a strange illness at St Joan’s Academy, an exclusive private school for girls. Why are students suddenly falling ill? Is it stress? Infection? Student Colleen has been reading The Crucible and she wonders is it witchcraft?

 

Hollow Pike by James Dawson

Orion 2012

Lis London moves to Hollow Pike expecting the countryside to be dull, but Lis keeps dreaming that someone is trying to kill her and when she discovers the local legends about witchcraft she starts to get really scared. This is a thrilling, twisty and spooky tale.

 

Crow Moon by Anna McKerrow

Quercus 2015

This is a fantastic future dystopia featuring witches in the beautiful South West of England. Danny is 16 and bored with his Mum’s witchcraft. He sets off across the moors looking for adventure and instead meets a girl. Full of thrills, action, adventure and romance. I loved this book and can’t wait to see what the author writes next.

 

The Merrybegot by Julie Hearn

OUP 2005

Nell is the daughter of the local cunning women and that means she is not only poor but an object of suspicion. When the minister’s daughters start spitting pins there are rumours of witchcraft and all eyes turn to Nell. With Witch-finder General Matthew Hopkins on his way how will Nell escape the noose?

 

Montacute House by Lucy Jago

Bloomsbury 2011

Cess is just thirteen when she is accused of bewitching her friend William. Caught up in a plot that involves magic, intrigue, murder and mystery. This is a well told and fast paced tale that younger and older teens will really enjoy.

 

A Witch in Winter by Ruth Warburton

Hodder Books 2012

This book was one of the first I read in a new wave of Urban Fantasy set in a realistic contemporary Britain. Anna Winterson has no idea about the traditions of witches and she certainly has no clue that she is one. She is much more focused on fitting in having moved to a new town with her Dad. This is exciting, compelling storytelling.

 

The Crowham Martyrs by Jane McLoughlin

Catnip Books 2015

A spooky tale of ghosts, demons, witches and mystery all set in a gothic boarding school. Maddy sees things no-one else can and when students begin to disappear and no-one is asking why, Maddy knows she will need to do some investigating of her own, but plagued by nightmares and visions does she really want to learn the secret of The Crowham martyrs?

Half Bad by Sally Green

Penguin 2014

Nathan is locked in a cage; beaten and brutalised, half Black Witch half White Witch he is an unknown quantity and cannot be trusted. This is a book about war, magic and power with an incredible narrative voice, it is dark, gritty and intense. Amazing.

Truthwitch

Truthwitch is an astonishingly good novel. This is the kind of book that fans of YA fantasy have been waiting for. If you love Kristin Cashore and Naomi Novik then you will love Truthwitch. The story focuses on two young witches; Safiya and Iseult whose bond of friendship is unbreakable, they are forced to flee from their home and everything they have known when the tentative peace between the empires is shaken and war looms. While there is romance in this novel it very much takes second place to the most important relationship, that of the two young women. Dennard’s world building is phenomenal and I hope this is just the beginning of a very long series. With various factions at war and different magical abilities the storytelling is fast paced, full of adventure and high stakes thrills. As a Truthwitch Safi could become a powerful tool used by either side in the political and military struggle and her own family may be just as ruthless as her enemies, so she must avoid capture at all costs. Iseult is a threadwitch but she is unsure of herself and of her powers and both girls are hunted by a brutal bloodwitch with frightening powers. Making allies and enemies along the way the girls must find their way to safety. This is brilliant storytelling which will appeal to readers of YA and Fantasy fans alike. Thanks to Lauren Welch at Tor Macmillan for a review copy of this book

Vendetta by Catherine Doyle

This is the first in a thrilling new series from a superbly talented new author and is my other top teen debut of the year. A modern day Romeo and Juliet set amongst the feuding criminal gangs of Chicago. this is a tale of love, power, death and revenge. The story would make an amazing movie with breathtaking action, characters that leap off the page and a love story that will just about break your heart. I cannot wait for the next book.
Sophie thinks the summer is going to be long, hot and deathly dull especially as she and her Mum are coping with her Dad being in prison and having a lot less money as well as being social pariahs, but then not one but five hot boys move into the old abandoned mansion next door. Then Sophie meets Nic Falcone and sparks fly and by the time they learn the truth about each other's family it's too late. Aah just go and buy it okay. 

Resonance by Celine Kiernan

Celine Kiernan is a writer I simply cannot recommend enough, I love her writing so much that I am struggling to write this review but here goes. Firstly this book combines gothic, historical, fantasy and horror in a way that is completely unique. Secondly the two settings; a gothic mansion in the Irish countryside and the narrow streets of inner city 1890s Dublin are brilliantly realised, Kiernan's use of dialogue and wonderful , rich, descriptive prose are a real treat. Thirdly Kiernan really knows how to create amazing, unique and interesting characters.

If that wasn't enough to get you racing off to the shops to buy this book perhaps the plot will hook you. The story focuses on two groups of friends; Tina a seamstress in a Dublin theatre, who works for the aging diva Ursula Lyndon, her suitor Joe who works several jobs trying to raise money for a future with Tina and Harry a young American magician who has arrived in Dublin looking for work (Actually a young Harry Houdini). The three friends along with Ms Lyndon soon catch the attention of Vincent and Cornelius who have arrived at the theatre to audition players to perform at their country house. In reality Vincent and Cornelius live at Fargeal Manor and have lived there for centuries with Raquel and her children and an assortment of retainers and villagers. They have clung to life and their youthful looks by feeding from the light of an "angel" locked beneath the manor house but they and the angel are growing weak and what the men seek are performers who will feed the angel and sustain them. Tina, Joe and Harry soon realise that something is not right and set out to release the angel but have no idea of the consequences.

This is a dark tale asking deep questions about the existence of God and the meaning of life and friendship. It will intrigue fans and new readers alike and is a must if you are a fan of Dracula or The Picture of Dorian Grey. With this book Kiernan has absolutely become the Queen of Irish Gothic Fiction. 

Half Wild by Sally Green

This review originally appeared on welovethisbook.com http://www.welovethisbook.com/reviews/half-wild

Half Wild continues the story of Nathan who we first encountered in Green’s outstanding debut Half Bad. With the first book ending on a cliffhanger this one opens precisely where Half Bad ended. Nathan is now 17; he has met his father and received his gift. Nathan is alone at first, his father having abandoned him once again. Gabriel is missing, presumed dead, and Mercury has disappeared taking Annalise who is under a sleeping spell. Nathan is not alone for long though as he finds himself making some unlikely alliances and meeting up with friends and enemies old and new. 

Green has excelled herself in this second outing creating a tale as dark and gritty and compelling as her previous novel that manages nonetheless to be shot through with hope, kindness and friendship. This is the kind of novel that transcends genre and deservedly so. This is a work of powerful fiction that is classified as YA but which anyone with a passion for fantasy, adventure or just good storytelling will appreciate. 

Nathan is a brilliant character; conflicted and struggling with his identity, unsure about his loyalties and desperate to keep his friends, his family and the girl he loves safe while also developing into a ruthless warrior and a powerful witch. I recommend this book to fans of Patrick Ness, Kit Berry and David Almond. Sally Green is certainly one to watch.

Guest Review of Rebecca series by Anna Carey from Jacq Murphy

Thanks so much to Jacq who blogs here https://bibliojacq.wordpress.com/ and is like me a dedicated kids and YA bookseller.

Time for me to review another of the O'Brien Press children's series. Anna Carey has published four books in the awarding winning Rebecca Rafferty series to date, and these books remain popular with teens all over Ireland. Set in contemporary Ireland, Rebecca lives at home with her sister Rachel and her writer mother and history professor father. She attends the local school with her friends Cass and Alice and the horrible Vanessa and Karen, where she is forced to deal with an English teacher obsessed with her mothers books. This is a fun, and funny, series which keeps you coming back for more. 

The Real Rebecca 

The first book introduces us to the titular character at fourteen, just beginning 2nd year, as her once boring life  becomes far more eventful. First, her mother has published her first book for teenagers and everyone thinks the horrible main character must be based on Rebecca. Then, she develops a massive crush on the mysterious Paperboy. And she has to put up with horrible, awful Vanessa trying to use Rebecca's notoriety to get herself on television! Can Rebecca show everyone her real self, avoid Vanessa and get the guy? 

Rebecca's Rules 

Her boyfriend has moved to Canada and all her friends are fed up with listening to Rebecca mope. It's time she reinvented herself,so with her band temporarily out of action, Rebecca decides to join the school musical and set some new rules for herself. Unfortunately, Vanessa has landed the lead role and thinks she's the biggest star on the planet. But getting to work with the extremely cute John Kowalski almost makes up for it... It's a shame her parents won't stop banging on about their days in the college musical! 

Rebecca Rocks 

It's the summer holidays, and Rebecca and her bandmates from Hey Dollface are headed to rock camp! The local college has a summer arts program and it's the perfect place to spend a few weeks, making music, meeting new friends and getting to know old friends a little better. When Cass reveals a secret she's been keeping, how will Rebecca and Alice feel? Not to mention, Rebecca's parents have been even more mortifying than usual, having been inspired to appear in a musical themselves. And there are some pretty horrible boys in a hideous band called Crack Parrot to deal with. 

Rebecca is Always Right 

It's only the beginning of 3rd year and Rebecca is already fed up of being nagged about studying for her Junior Cert. Rebecca may think she's already right but suddenly her life is getting more complicated. When disaster strikes for her sister as her longtime boyfriend Tom dumps her, can Rebecca find a way to help her mend her broken heart? And can Rebecca prevent her Dad from making a fool of himself in his starring role? And does she have more than friendly feelings for Sam? How can anyone be expected to study with so much going on! 

Reading these novels was almost like taking a little a trip back in time to my own teenage years. Anna Carey has managed to write Rebecca Rafferty in an incredibly authentic way. She may even be one of the most realistic teenagers I've ever read. Rebecca's home is in Drumcondra in North Dublin and the action mostly takes place in Drumcondra, Dublin City Centre and Kinsealy. It's fantastic to recognise street names, and others places mentioned in the books, and I'm sure this gives it a special place in the hearts of local children. Carey has included a well developed cast of multifaceted characters, with realistic, relatable and interesting storylines. My personal favourite would have to be Cass, her awkwardness and inner strength is really appealing and I loved her progression throughout the series. My favourite book in the series was Rebecca Rocks (no surprise that Cass is featured heavily in this one!). I loved reading this series and it appeals to a wide age range, which is always fantastic. The content of the books are suitable for younger readers, while still being thoroughly enjoyable for older teens and adults. 

I don't think I would have picked up this series had I not been asked to review it but I am so glad that I did. I enjoyed them so much, and I would jump at the chance to read another one.