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Young Adult Book Reviews
After Life
Gayle Forman, pub. Hot Key Books
When I picked this book up after finishing reading a novel with almost five hundred pages, I thought to myself that After Life, with half as many pages would be a quick and simple read. How wrong I was!
After Life meant exactly that… Despite the book’s short chapters there is an intricate and thought-provoking arrangement of time and people. American author Gayle Forman is fascinated by situations in which the central character relives a variation of a previous life, or what a life could be. Her latest book, After Life, is a variant of an earlier story, If I Stay, both of which allow readers a ‘what if’ situation which can change outcomes for many people. After Life is just what it says. Amber was killed in an accident seven years ago but has returned home at the same age she was when she died - seventeen. Some people she knew seven years ago can see and speak to her, others can’t. Why? And why has Amber returned anyway? All enticing mysteries which gradually become clearer.
Forman includes an After Word at the end of the novel. In it she explains that many religions and cultures continue to revere and celebrate those who have died, something that she stresses is a relationship between the living and the dead, but it remains a relationship nonetheless. As an example, she cites Judaism in which there is a saying ‘May their memory be a blessing’, which so well suits a novel of this depth. Amber’s arrival into the family and friends (and enemies) affects those around her rather than herself. She has arrived almost as a catalyst. Those events from seven years ago, and during the seven years since she died have touched the lives for others, some for better, some for worse. Without her interruption to their lives seven years later, many concerns and wrongs would not have been righted. As readers make their way through the pages they find a deeply thoughtful story in which Amber plays a significant role in righting wrongs and revealing individuals’ true wishes.
A powerful, unusual, astonishing YA novel.
Louise Ellis-Barrett
Bloodguard
Cecy Robson, pub. Hodderscape
A romance that is for the strong of heart, and stomach. A gladiator romance, a magical romance. A romance that defies the odds. I think those short sentences are some of the best ones to use as a short summary of what to expect from Bloodguard. But there is more, so much more to this book, it is layered in stories, myths, magic and love.
Leith of Grey thought, like so many others, that he had nothing to lose. He signed up to be a gladiator, like so many others. His sole aim? Win money to send his family, to help pay for the medicines his younger sister needed to survive. But after the Queen fell into a coma and then died everything changed. Everything was taken from Leith, the gladiatorial games were no longer that, now they were a fight to the death. It could be just another day, just another fight in the arena that Leith is about to face but it isn’t. This fight, the one that lures us just a little more into the story, is the one that will change his life. This day is also the one on which he meets Maeve, making a promise he cannot walk away from and is finally given back the one thing he thought he had lost forever – hope.
Maeve is a royal princess, she is heir to the throne, close to coming of age and assuming a crown. However, she needs a king and the man chosen for her will no longer be able to fulfil the role (`telling you why would be a spoiler). Potential candidates suggested by her ‘uncle’ are not whom she wants. She has her sights set on Leith, after all she does not expect a loving marriage, she merely wants him to do something for her and in return she plans to help him become Bloodguard, earn his freedom and return to his family. Maeve plans well, she is also a talented healer and able to make sure Leith is ready for each new fight, but there are many things she has not taken into consideration, people and events that could lead to not only her downfall but Leith’s and both their families.
I was hooked on this story from the first page. Being an ancient historian and having therefore studied the history of the gladiators and gladiatorial battles I was lured in. I am also a huge fan of fantasy and romance so everything about this book suggested I should read it. Read it I did for Cecy Robson writes with a true conviction, there is power behind her words. She has carefully crafted a world, its people, events, timelines. Everything about the story suggests magic and power, including the words on the page. Outstanding.
Louise Ellis-Barrett
Capitana
Cassandra James, pub. Hot Key Books
Capitana is a seafaring Young Adult fantasy novel about Ximena Reale, who has trained at La Academia to become and earn a Cazador (pirate hunter) cloak. Her parents were executed as pirates when she was young, and their reputation is in danger of putting Ximena’s future in jeopardy. As pirates, they were traitors to the Luzan Empire and their crimes destroyed the family name. As a strong female heroine, Ximena strives to restore her family's honour by hunting the legendary pirate Gasparilla, who has captured the Queen of the Empire. While she is accompanied by her friend Pia, an archivist, her intriguing yet handsome male rival, Dante deLeon, also joins her. But there is only one Cazador cloak available and Dante threatens her chance of earning the prize.
Capitana, the first novel of a duology, presents an enthralling, fast-paced story, with fantastic world-building by author Cassandra James. The action is interspersed with Spanish words, which contextualise the story and showcase Ximena's background. Twists in the plot will leave the reader shocked, but as there is very little adult content nor explicit language, it is therefore suitable for a wide range of readers. Although some seasoned readers may find the direction and ending fairly predictable, it is otherwise a nearly perfect narrative. With a second novel on the horizon (which author Cassandra James is currently writing), now is a perfect time to read this story.
As a debut novel, James' Capitana is a great book to take on holiday this year, particularly anywhere near the coast - where the many shipwrecks may leave you wanting to know more about life at sea and the history of piracy.
Chris J Kenworthy
Cloud Nine
Sue H Cunningham, pub. Scholastic
Evangeline (Evvy) Buckle is 16 years old and is a trainee celestial guide from Cloud Nine - the very nicest cloud reserved for those who have done something particularly altruistic just before they died. This of course lets us know immediately that Evvy is not alive and whilst we may be curious about the reasons for her death that is not where this story wants to lead us, it is not one of revenge for a wrongful death. No, this is a sparkling love story!
Evvy is a lively character, always pushing the boundaries and bending the rules, which on Cloud Nine are many. And after over one hundred years even paradise can get boring! She loves mixing with friends she has made who live on Clouds Seven and Eight (which is definitely frowned upon) and has a big heart. A heart that beats more strongly when she meets Tom, the love of her life (death!) in the world of the Beforelifers (those still alive). Tom is not scheduled to depart life yet and somehow he can still see Evvy, does that mean there are possibilities, can Evvy find out why this is happening and how she can make it work?
I raced through this utterly charming rom-com, with its touch of mystery, desperate to find out what would happen to the people we meet along the way (both the living and the dead) as well as, of course, Evvy and Tom.
It's a delightful, heart-warming read, from beginning to end. Highly recommended.
Carol Farley
Cruel Is the Light
Sophie Clark, pub. Penguin Random House
A foot soldier harbouring secrets, and a notorious exorcist come together in the long-lasting conflict across Europe between humans and demons. Together they embark on a journey to reveal the mysteries of Vatican City.
Seventeen year old Selene Alleva is a captain in the Exorcist Second Class, trained at the prestigious Vatican Academy. She is well known for her powerful skills to destroy demons. Selene is also the niece of the commander of the military of the Vatican's Imperium Bellum, who sends her to Nice to investigate whether a high level demon is responsible for the destruction. After learning who is responsible for the tragedy, Selene is shocked to discover that he is one of the most influential demons in the world of his level.
Nineteen-year-old French foot soldier Jules Lacroix has been fighting demons in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia, for many years. But following an attack by a demon horde, Jules has a troubling encounter with their leader, he flees becoming a deserter.
Selene and Jules cross paths and initially they clash and infuriate each other, but as they circumnavigate the complexities of his past, their growing feelings for each other become undeniable. However Selene’s curiosity takes hold, and she is driven to uncover the truth about him. As Selene delves deeper into Vatican City, she realizes that there are far more secrets to unveil than just those belonging to Jules. In the face of a forbidden romance, secrets, and the challenging decision between duty and desire, will love really win out?
The somewhat open ended finish of the story prepares the reader for this duology's next instalment. I thought this YA fantasy was a lot of fun and refreshing, with some paranormal elements. I cannot wait for book two!
Katy Ralph
(Disney) Wings of Starlight
Allison Saft, pub. Studio Press
If you look out at the world around you and see it both brighter and full of magic then Alison Saft’s Wings of Starlight is a must-read. If you are doubtful, especially about magic, but are willing to be convinced, it is still a must-read. For believers it reinforces what we already know, for doubters it is proof that there is more to the world than light and dark, happy and sad, dream and nightmare. It helps us see how we should look beyond the ‘but that is how it has always been…’ opening our hearts and minds to more.
Clarion is destined to be the next Queen of Pixie Hollow, her destiny sealed when a child wished upon her star. As the countdown of days to the Coronation gets shorter, it gets closer, she cannot help but continue to be intrigued and very un-queenly! She loves to explore the lands around her, yearns to know more about them and when they all hear the reports of monsters crossing from Winter into Spring Clarion wants to do something to help. Travelling to the borders of their lands, to the forests where Winter begins she meets Milori, a guardian of the winter woods. A tentative friendship becomes a bond as the two realise they could be the ones to save all their lands.
At the same time, they learn more about one another, unlocking centuries of history, myth and knowledge. It helps them in their quest but it might also give them answers to questions they aren’t yet ready for. The answers could become as deadly as the monsters now haunting their lands. Is there a way around it or do they have to accept their fates? Alison Saft writes beautifully, bringing the fairy lands out of folklore and into reality, imbuing them with wonder and delight in this star-crossed lovers romance (quite literally!)
Louise Ellis-Barrett
Nightweaver
R.M. Gray, pub. Penguin Random House
Nightweaver is an enemies to lovers 'romantasy' set in a world of pirates, fallen angels and demons known as Underlings. Fans of Phillip Pullman will appreciate the world set up and some of the ontological references will feel familiar and therefore it is easy to identify with the concepts behind the story.
The book begins with Aster, a 17 year old pirate, who lives and sails with her large family. They survive completely at sea as the land is the domain of the Nightweaver - apparent mortal enemies and hunters of humans. After a tragic battle, Aster and her family are taken as hostages but given a chance at a new life on land at the estate of a wealthy and powerful Nightweaver. As the story unfolds Aster and her family realise that many stories they have been told of Nightweavers may not be true. There is more to the Nightweaver than legend has told, they may be less dangerous to humans but there are still secrets that shroud the Nightweavers in mystery.
Aster's growing feelings for her captor and her own developing power put her at the centre of a conflict that threatens to tear the realm apart as the forces of good and evil battle for control. Aster is a feisty and fearless heroine and her love of her family and struggles to adapt to a life on land make her a relatable character. Her confusion over her feelings for Will, her Nightweaver lord is real and rapid and gives you a good indication that there is more manipulation going on that perhaps they (or we) realise. Will Aster be able to remain true to her family and her quest or will she succumb to the greater forces at play all around her? A fast paced and enjoyable read.
Marianne Digiovanni
The Notorious Virtues
Alwyn Hamilton, pub. Faber
Before we start there is something you should know. Open this book and be prepared to be addicted, to the story, to the characters, to the world building, to the feeling of constantly being on the edge of your seat. And then there is the ending, the cliffhanger for this is just book 1. If you have all this in mind when you start you will be halfway ready because nothing will prepare you for the way in which The Notorious Virtues will sweep you off your feet.
I was expecting a fantasy. In part I got that. There is magic, there are magical competitions, there is a ruling family, there are the rich and the poor, knight protectors. But there are also paparazzi, or at least the equivalent of, there are men with cameras eager for all the gossip. There are automobiles, of a sort. This story is more than fantasy, more than magical, more than decadent, this story is simply more. The world-building and characterization are outstanding so you can perhaps understand why the warning! It truly is addictive.
Nora is the sixteen year old daughter of the most powerful heiress in Walstead. Her family have, and control, all the money and magic in the country but Nora’s mother has been found dead, probably murdered and suddenly the throne is up for grabs. Nora thought she would automatically follow in her mother’s footsteps but now there are cousins to compete against for there can only be one heir. She may have to give up her carefree life.
Then there is Lotte. The illegitimate daughter of Nora’s aunt, sent away to live in a convent, to be forgotten, until now, until there is a chance she could be the heir. Lotte believed herself to be an orphan and suddenly finds herself not only surrounded by family but by a family who mostly want her dead unfortunately. When Nora learns there is more to her mother’s death and can only trust a reporter things become even more tangled. Then there is the revolution bubbling under the surface of everything. The cousins might have to find they need to stay alive, no matter what. An outstanding first book bringing us the Veritaz trials and a story so good it will envelop each and every reader in its own cloak of magic.
May Jonas
The Rose Bargain
Sasha Peyton Smith, pub. Electric Monkey
The Others can be found among hidden waters and deeply rooted trees - in the wild, grassy places where light falls on ancient branches and bracken. These are the Fae, and they do not shy away from tampering in the messy human world.
Queen Moryen has tampered more than most and secured herself the crown of England since 1471 - the kingdom is sealed to this immortal, immovable queen. Now, in the year 1848, Queen Moryen allows London’s upper classes to keep their ritualistic traditions: their balls and social circles, governed by calling cards and invitations. But Ivy Benton knows the dangers of this society: she and her family are outcast from social favour. Ivy is vulnerable, open to the cruelty and isolation of living as a social spectacle.
Ivy’s sister, Lydia, disappeared three months ago, wrenching Ivy open - only to return after a week with no explanation for her bedraggled, shut down state. This scandal is the reason for their ruin, making every day painful: with Lydia unable to be her former self, Ivy faces a troubling mix of anger and loss - her closest bond is gone, and her sister will not reveal the cause. All she knows is that her sister’s bargain with Queen Moryen, went badly wrong…
Every citizen has the opportunity to make one bargain with the queen. For the girls of high society this must be done at the Pact Parade on the first of May. They have to hope to increase their chances on the marriage market with a tactful bargain. It is Ivy’s turn: in her sister’s dress, with white garden roses twined in her hair, she carries the heavy weight of having to impress - to salvage something for her family’s reputation. As young children they spent their time in the wooded places where Fae might lurk: lingering in the dusk with the twirling bats and dark gloom, hoping hidden faerie doors may be found. Now such ideas are forbidden, deemed childish, and Ivy can share them only in her letters with Ethel, an elderly family friend - only she wonders what role the fae may have played in her sister’s disaster…
Ivy quickly feels like an interesting character, caught between conflicting emotions and a huge sense of loss. As the social season looms she is desperate to find a new pathway and must encounter the public emergence of the Queen’s two sons: one human, Prince Emmett, who intrigues and frustrates Ivy, and one famed fae son, Prince Bram - whose status holds unparalleled appeal. Together they represent a precarious, potentially perilous chance for change, as Ivy lunges towards a new fate for herself and her family…
The Rose Bargain delivers an alternative history, an enchanting fantasy and an unexpected romance, beguiling and thoroughly addictive. Part two can’t come soon enough!
Jemima Breeds
Solo
Gráinne O’Brien, pub. Little Island
How good is your music knowledge? I am sure you know the word solo which in the context of musical performance means a performance in which a performer has no partner, they are playing alone or ‘solo.’ There are many more music-related words, many of which act, loosely, as headings for scene changes in this story-in-verse. If you are curious about the genre and why it isn’t classified as poetry the simple answer is that a poem will capture a moment in time, a feeling or an emotion. A story in verse can offer a deeper connection for the reader, there can be a greater sense of drama, emotions and many changes in pace. All of this can be found in Solo along with a story which, at its heart, is about one young girl finding her own way in this complex world.
Daisy has two loves. First and foremost, came music, then came David. It was, for a short time, idyllic to an extent. Music and David gave Daisy something to ground herself with, gave her a break from home life where she most certainly felt solo. Having twin brothers who have their own intense relationship she finds herself leaning on her father for support. To a point it has worked but as we get deeper into the story we see that there have been fracture lines in Daisy’s life, lines she has tried to patch but which are ultimately going to give.
Never very popular at school because she would rather focus on her passion for classical music, her final year has started with a breakup, a friend’s betrayal, her father’s illness, her own loneliness. Not even music seems to help her find a way to cope with any of this but a new friend could. Flora could be the key to Daisy finding herself once more. More importantly Flora could be the one to help Daisy see that music might not be everything, help her to discover the person she really is, the one she wants to grow into. Heartbreaking and healing, this story deals with some big issues but gently, carefully, always holding the reader’s hand, letting them know there is always someone there for them.
A deep, thought-provoking, powerful read.
Louise Ellis-Barrett
Songs for Ghosts
Clara Kumagai, pub. Zephyr
Can you answer these questions about Japan: What are rekishi and yÅ«rei? Do you know Madame Butterfly? Yes, the latter is an opera which most readers probably haven’t ever heard, nor seen where it is set and what happens. Clara Kumagai has brought together Japanese history and culture, teenage fears and loves, and the intricate cobweb of mysteries of family history. All this in an astonishingly unusual and thoughtful 440 pages with some excellent Japanese illustrations.
Author Kumagai lives in Ireland and has a heritage that links her to both Canada, and Japan. Adam, the novel’s Japanese-American teenager whose Japanese name is Kai-san, lives in America, but longs to know more about his family, especially his Japanese mother, who died when Adam was still a small child. His American father is reluctant to tell Adam about his mother’s family. When Adam discovers a small book in the attic he realises that it is the diary of a teenage Japanese girl from more than a century ago. As he continues to read the diary he discovers that the Japanese tradition of ghosts is a very important part of Japanese life, in which the extended family depends on careful politeness which allows everlasting memories of now dead family and friends. These ghosts are revered and it is believed they have a living presence when dead, which must be considered part of the live family. Adam is determined to find out more about his Japanese family and as he reads more of the diary he begins to see ghosts and he also discovers that elements of the Madame Butterfly story seem to echo the core of the diary he has found.
Entwined with Adam’s family story Kumagai very subtly adds the difficulties facing twenty-first century teenage boys who are gay, and whose feelings for gay friends adds concern to an already difficult family life. It is made more difficult as his family are not one he feels he can openly confide in, and then there is the pressure from Japanese culture. Adam’s summer in Japan shows readers that the culture is very different, but fascinating and that traditions are revered. This is a wonderful, deep and thought-provoking novel, beautifully written by an outstanding author.
Bridget Carrington