No one can believe it, but the sirens that make the city, “….sound like it’s screaming” leave no doubt. Kat and her family must follow other citizens down into the underground train stations to try and avoid the bombing. But even that is no guarantee of survival as Kat soon learns. She hates being separated from her classmates and normal life, but knows there in no option in their current lives.

When they are rounded up and ordered onto buses, they are fearful but glad they are all together… until they aren’t. Kat’s Papa and his best friend are detained as Kat, her mum and her sister climb aboard the buses. Or so her mum believes.

Kat decides in a moment she must stay behind too. Living alone on the bombed out streets of her beloved city, Kat looks for a way to find her father, and get him back.

Adam is missing home. But at least he now has something to write home about as his unit are moving on a city that needs them. Liberation of its citizens is an exciting prospect, as they will be sure to welcome Adam and his fellow soldiers as they march on the city.

He is teased by others in his unit about all the letters he writes home, but he is missing the farm he grew up on and is looking forward to returning for Christmas. That is not to be as they move further and further into the city, discovering return gunfire, not open arms and smiles.

The third in this thought provoking and sobering series about serious issues around the world, WAR is directly mirroring what is happening right now on our News screens or directly for thousands of people.

Seeing both points of view from the attacker (Soldier Adam) and citizen of a city (Citizen Kat), allows readers to see both sides – even if one has been told untruths about the mission they are on. In doing so, Kat rises as the courageous hero as a mindless army attacks a peaceful city.

But of course, this graphic novel has been written to highlight all wars, the waste, the horror and the scattering of dreams, futures and lives.

In sobering colours of war – mud browns, camouflage greens, dark blacks, and fiery yellow or orange, this graphic novel also portrays the emotions of grief, fear, and hopelessness, but also courage, relief and hope.

A true story from a refugee of war is shared at the end of the novel – also in graphic novel format.

Sobering.

(Thank you to Source Books for the ARC)

Authors – Eoin Colfer / Andrew Donkin

Illustrators – Giovanni Rigano

Letterer – Chris Dickey

Graphic Novel

Age – 10+

(2026, Source Books, Graphic Novel, War, Tanks, Bombs, Gunfire, Soldiers, Family, Courage, Hunger, Separation, Escape, Action, Grief, Real Life, Conflict, Poverty)

The post War Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A boy in the last year of primary school, dealing with friendship, family and health challenges in his life.

Plot summary of The Final Year (No Spoilers)

Nate has two younger brothers aged 5 and 8. They live with their mum and don’t know their fathers. The brothers are all very different, but a tight knit group.

It’s the final year of primary school, and with his best mate Parker, they are looking forward to the future. They spend all their time together, but when Parker returns from a summer holiday, Nate and Parker begin to drift apart.

Nate is hurt but makes a new friend in Caleb. Nate is a talented poet, and Caleb an artist, and with their new teacher’s encouragement, their friendship and creativity flourishes.

Being the oldest, and with mum often hungover after Bingo nights, Nate looks out for his younger brother’s needs at home. But when one falls sick, life is even messier.

The Final Year of primary school is the hardest and most complicated of Nate’s life yet.

Review

What a beautiful story. This verse novel has won over a dozen awards, and was shortlisted for 7 more!

The Award image on the front cover drew me to this novel, as I hadn’t seen it before in NZ. I’m so glad I got to read it, because it truly is worth every accolade.

I felt for main character Nate and the struggles he faces in the final year before high school. There’s lots of love at home, but not much structure or support and he looks out for his younger sibling’s needs along with his own. Messy friendship dynamics challenge him further, but he takes it all in his stride.

His new teacher Mr Joshua is a powerful force and guiding light in the novel, helping Nate find himself and his people through his writing. Inspiring teachers always strike a chord with me because they truly have the power to change young lives. This story tells it like it is for this boy and his family, with the way he thinks, speaks and lives.

The Final Year will make a great gift for students in their final year of primary, wherever they live.

An inspirational read with an authentic delivery.

Main Characters

Nate – 10 years old, loves football, words and books. Is a talented poet, but he’s not aware of it until a new teacher sees him writing. Nate is responsible, thoughtful, and loving with his younger brothers, but does have darker feelings sometimes that threaten to appear as ‘The Beast’. He has had counselling to learn to control it.

Parker – Nate’s best mate. Parker is an only child and unlike Nate, his family can afford better food, clothing and family holidays. This isn’t a problem until one summer holidays in their final year.

Mr Joshua – New teacher who is also a musician with many years of trying to make it big behind him. This teacher is kind, insightful and supportive of Nate and his creativity. He is also there when Nate needs him when his family is truly struggling.

Writing Style

Verse novel told in 6 parts. The 1st part introduces the characters and sets the scene for the reader, to fully appreciate time and setting.

What age is it for?

Ages 9-11 – for those leaving Primary school and going to Intermediate (NZ) or High school.

Where & When is it set?

Manchester, England / Present

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

First person / Past tense

Is there Violence?

A few punches thrown in a school fight

What genre is The Final Year?

Middle Grade Verse Novel

Themes

School / Family / Change / Social challenges

Is it part of a series?

Yes – The sequel The First Year, covers Nate’s 1st year of High School

Find a full review here

If you liked this, you might like…

The Wrong Shoes

The Invisible

The Bridge Home

Author

Matt Goodfellow

Illustrator

Joe Todd-Stanton

Publisher

Otter-Barry Books

(2023, Otter-Barry Books, Intermediate (NZ), Verse Novel, School, David Almond, Skellig, Poems, Poetry, Social challenges, Poverty, Friendship Dynamics, Change, Siblings, Brothers, Multi Award Winning. Series, Duology)

The post The Final Year Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Following the first book in this duology (The Final Year), this verse novel is about a boy in the first year of high school, dealing with new friendships, teachers and classes. Other new challenges include serious bullying, school expectations and his absent father entering his life for the first time.

Plot summary of The First Year (No Spoilers)

Nate is excited to be going to the local high school, even if he and his mates feel weird in their school blazers and new routines. He knows he’ll miss Mr Joshua from primary school but is keen to take the next steps into his new schooling life.

He meets new teachers and students including a girl who seems remote but is the opposite with those close to her. She soon becomes part of his friendship group who surround him when he needs them for both challenging school and home-life problems.

Review

The sequel to the multi award winning The Final Year, this verse novel packs just as much punch as it portrays a normal kid in his first year of high school in Manchester England.

After dealing with so much in The Final Year, this novel is even more personal as Nate deals with a face from his past school, a new face who brings him strength and understanding, and a face he has dreamed about but has never been sure they would ever be part of his life.

He’s also dealing with different teachers who are stretched for time, understanding and patience, unlike his primary school teacher. Constantly under pressure, the high school teachers prefer to stick to the school rules instead of trying to understand challenging behaviour, and Nate’s writing is acknowledged but not nurtured as much as before.

Although the health issues of his little brother seem sorted, he begins to drift away from his siblings with all that high school places upon him. He takes more time for himself as he wrangles with the feelings about his father entering his life, and the higher expectations of school.

I was lucky enough to listen to The First Year, read by the author himself, with the accent, dialect and slang of the place and time – right now.

Writing Style

Verse novel in 6 parts. Readers see the end of Year 6 and the start of Year 7 and further.

There are illustrations throughout by Illustrator Joe Todd-Stanton sharing the story with readers.

Each page/poem begins with a title, and the novel is written in the vernacular or slang of the Manchester setting. Only when Nate recites one of his actual poems does his language change.

What age is it for?

Ages 10-12  for those beginning Intermediate (NZ) or High School.

Where & When is it set?

Manchester, England / Present

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

First person / Past tense

Is there Violence?

Yes

What genre is The First Year?

Middle Grade Verse Novel

Themes

School / Family / Change / Social challenges / Friendship

Is it part of a series?

Yes – The first book in the duology – The Final Year, covers the year before at Nate’s last year of Primary School

If you liked this, you might like…

The Wrong Shoes

The Invisible

The Bridge Home

Author

Matt Goodfellow

Illustrator

Joe Todd-Stanton

Publisher

Otter-Barry Books

(2023, Otter-Barry Books, Verse Novel, School, Poems, Writing, Poetry, Social challenges, Poverty, Friendship Dynamics, Change, Siblings, Brothers, Multi Award Winning, Series, Duology, High School, Bullying, Violence, Absent Father, Growing Up)

The post The First Year Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A street kid caught up in a pick-pocket and thieving gang discovers he has the gift of magic after surviving a terrible event. He is torn between his old life on the streets and a new life as the apprentice of a highly respected Dream Maker.

A comet is hurtling towards Eortha as it does every 75 years, and his entire city of Starsgard is celebrating its arrival. It’s believed to be a changebringer and omen of good times ahead.

But Crow’s new master knows something about the comet that others don’t. It’s the opposite of anything good.

Plot summary of Crow – Thief of Magic (No Spoilers)

Crow lives on the streets of Starsgard of Eortha – bonded by fear and control by the Reaver gang. The only good thing in his life, is time spent with his close friends Sal and Jonas. They share their food they scrounge or buy with their meagre spoils of pick pocketing allowed by the gang or anything else they can earn. They also share their dreams to escape the gang and finally be free of them.

While working on a plan for their future, a job goes terribly wrong and lives are lost. Crow’s life is suddenly changed forever as he finds himself under the care and then tutelage of the city’s Dream Maker.

Viktor Avery is wealthy and famous in Starsgard, but he isn’t all he seems. Crow must decide whether to believe a strange ghost’s warning about Viktor, or Viktor’s kindness and care of him.

Crow discovers his special knack to stay alive on the rough dark streets of the city is more magic than street smarts. Can he harness it in time to save himself, his friends and the entire city?

Review

Beginning with a detailed map, Crow’s world was easy to immerse myself in. He’s a kind and thoughtful character, living on the streets where food is scarce and kindness even more so.

His bond and loyalty to his friends is heart warming in such a harsh life, and his unexpected apprenticeship to harness the full power of his latent magic, an intriguing story line.

Crow’s magic is connected to Dreams, and to his horror, Nightmares too, which bring important contrasts to this novel and Crow himself. Rich world building kept me reading right up to an exciting climax and satisfying conclusion.

Perfectly paced with action, tough choices to be made, and deciding who to trust as a young street-kid, this middle-grade novel is an engaging read. I cared about Crow very early in the narrative and was keen to see him come into his own on the streets of a fictional medieval-styled, fantasy city.

(Thanks to Harper Collins NZ for my ARC)

Writing Style

Chapters are numbered and named, and also include a countdown of days until All Souls’ Eve – (Readers learn along the way why this is important to the inhabitants of Starsgard)

What age is it for?

Age – 10+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional city called Starsgard in the Northern Isles of Eortha / Medieval Times

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Third Person (Both Crow and Viktor) / Paste Tense

Is there Violence?

Yes.

What genre is Crow – Thief of Magic?

Middle-grade Fantasy

Themes

Friendship / Loyalty / Fantasy / Poverty

Is it part of a series?

Yes. This is the first book in a three book series.

If you liked this, you might like…

Arkspire series

Hidden Treasure

Deep Dark

Author

Fiona Dixon

Publisher

Harper Collins UK

(2026, Harper Collins UK, Fantasy, Series, Gang, Medieval City, Poverty, Friendship, Dreams, Magic, Nightmares, Dream Maker, Secrets, Revenge, Lies, Eternal, Comet, Good Luck, Power, Action, Betrayal, Bullies, Courage, Animals, Cat)

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Conrad prefers Herman to stay close to home and their bookshop. He has never forgotten losing their younger brother in Cook Strait and is fearful of anything happening to Herman. Living in Nelson at the top of the South Island of New Zealand, they have plenty of food and are safe from outside dangers.

Another dispute in their household is whether plentiful Nelson should help hungry and struggling Wellington, or stay safe and closed off from the world. Conrad believes their lives are better keeping to themselves, but Herman’s mum and uncle want to help.

Against all of their rules, Herman stows away on The Seeker until it is too late to turn around. Another terrible accident befalls the brothers, and Herman finds himself in an orphanage known as Castle Grim.

Suddenly his need for adventure and time away from his comfortable life in Nelson has turned into a terrible, dangerous and life threatening idea. Along with new friends made at Castle Grim, he suffers an endless work schedule, terrible food, and no knowledge of his uncle and father’s whereabouts.

But the bravery and knowledge from the other orphans of Castle Grim, it’s staff and surrounds, aids Herman to find all the courage he needs to help defeat pirates, gang leaders and his own fears. There is so much at stake and he must step up to save his entire family.

Castle Grim has everything that middle-grade readers love. Action, adventure, friendship, courage, pirates, an orphanage, along with a dystopian setting on a treacherous piece of ocean between New Zealand’s North & South Islands (Cook Strait).

There is no technology left, no knowledge of the outside world, and increasing food shortages, pirates and press gangs – making it a dangerous place indeed.

The main character’s viewpoint is joined by others as this exciting tale is told, giving readers the whole picture of Castle Grim, which increases intensity in both the threats to characters, and their plans to defeat the bad guys.

These ‘bad guys’ have been building their strongholds, members and ambitious plans for years and Castle Grim portrays it all playing out on vicious ship wrecker reefs, and the tumultuous waters of Cook Strait.

Winner of the Tom Fitzgibbon Award 2025, Castle Grim‘s author Shaun Barnett wrote it whilst looking out from his writing desk at the Pencarrow & Haewai Lighthouses, which star in his book.

I for one am glad that he stuck with Castle Grim over the 12 years in writing it. It’s a grand adventure with kiwi kids doing extraordinary things in a dystopian New Zealand.

Author – Shaun Barnett

Age – 10+

Publisher – Scholastic NZ

Set – Future Wellington / Cook Strait NZ

Viewpoint – Multiple – 3rd person

Violence – Yes

Real Life – Yes / Future Wellington / Nelson

Fantasy – No

Blend – Dystopian / Action / NZ

(2026, Scholastic NZ, Aotearoa New Zealand, Tom Fitzgibbon Award Winner, Intermediate (NZ), Award Winning Author, Cook Strait, Sailing Ships, Lighthouses, Books, Pirates, Wellington, Action, Adventure, Blended Family, Bullies, Courage, Crime, Dystopian, Friendship, Greed, Growing up, New Zealand, Poverty)

The post Castle Grim appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

But now Elodie sees her big sister as an irresponsible thief, putting all in Arkspire in danger. Elodie is training to better herself at an academy to become an Arcanist.

An Arcanist is an all powerful leader of Arkspire. There are always five, but they don’t last forever, training future Arcanists to take their places. Juniper doesn’t believe Elodie will ever be chosen. After all, they are from the Dregs, which is the worst part of town. Still, Elodie wants to help her family out of their abject poverty.

Juniper is too practical to wait for someone else to help them. She is an established thief and pickpocket and is always looking for a deal to make some money. The best things to steal or source are items from a long ago war between the Arcanists and people called the Betrayers. Finding any of these items brings top dollar, and a much quicker way to put food on the table in Juniper’s eyes.

But Juniper finds something she shouldn’t. It only looks like a sliver of mirror, but she is sure she can see something happening in it, that isn’t happening in real life. Before she knows it, she has released something wild and vicious into their world – the very thing they are warned not to do since birth.

The Arcanists aren’t happy, and Juniper knows they mean business. It’s not in her nature to admit wrong or accept defeat. Suddenly she is on the con of her life. With the help of an apothecary, a loyal friend and the strange creature she released, she not only holds the Arcanists threats off, she takes on their challenges.

As she tries to help the creature, save herself and the people of the Dregs, she learns the truth behind the beings leading their whole city. Is her entire past a lie?

The world building of Arkspire is so rich and real, and the characters so vibrant and alive, this is a gripping read. The back story of the city of Arkspire is also rich, but more and more riveting as its true history is revealed.

Arkspire is a city of back alleys, cobbled streets, towers and terrible things, along with the grandeur of the leaders who are called Arcanists. Their power and magic is revered throughout the city, but at what cost? Main character Juniper is a feisty, brave, scrappy 13 year old, and practically fearless. She holds her family dear, even if she is estranged from her do-good twin sister. The more Juniper learns about the city and its leaders, the more tension builds as she worries for her sister’s future.

Skeletons, shadows, secrets and a sister’s love. Creepy crypts and completing a challenge. Lies, possession, magical mirrors and misuse of power.

Looking forward to the next book in this series.

Author – Jamie Littler

Age – 10+

Find a review for the next book in this series here

(2023, Penguin Group, Magical Land, Fantasy, Action, Betrayal, Courage, Friendship, Magic, Family, Secret, Series, Poverty, Horror, Skeletons, Tower, Shadowy Creature, Loyalty, Rich vs Poor, Lies, Sisters, Sibling Rivalry, Apothecary)

The post Arkspire appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Beginning in a wealthy, caring, kind home, he is well fed, cared for, spoken to often, and at four years is carefully broken in. After his early years in a meadow with his mother, he has to learn to put up with a metal bit in his mouth, blinkers on his face, and a stiff and heavy collar when hitched to a cart.  The sound of the cart wheels unnerve him, but the patience of his master and bond they already have, help Black Beauty to learn.

All of this training is for a reason. He is taken to a new stable where he meets new horse friends Ginger and Merrylegs, and his new master. This home is even better than the first, and Black Beauty learns more about being a working horse – this time pulling a carriage, or enjoying being ridden after being locked in the stables after being used to freedom in the fields.

But alas, it isn’t to stay this way, and Black Beauty has yet another new master. This time it isn’t for the better. He learns about the pain of bearing reins, which are for nothing but looks and vanity of his owner. He experiences drunken riders, inexperienced stable grooms and the uncertainty of being a job horse.

His next owner is a welcome one, with him and his family giving Black Beauty the care he needs. They treat him like a member of their family, and he works hard for them, but never too hard like many other times in his short life.

Again, his circumstances change – due to the thoughtlessness of people he has experienced again and again. Not just to horses but to people as well. Will they ever change?

But maybe, just maybe, there is kindness coming back to him.

This retelling of Anna Sewell’s classic brings Black Beauty to a whole new generation of readers.

Michael Morpurgo’s well loved and gentle style stays true to the 1877 original, but with more modern language. Although more suited to modern young readers, this doesn’t take away the feel of the Victorian England setting in the late 1800’s.

This is a sad story of the life of horses back then, but between the lines is an understanding of the lives of the owners too, and of empathy between horse and human. It emphasises how we can all be better at kindness and compassion, to animals and to each other.

Black Beauty is a window into the time, showing what life was like for people of all walks of life – especially the working class or poor.

Only some of the chapters are named as in the original, but it sticks to the four part tale, told directly to the reader by Black Beauty himself. This viewpoint brings the reader closer to what Black Beauty is experiencing and feeling as a horse through owners good and bad.

Although now thought of as a children’s classic Black Beauty was written by Anna Sewell in sympathy to the terrible treatment of horses she saw around her on an ongoing basis. 

This beautiful hardback edition, illustrated by Tom De Freston, is not only for horse lovers, but for children of all ages to enjoy and partake in compassion and understanding. Sticking to Anna Sewell’s moving ending, this retelling is ultimately hopeful for a brave horse.

Author – Anna Sewell

A retelling by Michael Morpurgo

Illustrator – Tom de Freston

Age – 10+

Find more reviews of books starring horses here

Find more historical reads here

(2026, 1877, Animals, Historical, Grief, Real Life, Bullies, Friendship, Poverty, Retelling, Classic, Horses, Victorian England, 18oo’s, 19th Century, Horse Care, Grooms, Kindness, Animal Cruelty, Mistreatment)

The post Black Beauty appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

He works hard in class, but this too brings the bullies, taunts and jabs. Many kids don’t want to listen to teachers or learn. They’d rather talk about music, or gangs or street action. Jerome has no friends to speak of either, trying to keep out of trouble and to himself.

When a new boy joins his class, Jerome feels for him as his bullies quickly make fun of him. Jerome waves Carlos over to sit by him, and gives advice about the school. It’s not long before the Jerome’s bullies track them down, but Carlos has something to scare them off with. A gun.

Its not real, but is has the desired effect. When he offers it to Jerome to play with, Jerome isn’t sure. He decides it might be fun. He never sees Carlos again.

As a ghost, he must watch the trauma of his family losing him. He doesn’t want to be there and can’t understand why he can’t leave. But when he meets others that roam this realm alongside the live one, he begins to wonder if there is an important reason.

There is a terrible history of shootings in their country. 1000’s of black people killed by police, KKK or racism. Is there a way to finally make it stop?

This graphic novel is a moving and potent adaptation of the 2018 novel of the same name. In muted colours, this story is told in sections separated by pages with one word in the centre.      alive   or   dead.

These pages indicate to the reader what happens to Jerome, stepping back and forth through events such as the walk to school, the moment Carlos gives Jerome the toy gun, right through to a preliminary court hearing, meeting other ghosts – and onto an emotional ending.

Shocking facts are revealed about shooting statistics in the USA, along with historical events.

This isn’t just a story for those who live there, but for everyone to think about their racial bias, prejudice and beliefs in stereotypes. Jerome’s family pays the horrific price of police brutality, and readers also see the fallout of the family of the policeman who fired his gun.

Angie Thomas says Ghost Boys is a Must Read, and I totally agree. 

Author – Jewell Parker Rhodes

Illustrator – Setor Fiadzigbey

Age – 12+

Publisher – Orion / Hachette

Set – Contemporary Chicago / USA

Viewpoint – 1st person

Violence – Yes

Sex – No

Real Life – Yes

Fantasy – Ghosts

Blend – Real Life / Ghosts / Racism

(2026, Orion, Hachette, Social Justice, Police Brutality, Shooting, Gun, Unprovoked, Crime, Police shooting, School, Poverty, Bullies, Ghost, Family, Friendship, Crime, Murder, Grief, Love, Real Life, Prejudice, Racism)

The post Ghost Boys appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

The work is hard, but the pay much needed in the family’s poor, but happy enough life. Nell’s Pa is out of work, and her brother too young to bring in any money at the age of only 10. The estate is the biggest employer in the area, but also the landlord of all the land for miles around. Nell is pleased to be able to help out, but is uncomfortable at becoming the only breadwinner.

The fears of further afield finally come to Ballinkeel. The blight the newspapers shout about arrives, and Nell’s parents aren’t the only farmers watching their hand planted potato crop turn to black, and rot in the soil. They not only rely on the potatoes for food, but also to be able to pay their landlord, Lord Wicken.

Their only hopes are their oat crops, but will it be enough?

With all this on Nell’s mind as she scrubs pots, stirs stews and follows Maggie’s orders, she is in awe of the amount of food dished up to the Lord and his visitors, when everyone she knows and loves is starving.

The light in her day comes from spending time with her friends, her little brother’s antics at home, and most of all – meeting John Browning, the heir to the Wicken fortune.

He’s different from his strict, unfeeling Uncle, and at first Nell keeps her interest to herself. She feels foolish for such thoughts, but after spending more time together, she knows she’s treading on dangerous territory. Falling for an Englishman, when they are deemed the enemy of Ireland, is not wise.

Nell’s heart is soon broken again and again with the result of an all consuming hunger, and actions of desperate, starving, men.

An unflinching YA verse novel, depicting the potato blight and resulting famine that swept Ireland from 1845 – 1861.

Carnegie Medal Winner Sarah Crossan’s Where the Heart Should Be is a love story – between a servant and a wealthy heir to a fortune, and also between her and her family – hit by the famine along with her entire village.

The senseless greed by the landlord against his starving tenants is portrayed in verse, and a succinct way to show true events between Ireland and the controlling England of the time.

At first this heartbreaking novel shares the love among families, the age-old superstitions in Irish daily life and the excitement of a upcoming marriage. Getting to know these characters was vivid in verse and as rich as a full novel, so when their lives fall apart, my heart broke for them all.

A beautiful novel of a painful time in history.

Author – Sarah Crossan

Age – 13+

Verse Novel

Find more Verse novels here

Publisher – Bloomsbury

Verse Novel

Set – Ireland – Fictional town in County Mayo – 1846

Viewpoint – 1st person

Real Life – Based on historical events of the Potato Blight & resulting famine

Fantasy – No

Blend – Historical – based on fact

(2025, Bloomsbury, Historical, English greed, Ireland, Potato Famine, 184o’s, Lord, Estate, Starvation, Hunger, Grief, Loss, Death, Desperation, Love, Forbidden Romance, Kindness, Heir, Family, Scullery Maid)

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One night Goliath and Toff meet a man in a bleak part of town. He has a deal for Goliath, who seems excited for the opportunity to make a lot of money. What Toff sees breaks his heart – a silverback gorilla, malnourished, sick and in terrible condition.

Goliath is delighted, but Toff is horrified. He knows he must get help for the creature and for the first time goes against his uncle’s orders and fetches help.

What follows is a battle between good and evil, animal love and cruelty, money and dignity. Toff meets Nettie, an avid animal lover and daughter of a vet. She not only stands up to Goliath, but inexplicably stands in his way of exploiting any animal.

Toff is mortified and impressed in equal measure, and the next 24 hours are the most fearful hours he’s ever experienced in his life. Goliath has eyes and spies everywhere on the streets of London, and a death defying chase results through the alleys and tunnels across the city.

The Dawn of Adonis is a prequel to the best selling When The Sky Falls. This episode shows readers Adonis’s beginnings in London and how his very life was saved by a brave young girl and a street urchin.

Phil Earle is a master storyteller, and The Dawn of Adonis captured me from the first page and had me turning pages faster and faster until the nail biting ending. Just as in his other books, the setting is richly portrayed and the 1911 London docks easy to immerse yourself in.

Poverty is rife in the story, but so is positivity and kindness, with strong friendships built along the way.

This is a novel for animal lovers, historical genre readers, and anyone who loves a thrilling story.

Author – Phil Earle

Age – 10+

(2025, Andersen Press, Animals, Action, Historical, Grief, Friendship, Poverty, Secret, Family, Courage, Gorilla, Baby, London, Thugs, Violence, Escape, Gangsters, Duology, Series, Prequel, Gripping)

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Still, Cassia has made some good friends on the streets of London. Sure they may be poor and live by their wits, but Cassia finds them friendly, fun and honest (mostly). Cassia tutors children for a few coins, which helps her and her father survive. She’s more worried about the street children who seem to be going missing. When a friend’s brother vanishes, the family search relentlessly but with no luck. Cassia is desperate to help.

Asking her father’s lawyer for help only brings more heartache with the truth of her father’s chances of ever leaving prison, but it does bring an ally. Felix is wealthy and keen to help Cassia find out what is happening to the children of London. He has a strong sense of doing the right thing, and with his help and knowledge, they dive into a mystery below the streets of London and then even deeper again, into the Deep Dark.

Their discoveries are horrifying, and the fact that no one will believe them, even more so. Cassia must draw on all she has learnt on the streets of London, everyone she might think will help them, and summon her courage like never before.

Her father, the wealthy, and a strange tune that flits through the streets, are all part of a mystery ages-old that lies deep in the ocean. Cassia will do anything to stop them.

Cassia Thorne is an intriguing character – born in India into a wealthy shipping family, but now living in London’s Fleet Street Debtor’s Prison, until someone bails out her cash strapped father.

This prison was actually built in the 1100’s and still in use in the 1800’s as in this story. Fiction is a brilliant way for children to learn about history whilst enjoying a cracking good story – and Deep Dark is definitely that.

Deep Dark has a brave but kind heroine, with wealthy and street savvy friends at her side. The contrast between the wealth and the abject poverty is also clear, bringing empathy for the street children, no one seems to care about. Add ruthless adults spinning strange rhymes, and something lurking deep below the London streets, even lower than the abandoned crypts – and the story’s intensity slowly builds.

With an explosive ending and the thought that all could be lost after all, Deep Dark had me hooked to the last page.

Author – Zohra Nabi

Age – 8+

(2025, Simon & Schuster, London, Street Children, Missing Children, Mystery, Urchins, Fleet Street, Prisons, Poverty, Friendship, Courage, Historical, Adventure, Action, Music, Wealth, Greed)

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This ability to breathe has come from technology by the Zephyr Corporation, but at a price. Zephyr’s growth and powerful reach is everywhere in Sparrow’s life, and they seem to be getting richer every day.

Paying for air to breathe for herself, her little sister and grandfather, takes a large chunk of Sparrow’s earnings. She can’t see a way out of their poverty, after having to leave school early to work. She constantly urges her little sister to study hard and not find herself in the same situation.

When not working, Sparrow likes to visit a friend named Miriam who was once a rocket scientist. She is constantly tinkering with equipment, including Sparrow’s hover skates and i-pad that aids her work.

On a visit one day, she finds Miriam’s warehouse on fire, with her friend inside. From that moment, Sparrow’s life is in danger, as Miriam was working on a new project. Little does Sparrow know, she is the key to changing their polluted world – forever!

This Cli-Fi (Climate Fiction), novel for Dyslexic or Reluctant Readers is intriguing from the very first page. Young teenager Sparrow lives in a futuristic Earth, covered by pollution so bad, it is impossible to breathe in it. The special equipment is costly, driving an even bigger divide between rich and poor.

But just like in the movie ROBOTS (2005), someone is working on new ideas and equipment, in this case to help those who struggle to pay the fees just to breathe.

A savvy battle between rich and poor has an incredibly satisfying and thrilling ending.

Perfect for anyone, but particularly dyslexic readers as Barrington Stoke are experts in this genre.

Author – Alastair Chisholm

Illustrator – George Caltsoudas

Age – 9+

Dyslexic Read

(Reading Age 8 – Interest Age 9+)

Find more Alastair Chisholm titles here

Read a sample chapter here

(2024, Barrington Stoke, Action, Family, Conflict, Courage, Crime, Dystopian, Future, Greed, Poverty, Dyslexic Read, Dyslexia, Reluctant Readers, Cli-Fi, Clifi, Edinburgh, Scotland, City, Hover Skates, Breathing Masks, Courier)

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This becomes harder and harder every day, and when Anna and her best friend Udo have a close call with a fervent local Hitler Youth boy, they are scared for Eva’s safety. Luckily they are not the only Germans in their small village who hate Hitler, and Eva is hidden much more carefully.

But it means she never feels the sun or fresh air on her skin, and must spend hours alone in a small hiding space. Her health begins to deteriorate. There are spies everywhere and Anna and her new friend Brunhilde try to keep clear of any suspicion – saluting when others cry Heil Hitler, and attending the local girls groups in Hitler’s honour.

It is well known that Hitler’s home is not far from their village, and Anna meets some of his wealthy, important friends and colleagues. She struggles to reconcile their kindness and friendly natures with the horrors of the Nazi party. As the war drags on, there are more children to hide and Eva becomes sick. Will Hitler finally succeed in taking Eva from them after all?

Another stunning story from Katrina Nannestad about World War 2 and those that did anything to survive through it. This novel focuses on all of those deemed unworthy of being in Hitler’s supposed ‘Master Race.’ This included the Roma and Jewish people, or anyone with any kind of disability, like Eva, a little girl with special needs.

Hiding Eva brings much tension throughout this novel based on many experiences across Germany. It also highlights the many Germans who secretly hated the Nazi regime, and behind closed doors, defied it in any way possible. Main character Anna increasingly struggles with the fact that people she meets can be fun, kind and generous, but monsters underneath – condoning Hitler’s regime. 

The compassion the author shows in her characters is heart breaking. Many are courageous whilst full of fear, kind without question, and Eva herself a beautiful wee soul who finds joy in everything. Although deemed frail and weak, she brings hope and love to all those around her even when in the most danger of all. The resulting mix of characters in an ever shrinking hiding space portrays that we are all the same, deserving kindness and love.

Author – Katrina Nannestad

Age – 9+

Find more Katrina Nannestad Book Reviews here

(2024, Harper Collins NZ, Animals, Bullies, Conflict, Courage, Family, Friendship, Growing up, Historical, Love, Poverty, Racism, Prejudice, Secret, Series, War, Germany, WWII, World War 2, Master Race, Hitler, Gestapo, SS Soldiers, Hiding, Traitors, Hitler Youth, Real Life)

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Jordan doesn’t ever bring friends home or even tell them where he lives. No one would understand their section covered in rubbish, let alone what’s inside their home. Moving from room to room is almost impossible due to waist deep piles of stuff.

There are newspapers, magazines, boxes, clothes, and all sorts of paraphenalia that Susan has ordered online or brought home from second hand dealers. Jordan’s biggest worry however is not his secret being revealed, but the health and well-being of his eleven year old sister, Tabitha.

Tabitha hardly knows any different, and enjoys sitting with their mother in front of one of her favourite TV shows, surrounded by food packets, takeaway boxes and crumbs.

But Jordan has noticed the sores on Tabitha’s face and how her only pair of shoes are too small. He has no patience for his mother as she buys yet more stuff online, but won’t buy proper food or cook anything for them, let alone give Jordan the money he needs for a guitar of his own.

Jordan has always looked out for them on his own, but at only 17 is completely out of his depth. His dream to leave is complicated by his love for his smart, sweet and brave little sister, and soon a betrayal by a classmate and a near disaster at home puts even more stress on him.

Torn between a fresh, clean, new start and understanding what he has grown up in, finally helps him make his final choices.

Mary-Anne Scott writes teenage boys with clarity, compassion and with a clear understanding in how they tick. Jordan is authentic, brave, angry, conflicted and kind. He’s not perfect however, and his struggles just drew me closer to him and his decisions.

The setting of a hoarder’s house is so real, it made me cringe at the cockroaches and screw my nose up at the explicitly described odours of a cramped, mouldy, mouse-stained home.

Trying to understand the hoarder character’s behaviour and mental health problems along with Jordan, pulled me further into the story. I felt his anger and frustrations keenly throughout the novel and held my breath in moments where I would’ve lost my temper too. His self-control is aided by kindness around him in a teacher, a girlfriend and her parents, and a couple who have reached out to him and Tabitha with solutions.

Much research is evident in the police, emergency and mental health services, as each of these organisations are compassionately portrayed in the book.

Sobering, emotional and ultimately hopeful for the character’s futures, The Mess Of Our Lives is a stunning read by a multi-award winning New Zealand author.

Author – Mary-Anne Scott

Age – 13+

Hear Radio NZ Review by Louise Ward here

Find more books by Mary-Anne Scott here

(2024, One Tree House, New Zealand, Family, Love, Betrayal, Grief, Growing up, Music, Poverty, School, Secret, Guitar, Composing, Composition, Sibling Love, Hoarding, Mental Health, Unsafe house, Caravan, Second Hand Dealers, Kindness, Compassion, Understanding, NZ, Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ Author, Award winning author)

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When she was nearly 11, she and her sister enjoyed walking home together after school, grabbing an ice cream if they weren’t running late, and enjoying their new home in Amsterdam.

They had moved from their home in Germany because of Hitler’s rise to power. Amsterdam welcomed Jewish families with open arms, and many had moved there. Anne is nothing like her older sister Margot. Margot is quiet, obedient and a good daughter. Anne is always in trouble at school for talking in class, bossing her friends about and chatting to boys like she’s always known them.

Her mother is always scolding Anne, but her words roll off Anne as she has the love of her father and grandmother on her side. They both can see how special Anne is, even sending her to a Montessori school where the classes aren’t so rigid.

Anne loves life, the rabbits in the hedges, ice cream, reading and most of all talking. She wants nothing more than to grow up and finally experience all that life has to offer, with new places, faces and a boy to love and love her back.

But even Anne’s positivity begins to wane as news from Germany comes to them in Holland. She overhears muttered conversations between her parents and can feel the world changing around her. Birthdays come and go, and they have less every year, every month, and every week. Whether it be hope, positivity, clothing, food or most important of all to Anne – freedom and the thought of a future.

Ten days before planned, they must flee to a hiding place Anne’s father, mother and business colleagues have prepared for them. A letter has come for one of them to report to the Nazis for travel to a work camp…

The world knows of the book Diary of a Young Girl, where Anne Frank writes her experiences being in hiding from the Nazi Regime. When We Flew Away begins in May 1940, and watches Anne grow up and have her 13th birthday in 1942. Not long after, the family vanish, just like many others before them.

This a beautiful story of a young, vibrant girl, keen to enjoy every moment of life and looking forward to her future, possibly as someone famous. She dreams of California and travelling the world, falling in love and doing all she has ever dreamed. The ever creeping Nazi regime is cleverly portrayed by black moths in Anne’s imagination, encroaching on her peripheral vision and then becoming more and more present.

The point of view does shift from character to character but is mostly clear, giving the reader each family member’s thoughts on their shrinking lives, and worries for one another.

Anne is portrayed to be bright, ahead of her peers in many ways, and far from studious. Her vibrancy often annoys those who want order, including her mother, but Anne’s relationships with her father and grandmother clearly show the love they have for her and her personality.

Although fictional, much of When We Flew Away is based on research undertaken by the author and the support of many historians who guided her in this novel.

Told in five parts clearly marked with dates, there are other important dates and terrible events as part of the narrative, allowing readers to learn more about the plight of the Jewish people in Europe in WWII.

A sobering reminder that we must never forget The Holocaust.

Author – Alice Hoffman

Age – 11+

(2024, Scholastic Aust, Historical, Family, Secret, Love, War, Poverty, Growing up, Grief, Anne Frank, Margot Frank, Edith Frank, Otto Frank, WWII, Amsterdam, Holland, World War 2, Nazis, Jewish, Fear, Hope, Special, Chatterbox, Prejudice, Hate, Soldiers, Cruelty, Holocaust)

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Sawyer has other questions to do with the choices her mother and mum’s teenage friends made way back before Sawyer was born. As the family prepares to go to their lake house for the summer, these questions still burn in Sawyer.

Something else has sparked within her too – despite her past self denying it. She can’t stop thinking of Nick, a guy that became embroiled in her family saga, and a planned take-down of a guilty member. She wants to push Nick from her mind as she has always told herself not to connect to anyone in order not to get hurt. Her heart has other ideas.

When strange items and notes appear on Sawyer, Lily and Sadie Grace’s beds (in locked homes), Sawyer is given an opportunity to find the answers she seeks on her mum’s past.

These items are invitations to a secret society called The White Gloves. Sawyer, Lily and Sadie Grace are given dares and events to attend, and asked to reveal secrets about themselves, all in order to be chosen for the White Gloves. Sawyer is only interested in membership to find answers, and to support Lily who is keen to join.

But it’s pursuing The White Gloves membership that reveals so much more than Sawyer was looking for – going all the way back through generations of her family to her grandmother Lilian Taft. Even a body is found, where a body shouldn’t be. Lily is completely broadsided by much of these revelations and Sawyer isn’t sure whether she can save her.

I would recommend having a pen and piece of paper in order to draw a family tree for this sequel to Little White Lies.

There are so many twists and shocks in this novel, I got a little confused with the family dynamics. You will have to read Little White Lies to have any chance of understanding this sequel, but I’m glad I persevered, because the reveals are momentous!

Switching between 3 time periods – 25 years before/ when the White Gloves are seeking new members in Sawyer’s family / and when Sawyer and Sadie Grace find themselves kidnapped.

Listening to this audio book was entertaining, but a family tree in front of me would’ve definitely helped as I listened.

Author – Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Age – 13+

(202?, Scandals, Lies, Body found, Secret Society, Reveals, Pregnancy Pact, Family, Summer house, Wealthy, Deals, Fake baby, Bought babies, Cousins, Grandparents, Crime, Murder, Lake, Jet Skis, Romance)

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From Max’s point of view, the biggest problem is that this headgear is to be worn several hours a day, is soon even more painful than the tightening of her braces, and makes her drool even more than before. What Max foresees is that the daily bullying about her teeth will become even worse.

It started with two kids on the school bus. “Bucky Beaver”, “Train wreck face”, and “Horse face” are just a few of the names they throw at Max, and to make things even worse, her younger sister Alexis is right there with them, with the name calling. This ensures that the bullying follows Max from home to school and back again.

Max’s parents don’t notice Alexis being the attacker, only that their daughters are squabbling again, and they blame them both. Tensions are high in the home because money is tight, Dad works nights and Mum during the day. Their once calm and happy family is beginning to fall apart, making Max’s only real escape her best friend’s house, especially on Fridays.

When that changes too, and her best friend becomes distant, Max tries to focus on something else she enjoys – working on the school newspaper. An aspiring journalist, Max looks up to Jordan Slade, a TV news star. Jordan has established the ‘Channel 5 Rising Star Journalist Competition’, just the thing Max would normally jump at. But this time it isn’t a written project, that Max knows she could do well in, but a video report. Max isn’t sure she wants her “Train wreck, bucky beaver, horse face,” out in the public eye.

As she tries to deal with the bullying, ignore her parent’s arguing, beer breath and chain smoking, and try and reconnect with her best friend, she begins to contemplate entering the competition. Little does she know that everything she is going through might just be the thing she needs to compile a video report to be proud of.

Braces are a normal thing in children’s lives, and unfortunately, so is bullying. Put the two together, add money struggles and tension between parents and you have a perfect storm of trouble. Drawing on her own experiences, author Christina Wyman has written it just how it is. Endless bullying, name calling and shaming, which culminates in a showdown both at home and school. Parents who are too busy just trying to pay bills and live from day to day to see what’s happening between their daughters, and friendships suffering due to unspoken problems.

Max is a believable authentic character to root for in all that she is dealing with. There are other layers to this award winning middle-grade read however. A character is dealing with divorce, another with an extremely strict parent, and the bullies are proven to be products of their own parents.

But the over arching answer to it all is that all of these troubles are not forever. Things can be worked through and the way to do this is through communication. Between parents and children, between principals and students, between siblings and between friends.

I was lucky enough to meet the author at a ABA / RISE Children’s Bookseller’s Convention in Milwaukee USA in 2023. Coming from NZ on a RISE Scholarship, I was in awe the entire week at the passion of booksellers from all over the US, and at the plethora of books available for readers.

The cover of Jawbreaker grabbed me straight away, and I’m glad it is now available in Aotearoa New Zealand too.

A Great Read!

Author – Christina Wyman

Age – 9+

Winner Judy Lopez Award

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
An ABA Best Book for Young Readers of the Year

(2023, St Martins Press, School, Sibling Rivalry, Family, Revenge, Friendship, Poverty, Humour, Growing up, Betrayal, Sisters, Competition, Bullying, Braces, Orthodontist, Dental, Teeth, Jaw Surgery, Fighting Parents, Divorce, Identity, Image, Fitting in, Journalism competition, Bullies, Real Life)

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In Will’s eyes they stand out like sirens on his feet, and bullies like Chris Tucker are always listening. Chris hassles Will every chance he gets, drawing laughter from his friends and anyone else close enough to hear. Will deals with it the best he can, believing he can’t do a lot about it, as Chris is older and more popular.

Will’s best mate Cameron is his lifeline, and they spend a lot of time at his warm, spacious house, gaming and eating well. When returning to his own cramped, cold flat, Will knows it’s not his dad’s fault, and like his father, tries to stay positive. There’s never much to eat, and Will makes the most of the free hot school lunches during the day, and makes do with soup and toast at home.

Another escape for Will is his drawing. He’s a talented artist, even painting walls at a local cafe and appearing in the newspaper. His art teacher believes he will go a long way with his skills, but drawings don’t fill his stomach or keep his feet dry in the rain. One day at school, when Chris is starting in on both Will and Cameron, a voice rings out in their defence. To their surprise, a girl in Chris’ year stands up to him.

Her name is Kalia and Will is incredibly impressed at how she doesn’t seem fazed at all by Chris. Maybe he will leave them be for a while? Things begin to look up a little for Will. Art class is going well and Will produces the best art than ever before, finally garnering a little respect from his classmates. Soon, Dad has news about a possible job offer, and Kalia extends more friendship.

Meeting her family brings both hope for his future and the wish his own flat was more like their home. But just when things are looking up, life changes again for him and his dad. Will feels like he will never get a break, and that his life is a slippery slope to nowhere.

‘Yes, I know that life is always changing – I used to live in a nice house with both my parents and now I’m in a tiny freezing-cold flat with my dad who can’t work because of his terrible leg injuries.’

He’s sick of being cold, worrying about money, and pretending everything is fine with whoever asks. When offered a chance to make changes, he sees no other way and takes it. His father has made the same decision.

Fitting in at school is tough for many, and even worse when you don’t look the same as your classmates. Whether it’s the wrong haircut, clothes or shoes, bullies will pounce like lions. This novel is set in the UK, but schools around the world are the same when it comes to this sort of exclusion.

After reading The Invisible by the author of this novel, I knew The Wrong Shoes would be something special. The author being a talented illustrator too, there are powerful images throughout this novel, sharing the main character’s experiences with poverty, bullying and choices made through frustration.

Family circumstances (anywhere) can change slowly or overnight, and the afterword by Tom Percival tells it straight – Child poverty is NEVER the child’s fault. So many factors affect people’s lives and children often bear the brunt.

This novel is even more moving as main character Will shares his story direct to the reader as he’s living it. It’s real, raw and he tells it like it is. He’s a brave character, trying to protect his father’s feelings, prevent his mother’s worries and make things right from wrongs. But even he cracks, and it’s heart wrenching.

A powerful read that will make a great read aloud for years 5 – 8 (NZ) Ages 9-12 to launch important discussions about poverty.

Author / Illustrator – Tom Percival

Age – 9+

(2024, Simon & Schuster UK, Harper Collins, Bullies, School, Family, Poverty, Friendship, Prejudice, Peer Pressure, Popularity, Revenge, Cheap shoes, Cold flat, Hungry, No money, Free lunches, Choices, Rich friends, Too proud, Bully, Theft, Payback, Two homes, Injured father, Real Life)

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Despite the endless hours spent providing electricity for the rich and powerful who live in the Snowglobe (a sparkling domed city), Chobahm has dreams of changing her life and her loved ones along with her.

The only people who can live in the only climate-controlled and liveable place on Earth (the Snowglobe) are actors and directors. These people provide endless 24 hour reality TV to the masses like Chobahm’s family – their only escape from a hand-to-mouth existence. They watch while working and at home, investing their lives in the characters and actors they love.

Chobahm wants to be a director, intending to apply every year until she is chosen. This is her plan before she is made an offer she can’t refuse. She is the spitting image of one of her favourite TV stars. She’s been teased about it before, never knowing her resemblance will change her and her family’s future.

Being offered a place on TV until she is given a place in director school, and having her family looked after financially is more than a dream come true.

Life inside the warm affluent Snowglobe, where she is showered with attention, beautiful clothes and all the food she can eat, is a huge change. Chobahm slowly begins to fit in, copying all the mannerisms of her favourite TV star. But the longer she stays, the more she realises that reality TV is nothing like reality itself.

This world is not only about haves and have-nots, it’s about power, murder, and most important of all, ratings. And some directors will do anything to stay at the top.

I was fascinated in the premise of this novel, and began reading uncertain of what I’d find. Just like the dystopian worlds of The Hunger Games and Divergent, Snowglobe provides a rich back-drop of world building.

Snowglobe is the only place left in the world that is climate-controlled. Outside the globe is horrifically cold – with 50 below being normal in the winter. People are still expected to go to work in these terrible conditions – mostly as power station workers.

The contrasting Snowglobe is a world of glitter, wealth, beauty, corruption, murder, reality TV and the endless pursuit of top ratings. Chobahm discovers not only the truth about the ‘real’ world of Snowglobe, but a gob-smacking intrusion into multiple families – with no thought of the fallout.

This wasn’t a face-paced read, but there were enough shocks, surprises and connections to keep me reading. The second part of this duology translated from Korean is due out 2025, and I for one will be keen to see where Chobahm goes next.

Author – Soyoung Park

Age – 12+

(2024, Betrayal, Courage, Power, Dystopian, Future, Climate Controlled, Family, Ice age, Warring times, Family, Twins, Siblings, Friendship, Doppelgangers, Lookalikes, Murder,Mystery, Ratings, Reality TV, Mystery, Secrets, Popularity, Poverty, Cold, Revenge, Science, Manipulation, Lies, Duology)

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Living life in the Gap is tough. With a town of Vampires on one side and a haven of Witches on the other, humans like Bly, Eloise and their parents barely eked out a living. Many sold blood to their powerful neighbours just to survive. Vampires love blood on any terms and Witches used it for their spells.

She’d known Emerson forever, best friends since small, but Bly has had deeper feelings for him for some time. He seems completely oblivious, so she hatches her plan – only to lose her beautiful sister to a death curse. Her parents haven’t said it to her face, but they blame her. Bly knows they wish it was the other way around, as Eloise was kind, helpful and everything expected of a daughter. Filled with guilt Bly hatches another plan.

There is a chance to get Eloise back. Bring her back to life. Bly will do anything to achieve that, and after selling blood and saving up, she announces she is entering The Revenant Games. These games happen only once a year and is the only way humans can improve their lives – but most lose them. The Witches and Vampires consider these games and the desperate humans purely entertainment even if they themselves are at risk.

Catch a Vampire and give it to the Witches – they will bring someone back to life.

Catch a Witch and give it to the Vampires – they will make you immortal.

The higher ranked the Witch or Vampire, the more chance you have to win.

Bly wants to go for BOTH prizes. She has Emerson by her side, and nothing else to lose. She is prepared to break the rules to win but first she has to find some team mates….

Is she doomed before she even begins?

The Revenant Games might sound a bit like the Hunger Games, and sure there are sponsors to impress and team mates to find, but other teams aren’t your worst enemy in the forests. There are grand parties to attend, and survive, and witches and vampires at every turn as you compete.

One ill-fated romance is replaced with another, and I enjoyed Bly’s character development as she went from selfish teenage girl to grieving sister to quick thinking and scheming huntress. Falling for the person you’re planning to kill makes things even more complicated. And some of these characters are – complicated that is. A key Vampire character named Kerrigan might look like a villain, but has a past layered in tragedy and survival – reminding me of Kaz Brekker in Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows.

Emerson never seemed filled out enough as a key character, and I’m hoping we will learn more about him in the next book of the series. The Revenant Games leaves you wondering what Bly will do next, and where her fledgling romance and her never-to-be old one will take her.

I love almost anything with Vampires, but stirring Witches, Romance and Revenge into a plot, makes this series a must read.

Author – Margie Fuston

Age – 14+

(2024, Simon and Schuster Australia, Harper Collins, Magic, Revenge, Action, Horror, Romance, Poverty, Fantasy, Courage, Grief, Historical, Love, Compete, Competition, Games, Witches, Vampires, Falling for someone, Sister, Siblings, Teamwork, Cunning, Spells)

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