Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

I’m not usually a fan of historical fiction, but the cover is so beautiful I thought I’d give it a go. I’m so glad I did, it’s truly remarkable.  ‘Verity’ is arrested by the Gestapo in France during the Second World War. She’s a secret agent and about to undergo her worst nightmare, either reveal her mission or be subjected to horrific torture followed by execution. She decides to confess, and by doing so, is given writing materials so she can document her case.

The book opens with the agent’s words ‘I am a coward’, and from here we continue to read how she was captured and what is happening to her at present. We don’t even learn her real name until half way through. ‘Verity’ tells of how she arrived in France, flown by her best friend Maddie, a rare female pilot. She had to abandon the plane in mid flight and doesn’t know if Maddie is still alive. She has reason to believe she’s dead.

‘Verity’ writes of how they met, how they became great friends and later entangled in the war effort.  These women are amazing. Whilst I was reading ‘Verity’s’ confession it was hard to believe it was fiction. I didn’t for one minute think she was a coward.

I don’t want to spoil the plot so I won’t elaborate too much, but suddenly, half way through, this book changes speed. It’s difficult to explain but it was a thrill to read. Full of tension and conflicting emotions, I’ll remember this book forever. I’ll remember these two women and their unwavering love for one and other. Wein has written something very powerful here, something important. For me, I think this book is firstly about friendship, and secondly, but just as prominent, about a woman’s role during the war. Code Name Verity is inspiring. I loved it.

The Flask by Nicky Singer

This is a story focusing on realities – friendship, family, life and death. Yet, to the serious subject matter Nicky Singer has added a flask full of wonder, hope and magic. The Flask is a beautiful story.

There are lots of different themes running through this book. We start with twelve year old Jess, who is grieving for her favourite aunt, Edie. She’s also dealing with the worry of her mother, who is pregnant with twins. There’s a problem, the twins are conjoined so they are all expecting complications. As her mother goes into hospital Jess is presented with Aunt Edie’s desk, in it there’s the flask. It’s hidden far back in one of the draws.

This flask is special; it appears to contain something. Something that is very difficult to explain without using Singer’s words. ‘It is very plain, very ordinary and yet it is like nothing I’ve ever seen before’. As the story develops it becomes apparent that the flask and its contents are somehow connected to the birth of the twins, in particular Clem, who is the weaker of the two. It responds to music and the feelings of those around, especially those of Jess. Lots of things are changing in her life, not only has she lost her aunt and is worried about the twins, she also feels as though she’s losing her best friend Zoe. These girls are growing up, and maybe growing apart. It’s this storyline for me that makes The Flask a real coming of age novel. Their friendship is tested.

I feel like I’m struggling to review this book accurately and I’m not doing Singer’s magnificent storytelling skills justice. The Flask is complicated, the past becomes intricately linked to the present, and Jess is enticed to delve into her Aunt’s life where tragic truths are discovered. The plot becomes particularly interesting when Jess starts work on a school project to do with Buddhism, she begins to realise why The Flask presented itself to her. I’ve never read anything like this before, it’s a very real story with what can only be described as a majestic, uplifting and spiritual ending. Read this and you will not be disappointed. The Flask is one of those books that will stay with you forever.

Ashes by Ilsa J.Black

Another great addition to the dystopian/apocalyptic genre. Ashes claims to ‘leave you breathless’ and it actually does. I found myself gasping out loud more than once, usually from sheer terror but there’s a lot of shock tactics involved too.

After reading the first couple of chapters I almost couldn’t continue, the tension hits you straight away and builds the whole way through. For a horrible moment I was sure I was going to have to face another Manchee scene (Knife of Never Letting Go). I’m overly sensitive though and forced myself to get a grip, I just about managed to and I’m so glad I did. Bick’s writing packs a hard punch, but it’s worth it. The story and the strong characters are brilliant. It isn’t all just terror; there are friendships and a likely angst-ridden love triangle forming too. I never tire of these!

We join Alex as she is struggling to come to terms with the ‘monster’ growing instead her head. As she embarks on a personal mission that doesn’t become clear until half way through, the world is thrust into complete devastation. Animals go crazy, power cuts out and people either drop dead, change into murderous brutal zombies, or become ‘chosen’. Few people of a certain age, providing they escape the zombies, seem to remain unchanged. They live in fear of a world full of uncertainty. Those that ‘change’ seem only to be adolescents, yet Alex has remained in control of her mind. What has made her different? What has made her one of the chosen? I’m still not sure about the answers to these questions, the plot intricacies slowly develop and deepen, we’re given some answers and some clues, but these just lead you to more questions and a certain hungery desperation to discover the truth. To me, Bick’s writing is competitively strong. This destructive world seems so eerily real, like what’s happening to Alex could happen to us at anytime. I feel invested in this story and I literally cannot wait to find out where it’s going to go next.

I warn you, this book ends on the most gut wrenching cliff hanger I have ever read and I’ve made it my personal mission to get hold of the next manuscript as soon as it’s ready. There’s no way I can wait until autumn 2012 – no way!

Falling Fast by Sophie McKenzie

After being buried deep in sci-fi and fantasy of late, this was a refreshing change. Falling Fast did seriously weird things to me, Sophie’s writing transported be right back to my 17 year old self.  I was immersed from the first page.

River is on her way to audition for a part in Romeo and Juliet. Well, not a part, the part. Not because she is desperate to be centre of attention or have the lead role, but because she can truly connect to Juliet. She’s a real romantic soul, but not at all in an annoying way. River craves love, to be loved. That sort of ‘worth dying for’ love that young girls (and older girls too!) can sometimes find themselves dreaming about. Their very own Romeo.

However, things don’t go to plan. She meets Flynn, a guy so brooding, intense and talented that she can barley concentrate on delivering the lines she learnt, never mind performing them well. He’s such a complicated character I was immediately intrigued to find out what made this boy so exceptionally unique, I read on as these two characters lives became inevitably entwined through quite real and difficult circumstances.

This isn’t one of those books that is set to make you laugh all the way through, it isn’t your average teen romance read. I think it is incredibly real. You could know the main characters, I sort of felt like I did. River, and Flynn especially, have different things going on in their lives that make being a teenager really hard. McKenzie captures all this angst perfectly. She mirrors hopes and fears which you can possibly remember having yourself and I’m sure teen readers will be able to relate to. The story is complex, so romantic and heart wrenching at times. I always like McKenzie’s books, they never disappoint, but Falling Fast is definitely my favourite. I think perhaps this is because there is potential for an epic romance here, a romance set now, in the real world. Plus Flynn is super hot, a real contender for the top of the YA male lead list. There are no superheroes, zombies or ‘end of the world’ chaos. Instead we’re faced with absolute emotional turmoil as two people fall fast for the very first time.

Lost Christmas by David Logan

I get goose bumps just thinking about this book. I couldn’t read it fast enough, when I wasn’t reading it I wanted to be. I’m immensely jealous of people who get to discover this story for the first time, but I’m equally desperate for others to read it so I can talk about it.

Logan writes in a 3rd person narrative, diving in and out of quite a few different characters lives. All of whom are grieving the loss of something very important to them. Yet they are all intricately linked through the effect of one little boy’s actions – Goose. We’re introduced to this boy on Christmas Eve in Manchester; he receives an early gift from his parents, a dog called Mutt. Logan's writing prepares you for the sudden tragedy that follows. Tension builds and strikes a blow as his parents are called away and killed in a car accident. 

Fast forward a year and we meet Goose again, although he’s not the same boy. He’s turned to petty crime and only has his Godfather Frank, Mutt and senile Nan for support. That is until the mysterious Anthony appears. Anthony seems to know everything about the characters but nothing about himself. Can he help mend their damaged souls?

Each character has a heartbreaking story. I felt aching sorrow for them all, especially Helen. A mother tormented with grief over the death of her little girl. Yes, this book is full of sadness, but I can assure you, it is remarkably uplifting at the same time. I haven’t felt like this about a book in a long time, I want everyone to read it. I want everyone to meet Goose, Mutt, Frank and Anthony. It may sound cheesy, but I want everyone’s heart to be warmed through this ever impending winter. 

This is already being adapted into a Major BBC TV drama so I’m sure it is going to be impossible to ignore. Not that you’d want to! The tag line on the front of this book reads ‘It’s a Wonderful Life meets modern Manchester: a story that will tingle your spine and warm your heart this winter’. It does just this.

Dearly Departed by Lia Habel

After swearing my allegiance to vampires I was reluctant to give this a go, but I’m so glad I did. It’s now all about the Zombies for me.

Set in a Steampunk/New Victorian future we’re thrown into the year 2193. A mysterious, sickening and ‘undeadly’ disease is spreading through society and the government is trying to keep this under wraps. Nothing was going to disturb the ‘Golden Age’.

Nora’s father died a year ago, her mother before that. She’s been left with her despicable Aunt and encouraged to consider possible suitors for marriage. Upon leaving boarding school she comes across a dark hooded man. Of course she becomes wary and even a little fearful as the man desperately tries to explain that she’s in danger. The night goes from bad to worse, Nora’s world changes forever.

I’ve never read steampunk before; it was so interesting to read about a society that had reverted back to the customs of the Victorian era (fashion, manners, social class) but was then surrounded with futuristic technology. I loved it. What I loved even more was how Lia Habel introduced ‘The Laz’, a disease that if contracted, would turn a human into a Zombie. Most people go insane and hunger after human flesh. A select few seem to keep their minds and learn to hide among the living as the ‘undead’. Enter the wonderfully handsome Bram. He’s one of the latter Zombies and is Captain of a secret army of ‘good’ zombies, battling to keep society under protection. Despite his inevitable decaying body he’s one of most swoon worthy YA characters I’ve come across. Not only has he managed to sustain his beauty, but he’s honourable, trustworthy and devoted to Nora’s safety completely. Thinking back, I can’t actually believe I was willing the protagonist to get together with a decomposing dead guy, but I still totally am.

Nora has some horrific truths to face, she’s scared. I mean, the idea of being eaten alive is a pretty terrifying thought after all. But instead of whining like some namby pamby characters I’ve read in the past, she proves herself to be sturdy and sure.

Yet these two, although the main characters, are not the only ones we hear from. Each chapter is written from another characters perspective. Sometimes this can be a bit annoying as I find myself skipping through pages to read the characters I like best. This didn’t happen with Dearly Departed. As a reader we’re able to be in two places at once and find out things the other characters remain ignorant to. I particularly liked Pam, Nora’s best friend. Like Nora, she proved to be robust and wilful; but more importantly, not too squeamish too stab a zombie through the eye with a parasol!

I could go on for hours about this book, the writing style, the quirky humour, the intricate characters, the rapid plot, and of course the cannibalistic dead people are all pretty impressive. So for now, put Edward Cullen to one side and take a trip to Z Camp.

P.S I really hope Lia doesn't mind, but I just had to share this pic she sent on twitter. So funny, and soooo true.

The Snow Merchant by Sam Gayton

Hurrah for Lettie Peppercorn! This is her story. A story full of magic, action and adventure. The most imaginative tale I’ve read in a very long time. We join Lettie in what first appears to be a Cinderella sort of scene. She lives in a house on stilts and her days are filled with cooking, cleaning and attending to demanding guests. Her only friend is a pigeon made of stone, Periwinkle. Her father is a gambling drunk and they’re both grieving for the loss of her mother who mysteriously vanished long ago. Enter the Snow Merchant! This conspicuous character claims many things, one of which is that he’s an inventor of something that will change Lettie’s life forever – snow. And so begins a fantastical escapade, we’re flung into Lettie’s world as she discovers family secrets, makes friends as well as enemies, encounters danger and faces her fears. You simply must join Lettie, I love her and you will too. I promise.

Sapphire Battersea by Jacqueline Wilson

I was so pleased to receive a proof of the sequel to Hetty Feather, knowing there would be thousands of eager fans dying to get their hands on a copy. I immediately delved into this to conjure up ideas for the Jacqueline Wilson Festival happening in October, and I wasn’t disappointed. We join Hetty; or Sapphire as she likes to be called, back in the Foundling Hospital with the mother she finally found. Yet the feistiness that makes me love this character so much, was about to get her in to trouble once more. Soon enough she is separated from her mother again and sent to work as a scullery maid. After upsetting her employer she sets off to be reunited to with her mother. This time her adventures lead her to the seaside, as well as unexpected sadness.

Sapphire Battersea is full of wonderful things, descriptive scenes of a Victorian Britain, comical and fearsome characters, fabulous friendships and romantic suitors. Yet as with all Jacqueline’s books there’s an undercurrent of seriousness throughout. Hetty is a pleasure to read, she makes me laugh. I love her honesty and admire her bravery and ambition. The sad thing is; she really does have to be brave as the story takes a turn for the worst.  Some parts of this book are genuinely upsetting.

Though it seems nothing can keep our Hetty down for long, her determination shines through and we’re left waiting to see what will happen next to this extraordinary girl.

A Greyhound of a Girl by Roddy Doyle

I’ve never read Roddy Doyle before but I’m sure I couldn’t have encountered a better introduction. This is the story of Mary and four generations of feisty Irish women ‘heading off on a car journey. One of them dead, one of them dying, one of them driving, one of them just beginning’. Mary’s Granny is dying, and although this story wouldn’t be told if this wasn’t the case, I feel this book is about something else. It’s about family bonds, friendship and relationships never forgotten. It’s about the things in life that make us incredibly happy, and some of the things that make us terribly sad.

I followed Mary along on her journey with these women. One of whom was her great grandmother, Tansey. She died when Mary’s grandmother was only a baby and has stuck around ever since to make sure her little one managed through life, with an aim, when the time was right, to guide her on to the next. It’s difficult to explain really. Perhaps this book isn’t Mary’s story at all, instead it’s like Doyle has produced snapshots of a family over 100 years.  I got to know these individual characters and the people in their lives. I liked them all immensely, mainly because they were so real. This story can be enjoyed by any age, we can all relate to it.

Legend by Marie Lu

Another sensational addition to the ever growing dystopian list. Legend is set in what was once western United States and is now the Republic.  A nation at war with its neighbours and stricken with poverty.

Though where there is poverty there is always riches, and we’re introduced to two characters that represent each end of the scale. June’s brother is killed in a suspected terrorist attack against the Republic, she’s a highly skilled prodigy and hired by the government to track down his killer. Day, an outlawed criminal is suspected of the crime. Yet, we as readers are with Day when this supposed killing takes place. We’re lead to question the truth right from the start. I had my suspicions and couldn’t read fast enough to discover what really happened. Why does the Republic hate Day so much? Why has he decided to rebel? When will June discover the truth?

Both characters are intricately written and I really liked them both. I love how each chapter alternated between the two voices. We get very different sides of the same story. Day has been compared to Robin Hood, and I can see the resemblance. Nobody really knows who this legendary character was, and no one really knows who Day is. Like Robin, he’s fighting for what’s right, against a conspiring Republic and for those he loves.  Orphaned June is feisty, strong and defiant – a brilliant heroine.

As these two people’s lives collide terrible and sinister truths are uncovered. At first June is determined to destroy Day, but what she has been led to believe all her life is somewhat different to what she now faces. With clues left by her brother she realises that perhaps Day isn’t such the villain he has been portrayed as. With the film rights already sold and the producers of the Twilight Saga on board, I’m certain this new series is going to be a global success.

Lu’s writing was a thrill to read, very fast paced, lots of action, anxiety, and the all important traces of a powerful romance.  Together June and Day are a force to be reckoned with. Their journey represents truth, their story will become legend.

Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson

With the current hype surrounding the release of the latest X Men film, this comes at the perfect time. Yet Hunting Lila has a refreshing twist. The first part of this book focuses on Lila’s decision to leave her father in England, seek refuge with her ‘marine’ brother in California and his best friend Alex. She’s still dealing with the loss of her mother, the special power she can barely control, and her agonising devotion to Alex. As the plot thickens we discover her brother and Alex are part of a secret government organisation, hunting people like her. People with super powers! It all kicks off; we’re fed action, excitement and mystery as Alderson leads us through Lila’s discovery. But of course, things are never as they seem.  This is a great pace setter for a new trilogy, the perfect mix of a lustrous romance and hard hitting action.

Dark Lord - The Teenage Years by Jamie Thomson

Meet Dirk Lloyd, or Dark Lord as he prefers to call himself. He has fallen to Earth from the Darklands and found himself trapped in the body of a thirteen year old boy. This is stupendously inconvenient as he is desperate to find his way back, and not many people tend to take a teenage boy insisting he’s the all powerful Dark Lord very seriously. After waking up in hospital he is placed in care of the Purejoie’s and soon befriends their son Chris, and his school friend Sooz. Together they devise a plan to send Dirk back, yet they never quite take him seriously. As readers, we’re inclined to follow Chris and Sooz’s thoughts, surely there’s no such thing as the Darklands ....

This is hilarious, and is set to have us inferior puny humans laughing out loud. The language is quite sophisticated but you couldn’t really expect anything less from a Lord. Dirk is witty and offensive, the way he views our world, as if from the outside looking in, is particularly comical. As he struggles with human relationships, emotions and morals it becomes difficult not to love him. I was more than pleased to discover this was the first in a new series and I’m pretty certain Dirk will follow along the same route as Diary of a Wimpy Kid. It really is ‘a work of evil genius’.

Published October 2011

We Can Be Heroes by Catherine Bruton

Ben’s dad was killed in the 9/11 attacks in New York. This alone sparks an unnerving feeling within, it is the first story I’ve read on the subject and I was anxious about the content. I needn’t have been though. Bruton is brilliant.

Ben is a young boy who is dealing with the loss of his father, but it’s also a story about other things too. Family, friendship, bereavement, racism, anger, love as well as hate. Ben is staying with his grandparents and Cousin Jed over the summer whilst his fragile mother is in hospital. Here he meets one of the best characters I’ve met in a long time, Priti. She’s just moved onto his grandparent’s street with her family, they’re Muslim and are trying to fit in with their predominantly white neighbours. Priti is feisty, funny and bold, yet with the innocence that comes with childhood. By just being herself she helps Ben deal with his conflicting feelings about his Dad and his Mum. My heart hurt for Ben. Kind, carful, caring Ben. He is drowning in guilt for not remembering his father, his mother’s illness and ‘burdening’ his grieving grandparents.  He’s the complete opposite to Jed. I disliked him at first, mainly because he was insensitive about his Uncle’s death and his blatant racist attitude and anger, but as the story developed it became clear Jed was grieving too. The absence of his mother and the influence of his own father’s fury were hurting him more than he wanted to show.

The three of them become friends whilst trying to uncover an elaborate honour killing and terrorist attack. Yet, as always, things are never what they seem. Bruton is ambitious with the topics she covers; she is pushing boundaries all of the time and forcing people to recognise their own unspoken prejudices, thoughts and beliefs. Amidst all the action are descriptions of Ben’s comic drawings. He sketches all the time about things going on, his thoughts and feelings. I feel it necessary to mention these as they’re a key aspect of the book; I really hope they’re included in the finished text. This is an exceptional debut, an important book that is tender, funny, sometimes uncomfortable but also incredibly sensitive.

Published by Egmont - August 2011