February Book Reviews February 10, 2023 – Posted in: All Book Reviews, Book News, Ideas for 9-12 year olds, Ideas for teen readers – Tags: middle grade fiction, new books, YA
Bags of Books, Book Reviews - February
With the half term closing in on us we have been reading away, ready to help you pick your holiday reads. Of course this is just a selection of the fantastic books out (we could keep on recommending forever, but if you pop in the shop we can carry on recommending books to you)
LOADS of titles came out this month, here are a few we enjoyed and a few that we’ve finally got aroound to reading and wanted to share with you.
The Swifts by Beth Lincoln
Out Now, Hardback £12.99
If you think your family is weird, you clearly haven’t met the Swift family yet! Now, they are different, to put it mildly!
The Swifts have gathered from around the world for a family Reunion, but someone starts killing off family members one by one. Sisters Shenanigan, Phenomena and Felicity are determined to find the murderer, especially after their Aunt Schadenfreude dies. But will they be able to outsmart the killer in time?
You will love the things the family in this book come up with, it’s funny and engaging, and overall an amazing whodunit, with quirky characters (some lovable, some loathsome) – you won’t be able to put this book down!
Shenanigan’s shenanigans are suitable for 9+
The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton
Out Now, Paperback £7.99
Ella Durand is a Conjuror, and the first one to be allowed to join the Arcanum Training Institute for Marvellers. Even though there should be no difference between Ella and her fellow students, she is made to feel different by some children and teachers alike. But there is more to the whole Marvelleres-Conjurors gap tha meets the eye, and Ella finds herself involved in a mystery she never expected., having to clear her name, find her missing mentor and come face to face with the most evil Marveller of all, The Ace of Anarchy.
The book is full of descriptions of magical objects and acts, features characters from all around the world and is partly set in vibrant New Orleans. A perfect read to transport you away from your bedroom!
The first book in the stunning new fantasy series is aimed at 10+.
The Little Match Girl Strikes Back by Emma Carroll, illustrated by Lauren Child
Out Now, Hardback £12.99
Bridie Sweeney the match girl has a wonderful talent for telling stories and sells matches with fanciful tales about how magical they are. One day after several disasters including losing her shoes (actually her mam’s slippers) and her stock, and despairing of being able to buy a decent meal for her family, Bridie looks into the flame of one of her last few matches and sees an alternative version of her life. Bridie’s visions set in motion real social change, a strike at the match factory her mother works at, and eventually better living and working conditions. Loved the strong character of Bridie and her resilience and the fact based setting that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of her life. Strikingly illustrated in black and red by Lauren Child.
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A.F. Steadman
Out Now, Paperback £7.99
Forget everything you’ve ever thought about unicorns, because you won’t find anything pink and fluffy in this book!
Skandar’s biggest wish has always been to become a unicorn rider. But strange things have started happening on The Island where the unicorns live, and someone is trying to prevent Skandar from achieving his dream. And when the boy finally makes it to The Island, things start getting dangerous. The mysterious Weaver is stealing unicorns and kidnapping islanders. And there is more to Skandar than meets the eye. But will his hidden power help him find the most powerful unicorn?
The perfect read for all fans of Nevermoor, Amari or Harry Potter!
What Beauty There Is by Cory Anderson
Out Now, Paperback £8.99
This is the most beautifully written, atmospheric YA book I have read in a seriously long time.
Jack’s dad is in prison, his mum has just died, the house is being reprocessed and they have no money. Desperate to take care of his little brother Matty and stop him going into care, Jack has no choice but to find the briefcase of money his dad has hidden. However, Jack isn’t the only one looking for the briefcase…Now Jack is being hunted.
Trust no-one, hide, find the case, look after Matty…And then Jack meets Ava….
A really powerful book about survival, strength and how far you go for the ones you love.
So much love for this brilliant and mesmerizing book. I didn’t want it to end. A gripping read Suitable for 14+
This Book Kills by Ravena Guron
Out Now, Paperback £8.99
Jess and Summer are both scholarship students struggling to fit into the world of the rich at Heybuckle Boarding School. When Hugh’s body is found in the woods it comes to light that a short story that was written by the girls has been used as inspiration for the murder and suddenly, they are prime suspects.
Terrified to lose their scholarship the girls start investigating trying to solve the murder and clear their names. But when their investigating gets dangerous and starts bringing up dark, buried secrets it’s a race against time before they become the next victims.
Murders, secret societies and full of twists and turns this thriller is completely addictive and will keep you guessing all the way through.
Perfect for 13+ and fans of A Good Girls Guide to Murder and The Magpie Society
You can find more reviews of children and adult books in the January & February edition of Booktime magazine
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