Siege / Sarah Mussi

It's a pretty scary thought that someone would start shooting people at your school. That's what happens to Leah Jackson and her classmates. But what's worse is that it seems as if the authorities are the ones who've handed out the guns. This is a book that you can't put down and it turns you into a nail biter! It's an exhausting read as you are with Leah every step of the way as she's crawling through the ceiling space, trying to keep safe, and when she is building up courage to leave her hidey hole. It's a shocking believable story that on the one hand has you hoping you would have it together as much as Leah does, and on the other makes you think about what motivates people to behave the way they do.

Who would enjoy this? If you are a reader who enjoys 'what if' scenarios then you will appreciate this tense and dramatic story.

Reviewed by Amy

Carnaby / Cate Sampson

Life is tough for Sarah Carnaby. She lives in a rough housing estate, her mother has just been murdered and her sister Jude is about to have another baby when she can't cope with the one she already has.

This is a story that grabs you and doesn't let you rest until the last page. Even though things are grim and Sarah has to fight hard not to be separated from her sister, she is strong, capable and has a good dollop of common sense. She is a survivor. Reading about her life makes you realise how lucky you are!

Who would enjoy this? This is an exciting read for anyone who likes fast- moving thrillers with clever and resourceful heroines.

Reviewed by Amy

This is what happy looks like / Jennifer E. Smith

Let me state right away - this book is great! Graham accidentally emails Ellie when he gets a little part of the address wrong, and Ellie responds. So begins a relationship that becomes very important to both of them. They tell each other everything and share their lives as they don't with any other friend. Then the worst happens, from Ellie's point of view at least. Her town is the site of the filming of the next teen sensation movie and the main character, the one everyone runs after, panders to, wants for their own, turns out to be ... Graham. This book is never predictable or formulaic, but it is funny, clever, surprising, sad and very satisfying by turns. I REALLY recommend it!

Who would enjoy this? Anyone who likes reading, as far as I can tell.

Reviewed by Charlotte

The immortal rules / Julie Kagawa

It's a pretty nasty old dystopian world out there. Because Allison chooses not to live in the vampire city where humans are treated as blood cattle, every day is a test of her survival skills. But when the worst happens, she has no choice but to accept help from a vampire master which will change her life for forever. Alison has to accept her new life but she refuses to treat people any differently. This helps set this book apart from most vampire stories and adds a different 'flavour' to what happens. Even if you are sick to the back teeth of the vampire genre, it is great read, and the first in a new series.

Who would enjoy this? Fans of dystopian and vampire stories will enjoy sinking their teeth into this one.

Reviewed by Charlotte

Ask the passengers / A.S. King

On the surface, Astrid should be happy with her lot in life, but when you consider that her father is always stoned, her mother doesn't like her, and her sister finds her a social liability, you can understand why she is finding things difficult in her last year of school. Add in some concerns about whether she is gay or not, and the fact that she is lying to protect her friends from the consequences of the choices they are making and you can see that her life is far from straight forward. This is a quirky book which I enjoyed very much. The characters are believable and I felt real empathy for Astrid. I recommend this as a good read.

Who would enjoy this? If you like reading about people as they make big decisions about their lives, I would recommend this book to you.

Reviewed by Amy

Moving Target / Elizabeth Lowell

This book is half Da Vinci Code and half 007! They combine well and the storyline is very appealing. Serena one day received a package containing four pages of a centuries-old illuminated manuscript that hides many secrets and has already cost many lives. With help from Eric North - a reclusive manuscript appraiser - they discover the truth together. The book is an exciting read and I was drawn to it. A dynamic ending makes the story even better.

Who would enjoy this? People who like mysteries.

Reviewed by Angela

Falling to ash / Karen Mahoney

Moth (aka Marie O'Neal) is not pleasing anybody - not her family, nor her Maker Theo, and as a new vampire, she definitely needs him on her side. Add to the mix some missing teenagers and Jason Murdoch, a trainee vampire hunter on her case and Moth is one busy .. person.
This is not your run of the mill vampire novel. Even the cover is completely different to the usual black and red vampire signpost. It still has all the essential ingredients of a vampire novel (eg. vampires!) but it is lowkey and not too far removed from life as we know it.

Who would enjoy this? Fans of vampire novels will find this book a refreshing and relaxing change while remaining loyal  to their favourite genre.

Reviewed by Amy

The farm / Emily McKay

Lily and Mel are prepared to brave the horrors beyond the electric fence so they no longer have to provide blood for the vampires who control the Farm where they live. Between the Ticks and the Vampires it's a confusing and terrifying new world they live in. To survive, the twins must listen to the strong bond they have and face those who want to control the power the twins unknowingly have.
Yes, yet another vampire novel ... fortunately there is a twist to the storyline that grabs your attention as well as some credible and interesting characters.

Who would enjoy this? If you like post-apocalyptic stories you will enjoy these vampires, variations of vampires and the scary and uncertain future Mel and Lily face.

Reviewed by Charlotte

Forever more / Cindy Miles

On a misty cliff side, mystery and romance await. . . . Ivy Calhoun's life has been turned upside down, with her new stepfather bringing Ivy and her mom to an actual castle in the misty Scottish countryside, all the way from America.  But she forgets all her problems when she meets Logan - a gorgeous ghost who has haunted the castle grounds for decades. The unique and interesting story-line of this book was an entertaining and enjoyable read.

Who would enjoy this? People who like to read love stories, with this one  being between a ghost and a human!

Reviewed by Angela

All the things I've done / Gabrielle Zevin

Annie lives in a slightly dystopian future. Chocolate and caffeine are illegal and the mafia is supplying it on the black market. Annie's grandmother is dying, her brother is getting mixed up in some very dodgy dealing, and she has been accused of trying to murder the boy who wanted to be her boyfriend, with poisoned chocolate. This is an absorbing story, with all the elements to make it memorable: intrigue, mystery, family relationships, addiction and illegal activities, and romance thrown in for good measure.

Who would enjoy this? Mystery, intrigue and romance - what's not to like?

Reviewed by Amy

Divergent / Veronica Roth

Society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is - because she is, dangerously, neither one thing nor the other. During the highly competitive initiation that follows, she receives help from her instructor Four, to help her to protect the people who she loves. This is an excellent and engrossing read. I deeply enjoyed the story.

Who would enjoy this? Anyone! It's a great read.

Reviewed by Angela

The book thief / Markus Zusak

This story is narrated by Death during World War II, and  is the story of a young German girl who comes of age during one of the most horrific times in recent history. Liesel embarks on a love affair with books and words. This is a lyrical, poignant, heartbreaking, soul-shattering story. I enjoyed the book very much.

Who would enjoy this? People who like to read about Jews and WWII, or if you just like wonderful writing.

Reviewed by Angela

Just like fate / Cat Patrick & Suzanne Young

Caroline is sitting beside her beloved grandmother's hospital bed as she lies dying. Her best friend asks if she wants to go to a party with her, to take her mind off the horror of it all. Should she go or should she stay? This is the beginning of a book about choices - and how whatever you choose has consequences you have to live with forever. But do we really get to the place that we should be, no matter what we choose? This book is great, very well written by its two authors, and one which will stay with me. I recommend it highly.

Who would enjoy this? If you sometimes wonder what would have happened if you'd done something differently, this is the book for you.

Reviewed by Charlotte

Hostage / Chris Bradford

Martial arts, surveillance, hostage survival and unarmed combat- you name it and Connor Reeves can do it and he is only ... fourteen! Someone had the bright idea that no one would suspect a teenager of being a 'buddy guard'. Connor's first mission is to guard the daughter of the US President - no pressure of course.

This is a fast paced and action-filled story full of interesting information about the protection industry. It is well set-up for a series featuring Connor and his friends at 'Buddyguard'.

Who would enjoy this? Action, excitement, teenagers outwitting criminals, who wouldn't enjoy this story?

Reviewed by James

Alex / Tessa Duder

"I have always known that in another life I  was - or will be - a dolphin." The fifteen-year old New Zealand swimming champ Alexandra Arthur set her goal on competing in the Rome Olympics. Alex was not the only one to have this goal in mind - her rival Maggie Benton was happy to have some healthy competition. The way  to success was not always smooth. Alex broke her leg while playing hockey one afternoon during the preparation for Rome and after that she had to cope with the grief of losing the boy she loved. But in the end she overcame all the difficulties and found herself standing on the starting board of the Rome Olympics. It is an inspirational read and I like it very much.

Who would enjoy this? Sports fans.

Reviewed by Angela

Earth unaware / Orson Scott Card & Aaron Johnston

This story happens out in deep space in the far future, when people are moving through the universe mining asteroids and other space debris. A routine scan of the space round a spacecraft shows that there is an object like no other ever seen moving incredibly quickly towards earth. Is this a threat to all that space dwellers hold dear or just an unusual event?  I've always been a huge fan of Orson Scott Card since I read his wonderful "Ender's game", and was keen to find out if this lived up to that book of genius. And it does! There are various characters you come to really care about and the growing threat to earth is very well portrayed. And the story is fast-paced, gripping and full of tension. Just fantastic in my opinion.

Who would enjoy this? Any Orson Scott card fans (isn't that everyone?) or those who enjoy an excellent story told well.

Reviewed by Hamish

Maggot Moon / Sally Gardner

Standish Treadwell is unlikely hero material. He's not one of the 'in' crowd, but if there is one thing that makes him stand out, it's his imagination. And imagination is what he needs to survive in an England living with a very different history from the way we are used to. This is an outstanding story of hope, friendship and despair. It is very easy to read and does an amazing job of exploring a very popular conspiracy.

Who would like this? If you like quirky and thought-provoking, then you will be over the moon with this!

Reviewed by James

Alcatraz versus the evil librarians / Brandon Sanderson

Alcatraz has had a pretty miserable life, moving from foster home to foster home, usually moved on because of the number of things he breaks: he never means to, it just happens. And then his grandfather appears, one he didn't know he had. His life becomes a crazy adventure of hunting down the evil librarians who control the world by selective use of information, and meeting up with family members he never knew he had. It's funny and great to read, and I am looking forward to the other books in the series. Good timing too, since I've just finished reading Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider series and I wanted something just as good to go on to.

Who would enjoy this? Anyone who likes slightly zany stories which could almost be true!

Reviewed by Jason

To be a cat / Matt Haig

Barney was at a new school where the Principal had it in for him: nothing he could do was good enough for her. He was in despair but he never thought that when he wished he had an easy life like a cat, he would turn into one. So begins an adventure which, though completely far-fetched almost seemed believable! I liked the book because it was a quick and easy read, and I happen to like cats too, though the lives they live are not all good by any means.

Who would enjoy this? If you like a bit of magic and some animals in your books, then this one will suit you well.

Reviewed by Katya

The blackhope enigma / Teresa Flavin

Budding artists Sunni Forrest and Blaise Doran are interested in the paintings of Fausto Corvo. When they visit Blackhope Tower to see one of Corvo's famous works, seemingly impossible events land them in a completely different world. Even with a magic painting and a labyrinth, this is an amazingly believable story. Because you want to find out what happens to Blaise and Sunni, it is an engrossing and enjoyable read.

Who would enjoy this? If you like a good mystery and an intriguing setting, this book is a good choice.

Reviewed by Katya

Inside out & back again / Thanhha Lai

From Saigon to Alabama is a big leap for Ha and her family but they are happy to be leaving the Vietnam War behind them. Ha has lots to learn about life in her new country from learning to speak English to sorting out bullies. Things are tough but Ha is up to the challenge. Because the story is told in verse, it is a very fast read. Each image is very vivid and you end up laughing out loud at some of  Ha's descriptions. It is a great read.

Who would enjoy this? Anyone who appreciates vivid and interesting writing, and a glimpse into a different culture,  will enjoy this story.

Reviewed by Katya

Beautiful creatures / Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Sixteen year old Ethan Wate can't wait to get away - just as soon as he graduates high school from the small town of Gatlin, South Carolina. Recently, he has been having dreams about a girl and always finds his window open and himself muddy when he wakes up. When the girl of his dreams literally walks into his high school, he is astonished. And then things start to get strange, even dangerous. This girl opens up a whole new world to him - a world that has always existed in what he thought was just a sleepy little town in the South. This book is a change to the vampire novels but just as good. It has a complex muddled beginning but becomes clearer as the story progresses. Personally, I think it was too long but worth reading.

Who would enjoy this? People who like to read about supernatural powers.

Reviewed by Angela

All our yesterdays / Cristin Terrill

All Our Yesterdays is another futuristic themed book. In the book, time travel has been figured out and there are very negative consequences.  There are two main characters, who turn out to be the same girl, but in different time zones.  The love of her life - James, is the creator of the time machine. One of her has had her heart broken by his cruelty, but after all can Em kill James to save the other Marina from the same fate? The story was easy to read and fast paced. I couldn't stop turning the pages.

Who would enjoy this? Fans of futuristic books with lots of action.

Reviewed by Angela

Blue noise / Debra Oswald

She is a classical pianist. He is a guitar player with no guitar. They join a Blue Jazz band.  It'll never work. But maybe this time things will be different. Maybe blues music is just what Ash and Erin need. There's something here for both male and female readers, including an opportunity to discover that perhaps teenage boys and girls have similar anxieties about themselves and how they're perceived by others. It has a title which makes you to look twice and is an appealing story. It's one of the best books I have ever read.

Who would enjoy this? Fans of music and anyone who is looking for a good read.

Reviewed by Angela 

Monument 14 / Emmy Laybourne

Dean is on his way to school on the school bus, when suddenly there is a freak hailstorm. And by freaky I mean really seriously freaky. His bus is split open by the force of the storm and the driver is killed. Fortunately they are near the local shopping mall and the driver of another bus manages to get them all within the safety of its walls. And then worse happens - far worse. In the end 13 kids are in a shopping mall trying to survive in a world gone mad. The story is exciting, tension-filled, fast-moving and excellent. I loved it, and can imagine most people would too. Try it out!

Who would enjoy this? Anyone who likes a fast-moving, believable and mind-boggling adventure set in the real world.

Reviewed by James

Unravel me / Tahereh Mafi

It's almost time for war. Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people with gifts and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance. She is free from Re-establishment, free from their plans to use her as a weapon and free to love Adam. But she can never escape her lethal touch. Unravel Me is the thrilling sequel to Shatter Me. Juliette has to make life-changing decisions that might involve choosing between her heart and Adam's life. I enjoyed the book from beginning to the end.

Who would enjoy this? People who like to read action novels

Reviewed by Angela

You don't know me / Sophia Bennett

You Don't Know Me is told from the perspective of Sasha, the girl who dropped her fat friend on television to further her own chances of winning a talent show. Rose was the one who got kicked out for she was the outcast amongst her skinny friends. But her potential was realised after she had broken away from others. The four friends went through a lot of ups and downs before coming back together. The story is about becoming more independent and learning the truth about yourself. It is easy to read but it has a deep message. It's a good read, I was drawn to the story.

Who would enjoy this? 

Reviewed by Angela