Young Adult Book Reviews

Name: Sam
10 August 2026;

Genre: Supernatural

Hell to Pay is an engaging mix of heist, horror and fantasy genre. Set in a world where travel to the underworld is possible, this rather complicated tale follows Elle, and 'her crew', as they attempt to steal a soul from the Afterlife to resurrect her deceased brother, Dante....

More

Name: Clair Bossons
27 July 2026;

Genre: Supernatural

If you are looking for a book that provides a complete escape from reality, then pick this one! It has the most eye-catching cover and its content will also grab your attention. The story follows Elle Fields (Elysia) who, with the use of magic, is able to visit the Afte...

More

Name: Linda Brown
10 July 2026;

Genre: Fantasy

The author of this wonderful YA sweeping romantic debut novel transports readers into her world with fantastic world-building. I truly didn't want this book to end . . . Princess Layla of Sawan is dominated by her cruel, power-hungry mother. She has been ordered to marr...

More

Name: Jenny Caddick
10 July 2026;

Genre: Mental Health & Wellbeing

How to Lose Yourself Completely is a stunningly powerful and poignant book, tackling the sensitive themes of grief , mental health, compassion and addictions. This second person narrative is the dramatic and dangerous journey, both physically and emotionally, of Case, who is u...

More

Name: Rachel Bolton
25 June 2026;

Genre: Suspense & Thrillers

Buckle up and sit back for one of the most fast-paced, crazy YA novels to come out this year! Published in hardback with a neon-pink cover and edged papers, Young Blood not only tells a story - it shows it. An extensive array of striking posters, diagr...

More

Name: Stephen Leitch
18 June 2026;

Genre: Mental Health & Wellbeing

A moving, thoughtful and insightful debut novel from Sean Farrelly. When teenager Jamie spies a kerfuffle happening outside a café while eating the world's worst scone with his doctor mum, they both rush out to see what is going on. What they find stuns Jamie, who discovers a...

More

Name: Tanja Jennings
18 June 2026;

Genre: Personal Growth

A great read has characters that step off the page into the heart and mind of the reader, appealing to their emotions whilst also engaging their senses. Derry-based author Sue Divin's YA debut novel Guard Your Heart, shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal, be...

More

Name: Stephen Leitch
16 June 2026;

Genre: Historical Fiction

Set in and around the Shetland Isles in 900 AD, this thrilling and bloodthirsty adventure sees one girls desire for adventure turn into something more dangerous and deadly than she ever could have imagined. Hilde, the daughter of Jarl Frida, lives a frustratingly quiet...

More

Name: Clare Wilkins
10 June 2026;

Genre: Suspense & Thrillers

Benton Young isn't particularly interested in world politics and current affairs. Vaguely aware that some not great stuff is happening, he's far too preoccupied with a certain female and his unsuccessful attempts to get her attention. Realising the way to her heart is to present himself as pol...

More

Name: Sam
08 June 2026;

Genre: Mental Health & Wellbeing

What an absolutely fabulous read! If you happen to be a KS3 teacher, or the parent of a young person of KS3 age, then this book is certainly one worth recommending. Peter Bognanni's How to Lose Yourself Completely is a hard-hitting story brilliantly interwoven with a wilderness surviva...

More