REVIEW: Paper Butterflies by Lisa Heathfield

Paper Butterflies tells June’s story of abuse at the hands of her stepmother, a father who won’t acknowledge the truth, and Blister, the boy from the woods.

Despite the beautiful way in which the story is told, I found Paper Butterflies is a tough read. The scenes of abuse were painful, and more than once I had to take a break. Thankfully there are also moments of reprieve in the time June spends with Blister. The book culminates in a plot twist you won’t see coming, and will keep you reading for hours (just make sure you have some tissues!).

Stars: ★★★★★

REVIEW: A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Sara Barnard

A Quiet Kind of Thunder is a beautiful teen love story in the face of Steffi's selective mutism and Rhys' deafness.

Sara has really excelled herself with AQKOT. It had a lot to live up to following Beautiful Broken Things, as well as the pressure to write about topics such as selective mutism and hearing impairment and get it right. However, the characters are believable and their stories well researched. You learn about the world they inhabit and become a part of their story. By the time I finished reading, I felt like I was saying goodbye to friends.

Stars: ★★★★★

I was sent a copy of A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Pan Macmillan in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: The One Memory of Flora Banks by Emily Barr

Flora Banks has amnesia, which means she can’t form new memories. However, that all changes when she kisses her best friend’s boyfriend at a party one night.

I was blown away by Flora Banks. Emily has built a world that is truly realistic and gives the reader an insight into the lives of those with amnesia. The story seems repetitive at times but it makes sense in context, and gives a sense of the confusion Flora would face. This is a truly stunning YA debut and I can’t wait to see what Emily writes in the future.

Stars: ★★★★★

I was sent a copy of The One Memory of Flora Banks by Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review.

COVER REVEAL: Tree Magic by Harriet Springbett

I am so excited to be able to reveal the cover for Tree Magic by Harriet Springbett!

Rainbow’s magic hands can shape trees at her will, but her gift is dangerous and has fatal consequences. 

From England to France, through secrets, fears and parallel worlds, Rainbow’s journey to understand her powers takes her beyond everything she’s ever known. 

To find the truth, she must also find herself. 

Tree Magic is out on January 9th 2017 through Impress Books. You can preorder your copy on Amazon now (ebook only).

REVIEW: The Call by Peadar O'Guilin

Set in dystopian Ireland and based on Irish folklore, The Call starts off as any YA contemporary would. Then Nessa’s parents tell her about the Three Minutes and what happened to her dead brother. With legs twisted from polio, Nessa finds the training that all teenagers must undertake for when she is Called a challenge, but she refuses to let it stop her.

Reading The Call was a whirlwind, and left me gasping for breath. Fast paced and terrifying, this is a must read for anyone who enjoys a thriller, or even horror. Are you ready for The Call?

Stars: ★★★★★

Thank you to Darran Stobbart and David Fickling Books for an early copy of The Call. This has in no way affected my review.