Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
Capitana
Ximena Reale is determined to become a Cazadoro at La Academia de los Cazadores, but despite being a star student, her prospects are tarnished by her heritage. Five years ago, her parents were executed for being pirates and now her older sister’s behaviour is casting a shadow on Ximena’s rising star. When it seems that Gasparilla, a notorious, but supposedly dead, pirate captain, is in action once more, Ximena sees this as her opportunity to prove herself and achieve her dream…
‘Capitana’ is not normally the sort of book I would pick up- however, I am very glad that I did as I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you haven’t read it, please continue at your peril as I might give some bits away!
The plot moves at a lively pace, full of action and with plenty of twists, as Ximena gradually begins to question everything she has known and believed in all her life. Strong, determined and single-minded, she has done her duty ‘to the Law, to the Queen and to the Empire’ without thinking, rejecting friendship and expecting the ill treatment caused by her parents’ disgrace. As the book develops, there is a real change in her persona and she begins to question the system she has always believed in as she sees the harm done by imperialism and ruthless authority on her journey to defeat Gasparilla, ultimately leading to her defying the Empire and taking a very different path.
The writing is really atmospheric, scattered with Spanish vocabulary, immersing the reader in Ximena’s world with vivid descriptions. Although there are many deaths and plenty of violence, the author manages to avoid being overly gory. Similarly, the simmering romance between Ximena and her arch rival, Dante de Leon, who has progressed through nepotism rather than effort, is really well handled, not over-done as it is in some ‘teen romance’ stories!
Great good stuff!
Capitana
Cassandra James
Hot Key Books ISBN: 1471416743
Out on the 4th February
After Life
Cycling home after school one day, Amber Crane notices a few things are different; however, nothing prepares her for the shock of her mother screaming in horror when she sees her. Amber should be dead. Victim of a hit-and-run seven years ago, her death sent shockwaves of grief through her family and friends, impacting even those who barely knew her. So how is it possible that she has returned- and why?
‘After Life’ is a very powerful and thought-provoking novel, exploring ideas around grief, love and how one person can affect others in varying ways.
Told from differing view points through shifting time frames, the story builds the picture of what happened to Amber, her relationships when alive and the aftermath of her death, exploring range of ways people respond to and cope with (or not) surviving someone they knew, particularly one so young. There is much to absorb here. Her parents’ relationship- a love-at-first-sight dream match- cannot withstand the loss of their child; nor can the close bond of her mother and aunt. The building of the back story here through the time shifts and differing viewpoints emphasises the weight of what is lost. Similarly, it allows the reader to learn that not all in Amber’s life was as she thought it was, meaning her loss is weighted with guilt and regret for others who knew her.
There is so much to this moving story, but one of the most powerful elements for me is how Amber’s sister, Melissa, has kept her relationship with her sister alive after death by continuing to have conversations with her, nurturing her love for her and finding comfort in this way.
A beautiful book- have tissues at the ready!
After Life
Gayle Forman
Hot Key ISBN: 978-1471418310
The Party
When Bessie and her friends decide to attend a secret party at a remote and desolate castle, they are looking forward to a brilliant weekend. However, things quickly start to go wrong and as the weather worsens, one of their number dies…followed by another…and another… Left suspecting everyone, is there anyone one Bessie can trust and will she get out alive?
I’ll just read a couple of pages before getting on with some work, I said to myself! However, once I started reading ‘The Party’ there was no way I was going to stop until I’d finished.
Trapped in the castle by the storm and the flooding moat, a group of friends from boarding school quickly find themselves facing danger. The castle is owned by the parents of twins, Allegra and Fergus, whose plans to develop the building into luxury flats has caused outrage and hostility from the locals. When exploring the (vividly described!) castle, Bessie is unsettled to discover threatening graffiti in the cellar which she ascribes to this group. Her feelings of unease are shared by the reader as tension quickly mounts and the situation moves from bad to worse.
As ever when reviewing a book like this, it is really hard find a balance between doing the book justice whilst not spoiling it for those yet to read it, but I’ll try to be careful. After a steady start, scattered with details and hints about the group and their relationships, the story builds quickly, gaining pace as the suspense and action mount. There are plenty of red herrings as the reader is left guessing and second guessing as the death count mounts in a scenario reminiscent of ‘And Then there were None’ as you find the very person you thought was doing it couldn’t have- or could they?! It’s a real page turner, leading to a very satisfying and unexpected conclusion.
If you enjoy a good murder mystery, ‘The Party’ is a must read!
The Party
Natasha Preston
Hot Key Books ISBN: 978-1471418266
Mondays are Murder
After the death of her friend, Ivy, Kay thought she had left Longrove for good. However, when her parents go on a cruse to celebrate their twentieth wedding anniversary, she finds herself sent back there, ‘dumped’ on her Uncle Dara and her cousin, Nikki. Just as she thinks things can’t get any worse, she finds a letter on her bed, a letter telling her that there will be a thrill on Tuesday, a wreckage on Wednesday, treachery on Thursday, a fire on Friday, sabotage on Saturday, a stabbing on Sunday - and her murder on Monday.
From the first page, ‘Mondays are Murder’ is a gripping read, full of red herrings and twists which all build to a very satisfying conclusion.
As well as the death of Ivy, Longrove is also full of memories of her Aunt Sandra, Nikki’s mother, idolised by Kay for her ability to solve puzzles and the work she used to do as a detective. Whilst looking through some of her things, Kay and Nikki discover a notebook which suggests that Aunt Sandra was conducting her own investigation into Ivy’s death, adding another layer of intrigue and mystery to the story, intertwining with the girls’ determination to discover the identity of Monday and prevent Kay’s predicted murder.
Flashbacks to past events are interspersed through the action, affording readers a glimpse of the events which led to Ivy’s death and offering clues and misdirection along the way. The plot is skilfully constructed, combining murder mystery with thriller whilst exploring family dynamics, relationships and grief. Dark in places, the combination of compelling action, appealing characters and an atmospheric setting make this a compulsive read!
Mondays are Murder
Ravena Guron
Usborne ISBN: 978-1805075707
Whispering Hollow
Pippa Newton loves nature and loves the time she spends with her grandfather at his cottage in the woods. Her brother, Jed, used to enjoy these trips as well, but now lacks enthusiasm. However, they arrive to find their grandfather reluctant to let them stay and Pippa soon realises that something malevolent is lurking, causing Grandpa to be fearful and act strangely. When Pippa disobeys her grandfather and creeps out into the woods at night to use her night vision binoculars, things quickly spiral out of control.
In ‘Whispering Hollow’, Rachel Burge has created a spooky tale, full of suspense and menace, perfect for the darkening evenings- if you are someone who likes a good scare! The strange behaviour of her grandfather, his unkempt appearance, the sinister twig men hanging around the house create a tense atmosphere from the outset, leaving the reader wondering what might happen next.
Set in Cornwall, the story draws on the rich folklore and traditional tales of that area with hidden folk, spriggan and changelings and the narrative moves between the two worlds. But the story is also about siblings and the deep bonds they can share, of loss and change and family and the wonders of the natural world, making it a satisfying read as well as a dark and creepy one.
Whispering Hollow
Rachel Burge
Welbeck ISBN: 978-1804536179
The Twelve
Kit and her little sister, Libby, find themselves with their mother on a winter holiday on the Welsh coast. When Libby vanishes, not even their mother can remember her - it is as if she has been erased from the world. Then Kit meets Story, a local boy, who clearly remembers Libby and determined to solve the mystery surrounding her sister's disappearance, they join forces, embarking on a quest which takes them into a world of myth and folklore, where Kit must face her fears to save her sister.
Deeply atmospheric and compelling, ‘The Twelve’ is a magical read, throbbing with ancient power and mystery. Perfect for those who love something a little different, it is thought-provoking, in places eerie and tense, but also a deeply satisfying adventure.
The relationship between Libby and Kit is really well developed and special. Often animosity and bickering characterise sibling relationships in books, but these sisters have a close bond. Libby is bubbly and energetic, full of passions and impulsive interests, at times exhausting to be around, but the two share wild imaginations and lots of laughter, meaning Kit’s sense of loss is sharp and real when her sister goes missing. Kit is a wonderful character. Tormented by a bully at school, she is vulnerable and full of self doubt; however, her new friendship with Story offers her someone who actually believes in her, someone who sees her worth and allows her gradually to come to see herself in a new light, find the courage she needs to save her sister and, ultimately, to seek help with her tormentor.
Stunning descriptions of the natural world underline the environmental message running through the tale. The beauty of the newly fallen snow, the wonder of the bird life, the power of landscape are all vividly conveyed, forming a magical background to a magical story. A perfect read for this time of year!
The Twelve
Liz Hyder, illustrated by Tom de Freston
Pushkin Press ISBN: 978-1782693987
Raz Beri
Billy Turpin has cerebral palsy and is finding life at secondary school challenging. Dealing with bullies, thoughtless teachers and an over-helpful helper, he just wishes everyone would stop treating him differently. Mia, also a wheelchair user, has recently started his school and constantly challenges him to stand up for himself. When it is announced that Mia’s uncle is a famous footballer and is going to visit the school, Billy is thrilled and hopes that this might be his chance to prove he is just like everyone else. However, when the footballers act disgracefully, Billy realises he needs to take matters into his own hands.
‘Raz Beri’ is not a comfortable read, but it is completely absorbing and packs a very powerful punch. Told from Billy’s perspective, the story exposes the thoughtlessness, casual cruelty and hideous bullying which make up Billy’s daily experiences, creating real empathy. There is nothing self-pitying about his narrative, even in the face of some incredibly cruel name calling which he calmly explains whilst making it clear how hurtful this is. His relationship with Mia adds a new perspective as she is fiercely independent. Whereas Billy is happy to let Mrs Welbeck, the helper who has transitioned with him from primary school, continue to help him with things he is now able to do for himself because he doesn’t want to hurt her feelings, Mia insists that he should be more independent and challenge people when they patronise or hurt him. She is an amazing character!
The book also challenges the education system in its meaningful provision for children with additional needs where purposeful planning in lessons like PE would have positive outcomes rather than just occupying students during a lesson. Mr Marsh very much represents the stereotypical games teacher whose lessons are torture for anyone not a keen athlete and who I had very much hoped we had consigned to the last century. There is much food for thought for teachers here too.
In places, ‘Raz Beri’ is a painful, challenging read, yet it is ultimately up-lifting, powerful and poignant. A must read for everyone.
Raz Beri
Matt Stephens
Firefly ISBN: 978-1915444615
Published 29th August 2024
How to Survive a Horror Movie
Having enrolled at a girls’ boarding school on a remote island in an attempt to escape her past, Charley is determined to keep a low profile. She and her room mate, Olive, share a passion for horror films and so know all the rules of how to survive in these situations. Or they think they do… When someone starts killing her classmates, Charley finds herself at the heart of her own horror movie where she not only keeps finding dead bodies, but is also haunted by the ghosts of those who have been murdered. Charley not only needs to follow all the rules learned from watching films, but to listen to the dead if she is to catch a killer.
This is absolutely NOT the sort of book I would normally pick up! I hate horror films, run a mile at ghost trains and avoid scary situations at all costs…however, I am really pleased I read this as despite the title and some grisly murders, it was an excellent read!
A fast paced, easy read, ‘How to Survive a Horror Movie’ brilliantly plays on all the tropes of the genre as Charley hurtles from death to death, her worst fears being realised as the ‘suicides’ as her school seems determined to call them prove to be increasingly vicious murders. The story includes some gory descriptions, but the there is a real tongue-in-cheek sense of humour running through everything which somehow means even a wimp like me managed to read everything.
Behind all the blood and suspense, there is a strong storyline which makes sense of the events which take place- but I am not going to offer any spoilers! Although I worked out who was behind things, I was only partially correct and the actual conclusion was far more satisfying than the one I had envisioned. The characters are very well formed, particularly Charley and Megan, one of the ghosts of those who have been murdered and it is easy to get swept up in the action.
I absolutely loved this one despite all expectations to the contrary! Can’t wait for book 2!
How to Survive a Horror Movie
Scarlett Dunmore
Little Tiger ISBN: 978- 1788957120
Published September 5th 2024
These Stolen Lives
Six years ago, Mora survived the Skøl invasion, an event which destroyed her family, stole the land and means that she must pay for the right to live. As a ‘repayer’, someone who has lived life without paying, she owes the Skøl a debt and her life is no longer her own, but at least she wasn’t culled like so many others- a fate still facing anyone who can’t pay. When she learns that Zako, a twelve-year-old boy she has known all his life, has tried to kill his owner, the magistrate, Valour Venor, soon to be governor of the North Western Counties, Mora knows she has to act. However, in freeing Zako and smuggling him to tenuous safety, Mora and her friend, Kit, find themselves drawn deep into a perilous and dark mystery.
‘These Stolen Lives’ is an incredibly powerful, hard-hitting novel which mingles raw events of past invasions and occupations with imagined details of a fantasy world. The brutality of the Skøl and the law-enforcing Branders, the constant racism, inequality and fear in which the indigenous peoples suffer daily are so vividly described that the story is not an easy read, but one which challenges and forces the reader to reflect and empathise.
And yet, through all the hardship, moments of joy, of kindness and of love shine through. The kindness and courage of the Scarlets who agree to shelter Zako make a stark contrast to the brutality and ignorance of Venor; the blossoming feelings between Mora and Kit is worlds away from the threat of sexual assault. The importance of cultural heritage and the powerful identity this forges is clearly shown as the oppressors try to destroy and the oppressed remember.
Against this chilling background, an extremely tense and compelling mystery unfolds, taking the reader to the very edge and then allowing them to relax for a moment before dealing a crushing blow at the end. There must be a sequel coming…
These Stolen Lives
Sharada Keats
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702325120
Splinters
With her best friend moving to Scotland, Jean is only consoled by the thought of spending the summer with her first boyfriend, Leon. However, when he tells her that he is off to America for three weeks and her parents announce the family are moving house, her holiday does not go to plan and things get worse as, on his return, Leon seems changed towards her. No longer the loving boyfriend who went away, he is cold and distant, determined only to get his hands on a strange mirror in Jean’s possession, a mirror which seems to reflect a world of different choices and possibilities.
Intriguing from the first page, ‘Splinters’ is another stunning read from Rachel Delahaye. It is also going to be very hard to review without spoiling it for any future readers- and I really don’t want to do that!
Jean really represents all of us at some time or another. Things are not going smoothly for her and she is experiencing her fair share of teenage angst, heartache, friendship and family problems- all the things which make you start to question the choices you have made- the what ifs - about life. However, she really learns that the grass is not always greener and that what might appear to be the ‘unadventurous simplicity’ of someone else’s life is no better than your own. The story is brilliantly constructed, keeping the reader constantly guessing - and perhaps challenging them to reflect on what their own choices might (or might not) be!
Character is something Rachel does really well and different facets of personality are skilfully explored here, how the ways we react to others, how we handle situations, how our choices affect our lives. No life is perfect, but the one we have is the one we should focus on. As well as being an extremely gripping read, the story offers much to reflect upon. In the end, there are still choices to be made, leaving the reader wondering which one Jean finally makes.
There is so much to recommend ‘Splinters’- not least the way music has been used throughout the story! It is a deliciously dark tale, full of suspense and I cannot recommend it highly enough!
Splinters Rachel Delahaye
Troika
Coming soon…
You can read my review of ‘Day of the Whale’ here and ‘Electric Life’ here.
Lie or Die
Feeling guilty for kissing her best friend Thea’s ex, Kass Kennedy is tricked into auditioning for a new reality TV show, Lie or Die, where contestants are pitted against each other as they try to discover who is a murderous agent and who is innocent. However, when players start dying, Kass realises that this is a fight for survival.
From the outset ‘Lie or Die’ is an absorbing read, exciting and gripping. Reluctant to appear before the camera but determined to show Thea that she is a real friend, Kass quickly finds herself caught up in the excitement of the game. She is an excellent protagonist, observant and quick-witted- and a loyal friend! The other characters are equally well considered, making an interesting mix for the Lie or Die game show where you can ‘trust no one’.
Combining the current fixation for reality television shows and a locked room mystery, the plot builds a claustrophobic feeling of tension as realisation dawns on the contestants that they are trapped in the ‘game’. As events unfold, there are little twists which make the reader reassess their burgeoning suspicions, constantly keeping them on their toes alongside the characters!
Dark and twisting, Lie or Die is a brilliant read!
Lie or Die A J Clack
Firefly Press ISBN: 978-1915444417
Published 7th March 2024
Mirror Me
Freya loves being behind the camera, capturing images, a passion she shares with her father. However, since former supermodel, Bella Wilde, appeared in their lives, Freya’s life seems to be changing quickly. Impossibly flawless, Bella seems to mesmerise those around her, but she makes Freya uncomfortable. When Freya discovers they are getting married and she (Freya) is to be shipped off to boarding school, she knows she must take action and discover the truth.
Drawing on Snow White with touches of ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’, ‘Mirror Me’ is a clever, thought-provoking, enjoyable read. I have no interest in the fashion world, but found the story both compelling and engaging.
The chapters are relatively short which, combined with the use of the present tense, keeps the plot fast-paced. Interspersed throughout the chapters are pages of italicised text, adding to the story in an anonymous voice, hinting at what is to come and what has been.
Freya is an excellent character, very believable and easy to relate to. Her insecurities and worries initially hold her back, making her question herself, her mistrust of Bella and her choices, but as the story progresses, her growing self-belief, devotion to her father and determination to thwart Bella’s schemes are convincing and have the reader cheering her on. Her friendship with Sam is also a real strength of the story!
At the heart of the book is the importance of being yourself and throwing off the demands and expectations imposed by the fashion industry and social media, embracing difference and individuality. Jan Dunning’s background in modelling adds a voice of authenticity to the fashion led scenes, with much to initiate discussion and provoke much needed conversations.
An immersive, satisfying read!
Mirror Me Jan Dunning
Scholastic ISBN: 9780702323751
All That It Ever Meant
Devastated by the loss of their mother, Mati, her siblings and father set off on a trip back to their father’s home in Zimbabwe. Each member of the family is struggling with their bereavement. Their father struggles with his own grief as well as the responsibility of looking after his children; seventeen-year-old Chichi is getting in trouble at school and picking on her siblings; ten-year-old Tana seeking escape, drinking Heineken to help him sleep with Mati, the thinker and observer of the family, tries watches everything carefully. Whilst on the trip, Mati finds herself joined by Meticais, a rather grumpy, mysterious and fabulously dressed gender-neutral figure who only Mati can see and talk to. Reluctantly, Mati comes to realise that Meticais is guiding her to come to terms with what has happened, slowly finding her way towards acceptance.
‘All That It Ever Meant’ is a stunning novel about love and loss, family and belonging. The complexities of human nature, relationships and emotions are all sensitively explored in this beautifully written, cleverly constructed and gripping story.
It is never clear whether Meticais is a figment of Meti’s imagination, a spirit, a ghost or something else, but their presence and conversation allows Meti to explore the complexities of her mother’s feelings about trying to assimilate to her new life in England- something which she never came to terms with and which affected the family dynamic as well as her mother’s mental health. As the family shares the road trip, the close proximity of their travelling and accommodation as well as the landscape they find themselves in force them to face up to past events and start to look to the future and cope with their loss.
Deeply poignant, this is an intriguing and compelling novel with one of those endings which just…
It’s a must read- and re-read- and re-read.
All That It Ever Meant
Blessing Musariri
Zephyr ISBN: 978-1035002477
Kicked Out
Sequel to the very wonderful, ‘Boy Everywhere’ follows Ali and Sami as they settle into life, playing for the school football team and enjoying the huge pool at Mark’s new house. But when some money goes missing, everything changes when Aadam is accused by Mark’s mum’s boyfriend of the theft. The boys are desperate to prove his innocence and help him fight deportation, but Ali is distracted by the reappearance of his father and his half brother.
I loved ‘Boy Everywhere’, finding it powerful, thought-provoking and moving. In ‘Kicking Out’, A M Dassu offers a follow up which is equally compelling and which does not shy away from racist attitudes and the plight of unaccompanied minors who are seeking asylum. Parts of the story make uncomfortable reading as racism and appalling attitudes are laid bare, but with the dangerous and misleading rhetoric around refugees and asylum seekers, it is a vitally important one.
Family and relationships are also central to the story. Ali’s world is turned upside down by the reappearance of his father- and his half brother. He struggles with feelings of inadequacy and rejection, constantly comparing himself to his ‘new’ brother and doubting himself. Mark is also having family problems- although his mother has new found wealth and security, it is her boyfriend, Callum, a racist bully, who has driven a rift between him (Mark), Ali and Sami, falsely accusing Aadam and refusing to let Mark see his friends. Mark doesn’t want to abandon them, but struggles with the thought that he might upset his mother now that she has at last found some happiness.
Unflinching and honest, ‘Kicked Out’ is an important and thoroughly enjoyable read.
Kicked Out A M Dassu
Old Barn Books ISBN: 978- 1910646892
Published in October
At the Speed of Lies
Quinn’s junior year has not started as well as she would have liked. Her older sister has become more remote, obsessed with grades and extra-curricular activities and her best friend, Ximena, has become inseparable from her boyfriend, Max, leaving Quinn feeling like a spare part.. She is also trying to boost her following on her Instagram account, The Whine. When two children go missing, the school bully, Cade, seems to be at the forefront of fundraising for Defend Kids, an organisation which claims to fight against child trafficking. Challenged by Cade, Quinn posts about the missing children. Initially overjoyed at the popularity of her account, things quickly start to spiral out of control as her followers skyrocket, spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories.
Completely absorbing, ‘At the Speed of Lies’ is a thought provoking, slightly unsettling read with much to recommend it. It shows how quickly ‘urban legends’ escalate and become fact, with social media playing a huge role in the speed at which they spread. The story challenges readers to consider the validity of the information they receive and question whether they should accept this at face value. The author’s note at the end, explaining their background in this area, is very interesting.
But there is more to the story than this. Quinn is an excellent character who learns much about herself over the course of the book and through her eyes, the reader learns much about the experiences of those with her condition, feeling empathy and hopefully, adjusting their behaviour accordingly. The story also shows how an increased following, post likes and comments can become addictive and affect people’s feelings of self-worth. Real life friendships and real connections are far more important.
I have no wish to spoil the story for anyone else by revealing too much, but highly recommend that everyone reads it!
At the Speed of Lies Cindy L Otis
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702329524
You Could Be So Pretty
Beauty comes at a price. And girls must pay.
Belle Gentle follows the rules of The Doctrine to the letter and is so close to ‘Having It All’. The Doctrine helps girls navigate the world now the Bad Times are over by offering guidelines for how to behave. She’s the prettiest Pretty in school, A Chosen One in her spare time, and she’s about to win The Ceremony, making her family proud.
Joni Miller is an Objectionable. Although she is despised by others for rejecting the Doctrine, this is her Choice. She is determined to win the Scholarship into the Education so she can change things- but her biggest rival is perfect Belle.
Being far older than the target audience for this book, I found it deeply disturbing and sad- and yet, as I closed it, I was filled with the hope that for those reading it, it will provoke thought and discussions. The story offers a blistering look at a dystopian ‘future’ where the expectations on girls to be effortlessly perfect, whilst bearing all the responsibility for the reactions which they might ‘incite’ from men, are overwhelming. This is a society where violence against women is normalised, with degrading, dehumanising Smut (pornography) a part of every day life and where any girl who doesn’t find this arousing, fun and healthy is a Frigid. And yet, much of this sounds chillingly familiar, reflecting the everyday realities faced by many girls today.
And this is where Holly Bourne skilfully turns this into more than just another dystopian tale. The society she portrays in intensely suffocating with something on almost every page which causes the reader to feel both intensely uncomfortable and furious…and provoke reflection. Women are told that they have won equality, that they have choice, but ‘choice means nothing if you feel you have no other option than to choose what everyone chooses…if there are significant consequences for not following the established path.’ Powerful stuff.
The other strength of this story is in the characterisation. Joni and Belle are girls you come to care about. The novel opens with glimpses of their past which put them each on the path they have taken in life, instantly creating empathy. Belle is particularly fascinating as she finds herself questioning- and seeking to justify- things which make her intensely uncomfortable. Being an ‘Invisible’, my heart ached for both these girls - and all the women in the story- and for those in real life whose experience is similar.
A note at the beginning of the book warns the story might be triggering, but Holly Bourne should be commended for writing this book. For me, its importance is on a par with ‘Asking for It’ by Louise O’Neal- and that’s saying something.
Clever and compelling, startling and stirring, this is a must read.
You Could Be So Pretty Holly Bourne
Usborne ISBN: 978-1474966832
Electric Life
Alara lives a ‘perfect’ life in Estrella where everything is tightly controlled and it is mandatory to carry a ‘Flip’ (Fully Linked Information Platform) so everyone is connected. Feelings of boredom and being ‘dulled’ are frowned upon yet Alara often feels disconnected. The skyscraper city is built on the ruins of the old city, now known as London Under, and Alara finds herself selected to go on a secret mission to gather vital intelligence about a world completely different to her own. But what she discovers makes her start to question everything she has known…
I have said it before, but have to say it again- Rachel Delahaye is an outstanding writer who really knows how to create believable worlds and compelling characters, immersing the reader completely in the story. ‘Electric Life’ is a one-sitting read- it is impossible to put down once started.
As with ‘Day of the Whale’, another of Rachel’s books, the story is both a thoroughly good read and offers plenty to think about. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that not everything is as it seems in the perfect world of Estrella, posing questions about what citizens of the ‘Star City’ might be sacrificing for their idyllic lifestyle. Everyone seems to live their lives through and around their screens which provide entertainment and constantly monitor their health and safety. They are happy to accept the parameters and rules which keep them safe… there are so many questions to be asked here and Alara’s experiences certainly make the reader think about
The story is fast-paced and full of action, building a frighteningly believable version of the future. Alara is a very likeable character- standing out against the stereotypical versions of her peers, not quite fitting in, longing for different. Readers may well recognise her clumsy attempts to ‘find’ friends and be ‘normal’ and like her all the more for ultimately coming to be herself. As she has experiences we take for granted for the first time- feeling pain, sharing human contact, tasting real food, the wild joy of a party night out- you can feel her coming alive and responding to each new sensation.
There is so much more I could say, but for fear of spoiling this brilliant book for other readers, I will finish by saying- it’s fab. Make sure you read it!
Electric Life Rachel Delahaye
Troika ISBN: 978-1912745326
You can read my review of ‘Day of the Whale’ here.