You’re Next

by Kylie Schachte

You're Next by Kylie Schachte

Flora Calhoun has a history of finding dead bodies. First, it was Lucy, a classmate whose body she discovered while out for a jog. Now, years later, Flora is still resentful toward the polices inability to arrest the killer.

At school, Flora now has a reputation for sticking her nose in other people’s business and getting into trouble. One night, Flora receives an unexpected phone call from Ava McQueen, a girl who captured her heart, then stopped talking to her.

When Flora arrives to help Ava, she finds her bleeding on the pavement, and Flora is launched back into her memories of finding Lucy. Now, after finding not one, but two bodies, Flora sets herself out to find the murderer, no matter the cost.

Kylie Schachte has written a gripping thriller! An intense story with a flawed main character, You’re Next is bound to be your next favourite read.

Heartstopper Vol. Two

by Alice Oseman

Heartstopper Vol. Two picks up where Heartstopper Vol. One left off. Charlie and Nick are slowly discovering that their bond may be more than friendship.

Heartstopper: Volume Two (Heartstopper, #2) by Alice Oseman

As Charlie discovers who he is, and who his friends are, Nick grapples with his mental illness and his love for Charlie.

Together, they share the small things in life that equal the big picture. And in each other they find a love worth sharing.

A beautiful second installment in the Heartstopper series, Alice Oseman has created a story about love, friendship and finding yourself.

Heartstopper Vol. One

by Alice Oseman

Charlie and Nick could not be more different. Charlie, an openly gay, anxious teen has spent the last year avoiding bullies and dealing with being outed at school. Nick is a soft hearted jock who just happens to be the star of the school rugby team.

Heartstopper: Volume One (Heartstopper, #1) by Alice Oseman

Nick and Charlie do not know each other, at least not yet. As Charlie learns more about Nick and gets to know him, he discovers that there may be something there that’s bigger than friendship.

Meanwhile, Nick thinks he’s chasing after something that’s impossible. Little does he know that Charlie may be exactly what he’s looking for.

A beautiful and heartfelt romance, Heartstopper Vol. One is the book version of the heart eye emoji.

Star Daughter

by Shveta Thakrar

STAR DAUGHTER — Shveta Thakrar

Sheetal Mistry has secrets. One, her hair is an unnatural silver that she dyes black. Two, the stars seem to call her by name. And three, her mother is a star. Since her mother was called back to the sky, Sheetal has been hiding herself away, living with her father on Earth.

As her 17th birthday approaches, Sheetal feels the pull of the stars more strongly than ever before and is unable to control her power. In a tragic accident, Sheetal loses control of her star fire and burns her father, sending him to the hospital. With no options, Sheetal and her cousin venture into the sky to collect the blood of a full star in order to heal her father.

When they arrive, Sheetal realizes that she was being called for a very specific reason, one that sits uneasily with her. Thrown into a competition for power, Sheetal must compete with mortals in order to win the favour of her family.

An adventure unlike any other, Sheetal discovers the dark past of the stars and must decide where she belongs.

A beautiful story brimming with light and friendships, Shveta has created a magical world full of sparkle and grandness.

I Killed Zoe Spanos

by Kit Frick

I Killed Zoe Spanos by Kit Frick

Anna Cicconi has high hopes for the summer. A fresh start, and a babysitting gig at an elegant home in the Hamptons. What could go wrong? Almost immediately, Anna notices something off about the small town of Herron Mills. After asking some questions she realizes she has stepped into a town that is still reeling from the loss of one of it’s residents; teenager Zoe Spanos. Not only does Anna bear an uncanny resemblance to Zoe, she also finds herself remembering Zoe, even though she has never met her.

But Anna brushes this off, chalking it up to nerves and her lack of sleep.

However, when Zoe’s body is found at the bottom of a lake, Anna can’t ignore the memories she is having of Zoe, and her possible murder.

When Anna confesses, local podcaster Martina Green immediately notices that her confession is full of holes, and sets off to prove the truth of what happened to Zoe Spanos.

A slow burn thriller, Kit Frick amps up the chills in this compelling YA novel.

Raybearer

by Jordan Ifueko

Raybearer (Raybearer, #1) by Jordan Ifueko

Tarisai has only ever known loneliness. Raised by a mysterious and often absent mother, she craves a family and the love that comes with it. After years of studying and being kept at arms length, Tarisai’s mother, The Lady, sends her to the Capital for a mysterious compeition.

Once there, Tarisai realizes she is there to compete with other children for the coveted spot on the Crown Princes council. If she is chosen, Tarisai will be connected to the Crown Prince by The Ray, a powerful and unbreakable bond.

Wanting nothing more than a family, Tarisai relishes the idea of becoming one with the council. However, The Lady has another plan. Use Tarisai to gain the Crown Prince’s trust, and then, through a magical wish, have her kill him.

Will Tarisai overcome The Lady’s last wish, or will she kill the boy her destiny is entwined with.

Jordan Ifueko has created a sparse yet lush story, with characters that spring off the page. An emotionally charged and own voices novel, a perfect read for those who love YA Fantasy.

The Shadow of Kyoshi

by F.C Yee

Avatar, The Last Airbender: The Shadow of Kyoshi The Kyoshi Novels Book 2:  Amazon.ca: Yee, F. C.: Books

Kyoshi is now the avatar, and without the guidance of her mentors, she is on her way Ba Sing Se. There, Kyoshi meets the Fire Lord and becomes enveloped in Fire Nation politics.

However, before Kyoshi can help with politics, she must deal with a threat from the spirit world, and an old friend, who she is convinced is not himself.

Follow Kyoshi, Rangi and their allies as they fight for peace and try to repair the Four Nations before they fall apart.

An absorbing and well written follow up to The Rise of Kyoshi, F.C Yee has produced a masterpiece in YA fiction.

The Silence of Bones

by June Hur

The Silence of Bones by June Hur

It is 1800 in Joseon, Korea and Seol is indentured to the Police. She spends her days doing menial tasks and fending off homesickness and memories of her long lost brother.

Suddenly, Seol finds herself helping a young inspector solve a high profile killing of a noblewoman. As they work together, Seol and the inspector form a bond of friendship that is truly tested when he becomes the prime suspect.

Seol now feels the burden of solving the case and figuring out who killed the noblewoman.

June Hur has written an elegant and atmospheric story, a true wonder in YA historical fiction and mystery.

by Stephanie Garber

5 Stars

Caraval: Amazon.ca: Garber, Stephanie: Books

Stephanie Garber’s novel Caraval follows a girl named Scarlett Dragna on a journey of self-discovery, and the unbreakable bond between sisters. Caraval is a magical show of performers and magic where the viewers can play the game. When Scarlett’s sister Tella is kidnapped for this year’s show, Scarlett now has to face an island of magic and illusion, discover clues to find Tella. Before it’s too late. 

I enjoyed the metamorphosis Scarlett finds herself in and how her relationship with Julian, the “mysterious sailor”, is not rushed. I loved how the story kept me guessing, with its magical mysteries and constant plot twists. The scenes were written exceptionally and kept me turning pages, especially with the use of colours and smells.  

However, I do believe there was more potential with Scarlett’s parents, especially her mother. The plot twist at the end was a little sudden though I thoroughly enjoyed reading all the same. Otherwise, I don’t have anything bad to say, and I adored this book.  

Stephanie Garber put the magical elements of Holly Black’s Heart of the Moors and the mystical confusion of Alice in Wonderland together in the most perfect way. I would recommend Caraval for readers 13 and up who enjoy fantasy, magic, plot twists and dystopia with an unexpected romance.  

Caraval by Stephanie Garber made me feel as Scarlett felt, cry when she was sad, laugh, and that is the most important part of a book for me. Which is why I gave this book a five-star rating. 

Eva F.

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Carry On

by Rainbow Rowell

Carry On: Rowell, Rainbow: 9781250135025: Books - Amazon.ca

Watford is no ordinary school, and Simon Snow is no ordinary wizard. Actually, he’s the chosen one. Throughout his years at Watford, he’s gotten used to battling trolls and dragons. But the biggest struggle? Putting up with his room mate, Baz.

When Baz does not show up to their last year at Watford, Simon senses trouble. Together, Simon and his best friend Penny, try to solve the mystery of where Baz has disappeared to and if he’s actually up to no good. Little do they know that this year will not go as planned.