Queenslayer by Sebastien de Castel

After a simple mistake, Kellen is brought before the Daroman queen to be executed, but finds himself, and his squirrel cat business partner, embroiled in the court’s affairs. This is the second last book in the series, and not my favourite. Some beloved characters were completely absent, I didn’t really understand the political intrigue, and some truly awful things happened. That said, it is usual for YA series to get darker as they go on, and there was still a lot to enjoy. I am looking forward to the final book.

The rest of us just live here by Patrick Ness

This is like what life would have been like for Hufflepuff students whose names we never knew. While Harry Potter and friends were off saving the world, they just had to get on with high school. It’s about a group of teenagers just about to finish school, dealing with family problems, mental health challenges, relationships, and planning for the future, while the “indie kids” have to save the world from supernatural forces. I found it a funny, touching, and hopeful book about friendship and growing up.

The knife of never letting go by Patrick Ness

Todd Hewitt is the youngest person in his small town, just about to turn thirteen and become a man like everyone else. That’s right, there are no women left, just men who can not only hear each other’s every thought, but also those of the animals. Secrets can still be kept, however, and Todd knows that the town is keeping one from him, and before he can find out what it is, he makes a discovery that will send him running from the town, into adventure. The idea of what life would be like if you could hear men’s thoughts is a fascinating one, as is the that of creating a new society. I really enjoyed this fast-paced ride with endearing characters on a journey towards understanding, and powerful themes of racism, sexism, and colonisation. If you don’t like a cliff-hanger, line up the next book straight away!

Girl in the walls by A.J. Gnuse

This was such a different story. Elise is the girl in the walls, living in a house without the occupants knowledge. The writer did a good job of keeping me off kilter, keeping the story unsettling with short chapters changing the points of view. There was horror, sadness and hope.

Release by Patrick Ness

There are two stories being told at once, across one day. Adam wrestles with love, loss, his sense of himself, and with being a gay teen in a conservative, religious family, and there is another story, dreamlike, kind of magical, related to a girl who was murdered in the area. Adam’s story is compelling, thought-provoking, and moving, but while the other, ghostly story came together at the end, I found it largely incomprehensible all the way through.

Honeybee by Craig Silvey

Sam and Vic meet one night when they each stand on the wrong side of a bridge railing, considering the end. Vic is an old man, a widower, and he is moved to try and help Sam. There is a great deal of darkness in this story, so many terrible things have happened to Sam, but there is light and humour in friendship, particularly Sam’s with Aggie, some loveable characters, and almost over the top good things also happen to Sam. It is a sad, moving, frustrating (I find it hard to read about young characters in bad situations, making poor choices) story about friendship, meaning, and the courage to be yourself. The audiobook was beautifully read.

The bone sparrow by Zana Fraillon

A moving story filled with sorrow and hope. Subhi was born in a detention centre – it is the only world he knows and it is not a pretty world. Then one night Jimmie appears from Outside and it changes both of their lives. The importance of stories to your identity, the value of friendship and the way refugees are treated are highlighted.

Ghost bird by Lisa Fuller

Stacey and Laney are twins; mirror images of each other, with very different personalities. One night Laney doesn’t come home, and Stacey knows something is wrong; a feeling that compounds when she begins dreaming about her twin. This is a creepy mystery with a deep sense of place. There is great tension and atmosphere, and i really enjoyed the dialogue and culture.

The memory of Babel by Christelle Dabos

This series has the most exquisite world building; full of wonder, beauty, and endless fascination. The characters are so full, and there is intrigue, suspense, and another cliff hanger ending. Only a year to wait for the final book….

The missing of Clairdelune by Christelle Dabos

I had a hard time going to work today; all I wanted to do was read this book. I enjoyed the first one, but I loved this one. Highly imaginative world building, complex and deeply endearing characters, and an enthralling mystery. Utterly delightful fantasy, thoroughly original while still holding the beloved elements of loyalty, love, and what is right.