Rainbeau Readers
Wolf Siren
Wolf Siren is quite a tricky book to review. Personally, I really liked the plot and the setting, and I thought it had a strong ending. The characters felt realistic and lifelike, even though the story includes magic. I also loved the storyline because it felt unique.
However, on the other hand, I found that the story moved quite quickly, especially at the beginning, which made it a bit hard to keep track of at times. The main character, Red, was very well written, with clear feelings and motivations, which made her easy to understand and relate to. The themes of feminism and disability are shown strongly throughout the book and are key parts of the story.
Alba
Not Going To Plan
When I first read the blurb for this book I wasn't very excited and I didn't expect it to be very good, however I was shocked about the way that you bond with the characters and really feel for them throughout the book. I loved the way Zed was portrayed but I wish there was more about the physics test he did because I feel like I wanted to know more about it. Marnie was my favourite character as I loved the way that she acted throughout the book. I really wish there was a second book as it's a bit sad saying goodbye to the characters
Lucy
Birdie
I didn’t really enjoy this book, as it took me quite a long time to get through and I found it quite difficult to stay interested. I also didn’t like the plot, as I felt it was slow and not very engaging. I think this might be because it’s aimed at younger readers and isn’t really my type of book. However, the writing was very good, and I would recommend it to readers aged 7–12.
Arya
The Boy I Love
I absolutely loved this book, I read it in in 3 hours and was rushed with so many emotions whilst reading this. It was a meaningful book rather than a smutty romance, it focused more on the war around them rather than the blossoming love between two young men in the middle of it all. If there was a sequel; it wouldn't do it justice for this may be a national treasure in the future.
Olivia
Not Going To Plan
I really liked this book because it was from a very interesting perspective. I felt like it had a great plot and was a very gripping read. I liked the sense of friendship conveyed across the whole book which was very good and I would definitely recommend it.
Fleur
The Boy I Love
This was a very interesting and inspiring book that really brings the experiences of war to life. It made me feel like I was there on the battlefield, and my heart raced along with the characters as they faced the dangers of World War 1. It also felt very historically accurate. The contrast between Danny and Stephen made the story a really unique read. I liked how they stayed loyal to each other while fighting for their lives and dealing with life-changing choices and secrets.
I don’t usually enjoy or fully understand war novels, but this one was definitely an exception. A fantastic book!
Mackenzie
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I really enjoyed this book because the illustrations are very cute, and I loved seeing the friendship between Zeke, Alicia and Daniel. Zeke is a very kind character, and he’s the type of friend who will always help you and stand up for you if someone is mean. However, sometimes he doesn’t handle things in the best way.
Heidy
Twenty Four Seconds from Now
I really enjoyed reading this book. I like how it truly explored Neon's emotions and gave him a deep character. My favourite scene was when Neon is at the Bingo hall with his friends on Halloween because it created a great setting with lots of description. I think this book raised awareness of different people's emotions, and so lots of people should read it.
Hazel
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I really enjoyed the book because it is really funny. I really like the park where Zeke talked about the story of France and his knee.
KATE
Birdie
This story is very inspirational because Birdie doesn’t give up. When things get tough, she always finds a way out of it. Birdie will do the right thing even if means losing out on something she wants. Birdie is a reflection of how we could be in our lives. Kind, empathetic and righteous. I really enjoyed this book and will remember its message always.
Zeven
Ghostlines
I really enjoyed Ghost Lines as the characters were very relatable and the story line was thrilling and adventurous. It shows a lot of kindness and sorrow and how hard it really is to move somewhere where you know no-one and everything you love is across the sea. I liked reading the sub plot of her brother, Rowan and the dramatic last few chapters which ended nicely when all the secrets were revealed. This book is an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to people age 8 to 13.
Hannah
Not Going To Plan
I think this book is really good and definitely worth reading. I don’t usually like verse novels, but this one is really interesting and keeps you hooked all the way through. I would recommend it for Year 8 and above because it includes some sensitive topics and a bit of mild swearing. However, it isn’t too strong, and the censored parts are very short and only last for a couple of pages.
The chapters are about 5–8 pages long, which makes it an easy and enjoyable read.
I would give this book 4.3 out of 5 stars.
Arya
Not Going To Plan
I found this book really interesting because it made me think about issues I never thought before, and it was presented in a really nice way to understand. It had characters I could understand in an environment I go to nearly everyday, meaning I could feel how the characters felt and why. My favourite character was Zed as he was really nice and smart. :)
Ethan
Ghostlines
This book is very inspiring because Albie is a very relatable person. He has moved to a new place and needs to make friends. Change can be a difficult thing but this book shows how to adapt. This book shows a lot of kindness which is why I enjoyed it.
Zeven
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
This is a really funny book. The normality of villany is what makes this such a laugh. Zeke is a character whose actions should be what we act like. Showing kindness and empathy. I really enjoyed this book
Zeven
Twenty Four Seconds from Now
I really enjoyed this book . The main character Neon is a nervous teenager, his life is seemingly very unusual and spontaneous and the best thing is his girlfriend, Aria. Personally, I didn't find the book the most relatable to me but I can see why it is to others. What I did really like were the characters and how I could really see them as people or even my friends.
Amelia
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
This is an amazing book. It is really easy to read, but still has an interesting and engaging plot. I loved the humour, and the characters are developed really well. The author also uses emotive language effectively, and the illustrations are fantastic.
My favourite character was Miel because he is so cool and funny. I really hope this book wins this year!
Ksenya
Wolf Siren
I absolutely adored this book, it reminded me of my favourite movie and brought back so many memories of the original story “The little red riding hood”. This book was so good I cried at the end because it made me so emotional at the end when I finished it. Please read it and trust me you will not regret it!!!
Olivia
Ghostlines
I really enjoyed this book and how it expressed growing up, fitting in and making new friends. It had a fun light theme with a deep meaning, this book was so good I read it in one sitting! If you’re a fan of a descriptive countryside book then this is for you.
Olivia
Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody
I really enjoyed The Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody because it was incredibly funny and imaginative. It also explores important themes like friendship and bullying.
I felt really sorry for Zeke when I found out about his mum, but I was glad that things worked out in the end. I also found it hilarious that he had “France” on his knee!
My favourite character was Miel because he is very smart and still helps others even though he is blind.
I would highly recommend this amazing book.
Hannah
Wolf Siren
This book is quite different to many dystopian stories. Grandmother being a wolfwoman and human put a really interesting twist on the story because that lead to a unity between wolves and people. I really liked how the book shows humans and animals can live in peace, side by side and is a lesson that we need to learn. The story based of Red Riding Hood was cleverly adapted.
Zeven
Popcorn
I really enjoyed the book. The comparison to a popcorn kernel was quite fitting because it allows the reader to really understand how close Andrew is to having a panic attack and also how is he feeling. The illustrations helped because they added to our understanding of how anxiety feels in quite a comical way.
Zeven