Herschel Shadows

Ghostlines 
Ghostlines by Katya Balen has a really atmospheric and emotional writing style, but overall I found it quite difficult to get into. The book explores some interesting themes and has moments that feel powerful, but I often found the plot confusing, which made it hard to stay fully engaged with the story. At several points, I wasn't completely sure what was happening or why certain events were important. Because of this, I spent more time trying to work out the plot than actually enjoying it. While Balen's writing is descriptive and the characters feel well developed, the way the story unfolded just didn't click with me. Overall, Ghostlines has some strong ideas and a unique style, but the confusing plot made it difficult for me to fully appreciate it. I can see why readers who enjoy more abstract or emotional stories would like it, but personally, it wasn't one of my favourites.

Diya

Ghostlines 
The main plot line is quite interesting, and I was drawn in by the unique setting. My favourite part was Kayla and her friend going to the island and setting up a camp together. I was surprised when it was revealed that other generations went to the island, especially since during the whole book, it was said that everyone wasn't allowed to go to the island. However, the writing style made it harder to read, especially with the repetition of "and". Overall, I would give it a 4/5.

Rheanna

Not Going To Plan
Not Going to Plan is an amazing book which I really enjoyed reading. It was interesting to see Marnie deal with all her struggles whilst at the same time trying not to upset her friends and family with her decisions. I liked how the book discussed certain controversial topics which reflected modern day society and conflict between morals and religion. This book really drew me in, and I would rate it a definite 5/5.

Nourin

Popcorn
I hated this book so much to the point that I became incredibly enraged and even depressed. After I finished any reading of the book, I left upset, annoyed and without motivation to exist. I cannot overstate enough how low ‘Popcorn’ sends my mental state; as low as I have ever been in my life. It is quite possibly the worst book I have ever read.

John

Not Going To Plan
I liked multiple things about this book. I liked the way it was structured, with the way the shape poems were, and the rapid succession between the perspectives of Marnie and Zed. I liked the way it tackled sensitive topics through many character’s eyes, and the clear way it portrayed issues in the world. The characterisations were great as well. 

Xayat

Not Going To Plan
Relevant, topical issues for today's adolescents dealt with in an interesting way. I enjoyed this book although it is definitely not a lighthearted read, there were some humorous elements to it. I think many teenagers will think of it favouably and it will educate them on both what not and what to do when things quite spectacularly don't go as you want them to. My first read of a verse novel. 4/5 stars

Sadia Sahi

Ghostlines 
An interesting story about the love of family, loss and the power of bonds between friends and siblings. The vivid descriptions were relayed in a wonderful way that wove into the storyline, so the setting very much added to the plot rather than taking away from it. Quite a heartfelt, sincere story. I would give this one 4/5 stars.

Sadia Sahi

Popcorn
Popcorn is an amazing read, with an extremely authentic voice. I found the humour and emotional depth blended well into the story and some really serious topics like dementia were dealt with really sensitively and truthfully whilst remaining hopeful. The protagonist, Andrew, is very relatable and I think this book is brilliant as it really clearly portrays what living with anxiety can be like. There were other significant themes such as midern family dynamics and the absence of positive role model fathers, which were brilliantly executed. I think everyone should read it and I hope there's a second book out about Andrew, soon! 5/5 stars.

Sadia Sahi

Wolf Siren
I had so many hopes for this book – I kept reading thinking that I’d get to the next bit and find what I was looking for, but that was sadly, not the case. I know one should never judge a book by its cover but this one was so very promising. I think that was the problem. The gothic parts weren’t gothic enough (perhaps this is because of the age group the book is aimed at) and the so-called feminist tale made me cringe at it even having to be labelled feminist when the only bit about it that was feminist is that it mentioned periods and showed societal shame around them. The uprising bits weren't uprising enough, in short, it fell flat of the hype of expectation that the brilliant cover and blurb established. That’s not to say that there weren’t some elements that I didn’t appreciate – there were: the grandmother and granddaughter relationship, the bond between sisters, the bond between females in a subjugated community, friendship and a world where men fall short were all aspects of the story that I valued, but it just didn’t ‘gel together’ in a convincing way for me, as a whole. I would give it 2 stars out of 5.

Sadia Sahi