I loved Alistair Henry’s Pagans which is a thriller set in an alternate 21st century world where Britain is still inhabited by ancient tribes. This is a lot of fun to read with good characters, and some excellent world building. There are some acute comments about our real world issues, but I felt these add to the book’s interest rather than being depressing. I found the novel utterly engrossing with plenty of action and a fair amount of humour.

Judith Eagle’s The Blitz Sisters (9+) is a very good read. It has three parts which each focus on a different sister. I found all three girls very likeable, and there were some other rather appealing minor characters. The book includes some of the normal World War Two topics such as evacuation and London in the Blitz, but also some more unusual ones such as an art school, and working as a cleaner in a restaurant. I also liked the the fact it continued beyond the war with the third part set in 1946. I can see why it has been praised by other authors such as Katya Balen, Emma Carroll and Natasha Farrant.

I was riveted by Amie Kaufman’s Red Star Rebels (12+). In this entertaining novel events are told from the alternating perspectives of the two engaging protagonists who come from rather different backgrounds. Hunter is a member of a very influential and wealthy family while Cleo is a penniless stowaway. They find themselves forced to work together to try and stop an explosion on a United Nations base on Mars in 2067. There is much excitement, some humour, and an appealing romance. Tension is added by the book’s structure which counts down the eight hours that is all they have to save many lives. As a plus, Eleanor also liked this book!

Do ask if you want any more recommendations.

Happy Reading!

Frances