TEEN AND YOUNG ADULT
DEEPLIGHT
by Frances Hardinge (Macmillan £12.99, 448 pp)
DEEPLIGHT by Frances Hardinge (Macmillan £12.99, 448 pp)
Decades ago, the Undersea Gods of Myriad rose up in rage and destroyed one another, as well as hundreds of residents of the region’s islands.
Now, orphaned Hark and Jelt survive by scamming gullible tourists into buying godware — salvaged relics of the deities.
But when risk-taker Jelt persuades the anxious Hark to help in a smuggling venture, things go dramatically awry.
Hark is sentenced to a period of indentured labour on an island.
His loyalty to his only friend is tested when they find a god’s beating heart that infects Jelt with ancient powers that threaten not just their friendship, but the future of the Myriad itself.
Costa award-winner Hardinge is on top form, summoning myths, mystery and an affecting, realistic portrait of vulnerable boyhood friendship — and its limits.
THE DEATHLESS GIRLS
by Kiran Millwood Hargrave (Hachette £12.99, 400 pp)
THE DEATHLESS GIRLS by Kiran Millwood Hargrave (Hachette £12.99, 400 pp)
The second in the Bellatrix series of classics reimagined from a female perspective is inspired by The Brides Of Dracula in a chilling and breathlessly paced thriller.
In central Europe, 17-year-old Lil and her more beautiful twin, Kizzy, witness the murder of their traveller mother by the soldiers of Lord Valcar, who abducts them and forces them into slavery.
Rumours of a bloodthirsty prince who takes girls as offerings become fact when Kizzy is taken to Dracula’s hideout, where she must make a choice that will affect not only her future, but her sister’s.
Can Lil save her from the darkness, or will the powers be too strong — and too tempting?
Feminism, spirituality, legend and desire are beautifully interwoven in this mesmerising tale of independence and resistance.
THE PLACES I’VE CRIED IN PUBLIC
by Holly Bourne (Usborne £7.99, 368 pp)
THE PLACES I’VE CRIED IN PUBLIC by Holly Bourne (Usborne £7.99, 368 pp)
Holly Bourne’s novels are always bang on trend for our times, and this raw, disturbing portrait of a teenage girl and her descent into a coercive, controlling relationship will sadly strike a chord with many.
Seventeen-year-old Amelie’s family have moved down south from Sheffield, leaving behind her best friend and her loving boyfriend.
A shy, but talented, singer-songwriter, she attracts the attention of charismatic lead singer Reese.
He overwhelms her with love and lust and, soon, she’s enslaved to his moods and needs — until, finally, he commits an act that shatters any sense of self-worth she has left.
Revisiting all the places in which he made her cry, she begins to understand that love, whatever the songs say, doesn’t need to hurt. It’s not comfortable reading — but why would it be?