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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

I've been neglecting posting my reviews - and have not read anything particularly stand out anyway. Until this! Loved it! YA survival thriller, tense, different and thought-provoking. Great stuff. 💙📚 #YAlit

Front cover of Best of all Worlds by Kenneth Oppel, 2025

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

YA fantasy with revenge and romance; a retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo. Sword fights, prison breaks, magic and betrayal all lead to an ending fitting for the genre and intended audience. 💙📚 #YAlit

Front cover of For She Is Wrath by Emily Varga, 2024

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

YA supernatural thriller that young teens would love: easy to read, pacy, some teen romance and horror. Predictable (for those who've read a lot of this sort of thing) but entertaining. I particularly liked the hark back to the Victorian era - always the potential to be creepy! 💙📚 #YAlitUK

Front cover of Last One to Die by Cynthia Murphy, 2021

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Delightfully spooky middle grade horror with action, great characters and references to Canadian history. 💙📚 #kidlit

Front cover of Ghostlight by Kenneth Oppel, 2022

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

A satisfying end. If you like urban fantasy with a touch of dystopia, a melding of cultures and a smart-mouthed fmc, the Edinburgh Nights series is worth a read. High stakes and answers about Ropa's past made me keen to finish this one. I'm sorry to be leaving the world behind. 💙📚 #urbanfantasy

Front cover of Secrets of the First School by T. L. Huchu, 2025

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

I enjoyed this 4th visit to Sunder for more fantasy noir, danger and mystery with Fetch Phillips. The plot, world-building and characters are all brilliant and I look forward to finding out what is next for Fetch. 💙📚 #fantasy

Front cover of Whisper in the Wind by Luke Arnold, 2025

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Middle grade dystopian sci-fi with adventure. Like all his books, there is warmth, heart and a deceptive simplicity which raises the big questions of humanity in a well written self-contained story. 💙📚 #kidlit

Front cover of After by Pádraig Kenny, 2025

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Humorous cosy fantasy (with a bit more action this time). Great characters on a high fantasy journey equals a lot of fun. Very enjoyable. 💙📚 #fantasy

Front cover of Brigands & Breadknives by Travis Baldree, 2025

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

A middle grade contemporary sci-fi full of adventure, heart and questions on humanity. The pages kept turning, the atmosphere was perfect and the main character engaging. A brilliant debut, highly recommended. 💙📚 #kidlituk

Front cover of Anya and the Light Above the Ocean by Amelia Giudici, 2026

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Yay - more Murderbot. This full-length novel was just as great as the novellas, with even more chances to chuckle and have an emotion or two. Absolutely love the narration by Kevin R. Free. 💙📚 #sci-fi

Front cover of Network Effect by Martha Wells, 2020

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

Firstly, that cover is perfect! A YA heist novel with a difference, an amazing and diverse cast of characters, puns galore (the way puns should be - never taken seriously) and consistently well written to balance the humour and the drama/danger of navigating the afterlife. Loved it! 💙📚 #HelltoPay

Front cover of Hell to Pay by Lora Beth Johnson, to be published in July 2026 by Bonnier Books UK. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy.

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

#3 in the series. I'm normally put off by a change in location in a series but enjoyed this one. The plot was great. I do enjoy the urban fantasy mix of crime and magic. Loved the mc, with her own brand of morality, and the 'old boys' club' vibe is entertainingly hateful. #urbanfantasy 💙📚

Front cover of The Mystery at Dunvegan Castle by T. L. Huchu, 2023

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

The atmosphere in this YA folk horror is great. Loved that the outcast was someone from a long-standing family who used to fit in so she already knows so much (and yet, so little) about the town. Many layers of plot and hateful characters make this a page turner. The ending is fab. 💙📚 #LocalGods

Front cover of Local Gods by Melinda Salisbury, to be published July 2026 by David Fickling Books. Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Mystery thriller with a great plot. Given 7 days to live after being brutally attacked by a mystery intruder, who wouldn't want to solve their own murder? Despite being an adult novel, it still had YA vibes but didn't suffer for that. I cried. 💙📚

Front cover of Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson, 2025

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

A really enjoyable YA thriller about nine teens from a prestigious private school on a weekend away at an estate in the Lake District. I had to suspend my disbelief a lot but loved the book! #YAlitUK 💙📚

Front cover of S.T.A.G.S by M. A. Bennett, 2017

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

YA alternative historical fantasy with a dystopian vibe that is very well written. I loved that it seemed geared towards the between MG and YA market that we need more of! The world of dreams, corruption, a little bit of hopeful romance and a lot of intrigue. #TheSignoftheRaven #NetGalley 💙📚

Front cover of The Sign of the Raven by Pippa Dunn, to be published in August 2026 by DK flip.

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

A MG contemporary novel. Short enough to be a class read (KS2) and great for covering topics such as injustice and bullying. I felt genuine anger at the bully at points in the story! #kidlituk

Front cover of Running My Own Race by Abena Eyeson, 2025

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Worth the hype! Dystopian sci-fi (with a fantasy feel) full of grittiness, death, violence and intrigue. There are issues I could raise but I won't because I loved it. Another one I took too long to get to. #sci-fi #dystopia

Front cover of Red Rising by Pierce Brown, 2014

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

A powerful and emotive YA verse novel with a feminist voice. The main character is certainly flawed and, through what she is taught to believe, her inner rage and lust for revenge, makes many mistakes. Some harrowing moments. It covers many issues that could form the basis for discussion. #YAlitUK

Front cover of Roar by Manjeet Mann, 2025

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Bit of a throwback and I'm disappointed in myself that I hadn't pocked this up before! A thrilling fantasy adventure with a superb cast of characters. Bravery, family, good vs evil and a good old dose of time travel. Great audiobook read by Jim Dale. #kidlit

Front cover of The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens, 2011

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

A fantastic MG fantasy about a boy who is unhappy with his destiny and goes on a quest, with his best friend and a piglet, to prove himself. Full of humour, imagination, friendship and bravery. Brilliant illustrations that really capture the tone of the book. #kidlituk #YoungestFaircrest #NetGalley

Front cover of Youngest Faircrest and the Search for a Sorcerer by Ollie George Clark and illustrated by Tom Knight, published in June 2026 by DK

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

An interesting fairytale retelling with some dark moments, a cute romance with no spice and an entertaining friendship developing (loved the dynamic between the two girls). #YAlit #NetGalley #ThreadsofRed

Front cover of Threads of Red by Julie Wright, to be published October 2026 by Shadow Mountain Publishing

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

Continuing the Edinburgh Nights series. Plenty to enjoy in this dystopian urban fantasy, similar to Rivers of London in many ways. #urbanfantasy 💙📚

Front cover of Our Lady of Mysterious Ailments by T. L. Huchu, 2022

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

YA mystery about teens on the quest for Oxbridge attending the will reading for their teacher and taking part in games to win a multimillion pound inheritance. Tense games, period costume and important messages about the whitewashing of history. #NetGalley #WinnersLiars #YAlitUK

Front cover of Winners & Liars by Aleema Omotoni to be published in June 2026 by Scholastic UK

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Love a book with a crew of misfits, creature sidekicks and set in the Cosmere! I wasn't sure if there were ideas that have come from previous books that I can't remember, are glimpses of things to come or are devices in a standalone about the value of progress, heritage and preservation. #fantasy 💙📚

Front cover of Isles of the Emberdark by Brandon Sanderson, 2026

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

More brilliance. I might need to have an emotion in private after this one... #sci-fi 💙📚

Front cover of Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells, 2018

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

So refreshing to continue this series. I've recently finished two books (one middle grade, one YA) that were awful (I only post about books I've given 3 or more stars). I clearly needed some humorous sci-fi in my life! On to the next... #sci-fi 💙📚

Front cover of Artificial Condition by Martha Wells, 2018

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

So so so good! Humorous sci-fi exploring AI, humanity and the importance of the arts in preventing a murderous spree by a bot that has been programmed to do just that. Can't wait to continue the series. #sci-fi 💙📚

Front cover of All Systems Red by Martha Wells, 2017

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

A compelling YA thriller. A group of spoilt rich kids, a mansion for the weekend, a missing teen and a lot of secrets. An enjoyable read. #YAlitUK 💙📚

Front cover of Bury Your Friends by Benjamin Dean, 2025

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

The fourth in the series and is just as good as the others. Magic, friendship, danger and bravery make this a not-to-be-missed middle grade fantasy. What a cliffhanger at the end! #kidlit 💙📚

Front cover of Amari and the Metalwork Menace by B. B. Alston, 2026

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

A good instalment of the Rivers of London series, set in and around Aberdeen. Loved the casual mentions of things that had happened in prior novellas and graphic novels (and other things hinted at that I haven't read). #urbanfantasy 💙📚

Front cover of Stone & Sky by Ben Aaronovitch, 2025

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

An enjoyable, YA Persephone and Hades retelling. Great world-building (where we are not guided gently as readers, which I love!). The smattering of myth references were left as breadcrumbs. The romance was a deep, emotional connection (with no spice) and the pacing varied. #NetGalley #AllHerGhosts

Front cover of All Her Ghosts by Cynthia Prith, due to be published in July 2026 by Union Square & Co

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

This made me cry on more than one occasion. A YA contemporary novel about grief and music. I loved how it showed how a community can surround a tragedy to ease the burden. We follow the grief, the depression, the life getting in the way, all towards the hopeful ending. Fantastic! #YAlitUK 💙📚

Front cover of Live by Luke Palmer, 2025

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

A wonderful gothic thriller set in early 20th century Suffolk. The fens are an atmospheric backdrop (and important part of the story as is the local folklore). Obsession, religion, class and gender are all explored as we discover the truth behind the tragedy in the opening chapter. #gothic 💙📚

Front cover of Wakenhyrst by Michelle Paver, 2019

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

A story of family and adversity; being separated and put into care, and neurodivergence. Gill Lewis just writes brilliant stories. #kidlituk 💙📚

Front cover of Scarlet Ibis by Gill Lewis, 2014

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

A great MG horror in verse, which has been very well done. Scary but appropriate for the younger audience. The story shows the mc working through his grief from the death of a friend through a nightmare world bleeding into our own. A hopeful ending. Really good. #Nightmorne #NetGalley 💙📚

Front cover of Nightmorne by Ryan Wolf, will be published on 1 June 2026 by Rosen Publishing Group

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

I really enjoyed this novella from the Rivers of London universe, set in 1920s New York. The mc is fab (and very different from Peter Grant). A fun read (while highlighting key issues of the time). #fantasy #urbanfantasy 💙📚

Front cover of The Masquerades of Spring by Ben Aaronovitch, 2024

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

A MG novel set in 1940s America, exploring social injustice (including a true story as part of the narrative, making it that much more hard-hitting), hope and family. One of those important books as it opens eyes to the times (and the wrongs). An immersive read. #kidlit 💙📚

Front cover of How High the Moon by Karyn Parsons, 2019

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 19/04/2026

A brilliantly emotive short story about bullying and finding strength and support. You can't help but feel for Ben, his loneliness and family dynamics. An engaging (and gruesome!) opening, accessible format and hopeful ending - a must for a school library. #kidlituk #NetGalley #BensGargoyle 💙📚

Front cover of Ben's Gargoyle by Keith Gray and illustrated by Keith Robinson, due to be published 4 June 2026 by Barrington Stoke

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

The second in the YA fantasy duology. It was enjoyable to return to this world, especially the characters. A heist novel with vampires is how I would describe both. #YAlit 💙📚

Front cover of A Steeping of Blood by Hafsah Faizal, 2025

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Barrington Stoke YA contemporary story about a boy with a huge imagination and his worries: new stepdad, not knowing his real dad, and his football team. Inspired by a true story about undercover police and activism. Lots packed into a short story with a compelling main character. #YAlitUK 💙📚

Front cover of The Liar's Handbook by Keren David, 2017

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

Great urban fantasy set in a dystopian Edinburgh. A dark, self-contained mystery about missing children but lots of questions about the world that will hopefully be answered in the series. FMC is 14 but this isn't YA. #fantasy 💙📚

Front cover of The Library of the Dead by T. L. Huchu, 2021

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

A great YA verse novel. Thriller, mystery, a missing girl and a facility for 'troubled' teens. Accessible and gripping. #YAlitUK 💙📚

Front cover of Gone for Good by Sarah Crossan, 2026

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 04/04/2026

YA dark academia. I found this first part of a duology compelling and so enjoyable! 6 POVs, a school in the afterlife, danger, magic and betrayal, enemies to lovers and lgbtq+ representation. So much fun! #YAlit 💙📚

Front cover of Immortal Consequences by I. V. Marie, 2025

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

A middle grade, historical novel about what it means to be brave. Set in occupied France in WW2, plenty of animals, a hateful regime and a boy with the heart of a lion, this will enthral many readers. #kidlit 💙📚

Front cover of The Lions'Run by Sara Pennypacker, 2026

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

That cover! For once, it's actually the reason I picked up the book. YA horror (though crossing many genres) about identity, trauma, ecology and belonging. #YAlit 💙📚

Front cover of They Bloom at Night by Trang Thanh Tran, 2025

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

This was an enjoyable YA fantasy romance - a solid example of the genre, mild in terms of spice (so great for a secondary school library). The first of a trilogy/series that I will continue to read. #YAlitUK 💙📚

Front cover of Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray, 2025

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Beautifully written, gothic and, at times, graphically gory. Lots of trigger warnings, including body horror. The prose, which is very flowery, perfectly shows the mc's torment. #YAlit

Front cover of Hazelthorn by C. G. Drews, 2025

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

A fun, ghostly, middle grade mystery. #kidlituk 💙📚

Front cover of Lockett & Wilde's Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries: The Ghosts of the Manor by Lucy Strange and Pam Smy, 2024

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Lou Kent @readupastorm.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

Fun sci-fi adventure for young teens. Plenty of action, thrills and danger. #YAlitUK 💙📚

Front cover of Timeriders by Alex Scarrow, 2010

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