Blimey. What a Sunday this is proving, and not just because of the sunshine. #UKYADAY, organised by teen Queen of Contemporary blogger Lucy Powrie is already a rip-roaring success, and it’s still got several hours to run.
Sadly, my contribution, a video featuring yours truly and daughter Hetty is taking FOREVER to load – one of the downsides of living in the country is terrible broadband – so won’t make it up to YouTube on time, so I thought I’d throw together a quick blog post featuring five of the six books on the video (to find out what featured in the sixth slot, you’ll have to watch it when I finally get it up there.
So, first in the slot, picked by me, is Lifted by Hilary Freeman. I read this a few months ago and enjoyed it hugely – featuring fame, fortune, shoplifting and blogging, it’s got something in it for everyone.
Second, picked by Hetty, is More Than This by Patrick Ness. She described it as a sci-fi thriller, and has had her nose buried in it for the last week, so it must be good. I intend to find out soon!
Third up, Urban Legends by Helen Grant, the last book in the fabulous Forbidden Spaces trilogy, so I know I’m going to love this. Helen is a fantastic writer, and really knows how to draw you into a story and keep you there.
Fourth, chosen by Hetty, is Cracks by Caroline Green. Hetty read and loved another of Caroline’s books, Hold Your Breath, so she’s really looking forward to this one. I’ve already read it so I know she’s in for a treat.
Fifth on the list is Glimpse by Kendra Leighton. I’ve heard so many good things about this book, and it’s a ghost story, which is one of my favourite kinds of story, so this is right up there on my TBR pile.
I also want to mention some other brilliant UKYA books I’ve read and enjoyed, but couldn’t feature on the video because they’re on my Kindle!
Seven Days by Eve Ainsworth. Eve is a hugely talented YA writer and this novellooking at the consequences of bullying, is already a great hit.
The Model Spy series by Sarah Sky – those books are just enormous fun.
Land by Alex Campbell – I don’t normally read much dystopia (I worry enough as it is), but this novel really won me over. A great YA version of Orwell’s 1984.
And finally, some books I’m really looking forward to reading soon:
Lies Like Love – Louisa Reid
Minty – Christina Banach
Shadow Jumper – J M Forster
Still Falling – Sheena Wilkinson
The Boy Who Drew the Future – Rhian Ivory
and the upcoming trilogy from the Angel series author Lee Weatherly.