Here is my year in books. Some I have reviewed, some I haven’t, most I loved but a few I didn’t but this is what I read throughout the year. Click here to read My Year in Books 2024

By Sasha Peyton Smith, hardback £16.99, young adult fiction (reviewed by Polly) This fantasy romance book is not only beautiful looking but also beautifully written. It captures a slight sense of dark romance mixed with bewitching settings and characters so easy to fall head over heels for. Without feeling too overwhelming or too out of reach from reality you are taken to a debutante’s ball, a life at a palace and interactions with two devilishly handsome princes all the while being watched over and evaluated by a intimidating and scheming fairy queen. But obtaining anything you wish for comes at a price and this book makes you wonder if giving something up is worth it to obtain something you’ve longed for and if losing a part of yourself is worth the power you were promised in exchange. The unexpected twist this book’s plot reveals will leave you reaching for the sequel as soon as you can lay your hands on it and trust me when I say after reading this you will be fantasising about fairy tale balls and secret romances for months.

By Jon Klassen, board book £7.99, 1-5 years (reviewed by Polly) When I say that although this book is aimed at a younger audience it will entertain any age with ease I sincerely mean it. The gorgeous illustrations portray so much charisma and charm through simple facial expressions and endearing characters that they alone will bring a smile to your face. However, when paired with the simple but witty text that’s when this book really comes into its own and when the laughter begins. This book is the perfect length to keep a younger audience engaged and also for a quick read before bed. It is also a book that never gets old no matter how many times you may read it. All one bear really wants is his dear beloved hat back.

By Annaliese Avery, paperback £9.99, teen fiction (reviewed by Emily) This book is the perfect mix of swoon-worthy balls, heart pounding mysteries and forbidden romance. Having cursed magic means Aurelia Wycherley has no hope of finding her perfect match to tether to by the end of this season. Matters are only made worse when witches start dying, all seemingly connected to the death of her father years before. When an unlikely alliance is forged (through bribery and extortion of course) between herself and Jules Nightly, her family’s sworn enemy, the pair find themselves in a race to not only save Aurelias magic, but to protect all the magic in the kingdom. A regency style romance with a twist of magical mystery, this is best read over Halloween to make the most of this witchy story. Either way, this book should absolutely be on your reading list!

By M.G. Leonard, paperback £7.99, 8-12 fiction (reviewed by Antony) Twitch follows 12-year-old Corvus “Twitch” Featherstone, a shy bird enthusiast who cares for pigeons, chickens, and swallows nesting in his bedroom. During the summer holidays, his birdwatching haven, Aves Wood, is disrupted by the presence of police searching for an escaped convict suspected of hiding stolen loot there. Armed with his deep knowledge of birds and tenacious observational skills, Twitch transforms into an impromptu detective. He soon crosses paths with Jack—his school bully—and together they embark on a high-stakes adventure involving friendship, trust, and nature.

By Sue Prideaux, paperback £12.99, adult non-fiction (reviewed by Octavia) Paul Gauguin has always been my favourite artist. I loved studying him as part of my degree. Even though I mainly read fiction, I really enjoyed ‘Wild Thing’. Here he is bought to life once more but this time using new material and family archives to challenge some preconceived ideas about him, his lifestyle and thus artistic influences.