Tag: YA Book Review Review Crew Farrah

Sisters of Sword and Shadow by Laura Bates, reviewed by Farrah (17) 

On the afternoon that Cass’ older sister is due to be married, her life is changed forever. Caught up in a chase for a thief, she is introduced to a world of knights. What she doesn’t initially realise, however, is that the knight who helps her rescue her stolen item is not the man she presumes it to be. Instead, her rescuer is a woman.

This discovery welcomes her into a sisterhood of knights, as she is brought back to a grand manor, where women are living together, training in the arts of knighthood. Her choice to stay with these knights and learn their trade, rather than return to her family, and soon be betrothed to a stranger, alters the trajectory of her life immeasurably. Cass learns more about herself and her capabilities, revelling in her newfound strength and freedom, and enjoying liberties that would not be afforded to her in the world outside of the sanctity of the manor. However, old tensions are rising, and Cass and the sisterhood must fight to maintain the fragile peace they have secured. 

“I would undoubtedly recommend this book, especially if you are a lover of fantasy, retellings, female friendships, glorious battles, and historical feuds.”

Farrah (17)

Laura Bates has crafted a fabulous tale of female friendships and strength, incorporating elements of Arthurian legend alongside this unique story. The reader is afforded the privilege of watching Cass unlearn the lies she has been fed by society, about herself and women’s roles, and we see her grow into a brave, independent woman, with a strong sense of justice. Sisters of Sword and Shadow explores the medieval society of King Arthur, but focuses instead on the ‘Sisterhood of the Silk Knights’. It is laced with social and political commentary, with discussions and depictions of grief, and there is particular emphasis placed on female autonomy, and the treatment of women within this deeply patriarchal society. Many of the conversations Bates skilfully interweaves remain relevant today. 

I would undoubtedly recommend this book, especially if you are a lover of fantasy, retellings, female friendships, glorious battles, and historical feuds. I loved the depictions of the characters, and how they felt like real, nuanced, fleshed-out people, rather than just archetypes. It is an absorbing, fast-paced story, that you should definitely add to your bookshelves. 

What The World Doesn’t See by Mel Darbon, reviewed by Farrah (16) 

Maudie and Jake’s family is falling apart, with their mum struggling with her grief after the passing of their dad. One night she vanishes with only a note left behind, and no news of her whereabouts. When their aunt puts Jake in care, Maudie goes to desperate lengths to try to reunite her family, and she kidnaps Jake, taking him with her to Cornwall, hoping that when her Mum learns of the current situation, she will return.

“…a bond between brother and sister that is so beautiful and raw that it is almost tangible.”

Farrah (16)

What unfolds is a powerful and moving tale of grief, healing, finding oneself, first love and familial bonds. 

‘What The World Doesn’t See’ is a book that will stick with you long after you turn the last page, with very well written autism representation, and a bond between brother and sister that is so beautiful and raw that it is almost tangible.

The author Mel Darbon explains in the author’s note that she wrote from a very personal experience of having a sibling on the autism spectrum. Darbon highlights that whilst Jake’s experience (as well as that of her own brother’s) does not speak for the experience of everyone with autism, the novel clearly displays common obstacles faced by those like Jake, stemming predominately from people’s ignorance. Darbon’s writing, especially when we get to read from Jake’s point of view (since the story is told in dual narrative, allowing us to see life through the eyes of both Maudie and Jake) was very impactful. 

Ultimately, this book follows the physical and emotional journey of Maudie and Jake (and their mother), as they navigate their way through grief and towards healing, as well as the relationship between the siblings evolving as Maudie recognises what Jake is capable of, and allows him more freedom and opportunity to express his own independence. 

The Agency For Scandal by Laura Wood, reviewed by Farrah (16)

With its vivid setting, gripping plot-line, and both loveable and villainous characters alike, ‘The Agency for Scandal’ instantly became one of my top reads of the year 2022. 

An expertly crafted combination of swoon-worthy romance and a spy-thriller, with the buzzing backdrop of London.

Farrah (16)

Following Isobel Stanhope, the eighteen-year-old member of The Aviary (an elusive society, aiming to protect women in a society where their rights are severely limited), we witness the unfolding of a mystery involving gaslighting, blackmailing, and some very special jewellery.  Alongside her friends and fellow Aviary members, as well as a very dashing Duke, whom Isobel happens to be secretly besotted with, she sets out on an epic journey to untangle the cryptic web of lies, secrets and deceptions, and thus protect the innocent victims of these schemes. 

As a main character, Isobel is resilient, inspirational and capable, juggling not only the mystery, and her job at The Aviary, but also dealing with the repercussions of her father’s death, and the fact that he has left the family penniless. ‘An Agency for Scandal’ discusses the struggles women face in this society (the novel is set at the beginning of the nineteenth century) and The Aviary is a fantastic addition to the story, as a society run by women, in order to aid other women, often by digging up scandal on powerful men.

Isobel forms meaningful relationships with those around her, and this book is an expertly crafted combination of swoon-worthy romance and a spy-thriller, with the buzzing backdrop of London.

Do yourself a favour and read this wonderful book. 

Unraveller by Frances Hardinge, reviewed by Farrah (16)

Unraveller is a vivid and delightful fantasy novel, which had me gripped from the very first chapter. Featuring Kellen, an unraveller of curses, and Nettle, an individual whose curse was unravelled by Kellen, we follow these characters as they are joined by unlikely allies in a journey to uncover the conspiracy surrounding a band of fugitive cursers. Along the way they travel through the alluring and vibrantly depicted locations of Mizzleport, the Shallow and the Deep Wilds.

It will certainly go down as one of my favourite stories of the year.

Farrah (16)

Covering a variety of topics in this expertly crafted fantasy, this is a book which you will find yourself unable to put down. I loved the vast cast of characters, and the incredible set-up of this fantastical world and its ‘magic system’. From the fearsome creatures inhabiting the Wilds, to the victims of strange curses and their seemingly formidable cursers, these are characters who’s escapades are a joy to read. Nettle’s quiet compassion and Kellen’s vivacious lust for adventure (and often the danger that accompanies it) are enchantingly written.

Lover of the fantasy genre or not, the lyrical writing and engaging characters will entice you in from the get-go. I would highly recommend this book to a large variety of age groups, and it will certainly go down as one of my favourite stories of the year.