Real Reviews from Real Kids

The Hive by Anna February

“The Hive, written by Anna February is a YA dystopian murder mystery that is set in an underground colony that is designed similar to a beehive. In this monarchy, every individual is conditioned and born into a specific role. The main character, Feldspar, is a bodyguard who is supposed to die if the royal she protects is killed (they are bound by a mystical connection) . But when her charge, Euphemine is murdered, Feldspar survives- something that has never happened before; now she is being charged for treason with a death sentence of her own. She has 3 days to prove her innocence and figure out how she survived, with the help of Niko, a royal who doesn’t fully trust her but is her only ally.
I was intrigued by the uniqueness of the world with a different perspective that relates to our world in small ways. It highlights an unfair and controlling system that links to class and power. The main character was interesting as first she started off as someone who was only defined by duty. But throughout the book, she starts to find herself, her own personality. I was hooked on to the book with small plot twists every now and then, and the mystery keeps the reader guessing. I also felt a connection to the characters and I could relate to their emotions.
The book was fast paced and exiting, an original plot full of suspense. I would highly recommend it, especially to someone who enjoys dystopian themes like The Hunger Games. “

- Nisya, Year 10

The Binding Spell by Marisa Linton

“The Binding Spell by Marisa Linton follows Morgan, who moves to the town of Weir Hinny for her dad’s archaeology work, alongside her two siblings. However, when her father starts work on a burial site, weird events start happening around the town that threaten not just Morgan and her family, but the entire village. It is a very interesting book that explores themes of witchcraft and folklore. The storyline developed really well with it all coming to a peak in the later stages of the book. I would recommend this book to people above 10 years old and fantasy readers.”

- Tayo, Year 11

A Game of Scandal by Laura Wood

“This book had me captivated from the first line and, over the past three days, I have barely put it down. It’s rare to find a diverse cast of characters that are intriguing, funny and relatable pared with a complex and well thought-out plot that can’t get boring. Well, this book just ticked every box for me!

A Game of Scandal takes place in the year 1900 and follows the story of Felicity Vane, the intelligent and often underestimated sister of a duke. Felicity’s ambitions are filled with dreams of university and a higher education to satisfy her mathematical genius. However, her brother (Max Vane) and mother have other ideas in mind that generally involve marriage, her upcoming social season, elaborate balls, and tea parties. So, naturally, the lovable Felicity takes the wisest course of action: she uses her maths knowledge to win university funds in a game of cards. Except, the adventurous and rather handsome owner of the shady gambling den accuses Felicity of cheating. From here, she finds her slowly unraveling plan getting her thrown into the latest investigation carried out by the Aviary, a covert and talented group of female investigators. So, it might not have been the best plan after all. Suddenly, Felicity is thrown into a dangerous chase against a ruthless and unstoppable villain, all while trying to show her family she wants freedom and education without disappointing the people she loves.

I will forever be able to laugh at Oliver’s dislike of People and marvel at Marigold’s extensive knowledge of flowers, just as I will always think of the iconic Sylla Banaji whenever faced with an eye roll moment. Every person in this book has stuck with me and I hope that others will enjoy it just as much.

I would recommend this amazing series for anyone who is aged 12+ though I am sure that older or younger readers can enjoy this book as much as I did. “

- Zara, Year 8