The Shadows of London series, by Maureen Johnson

“The Name of the Star” starts with Rory’s move from the United States to a boarding school in London, just as a Jack the Ripper copy-cat starts committing murders around the city. It draws a media frenzy to her neighbourhood, and under the most unlikely circumstances, Rory finds herself in the middle of the chaos. The weirdest people start popping up, and danger seems to be as common as cottage pie in the school canteen.

I don’t normally read a lot of fantasy, so this good old fashioned ghost story is the most wonderful palette cleanser when I just want that perfect mix of the familiarity of studying for A Levels in dreary British weather, crossed with the unsettled world of the supernatural, and heart-stopping conflict. And Rory makes the most wonderful protagonist: curious, funny, intelligent, independent, reckless, and just a little bit odd. There is light and dark in every person you meet in this series, and it keeps things unpredictable and gripping the whole way through.

I’ve only described the first book in this series to you: “The Madness Underneath” and “The Shadow Cabinet” are just as thrilling, and prove that Maureen Johnson’s ability to add nuance, depth, and tension in a fantasy story world is, well, fantastic. Rory finds herself in dangerous company, dragged into things far beyond her expectation or comprehension, and we – ourselves – start to wonder where life ends and death begins. The end of the third book leaves us in such a state of high stakes, mystery, and genuine fear, the fact that we are still waiting for the fourth instalment is killing me.

If you’re looking for a quick but compelling series to power through, here is your sign to pick this up. You won’t be disappointed.

- Sian

Paperback, £7.99. You can find this in the Young Adult section!

The Song that Sings Us, by Nicola Davies

Imagine a world where people have lived in harmony with nature for so long that some humans are now able to listen to the thoughts of other animals, and some animals are able to communicate with humans. This is the world created by Nicola Davies, but it is a world threatened by the rise of the Automators, a group who view nature as the enemy and who want to exploit the planet’s resources and persecute Listeners.

This is a book written for children and teenagers, and is a hugely enjoyable adventure with a dark message of impending ecocide. The opening chapter is a breath-taking ride in itself, and there are moments throughout where I had to stop and take stock, with some challenging scenes and moments of peril which I wasn’t entirely expecting!

While this is clearly a children’s book, I was completely drawn into the world created and fully invested in the core characters – siblings Harlon and Ash are fantastic protagonists, and Skrimsli, the Ice Ship captain who just happens to be a tiger, is one of the best characters I’ve come across since Iorek Byrnison in Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights.

Featuring a cover, map, and chapter head illustrations by Jackie Morris, this is a thrilling eco-epic – I’ll definitely be recommending it as a gift for older children with a love of adventure stories, or an interest in environmental issues.

- Paul

Hardback, £14.99. Find this in the Children's section!

Agnes Grey, by Anne Brontë

A book club special!

This was the first book we read as a group, and as such, it was a very sombre start. We follow Agnes Grey as she tries to make her way into a career as a governess. Her family isn't keen on her plan, but she remains firm in her resolution to play her part in pulling her family through their sudden and unexpected poverty. She goes on to work for unpleasant families and downright hellish children. If you're expecting a charming, cosy family unit like Little Women (like I was) you will be sorely disappointed.

Agnes is a mild character. She likes to look for the best in others and in the worst circumstances; she trusts her faith in God to give her purpose and guidance. Even in moments of weakness, she is headstrong, kind, and has the best intentions. But... she's just a little meek for my taste. As much as I admire her determination, sometimes it feels like she could have put that energy towards something a little more fruitful. It is oh-so-noble to put aside your own happiness in order to care for others' needs, but at times it didn't feel as though anyone was benefiting from her efforts. At times, she was more stubborn than noble, and it was a little bit frustrating as a woman in the 21st Century. 

She came to life a little when she was falling in love. I mean, yes Mr Weston is a priest, and so is her father, but let's overlook the psychological discomfort there. He's a good man: generous, patient, and reliable. Unfortunately, Agnes decides to omit certain interactions they have, "for fear of boring the reader". She says that she finds such a thrill in the most mundane of interactions with Mr Weston, that we couldn't possibly be interested in hearing about them. Alas, Agnes, you were wrong: at times, I was simply gasping for something -- anything to happen! She finally had some spirit and some unencumbered positivity, and it was a joy to experience.

It is a bit of a dreary read in my opinion, but it has a soothing and comforting ending after all. I shan't spoil it too much, but here is my one note: don't worry about the dog, he'll be ok!

I don't think this was the best Brontë sister to start with, but I haven't been totally put off yet!

- Sian

Paperback, £7.99 - multiple editions available. Find this in the Classics section!

The Story of a Nobody, by Anton Chekhov

This novella is part of the 101 Page Classics series. It follows a young man, a "nobody" who has infiltrated the household of a government official's son on behalf of a secret terrorist group. His purpose is to spy on the father and, ultimately, assassinate him. But our "nobody" narrator gradually becomes disillusioned with his purpose and chooses a new path, which leads him to a tragedy.

This was my first Chekhov, but not my first piece of classic Russian literature, and I think it is the perfect introduction to the genre! It's a great way to discover some new authors or discover a forgotten classic. Who doesn't a love character-driven psychological story? And Chekhov's writing is stunning!

At only 101 pages, it's definitely worth trying something new. And despite its short length, by the end you fully know the characters and will have formed your opinions of them. 

- Jenny, @budgetbooklover 

Paperback, £5.99. Find this in the Classics section!