Young adult
Grace Notes by Karen Comer
This beautifully written verse novel set in Melbourne is a chronicle of the pandemic’s impact on teenagers and a powerful testament to the transformative power of art.
Grace is a violinist, like her father and also her beloved grandmother, who…
Spice Road by Maiya Ibrahim
Maiya Ibrahim’s debut Spice Road is a beguiling Arabian-inspired fantasy, brimming with rich worldbuilding, deadly monsters, courtly intrigue, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance. This book was an oasis in the desert, a diamond in the rough; I devoured it in…
Two Can Play That Game by Leanne Yong
Sam Khoo’s ultimate dream is to make cool indie games for a living. And she is going to make that dream a reality. But first, she needs to get her hands on a super-rare ticket to a game-design workshop. But…
Strike the Zither by Joan He
Written as a feminist reimagining of the Chinese military epic Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Strike the Zither follows military strategist Zephyr, who must use her cunning and resourcefulness to bring her leader to victory against the Northern and Southern…
The Whispering Dark by Kelly Andrew
Delaney Meyers-Petrov has always been treated like she’s made of glass because she’s Deaf – by her parents, her friends and her teachers. When she’s accepted to the prestigious and secretive Godbole University, she knows it’s a chance to start…
If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang
This novel from young Melbourne-based author Ann Liang is an intriguing and delightful debut. Set at an elite international school in Beijing, the protagonist is Alice Sun, a scholarship student, who has been told by her parents that they can…
A Scatter of Light by Malinda Lo
Aria Tang West is ready to spend one final summer with her friends in Martha’s Vineyard before starting at MIT in the autumn. But when topless photos of her at a graduation party are posted online, her parents send her…
The Killing Code by Ellie Marney
During the Second World War, while the men are away, a secret group of girls do their part for the United States war effort by cracking coded international messages. Kit is one of these codebreakers, working alongside some brilliantly talented…
Unnecessary Drama by Nina Kenwood
When first-year university student Brooke moves into a share house with two people she believes to be strangers, she is a bit nervous, rather anxious, somewhat terrified, but also super excited! This is her chance at a whole new life…
Dancing Barefoot by Alice Boyle
If you’re ever in the need for a feel-good, heartfelt romance, or simply a book to cosy up to like a warm, fuzzy blanket by the fireside, I recommend Dancing Barefoot.
Patch is in deep, serious trouble (something surely…
Browse our reviews by category
