Lou Kent

Front cover of Scythe by Neal Shusterman, 2016

I can't believe I took so long to select this from my tbr. It's so good! Dystopian YA where the only way to die is at the hands of a scythe, tasked with choosing and carrying out the 'gleaning' to keep the population down. So much to think about: morality, philosophy and corruption. #YAlit 💙📚

Front cover of Rhythm of War Part 1 by Brandon Sanderson, 2020

Usual Cosmere brilliance. 💙📚

Front cover of Tales from the Folly by Ben Aaronovitch, 2020

Always great to revisit Peter Grant's world. Sometimes housed in crime, sometimes in fantasy, these books are the perfect amalgamation of both. 💙📚

Front cover of The Librarian of Crooked Lane by C.J. Archer, 2022

A crime/mystery set in 1920s London where magicians with an affinity for certain materials exist - a historical magical realism novel, first in a series. The magic system is interesting and there are some cosy library moments. 💙📚

Front cover of The Glittering Edge by Alyssa Villaire, 2025

Standard YA fantasy (and romance) with witches, dark magic, curses and secrets. There was enough to keep me going until the ending, which suggests there will be a sequel. #YAlit 💙📚

Front cover of AdelAIDE: Just Wants to Help by Melinda Salisbury, 2024

A thrilling short YA story about eco-activism, social media and AI. #YAlitUK 💙📚

Front cover of The Hollow Boy (#3 in Lockwood & Co) by Jonathan Stroud, 2015

Third in the series and just as excellent as the first two. YA horror and mystery. Brilliant characters, genuinely scary moments and full of action. I'm still gutted the TV show was cancelled. #YAlitUK 💙📚

Front cover of The Forest of a Thousand Eyes by Frances Hardinge, illustrated by Emily Gravett, 2024

A beautifully written and illustrated book about a community of humans eking out an existence on the Wall, keeping the encroaching and menacing forest at bay. Adventure, danger and exploration of human nature. I just love Frances Hardinge's writing. #kidlituk 💙📚

Front cover of When the Storm Comes by Polly Ho-Yen, 2025

A MG adventure where the characters are stuck together in school as a huge storm rages. It is about friendship, hope and doing the right thing. There is plenty of danger and is written in such an engaging style, the reader flies through the pages. #kidlituk 📚💙

Front cover of TraumaLand by Josh Silver, 2025

A YA dark thriller with dystopian vibes that is impossible to put down. Fast-paced and superbly written, it gives a fascinating insight into the mind of the teen protagonist who has lost his memories and emotions due to trauma. He wants them back. Phenomenal! #YAlitUK 📚💙

Not very dark but, that said, I have a high tolerance for such things! It comes with trigger warnings at the beginning, which probably tells you more than I can. I would say definitely read the first (Young Gothic) before this one if you haven't already.

Front cover of Children of the Night by M. A. Bennett, 2025

This YA novel is a good gothic ride with plenty of film and literary references, action, and character dynamics to keep the reader going. Not quite as brilliant as the first in the Young Gothic series, but I will definitely continue with it. #YAlitUK 📚💙

Photo of a person pointing to a sign saying Hay on Wye World's First Book Town.

Really enjoyed my first (not last) visit to Hay-on-Wye today. Left with a heavy tote bag and a lighter wallet. 😁
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Front cover of All Better Now by Neal Shusterman, 2025

YA dystopian, sci-fi thriller written in an engaging style. The next pandemic hits the world but this one leaves recoverees altered... for the better? Plenty of philosophical discussion to be had with this one. #YAlit 💙📚

Hidden Treasure by Jessie Burton, 2025

A MG novel for those who like adventure, magic, historical fiction and a glimpse into London in 1918. Twists you'll see coming and turns you won't. #kidlitUK 💙📚

Front cover of Young Gothic by M. A. Bennett, 2024

Loved this YA horror: a homage to all things gothic. Cleverly written, the characters are fantastic, the setting suitably dark and stormy and the plot brilliantly constructed. #YAlitUK 💙📚

Front covers of 12 books: The Undying of Obedience Wellrest, Where the Dark Stands Still, She Is Not Invisible, Last Seen Online, Little Bang, The Twelve, The Quiet at the End of the World, Kingdom of Ash, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, Killing Jericho, Skandar and the Skeleton Curse and Movies Showing Nowhere.

I have enjoyed a lot of the 70ish books I've read so far this year, and many have scored 4 or 4.5 stars, but these are my 5 star reads - a (somewhat eclectic) mix of MG, YA and adult. 💙📚

Front cover of Vanya and the Wild Hunt by Sangu Mandanna, 2025

Fun, MG fantasy that was reminiscent of Nevermoor. It had great characters, including mc with ADHD, magical creatures and heart-warming relationship dynamics. I particularly liked that the original setting was my home city - that never happens! First in a series, ends on a cliffhanger. #kidlituk 💙📚

Front cover of Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs, 2024

It's always worth a visit to Mercy Thompson's world - great urban fantasy with a wealth of magical beings, danger and enjoyable plots. 💙📚

Front cover of Burying Jericho by William Hussey, 2025

Another compelling instalment of the Scott Jericho series. Still a page turner with grim and gothic tendencies. Hopefully there will be more to come. 💙📚

Front cover of The Undying of Obedience Wellrest by Nicholas Bowling, 2023

Another brilliant middle grade (ish) book to scratch that gothic itch. Creepy, graphic in places, brilliantly written, with an intriguing mystery and a brilliant fly! Loved it. #kidlituk 💙📚

Front cover of Once Was Willem by M. R. Carey, 2025

Dark, twisted, medieval fantasy with elements of horror. I thought the 'recount' style might reduce the impact but the story, the characters, the 'found family' and the horrific things that happened were brutal and heartwarming (though not in equal measure!). Not for the squeamish! 💙📚

Front cover of I Hope this Doesn't Find You by Ann Liang, 2024

This YA enemies to lovers romance was enjoyable, fresh and fun. It had warmth, genuine humour and realism. I was highly engaged throughout (even though it's not my usual genre). Excellent stuff. #YAlit 💙📚

Front cover of Skandar and the Skeleton Curse by A. F. Steadman, 2024

Further excellence in this middle grade fantasy series. The stakes ate even higher, the villains more villainous, and the action more thrilling. #kidlitUK 💙📚

Front cover of Where the Dark Stands Still by A. B. Poranek, 2024

An excellent YA fantasy with a fairytale feel and Polish roots. The plot and pacing were perfect, the setting vivid and magical, and the characters leapt from the page. Sad and hopeful at the same time. One of my top reads of the year. #YAlit 💙📚

Front cover of The Lighthouse Witches by C. J. Cooke, 2021

Dark and atmospheric, the tale of a woman and her daughters on a remote island in Scotland moves deftly in narrative time and keeps you guessing. Witchcraft, folklore and the trials faced by women are explored and, like much of what I'm enjoying reading most lately, leans towards the gothic. 💙📚

Front cover of The Twelve by Liz Hyder, 2024

An amazing story that has the feel of a classic. I would have loved it when I was younger and I love it now! Folklore, fantasy, mystery, a missing sister and the beauty of nature, with a bittersweet ending. Perfect. #kidlituk 💙📚

Front cover of Skandar and the Chaos Trials by A. F. Steadman, 2024

Another fabulous instalment of the popular middle grade fantasy series with blood-thirsty unicorns and high stakes. #kidlituk 💙📚

Front cover of Rani Choudhury Must Die by Adiba Jaigirdar, 2024

A gentle YA sapphic romance between two rivals getting revenge on a cheating boyfriend. The story flows well, with richly developed characters and an insight into Bangladeshi culture. Fun and fast-paced, for lovers of romance (and science and coding!). #YAlit 💙📚

Front cover of I Am Raven by Alastair Chisholm, 2025

A superb sequel to I Am Wolf where we learn more about the world and the history of the Constructs. Action, twists, tech and danger combine to make a fascinating story about overcoming fear and what it means to be human and work together. #kidlituk 💙📚