This month we have three new fantasy novels to immerse yourself in, including the new book from the author of Four Dead Queens, Astrid Scholte; a story set in a world of ancient magic; and a spooky thriller focused on a notorious party and its aftermath.

For contemporary fiction lovers there are two powerful new Australian novels, one set during an epic road trip and one focusing on a small town and the aftermath of fire. We also have a queer romance set at the end of the world.

In non-fiction, we have the third book in the very imformative Welcome to your… series by Yumi Stynes and Melissa Kang. We’ve had Periods, Consent and now Boobs. You can also purchase the entire collection for $10 off here.

You can find our round-up of this month’s recommended children’s titles here.

YA BOOK OF THE MONTH

League of Liars by Astrid Scholte

Ever since his mother was killed in a freak edem-based crime, seventeen-year-old Cayder Broduck has had one goal: to have illegal users of the extra-dimensional magic brought to justice. But the three criminals he is to defend are teenagers, and as their cases unfold, Cayder must race to separate the truth from the lies and uncover what really happened the night his mother died.

A heart-pounding mystery rife with secrets and danger, where nothing is as it seems…

Suitable for readers aged 13 and up.

FIVE NOTABLE NOVELS THIS MONTH

A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft

Maggie and Wes make an unlikely team - a charismatic but troubled boy, and a girl who has endured life on the outskirts of a town that never welcomed her.

As they hunt together for a legendary fox-creature that will bring them fame and fortune if they can find it, the pair fall in love as they uncover a darker magic that may put everything they hold dear in peril…

Suitable for readers aged 13 and up.

The Revelry by Katherine Webber

Growing up in Ember Grove, Bitsy knows better than to break the rules around the Revelry, the mysterious end-of-year party in the woods. So when her best friend, Amy, persuades her to sneak in, Bitsy is full of misgivings.

After the Revelry, Bitsy’s luck turns bad and her life starts to unravel. For Amy it’s the opposite. Bitsy is convinced that the Revelry has tied the two friends together in a curse that only she can break…

Suitable for readers aged 13 and up.

That Thing I Did by Allayne L. Webster

Five misfits hit the road in a haunted hearse, on a madcap road-trip from their prison-bordering suburb behind the ‘Mullet-Proof Fence’ to small-town Mount Gambier.

They’ll break the rules, bare their souls … and make a shitload of questionable jokes, while inadvertently exploring sexuality, consent, the dark side of social media, mental health and friendship.

Suitable for readers aged 13 and up.

Growing up in Flames by Zach Jones

Kenna’s mother Ava was killed in a bushfire. Now Kenna’s living with her uncle and his young family in the small town where Ava grew up, and she feels like an intruder.

Noah’s mother has a mental illness that makes him both carer and jailer. One night Kenna sees the general store on fire, and Noah watching it. Kenna wants to make someone else burn the way her mum did, so she decides to punish Noah. But he can help her find out the truth about her family.

Suitable for readers aged 14 and up.

All That’s Left in the World by Eric J. Brown

Jamie and Andrew are strangers, and two of the last people on Earth. They don’t know what they’ll find on their perilous journey … but they may just find each other. As the boys make a perilous journey south, they’ll come face to face with a world torn apart and society in ruins. And who, or what, will they find waiting for them at the end of it all?

A queer romance about courage, hope and humanity.

Suitable for readers aged 13 and up.

NON-FICTION FOR TEENS AND TWEENS

Welcome to your Boobs by Yumi Stynes and Melissa Kang

There’s no getting around it - boobs can be pretty weird! And whether we’re ready for them or not, just about EVERYONE, of every gender, gets at least some boob growth when they hit puberty.

Adolescent health experts Dr Melissa Kang and Yumi Stynes have written the only guide to breasts you’ll need. Whether you’re worried they won’t grow, or that they are growing too quickly, this book is has all the info - and is reassuring, interesting, and funny!

Suitable for ages 10 and up.

NEWS AND EVENTS

• The Blak and Bright festival is on from March 17-20, celebrating First Nations writers, artists and culture. Much of it is free and on Zoom. See the program here.
• For a collection of fun YA set behind the scenes with bands and musicians, check out this recent blog post, I’m with the band.
• The prequel to the bestselling YA book, We Were Liars, by American author E. Lockhart, called Family of Liars, is being published in May. Readings has an exclusive Australian launch on Zoom with the author on May 5. Find out more here.
• Vocal artist Lisa Mitchell has a new album out and will be performing songs, as well as signing CDs and vinyl at our Carlton shop on April 22. Find out more and book your spot here.
• Lover or hater of Tiktok, it’s undeniable the power it holds in current society. Here is an interesting article on its impact on memory as it mines the data of users, in the online journal, Kill Your Darlings.