Review: Run, Rebel by Manjeet Mann

I’ve seen a lot of great reviews of Run, Rebel online, and I was in need of something new to read so decided to give it a go. Run, Rebel by Manjeet Mann is written entirely in verse, which was something that I wasn’t sure about before reading it. However, I’m glad I didn’t let it put me off, as this was a fantastic book to read, and I did not want to put it down.

Amber Rai has a big dream: to become a professional athlete. She goes to school with her best friends David and Tara, and is keen to do well both academically and in athletics. But life is not that straightforward for Amber. Her parents are illiterate and don’t speak English, so she needs to support them in communicating with others. Even more challenging is her relationship with her father, who is an alcoholic who regularly beats Amber’s mother. Her challenging home life leaves Amber in fear, and feeling both useless and worthless. As a girl she has never felt valued, and she knows that her parents will want her to have an arranged marriage like her sister Ruby.

When Amber starts to learn about revolutions at school, the need to rebel grows within her. When her mum makes the momentous decision to learn to read, they both begin a pathway to freedom that will change their lives. Rebellion is never easy, and Amber struggles with each decision, but eventually succeeds in finding a better life.

This Young Adult verse novel was an incredible book to read. Inspiring and thought-provoking, Amber’s story of rebellion also contained sections from the perspective of both her mother and sister, showing each of their journeys towards more freedom and a better life. This is a story of rebellion but also of hope, and change. It is both moving and challenging. I also liked the way that Mann explores a range of different relationships within the book, from Amber’s feelings for David, to her becoming a bully towards Gemma. The use of verse made the book highly poetic and lyrical, in a way that wouldn’t have been achieved within a prose novel. Well worth a read; I highly recommend Run, Rebel.

Review: Murder on the Menu by Fiona Leitch

I have been loving my My Book Moment crime/thriller book subscription box. Every month it comes with a new paperback book and some treats and it’s given me some really interesting book choices. Often these are ones I wouldn’t have chosen for myself: some I’ve loved, one I wasn’t so keen on, but just the process of reading something completely new has been well worth it. May’s book choice is Murder on the Menu by Fiona Leitch, another book that I wouldn’t have picked off the shelf for myself, but I was keen to give it a go.

Jodie Parker has given up her career in the Met Police and moved back to her childhood village in Cornwall. Setting herself up as a chef means a complete change for her, and she’s quickly hired to cater the wedding of a friend. However, when the bride goes missing and a body is found in the hotel grounds, Jodie finds herself drawn into the investigation. It turns out it’s hard to let go of her past career, and she starts to question parts of the investigation, much to the annoyance of DCI Withers. Jodie soon finds herself uncovering key findings that may just lead her to the killer.

I found this light and easy to read story an enjoyable change of pace from my usual reading choices – it definitely fits the definition of ‘cosy’ crime but that’s just what I need on long summer days. In particular I enjoyed the setting in Cornwall, with the descriptions of real locations that I have visited; it was really easy to picture each setting. The solution to the murder was a satisfying one, and there was also a romantic element which was enjoyable to read.

I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who prefers crime on the lighter side.

Review: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Having read the whole Shadow and Bone series, Six of Crows was next on my list. It is set in the same fantasy world, but follows a different set of characters as they undertake a dangerous heist.

Kaz Brekker is a conman and criminal mastermind in the city of Ketterdam, overseeing the Crow Club, where he gathers together a group of dangerous associates. When he’s offered the chance to make millions by undertaking a heist in the nearby country of Fjerda, he can’t turn it down. He gathers together 5 other criminals to form a team: a sharp-shooter who can’t pass up on a chance to gamble; a heartrender who has been captured by Fjerdans in the past; a Fjerdan witch-hunter; a young woman known as the Wraith for her ability to sneak about un-noticed and spy on enemies; and a young man from a priveleged background. Together the six of them travel to Fjerda in an attempt to do the impossible: kidnap a prisoner being held in the impenetrable Ice Court. Getting in will be a challenge, but getting out near-impossible.

I was gripped from the brilliant opening chapter of this book. The plot began with exciting drama and continued to keep me entertained right until the end. One of the real strengths of this book was the range of protagonists, each bringing their own back-story and allowing for a drop in tension as we learned of their pasts through flashbacks, before returning to the drama of the heist itself.

One of my favourite elements of the story was the backstory between Nina and Matthias: their journey from being enemies to eventually becoming allies, but with plenty of tension along the way. The characters all felt really well rounded and each had their own flaws, which is what makes this story so enjoyable.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable story: a mixture of fantasy and crime caper. There is a sequel, which I will definitely be reading at some point in the future.