First published in issue one of Cinders magazine.

Goldenhand by Garth Nix

Most of you will probably be too young to remember Sabriel and Lireal by Garth Nix but there are few more kickass, capable heroines around. Sabriel and Lireal are necromancers but instead of raising the dead, they send them back to die proper deaths. The pair return to their adventures after more than ten years in Goldenhand and are all well worth a read. You’ll be battling undead zombies in your head for the rest of the month!

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

Crooked Kingdom wraps up The Six of Crows Duology which tells the tale of six mem bers of a very resourceful heist crew. Think ‘Oceans Eleven’ with  teenagers, magic andreluctant love interests. The stories are intertwined and fantastically, compellingly told. We couldn’t wait to see what adventures and schemes lay ahead for Kaz Brekker and his crew. Check out our feature on the launch event for CrookedKingdom with Rainbow Rowell in issue one!

Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote

There are few books that moves me (Grainne) to tears but Breakfast at Tiffanys just happens to be one of them. While you may think you know the classic film, it’s Truman Capote’s short tale that inspired one of Audrey Hepburn’s most renowned films to date. But what I found most moving about the book is that there is no man to “save” her (while the film takes a different take on this), she leaves completely on her accord to start her own adventure. While she’s uncertain about what’s ahead, it’s her determination that carries her through. There are references without question in the book that are dated and definitely not politically correct, but the story as a whole is a beautiful read and it will leave you deeply moved.