by Kate Hawkins
I love to read fiction, and nearly every kind of genre – horror, historical, even a bit of romance here and there. With a new year brings a whole new selection of books to get stuck into, including some exciting additions to graphic novel series! Here are the top 5 books I cannot wait for in 2018.
Step into the crazy world of four 12-year-old paper girls from 1988, as they continue on their journey to save the future after Y2K goes terribly, terribly wrong. These fearless, formidable girls explore time travel, encounter new and interesting characters, and battle with the uncertainty of their next move. This graphic novel series brings the reader a sense of nostalgia and also wonder as these brave girls muddle through, unsure of what the next step holds for them.
The start of a new trilogy by this New York Times bestseller, ‘Truly Devious’ looks to be another nerve-wracking, laugh-out-loud mystery. Set in Vermont and focusing on the abduction of a wealthy tycoon’s wife and daughter (a long-unsolved mystery), the protagonist Stevie Bell is determined to solve the case, all while dealing with settling in at a new school with new friends and avoiding the return of the mysterious killer, who signs their name ‘Truly, Devious’.
Pouring her private thoughts and feelings into her poetry, protagonist Xiomara Batista protects herself with her fists and tries hard to obey the laws of the church, the way her Mami wants her to. However, after catching feelings for a classmate and being invited to join a slam poetry group, will Xiomara be able to keep this side of her a secret? This debut novel looks to be powerful, heartfelt, and passionate, just like the main character herself.
I know this novel is going to speak to me on so many levels – two awkward, inspired characters who become inseparable through text messaging each other, relying on each other despite never having to physically spend time together. It promises to be a story of weird, funny, young love for the smartphone age, with relatable, vulnerable protagonists you grow to adore as the novel progresses.
Another graphic novel which is sure to be a heartwarming fairy tale for all ages, ‘The Prince and the Dressmaker’ focuses on Prince Sebastian and his best friend,