Natural Disaster by Lisa Owens – 7/10
In Natural Disaster, a mother seeks to spend one last perfect day with her children before returning to work. The title sets the tone from the start: chaotic and raw, the narrative feels like a constant stream of consciousness from the protagonist, who is never referred to by her first name but only as 'mum'. Author Lisa Owens explores the different relationship dynamics that change with motherhood, all set over 24 hours, adding to the intensity. Published in hardback by Virago, priced £16.99 (ebook £9.99). Review by Anahita Hossein-Pour.
The End Of Everything by M John Harrison – 6/10
The End Of Everything is the antithesis of a relaxing beach read, evoking a fever dream. It builds on the 2017 short story The Crisis, where an alien presence known as the iGhetti occupies the City of London. The novel opens a decade or two later on the shores of fading seaside towns in south east England. Beach comber Phillip Tennant collects mysterious artefacts from the Channel, and picking up an object he can't keep leads to an unsettling adventure. Published in hardback by Serpent's Tail, priced £16.99 (ebook £9.99). Review by Storm Newton.
The Ballad Of Ronan McCoy by Colin Morgan – 6/10
Actor Colin Morgan, known for his role as Merlin, delivers his debut novel about teenager Brendan and his best friend Ronan. As Brendan enters his final year of school, Ronan suffers a devastating injury that changes everything. Balancing exams, a job, and a relationship with Jennifer, Brendan's primary concern is always for Ronan. The story is moving but leans too often on simplistic, drawn-out dialogue that detracts from the central story. Published in hardback by HQ, priced £16.99 (ebook £9.99). Review by Ian Parker.
Users: How Big Tech Took Control And How to Fight Back by Baroness Beeban Kidron – 8/10
Baroness Beeban Kidron, a filmmaker and peer since 2012, has campaigned on digital safeguarding. Her book Users argues that social media actively channels users to addictive and harmful material, that better protections are possible, and that no other sector has such little responsibility and regulation. Kidron's years of experience result in a slightly staccato style, but as a primer for the biggest social upheaval of our times, her manifesto is unrivalled. Published in hardback by WH Allen, priced £22 (ebook £11.99). Review by Joshua Pugh Ginn.
The Bug Book by Becky Davies – 7/10
This interactive board book is ideal for younger children who point out every ladybug, spider, and butterfly. With sliders, flaps, and fuzzy bits, it introduces the world of creepy crawlies through a soft rhyming scheme. However, it might be too basic for older children and would benefit from naming each critter. Illustrated by Denis Angelov, published in hardback by Little Tiger, priced £8.99 (no ebook). Review by Lily Rose.
