A War of Wyverns

 By: S.F Williamson  

Location: FIC WIL

Genre: Fantasy

A Language of Dragons #2

An epic, sweeping, unputdownable fantasy, A War of Wyverns is the unmissable sequel to the instant #1 Sunday Times Bestseller, A Language of Dragons.

REBELLION HAPPENS IN THE SHADOWS

Vivien Featherswallow has uncovered the secret language of dragons. Now can she use it to end a war?

The extraordinary sequel to the instant #1 Sunday Times Bestseller, A Language of Dragons

Vivien Featherswallow has translated a secret language of dragons – sparking an all-out civil war, with dragons and humans fighting on both sides, in the process.

And after defeating Prime Minister Wyvernmire and escaping Bletchley Park, Vivien has become the reluctant face of the rebellion – and been labelled the most wanted criminal in Britain. But what good is a rebel who must remain in hiding, powerless to help her friends?

Unsure of her purpose, and torn with doubt about the life she thought she was meant to lead, Vivien travels to the remote Scottish Isles to find a mysterious, long-forgotten species of dragon – one which might hold the key to ending the war… forever.

A Song I wrote For Charlotte

 By: Caitlin Devlin

Location: FIC DEV

Genre: Realistic Fiction- LGBGT

  A Song I Wrote for Charlotte follows Connie Moore who ends up studying English Literature at university after she does not get into the Royal Academy of Music. Connie is determined to stay focused, but music production student Charlotte Owen drags Connie into university life. As their friendship grows, Connie begins to wonder if there is more to how she feels about Charlotte. But Charlotte isn’t the kind of person you can hold onto forever. And Connie might have to consider whether the life Charlotte has built for her is one she can sustain alone.

Review by Lydia

So this one hurt. Like I am emotionally destroyed and need about 5-10 business days to recover.

It's rare to find a book set in a UK university and this one captures that experience so well - the endless pasta cooking, flyering on campus, moving into a flat with strangers. It reminded me so much of uni which was very nostalgic and also emotional knowing I won't experience that again.

I also really connected to this because I related so much to Connie, who is heavily implied to be neurodivergent. This makes the social aspect of university difficult for her, along with the pressure she puts on herself to excel. Honestly, I wish I could've read this back when I started uni (and wasn't aware of my own neurodivergence) - I would've felt so much less alone in my awkwardness.

It was interesting to see her family dynamic and how that impacted her as well. It helped to understand her character and it warmed my heart to see Connie's character growth as the story progressed.

All the characters were so well written. I loved Charlotte and her persistence in befriending Connie. A literal ray of sunshine character. Her and Connie grow closer and closer, at first to Connie's resistance, as the book progresses and it is very sweet. Loved how they connected over music too!!

The side characters did feel very realistic and I could so easily picture all of them. The laddish boys, the posh girls. I have such a soft spot in my heart for her flatmates Toby, Eli and Imran. There was very much a found family element to the story that made it both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

I don't want to say too much but let's just say I wasn't expecting the ending! I'm maybe never getting over it.

This is such a beautifully written coming-of-age story that deals so authentically with themes of queerness, neurodivergence, friendship and grief.

Invincible Graphic Novels

 By: Kirkman, Walker, Crabtree  

Location: GRA KIR

Genre: Graphic Novel

These all-new 6x9 softcover editions collect the entire INVINCIBLE comic book series from the very beginning, with stunning new covers from Cory Walker & Dave McCaig.

Mark Grayson is just like most everyone else his age. Except his father is the most powerful superhero on the planet―Omni-Man. When Mark develops powers of his own, it’s a dream come true. But living up to his father’s legacy is only the beginning of Mark’s problems…  

"A fantastic opening volume that instantly hooked me with its clean art style and storytelling. It serves as a great introduction to the main characters while perfectly laying the groundwork for where the series is heading. The twist at the end would've completely caught me off guard had I not already watched the series on Amazon Prime. But nonetheless, still has me genuinely excited to read the next instalment."

Girls Who Play Dead

 By: Joelle Wellington  

Location: FIC WEl

Genre: Mystery

THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY IS SO UGLY

Two siblings investigate the murder of a friend only to unearth even more deadly mysteries in their small town in this page-turning young adult thriller from the acclaimed author of Their Vicious Games.

When Mikky Graves left his small, stifling hometown of Prophets Lake to live with his estranged mother, he thought nothing could ever make him return for good.

Until his sister Kyla’s best friend, Erin, is murdered.

Mikky never worried about leaving Kyla behind at their family-owned funeral home so long as she had Erin. But when Mikky heads home, determined to help Kyla grieve, the sister he encounters barely resembles the one he remembers. Mikky decides, then and there, to do the one thing that seems even more impossible than stay.

As Kyla spirals further into her rage and secrets, Mikky realizes the only thing that can help his sister is finding the truth about who killed Erin. But the more he investigates, the further he’s pulled into other ugly mysteries of Prophets Lake and the beauty brand that is its lifeblood. The town’s rot runs deep, and everyone has something to hide. Perhaps no one more than Kyla herself.

The Chain

 By:  Sir Bradley Wiggins  

Location: NF 920 WIG

Genre: Bikes. 

"Searing and insightful… harrowing… compelling."

"It's not a light read but, blimey, it is brilliant

"The Chain" is a raw and deeply moving sports autobiography. In this memoir, Bradley Wiggins discards his public persona to confront childhood trauma, addictions, and personal struggles. It details his journey of self-discovery, breaking free from his past, and finding peace with his true identity

Think you know Bradley Wiggins? Think again.

Join Bradley Wiggins on a remarkable journey of self-discovery during which he faced his greatest ever opponent – the demons inside his head. He has cast aside his fragile shell and is the person he always wanted to be. Finally, he is happy in his own skin. He has broken the chain.

Bradley Wiggins is the greatest British cyclist of his generation. A national hero on both track and road, he won five Olympic gold medals, eight world titles and the Tour de France.

But his is a story mired in contradiction, controversy, and confusion. Sat on a throne after winning gold at London 2012, just ten days after becoming the first Briton to win the Tour de France, here was a man with the world at his feet. Sporting hero. People’s champion. Legend. Everyone knew who ‘Wiggo’ was. Everyone, that is, but him.

Bradley’s own truth was one of a chaotic and disturbing upbringing characterised by abandonment and abuse. The bike had been his escape but he knew that the second he got out of the saddle he was a shadow-man with no self-belief and even less self-worth.

With zero confidence in his value as a human being, attention was his worst nightmare. Bradley’s answer was to wear a mask. He became ‘Sir Wiggo’, the loveable rogue, the disguise slowly suffocating the real him, crushing the last few remnants of self-esteem.

Bradley descended into a deep personal despair marked by drug addiction. It was his lowest point, and one which, he freely admits, could have resulted in his death.

Bradley’s saviour has been himself. Incredibly he found the strength to embark on a remarkable journey of self-discovery during which he faced his greatest ever opponent – the demons inside his head. In so doing he reached an understanding of what and who he is.

The result is this powerful memoir, The Chain.

It is a journey he now wants to share. He wants others to understand they are not alone in their mental battles; that embracing honesty and openness is the key to personal happiness.

Bradley Wiggins has cast aside his fragile shell. Now, as the person he always wanted to be, he has become an inspiration to us all. Forget the jerseys, the medals. Finally, Bradley Wiggins is who he is, in his own skin. He has broken the chain.

Mike McRoberts- Speaking My Language

 By: Mike McRoberts  

Location: NF 20 MCR

Genre: Bio- Te Reo, Memoir

In this personal memoir, Mike McRoberts opens up about his journey to reconnect with te ao Māori (the Māori world). He shares his experience of learning te reo Māori and encourages other New Zealanders to take steps toward understanding and treasuring the language and culture. 

Speaking My Language is an invitation into the private world behind one of Aotearoa’s most recognisable broadcasters. Mike McRoberts, long associated with composure and professionalism on screen, uses this book to explore the less visible layers of his life: a childhood in Ōtautahi marked by limited access to te ao Māori, a career that placed him firmly in the public gaze, and an internal longing to reclaim a language that should always have been his. The result is a compelling and generous account that blends personal narrative with cultural reflection, offering insight into the challenges and rewards of language revitalisation.

The book traces McRoberts’ upbringing in a mixed-heritage family at a time when te reo was seldom heard outside select communities. His early years reveal a deep disconnection that shaped his identity long before he could articulate its effects. That sense of absence follows him into adulthood, even as he builds a successful career in journalism. The polished presenter familiar to viewers existed alongside a quiet tension every time he uttered a simple greeting in te reo. This tension becomes a catalyst for change as he decides, later in life, to begin a deliberate journey towards reconnection.

McRoberts leads readers through the emotional and intellectual terrain of learning te reo Māori. He reflects on classroom experiences, encounters with tikanga, and the guidance of teachers and mentors who shape his understanding. The people he meets along the way are not simply supporting characters but integral parts of his transformation. Their presence underscores the communal nature of the language journey and the importance of relationships in rebuilding identity. The narrative makes space for vulnerability, acknowledging moments of discomfort and self-doubt, as well as the joy found in small milestones.

The book’s strength lies in its ability to hold personal story and cultural context together. McRoberts weaves his lived experiences with broader reflections on history, belonging and the ongoing revitalisation of te reo. The structure, anchored in whakataukī and shaped by Māori modes of storytelling, reflects the kaupapa at its heart. Rather than presenting his life chronologically, he builds a thematic account that mirrors the organic, often nonlinear nature of cultural rediscovery. This style gives the work an immediacy that suits its subject, allowing emotion, memory and insight to sit comfortably alongside one another.

McRoberts writes with clarity, warmth and a sense of humility. His style is conversational without losing depth, providing enough context for readers unfamiliar with te ao Māori while still speaking directly to those who recognise the nuances of his journey. The pacing allows his reflections to resonate without lingering too long on any one moment. It is an accessible text, yet layered enough to reward attentive reading.

As a contribution to contemporary New Zealand literature, Speaking My Language is significant. It offers a perspective shared by many Māori who grew up separated from their reo and are now working to reclaim it. It also serves as a bridge for non-Māori readers seeking to understand the emotional and cultural weight of language revitalisation. The book adds to the growing body of writing that situates identity, indigeneity and personal growth within the evolving landscape of Aotearoa.

Ultimately, McRoberts presents a narrative rooted in courage and hope. It affirms that reconnecting with one’s heritage is both a personal undertaking and a collective responsibility. Speaking My Language stands as a thoughtful, engaging and meaningful contribution to the stories of contemporary Māori experience.

Reviewer: Chris Reed

HarperCollins

The Infinite Sadness of Small Appliances

 By: Glenn Dixon  

Location: FIC DIX

Genre: Fantasy

A young Roomba vacuum sets out to save the humans of her house from a rising technological power in this compelling, original novel.

Loved it. Laughed and cried. Beautifully written, clever plot, great characters. Highly recommended.- Kate

I loved it. 
I thought it would be a conventional cute Sci-Fi story but what started with elements of a cozy tale quickly evolved into a dystopian and bleak future possibly at our door. Margret

The writing was great, with a solid balance between heart and fear and humans and machines. 

In a near future, where even the smallest of appliances are sentient, a young Roomba vacuum sets out to save the humans of her house from a rising technological power in this compelling, original novel.

In a self-running, smart house, a young and sentient Roomba listens as her owner, Harold, reads aloud to his dying wife, Edie. Mesmerized by To Kill a Mockingbird and craving the human connection she witnesses in Harold's stories, the little vacuum renames herself Scout and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

But when Edie passes away, Scout and her fellow sentient appliances discover that there are sinister forces in their midst. The omnipresent Grid, which monitors every household in the City, seeks to remove Harold from his home, a place he's lived in for fifty years.

With the help of Adrian, a neighborhood boy who grows close to Scout and Harold, as well as Kate, Harold and Edie's formerly estranged daughter, the humans and the appliances must come together to outwit the all-controlling Grid lest they risk losing everything they hold dear.