Taylor Swift gained a large amount of her fanbase during the year of 2014 when she released her 5th album ‘1989’. This was the year Taylor really emerged as a famous pop artist after gaining 3 number ones on the US Billboard Top 100, the songs included: ‘Blank Space’, ‘Bad Blood’ and ‘Shake It Off’, which are still standing strong as some of Swift’s most famous singles.

‘1989’ is Taylor Swift’s most successful album and is well known and well loved by people all over the world. Taylor Swift definitely answered her fans' prayers after announcing 1989 (Taylor's Version) at a showing of her famous world wide tour “The Eras Tour”. It was to be her fourth re-recording and was announced in Inglewood, California on August 9th 2023. Taylor turned the world to screaming colour after promising not only a re-recording of her most famous album ‘1989’ but also a total of 5 vault tracks (which are songs that Taylor Swift recorded during the era of ‘1989’ but never added them to the final copy of the album).

1989 (Taylor’s Version) has a long list of 5 star reviews and has, so far, had very few negative reviews. Most of which mainly consist of complaints about the miniscule differences in her voice sounds now compared to how it sounded 10 years ago. 

Personally, I prefer 1989 (Taylor’s Version) to the original because of the happier and more upbeat vibe the album was given.

The album cover and overall aesthetic has also had a dramatic glow up. Its location has switched from the chaos and mayhem that is New York City to a more peaceful and happy environment which focuses on a more beachy vibe. The iconic 5 birds that Taylor Swift wore on a t-shirt in the original cover are now in the sky flying around Taylor and the name of the album. 

After Swift’s 4th re-recorded album release fans are now forced to wait patiently for Taylor Swift to reclaim her name and her reputation.

Article by Alex Black (S3)

'The Consequence Girl' by Alastair Chisolm is our whole school novel this year, which means every S1-S3 gets a copy to keep! It is a novel about the main character Cora, who is on the run from people who are looking for her. Cora has the ability to see the past and she doesn't even know she can. When her friend and carer, Seleen, leaves to go get essentials needed for their home, Cora meets a young boy Kai, who needs Cora’s help. He shares stories of the world outside of her home and Cora begins to experience the outside world for herself. She finds out that she has special abilities and wonders what she is capable of doing. They go on an adventure, Cora, Kai, Seleen and meet people - some good, some bad. 

I like this book because it was really interesting and had good twists. I really liked the setting and recommended it to people who like adventure books. I feel like you felt that you were a part of the book and were coming along with the characters. 

Article by Sophie Dysart (S2)

'No Longer Human' is a literary masterpiece, it is a disturbing autobiography which delves into the mind of a deeply troubled, mentally ill man. This may hit too close to home for many as it explored his view of life. He describes his journey through life as shameful and explored the dark realities of the 'human species'; something he could never understand -a species he views as separate from himself-, something he is disconnected and ostracised from.

Personally, I found it surprisingly relatable, I connected to the book in a much deeper way than anticipated. Many have expressed the same thoughts. However the author describes some very controversial views on women, which once you continue reading becomes much more understandable. 

Article by Kaileigh Farrell (S5)

Suzanne Collins’ novel ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ is an admirable twist on the well known dystopian trilogy ‘The Hunger Games’. ‘The Hunger Games’ is set far into the future where 24 children aged 12 - 18 are selected to compete in an annual televised event where tributes are forced to fight to the death to become the last one standing.

‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ tells us about the upbringing of Coriolanus Snow or as fans of the original series may know him, President Snow. President Snow was the original villain of the first 3 books and is widely known for his psychotic and unhinged way of life. In this novel Collins takes us on a rollercoaster of a journey through his past and his first steps to becoming President of Panem. This novel has everything you would expect from a prequel of ‘The Hunger Games’. Prepare for laughter, tears, betrayal and very many plot twists because you're destined to be on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

After the book was released on the 19th of May 2020 it wasn't long before a film was announced to bring the story to life.

The film is due to be in cinemas by the 17th of November 2023.

I would recommend ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ to anyone who enjoyed the original trilogy and is looking for an action packed book with plenty of twists to keep them reading until the very end!

Article by Alex Black (S3)

'The Poppy War' is a deeply complicated book. It follows Fang Runin, a young orphaned girl from the 1st poppy war. After wishing to escape from an arranged marriage she applies to the keju am exam which could give her a place in the top schools,  she gets accepted to one of the best. However, during her academic year a second poppy war breaks out and she is forced to help protect her new friends. After discovering something about herself she has the power to do so. But is it enough? 

I personally really enjoyed the book series, the characters are extremely complicated and are forced to make difficult decisions that could result in the death of hundreds of innocents. In the war there is no good or evil, the 'enemy' is not a bad person but nor are they a good person. We see the main character development change as she becomes a new unrecognisable person. The book is incredibly realistic. The book also explored both fact and fiction.

Article by Kaileigh Farrell (S5)