New young adult books for April

The Kerbs are a four-piece pop rock band on the verge of breaking big the moment that frontman, Drew, turns 18. But Drew and his long-term girlfriend Ruby have a decision to make: go public right from the start or keep their relationship private, away from the intrusive lens of the tabloids and the scrutiny of the Kerbs' fanbase. The choice seems easy. Ruby wants her life to remain her own - she's seen how fame can devour the lives of those who stand in the periphery. But, as Drew's star rises, staying secret comes with a price.

Loan shark Chick Lennon is notorious round Sonny Gilmour's way, and not for anything good. So when Sonny discovers his mum has borrowed money from Chick to pay the rent, he finds himself in need of the quickest of get-rich-quick schemes. With the help of best mate Jonah and quiet genius Carolina Swift, he hatches a plot - to pay back what Mum owes using Chick's own ill-gotten gains. It's not a fool-proof plan, and it's not helped by Sonny's Tourette's making him blurt out 'Rob Chick Lennon!' at the top of his lungs every time things get dicey. But with his dad suffering from long COVID and his mum already struggling to cope, Sonny knows it's down to him to keep his family out of Chick's clutches.

Ordinary-born Paedyn Gray was prepared for a death sentence, not a proposal. After killing the king, marriage to his son, Kitt, was the last thing she - or the kingdom - expected. But in her role as the queen, Paedyn would have the chance ti unite Ilya and create a kingdom where Ordinaries live alongside Elites without fear. With a decision looming, Paedyn battles between her head, heart, and the hidden Trials she now faces. Through it all, KaiAzer fights to call her his, even if it means defying his king. Are vows stong enough to unite a kingdom? Or will betrayal break them? The choice between sacrifice and self has never been more difficult - or deadly.

Rui is an Exorcist-in-training with one goal in mind - honing her magic to avenge her mother's death. Yiran is the black sheep of an illustrious family. The world would be at his feet - had he been born with magic. But when an accident causes Rui's power to transfer to Yiran, everything turns upside down. Without her magic, Rui has no tool for vengeance. With it, Yiran finally feels like he belongs. As dangerous monsters overrun the city, Rui will do whatever it takes to regain her power. Even if that means making a deal with a shadowy stranger to track down a god who does not wish to be found.

With her mentor, Dr Esso, by her side, Peckham born and bred Rhia is beginning her first week at the University of Oxford. She's determined to have a fresh start and put the Upper World behind her. But fitting into the hallowed halls of Oxford proves more difficult than she thought when she struggles to find her people. That's until Rhia receives a mysterious invite under her door to a secret and exclusive society called the Ravens. The Ravens are part of the 1% and being a member of the cult-like group guarantees students a life of wealth and success. But is Rhia really willing to sell out to secure her future? And, more pressingly, with increasingly strange goings-on happening around her, could joining the group mean opening Pandora's box - and uncovering something even more mind-bending than the Upper World? Rhia is about to find out.