Amy McCulloch
Author of Breathless: A Thriller
About the Author
Series
Works by Amy McCulloch
Без здив 1 copy
Breath Less 1 copy
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Common Knowledge
- Gender
- female
- Short biography
- Amy McCulloch is a Chinese-White author, born in the UK, raised in Ottawa, Canada, now based in London, UK. She has written several novels for children and young adults, and been published in over fifteen different languages. Her debut adult novel, BREATHLESS, releases in 2022.
Before becoming a full-time writer, she was editorial director for Penguin Random House Children's Books. In 2013, she was named one of The Bookseller‘s Rising Stars of publishing.
When not writing, she loves travelling, hiking and mountaineering. In September 2019, she became the youngest Canadian woman to climb Mt Manaslu in Nepal – the world's eighth highest mountain at 8,163m (26,781ft). Other addictions include coffee, ramen and really great books. - Birthplace
- UK
- Places of residence
- Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Found: YA, Boy Breaks an Unknown Promise in Name that Book (August 2021)
Reviews
NB. Review discovered from off-site so replicating here:
So three things I love about this book: (1) the way it inspires you about working in a science/technology field in a completely accessible way for a non-tech person, (2) the diverse character cast and (3) the fact it is still a lovely, easy to read YA novel with a compelling plot.
(1) When I first saw Amy tweet about the fact she was doing a near future sci-fi novel about smart girls with robots, demonstrating how cool the science, show more technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects could be, I was really excited. I work in an organisation which is putting huge emphasis on technology right now, and we desperately want more women inspired into these technical fields, bringing new ideas, but you need to get them inspired at school age so they bring the grades through to access the right courses. For that, you need books that show how exciting and amazing it can be, and Amy does that here. It even sheds some light on all the different types of science specialism, with Lacey focused on engineering whilst her best friend likes computer coding. I want to re-specialise in our tech teams after reading this!
So the technical element - fabulously done. I am not a technical person and I wasn’t lost - you don’t need to worry that this is ‘just for geeks’. The tech hinges around how smartphones work, then imagines what might be possible if your phone was capable of movement. It pokes fun at the problems of today - constant need to re-charge when batteries die? Everyone on their phone at dinner? And then it focuses very much on the drive to create and innovate, and the way technical innovation can benefit across the spectrum of our lives (what if your phone could detect changes in your mood and help manage your wellbeing?). Some great ideas to get you thinking about what could be possible.
(2) As a reader, I really want to see a diverse society pictured. In Jinxed you get depictions of successful women (Lacey’s hero Monica, the female principal, female team captains) as well as having really talented female characters in both Lacey and her friend Zora. These are very capable ladies that provide good role models. They’re also accompanied by supportive male figures - Lacey’s mentor, Paul, and admiration Lacey receives from other students for her abilities without reflection on her gender.
There is also a real mix of ethnicities displayed - Lacey herself, her best friend and her love interest, all of them being talented and highly capable people. Some of the power in the story is how little difference this actually makes, breaking down mythology about difference, and giving a wider spectrum of readers strong characters that look like them.
(3) For the plot itself, Amy has a tried and tested structure here. If you loved The Potion Diaries, you’ll enjoy this. Once you get past the initial couple of chapters establishing the tech/corporate landscape, it’s ultimately a story about a shy, nerdy girl in a low income home who has a passion and talent she’s determined to pursue, and she gets a chance to go chase that dream. There’s a protective mum and mysterious family history, a best friend who’s there to both support and hold Lacey to account, and a cute, older boy that she isn’t sure she should like. Not to mention the star of the show, the fabulous Jinx. I read the whole book cover to cover yesterday and I need book 2 now.
Would warmly recommend - there’s so much going on that some of it is bound to get you thinking! show less
So three things I love about this book: (1) the way it inspires you about working in a science/technology field in a completely accessible way for a non-tech person, (2) the diverse character cast and (3) the fact it is still a lovely, easy to read YA novel with a compelling plot.
(1) When I first saw Amy tweet about the fact she was doing a near future sci-fi novel about smart girls with robots, demonstrating how cool the science, show more technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects could be, I was really excited. I work in an organisation which is putting huge emphasis on technology right now, and we desperately want more women inspired into these technical fields, bringing new ideas, but you need to get them inspired at school age so they bring the grades through to access the right courses. For that, you need books that show how exciting and amazing it can be, and Amy does that here. It even sheds some light on all the different types of science specialism, with Lacey focused on engineering whilst her best friend likes computer coding. I want to re-specialise in our tech teams after reading this!
So the technical element - fabulously done. I am not a technical person and I wasn’t lost - you don’t need to worry that this is ‘just for geeks’. The tech hinges around how smartphones work, then imagines what might be possible if your phone was capable of movement. It pokes fun at the problems of today - constant need to re-charge when batteries die? Everyone on their phone at dinner? And then it focuses very much on the drive to create and innovate, and the way technical innovation can benefit across the spectrum of our lives (what if your phone could detect changes in your mood and help manage your wellbeing?). Some great ideas to get you thinking about what could be possible.
(2) As a reader, I really want to see a diverse society pictured. In Jinxed you get depictions of successful women (Lacey’s hero Monica, the female principal, female team captains) as well as having really talented female characters in both Lacey and her friend Zora. These are very capable ladies that provide good role models. They’re also accompanied by supportive male figures - Lacey’s mentor, Paul, and admiration Lacey receives from other students for her abilities without reflection on her gender.
There is also a real mix of ethnicities displayed - Lacey herself, her best friend and her love interest, all of them being talented and highly capable people. Some of the power in the story is how little difference this actually makes, breaking down mythology about difference, and giving a wider spectrum of readers strong characters that look like them.
(3) For the plot itself, Amy has a tried and tested structure here. If you loved The Potion Diaries, you’ll enjoy this. Once you get past the initial couple of chapters establishing the tech/corporate landscape, it’s ultimately a story about a shy, nerdy girl in a low income home who has a passion and talent she’s determined to pursue, and she gets a chance to go chase that dream. There’s a protective mum and mysterious family history, a best friend who’s there to both support and hold Lacey to account, and a cute, older boy that she isn’t sure she should like. Not to mention the star of the show, the fabulous Jinx. I read the whole book cover to cover yesterday and I need book 2 now.
Would warmly recommend - there’s so much going on that some of it is bound to get you thinking! show less
3.25 Stars — For me, this book's strong point is the atmospheric setting. As an armchair traveler, the Antarctic cruise in MIDNIGHT was amazing. Sailing along with these characters as they cross the treacherous Drake Passage and camp on the frozen continent is about as close to Antarctica as I'll get. What a ride!
The mystery within the pages was just ok, though there were enough twists and tense moments to keep me reading. Olivia was a frustrating main character. There were times when she show more would discover something seemingly important, but then fail to follow up with simple inquiries. The pacing was on the slow side, and probably a few too many characters to keep track of.
Though I'm left with mixed feelings about this book, the incredible sense of place the author created made me want to keep reading. I'm curious about her previous novel, BREATHLESS, another cold weather/harsh elements thriller. show less
The mystery within the pages was just ok, though there were enough twists and tense moments to keep me reading. Olivia was a frustrating main character. There were times when she show more would discover something seemingly important, but then fail to follow up with simple inquiries. The pacing was on the slow side, and probably a few too many characters to keep track of.
Though I'm left with mixed feelings about this book, the incredible sense of place the author created made me want to keep reading. I'm curious about her previous novel, BREATHLESS, another cold weather/harsh elements thriller. show less
Amy McCulloch's middle grade novel Jinxed absolutely charmed me when I read a galley late last year. When the publisher offered me a early chance to read the sequel Unleashed, via NetGalley, I jumped at the chance.
In this near-future science fiction setting, people don't simply have phones at hand, they have a baku--essentially, a computer that looks like an animal or insect, acting as their personal assistant and ready source of knowledge and connections. In the first book, bright young show more engineer Lacey Chu finds a battered cat baku and brings it back to life, not realizing until too late that this is a revolutionary new baku that escaped from the company she idolizes, Moncha. Of course, mischief ensues--she finds the cat, named Jinx, isn't a more robot, but sentient and full of snark, and that Moncha has a definite evil and ambitious side. That really comes to a head in the sequel, when she discovers that Moncha wants to make its users happy--at all costs.
I loved this book. It's a breezy, fast read that is full of action, realistic and complicated characters, and moral dilemmas that are addressed in non-preachy ways that will make readers of all ages stop and think. I did find Lacey's amnesia at the start of the book to be a bit too convenient a literary device, but fortunately, she works through that quickly. As ever, I adore Jinx. I want a Jinx of my own. I really appreciated how Lacey's connection with her school bully develops in surprising ways, too. These books have genuine depth while staying fun all the while.
Unleashed comes out on January 5th, 2021. Be sure to read Jinxed first so you can fully enjoy the full arc of this duology. show less
In this near-future science fiction setting, people don't simply have phones at hand, they have a baku--essentially, a computer that looks like an animal or insect, acting as their personal assistant and ready source of knowledge and connections. In the first book, bright young show more engineer Lacey Chu finds a battered cat baku and brings it back to life, not realizing until too late that this is a revolutionary new baku that escaped from the company she idolizes, Moncha. Of course, mischief ensues--she finds the cat, named Jinx, isn't a more robot, but sentient and full of snark, and that Moncha has a definite evil and ambitious side. That really comes to a head in the sequel, when she discovers that Moncha wants to make its users happy--at all costs.
I loved this book. It's a breezy, fast read that is full of action, realistic and complicated characters, and moral dilemmas that are addressed in non-preachy ways that will make readers of all ages stop and think. I did find Lacey's amnesia at the start of the book to be a bit too convenient a literary device, but fortunately, she works through that quickly. As ever, I adore Jinx. I want a Jinx of my own. I really appreciated how Lacey's connection with her school bully develops in surprising ways, too. These books have genuine depth while staying fun all the while.
Unleashed comes out on January 5th, 2021. Be sure to read Jinxed first so you can fully enjoy the full arc of this duology. show less
Runner 13 intrigued me because as a long-time runner I was always fascinated by the ultra-marathon distances and even thought about training and trying one, although I would have started with a 50-mile, and not even thought about a 250-mile one. The author definitely understood runners and their determination to finish at all costs, the mental toughness running requires, as well as the pain and fatigue one experiences during a race. And to throw a murder into this mix was fascinating.
The show more author's knowledge about running and ultra-running is definitely one of the strengths of this book. She definitely managed to captured the mental tenacity of the athlete who runs these races, the raw pain as well as the obsession that goes along with running. Although I no long run, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about and wish I could just throw on my shoes and go out. And there were days when I hated running, something the author managed to capture as well. How you can love and hate something so much, yet it grips you until it's all you can think about, everywhere you go all you think about is running in the hills, the trails, the mountains, etc... Honestly, the author captures the spirit of the endurance athlete quite uncannily well. I felt like I was with Adrienne while she was running, feeling her pain, knowing what it feels like to hit that 'pain cave' and just push through it. However, even if you never ran a day in your life, the descriptions are so visceral that even non-runners would be able to capture the feelings in this book.
The runners are isolated in a very hostile environment, the Sahara desert, with a twist the elites expected but hoped wouldn't come. And while I enjoyed the chase through the desert, I did feel like this was the weakest part of the book even if I enjoyed how it was done, if that makes sense. The author was able to make you feel the physical pain and fear of the race as well the fear of having someone chase you while you are racing with the intent to do you harm, and this definitely upped the tension of the book. And while I suspected who the actual culprit was very early on in the book, I did enjoy the twists and turns that led to the discovery of who it was. So, were there sections where I rolled my eyes and just had to accept those coincidences? Yes, definitely, which is why I gave it the rating I did. There were many themes running through this book that are worthy of further discussion: murder, suicide, obsession, injuries, drug use, ultra-running, mental health, sexual assault, and increasing support for women runners.
Verdict
Runner 13 was fast, fun, and for a long-time runner, quite interesting. There were times when I was shaking my head, wondering what would entice even ultra-runners to want to run in that heat, but knowing how we are always looking for challenges, I can see how enticing it would be. I actually became quite invested in the race itself and the descriptions of the fortitude the athletes needed to get through such a grueling event. But while I loved the descriptions of the race and the grueling physical and mental aspects of it, I did find that the story was sometimes repetitive, perhaps due to the multiple POV, and it was easy to figure out the big 'twist'. Other than that, this was a fascinating look at ultra-running. show less
The show more author's knowledge about running and ultra-running is definitely one of the strengths of this book. She definitely managed to captured the mental tenacity of the athlete who runs these races, the raw pain as well as the obsession that goes along with running. Although I no long run, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about and wish I could just throw on my shoes and go out. And there were days when I hated running, something the author managed to capture as well. How you can love and hate something so much, yet it grips you until it's all you can think about, everywhere you go all you think about is running in the hills, the trails, the mountains, etc... Honestly, the author captures the spirit of the endurance athlete quite uncannily well. I felt like I was with Adrienne while she was running, feeling her pain, knowing what it feels like to hit that 'pain cave' and just push through it. However, even if you never ran a day in your life, the descriptions are so visceral that even non-runners would be able to capture the feelings in this book.
The runners are isolated in a very hostile environment, the Sahara desert, with a twist the elites expected but hoped wouldn't come. And while I enjoyed the chase through the desert, I did feel like this was the weakest part of the book even if I enjoyed how it was done, if that makes sense. The author was able to make you feel the physical pain and fear of the race as well the fear of having someone chase you while you are racing with the intent to do you harm, and this definitely upped the tension of the book. And while I suspected who the actual culprit was very early on in the book, I did enjoy the twists and turns that led to the discovery of who it was. So, were there sections where I rolled my eyes and just had to accept those coincidences? Yes, definitely, which is why I gave it the rating I did. There were many themes running through this book that are worthy of further discussion: murder, suicide, obsession, injuries, drug use, ultra-running, mental health, sexual assault, and increasing support for women runners.
Verdict
Runner 13 was fast, fun, and for a long-time runner, quite interesting. There were times when I was shaking my head, wondering what would entice even ultra-runners to want to run in that heat, but knowing how we are always looking for challenges, I can see how enticing it would be. I actually became quite invested in the race itself and the descriptions of the fortitude the athletes needed to get through such a grueling event. But while I loved the descriptions of the race and the grueling physical and mental aspects of it, I did find that the story was sometimes repetitive, perhaps due to the multiple POV, and it was easy to figure out the big 'twist'. Other than that, this was a fascinating look at ultra-running. show less
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- Works
- 19
- Members
- 1,910
- Popularity
- #13,472
- Rating
- 3.6
- Reviews
- 66
- ISBNs
- 150
- Languages
- 7