Cruel Castle Written by Bryony Pearce. Reviewed by Becky, Age 12

Cruel Castle by Bryony Pearce is a thrilling read. You’re gripped by the second chapter! Each chapter is narrated by a different character but it is masterfully written, with each narrative weaved together so that you truly connect with the characters but aren’t confused. It is such an imaginative plot that you have no idea what will happen next.

The main protagonists in the book are Grady, Lizzie and Ben. It is set in a castle controlled by psychopathic millionaire Marcus Gold, who tests everyone to the limits – sometimes even to death. The book is about survival, solving almost impossible tasks and working together with people who might kill you once you have served your purpose. The castle is constantly monitored by Gold with cameras whirring about characters’ heads. The book is about endurance and testing the strength of the characters both physically and mentally: survival depends on gritting your teeth and carrying on even when you think there is no hope left. Yet in Cruel Castle, even characters that pose a threat to the protagonists have such rich back stories and are so three dimensional that even if you don’t like them, you are also sort of rooting for them. This is one of the reasons why it is such a great book. All of the characters have such complex personalities and thoughts, you cannot put the book down.

Cruel Castle by Bryony Pearce is chilling but amazingly written. Younger readers will find it upsetting and scary but older readers will love this book and will feel the ups and down with the characters. I would recommend this book to 12 year olds and over. I thoroughly enjoyed it and if you enjoyed reading The Hunger Games and other dystopian novels, then you will definitely enjoy Cruel Castle.