Green Rising: A thrilling and empowering YA speculative novel about climate change - a perfect blend of science and fantasy with an enemies-to-lovers romance Paperback – 2 Sept. 2021

I loved this one so much! I have loved every book written by Lauren James, and this was no exception.I loved the storyline, and not only because it is so current (other than the magical aspects of course), but because it is so informative. It really opened my eyes to the effects of global warming.It has really inspired me.I loved the Greenfingers, and everything that they represent. I wish I had my own greenfinger ability! It was so cool what they managed to accomplish in such a short space of time, and from space too!The relationship between Hester and Theo was lovely too. I liked how they made each other stronger.This was a brilliant read, and I look forward to Lauren’s next book!

What would happen if environmental protesters suddenly developed the power to grow green shoots from their fingers? That's exactly what happens to eco campaigner Gabby, fisherman's son Theo and CEO-in-training Hester. As the young 'greenfingers' get to grips with their new power, corporations battle to turn it to their advantage and the future of the earth hangs in the balance.All eco fiction needs to be a story well told rather than preachy or worthy and while this is well-researched on the complexities of global warming and other eco threats, it's also fast paced with engaging characters, a tense plot and a sweet dash of enemies-to-lovers romance too.

A bold, inspiring take on climate activism . I found this optimistic, hopeful and practical in equal measure. I also appreciated the reading list at the end.

The world changes forever when some teenagers develop the ability to grow plants. They become known as Greenfingers, but not everyone will use their new powers to help others or the planet.Gabrielle, the first teen to exhibit the ability, is a climate-change activist, and is willing to do anything to get the governments of the world to take climate-change seriously.Hester is the daughter of the CEO of one of the biggest oil companies in the world and tries to use the new Greenfingers phenomenon to help the company.Theo comes from a fishing family and will do everything he can to help his parents with their money troubles.Gabrielle, Hester and Theo are all very different, but can they work together to save the planet?Having been a fan of the author for a long time, I was interested to read their latest release. However, having not enjoyed their last few books as much as earlier ones, I was also a bit unsure how much I would like this.Gabrielle, Hester and Theo were all likeable and relatable protagonists. I admired Gabrielle's determination, Hester's drive and Theo's love for his parents. Hester was my favourite of the three and I enjoyed reading as she grew as a character. None of the side characters particularly stood out to me, apart from Theo's parents.One of my favourite parts of the book was the diversity.The science in the book and concept of the Greenfingers were really interesting. The author thought of consequences and ideas that I hadn't or wouldn't have.The plot was interesting overall, but I wasn't gripped or shocked by anything that happened. I don't feel that I was overly invested in what happened to the characters.The writing style was easy to follow and I found the book quite fast to read.While I didn't enjoy this quite as much as I hoped I would, I enjoyed it overall and thought the messages in it were very important and relevant.Overall, this was an enjoyable read.

The format of this hits home, full of social media posts, blogs, online article headlines, it's a perfect display of how news and culture travel fast around the world, at how communication speeds from person to person, how trends spread, and at how the internet is used.Greenfingers - the name for the sudden outpouring of plants from the bodies of teenagers around the world. It starts with one, and before long adolescents around the world are finding they have green shoots of all sorts at their disposal. What seems quirky at first is seen by some as potentially malicious, dangerous, though by others it seems a perfect skill to exploit. Some of the teenagers see the potential for this to do the world a lot of good.A world choking on the heating climate. It's our world, but one where there suddenly seems to be an opportunity, without much effort, to make huge amounts of difference and put things right. But can we?Fisherman's son and CEO's daughter find themselves in battle as one sees his chance to better not only his family's chances but also the world. His rival sees only what she's been presented with in graphs and carefully curated, memorised speeches. Her oil company hasn't done this to the world... has it?The obvious clash will start here, as giant oil company Dalex starts to train Greenfingers to help their PR standing and possibly their sales. The group of teens train their powers, and teach the reader a fair amount about climate change at the same time. There's even an Elon Musk-type character and Dalex could be Buy 'N' Large from Wall-E, but more sinister.Watching the teens flex their stems makes for excellent reading, the idea is intoxicating (in a non-Deadly Nightshade way). The insertion of regular social media updates show the world's insights into the Greenfingers phenomenon and how we all see trends and memes and respond to them. It's really well done.And on top of that, it's quite an exciting drama, with romance and envinronmental issues mixed in. Gabrielle is a Greta-Jesus combo as progenitor and inspirational head of the Greenfingers movement, Theo is the most likeable of the leads, as the everyboy voice of reason. Hester grew on me, she's rather insufferable to start with, unrealistically so, but I enjoyed her transformation, as well as seeing young people connect with nature and release their powers.It really was an 'if only' by the end... sigh. Would be lovely if this could get people talking. And thinking.For ages 12 and above. With thanks to Walker Books for providing a sample reading copy.