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Hummingbird
KYA
I can’t remember exactly when he stopped being the perfect stepdad, or even if he ever was one. Perhaps that was just other people’s perception of him. I can remember, though, the first time he hit me. And the first time he crept into my room at night. Last year a girl from school got cancer and everyone rallied around her. I’m not saying she didn’t deserve the sympathy, but her suffering was heroic, whereas mine feels like a source of humiliation. You can see cancer. Or a broken leg. You can’t see this. You can’t see the suffering caused by living with someone who goes out of their way to torment you.
LIZZIE
Kya is the best big sister ever. She’s sixteen and I am only five so she is my really big sister. When Mummy goes to work Kya does my bath time and reads my bedtime story. Tonight she read my favourite story about the baby bear who couldn’t sleep because there was too much dark in the cave. Kya says I am her baby bear and she will always protect me. I don’t need protecting from the dark though, I have a night light shaped like a mushroom.
ZAK
Her lips are blood red, and she speaks the words so softly I barely hear them, ‘I know your big secret’. My blood runs cold, but she’s pinned me to the bed and I can’t move. Her eyes are like fiery emeralds, burning into me. Damn she’s sexy. ‘I know your secret, Zak. It’s your fault he’s dead!’
When Zak meets Kya, he desperately wants to save her from whatever she’s going through at home, but Kya is determined to save herself, and Lizzie. Plus, Zak has his own demons to contend with…
I can’t remember exactly when he stopped being the perfect stepdad, or even if he ever was one. Perhaps that was just other people’s perception of him. I can remember, though, the first time he hit me. And the first time he crept into my room at night. Last year a girl from school got cancer and everyone rallied around her. I’m not saying she didn’t deserve the sympathy, but her suffering was heroic, whereas mine feels like a source of humiliation. You can see cancer. Or a broken leg. You can’t see this. You can’t see the suffering caused by living with someone who goes out of their way to torment you.
LIZZIE
Kya is the best big sister ever. She’s sixteen and I am only five so she is my really big sister. When Mummy goes to work Kya does my bath time and reads my bedtime story. Tonight she read my favourite story about the baby bear who couldn’t sleep because there was too much dark in the cave. Kya says I am her baby bear and she will always protect me. I don’t need protecting from the dark though, I have a night light shaped like a mushroom.
ZAK
Her lips are blood red, and she speaks the words so softly I barely hear them, ‘I know your big secret’. My blood runs cold, but she’s pinned me to the bed and I can’t move. Her eyes are like fiery emeralds, burning into me. Damn she’s sexy. ‘I know your secret, Zak. It’s your fault he’s dead!’
When Zak meets Kya, he desperately wants to save her from whatever she’s going through at home, but Kya is determined to save herself, and Lizzie. Plus, Zak has his own demons to contend with…
265 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2021
About the author
Fran Grant
8 books2 followersFran Grant is an author of Children's, Middle Grade, and Young Adult books. Mum to three young boys. Lover of good food and wine. PJ wearer. Bookworm. Based in Yorkshire, UK.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 3, 2021
Hummingbird by Fran Grant
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK.
Honestly. I flew through it. It touched me. I cried so hard at times. Just brilliant.
⚠️ Triggers ⚠️
Mental, physical and attempted sexual abuse.
*
Hummingbird is a sorry told from 3 perspectives.
Kya, 16, living with an abusive step-dad hell bent on tormenting her and making her life a living hell.
Zak, in love with Kya and determined to protect her from her demons but he has demons of his own and is too scared to share them.
Lizzie, Kya's 5 year old sister. Daddy is her hero and the bestest daddy ever. Kya is her best friend but daddy says she's naughty but she does nothing but love Lizzie as a big sister should.
*
Firstly, the way this was written, from the 3 perspectives, was so convincing, real and raw. Particularly the voice of Lizzie, who shows us just how tensions in a family can affect little ones.
Secondly, the way Fran Grant tells Kya's story is with such sensitivity but is so accurate. Children often feel like noones will believe them of they speak up against adults. Kya often seeks help from Mum, who is quite clearly trying to keep the peace for her own reasons. She too is abused and in her fright, fails to see how she can protect her daughter.
*
I was so gripped by this book. It was heartbreaking for everyone involved bar the abuser which is always the case. My heart was racing the whole time and I couldn't put it down. I read it in less than 24 hours.
*
So many people are victims of abuse, whether it be Mental, physical, sexual, abuse does life long damage and can affects so many parts of a person's life.
Fran Grant's afterword is beautiful, reflective and supportive.
If you are a victim of abuse, be brave, stand up and speak out. So many people are waiting ready to listen.
Below are some organisations that Grant also listed in her book:
National Domesticc Abuse Helpline
www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Women's aid
www.womensaid.org.uk/information-supp...
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK.
Honestly. I flew through it. It touched me. I cried so hard at times. Just brilliant.
⚠️ Triggers ⚠️
Mental, physical and attempted sexual abuse.
*
Hummingbird is a sorry told from 3 perspectives.
Kya, 16, living with an abusive step-dad hell bent on tormenting her and making her life a living hell.
Zak, in love with Kya and determined to protect her from her demons but he has demons of his own and is too scared to share them.
Lizzie, Kya's 5 year old sister. Daddy is her hero and the bestest daddy ever. Kya is her best friend but daddy says she's naughty but she does nothing but love Lizzie as a big sister should.
*
Firstly, the way this was written, from the 3 perspectives, was so convincing, real and raw. Particularly the voice of Lizzie, who shows us just how tensions in a family can affect little ones.
Secondly, the way Fran Grant tells Kya's story is with such sensitivity but is so accurate. Children often feel like noones will believe them of they speak up against adults. Kya often seeks help from Mum, who is quite clearly trying to keep the peace for her own reasons. She too is abused and in her fright, fails to see how she can protect her daughter.
*
I was so gripped by this book. It was heartbreaking for everyone involved bar the abuser which is always the case. My heart was racing the whole time and I couldn't put it down. I read it in less than 24 hours.
*
So many people are victims of abuse, whether it be Mental, physical, sexual, abuse does life long damage and can affects so many parts of a person's life.
Fran Grant's afterword is beautiful, reflective and supportive.
If you are a victim of abuse, be brave, stand up and speak out. So many people are waiting ready to listen.
Below are some organisations that Grant also listed in her book:
National Domesticc Abuse Helpline
www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Women's aid
www.womensaid.org.uk/information-supp...
August 27, 2021
TW - domestic abuse both physical and psychological
This book is told from multiple perspectives- Kya, Zak and Lizzie.
It centres around Kya whose step father, Lizzie’s dad, treats her like a second class citizen, whose mother brushes it all under the carpet, blaming Kya for antagonising him.
When she meets Zak she finds her soul mate; someone she can wholeheartedly trust and someone who will protect her.
This was an easy read despite the tough subject matter, and with short sharp chapters, really let you get inside the heads of the two protagonists.
I felt sorry for Lizzie, who, at five years old, idolises her father, but you can see the controlling behaviour starting to develop towards her at such a young age. A real eye opener of a novel.
This book is told from multiple perspectives- Kya, Zak and Lizzie.
It centres around Kya whose step father, Lizzie’s dad, treats her like a second class citizen, whose mother brushes it all under the carpet, blaming Kya for antagonising him.
When she meets Zak she finds her soul mate; someone she can wholeheartedly trust and someone who will protect her.
This was an easy read despite the tough subject matter, and with short sharp chapters, really let you get inside the heads of the two protagonists.
I felt sorry for Lizzie, who, at five years old, idolises her father, but you can see the controlling behaviour starting to develop towards her at such a young age. A real eye opener of a novel.
August 8, 2021
Absolutely brilliant story, I couldn't put it down. Full of emotion and anger and redemption.
August 16, 2021
OMG 😍 I got no words to describe this incredible read. I was not expecting it to be so addictive and full of emotion
Kia and Zak are my favourite young couple. Their love and trust in each other is so beautiful. I wanted to read about them and never finish this story
And oh, how I shed buckets of tears for all the suffering and trauma she is going through. But I kept going even though my vision got blurry.
I admired Kia's strength and determination to save herself and her little sister, Lizzie (what a lovely girl). The author gave her such a strong voice and I couldn't help but wanting to save her, hold her and protect her from that environment
I don't want to give any spoilers so I will stop here but I have to tell one more thing: THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ
THE HUMMINGBIRD is one of the most powerful reads of this year. Also, wouldn't it be so great as a movie?
Kia and Zak are my favourite young couple. Their love and trust in each other is so beautiful. I wanted to read about them and never finish this story
And oh, how I shed buckets of tears for all the suffering and trauma she is going through. But I kept going even though my vision got blurry.
I admired Kia's strength and determination to save herself and her little sister, Lizzie (what a lovely girl). The author gave her such a strong voice and I couldn't help but wanting to save her, hold her and protect her from that environment
I don't want to give any spoilers so I will stop here but I have to tell one more thing: THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ
THE HUMMINGBIRD is one of the most powerful reads of this year. Also, wouldn't it be so great as a movie?
August 12, 2021
Kya loves her mum, and she loves her 5 year old sister Lizzie, but her life is being made hell by her stepfather. He ridicules her, he is mentally abusive to her. She tries talking to her mum but she can’t see it. Or is she afraid to see it? Kya has given up all her friends, she is focusing on her studying, keeping her head down.
Zak spots Kya one morning crying in the graveyard, he daren’t approach her for fear of scaring her, but he managed to find out who she is and starts talking to her online. They meet the following day on the way to school and a friendship starts to develop. Kya can’t tell Zak what is happening, in fact she tells no one. But Zak has secrets of his own, things he keeps hidden. But he is a positive person and tries to help Kya. There is a strong connection building between the two.
Lizzie is only 5 and she thinks her daddy is the best, she doesn’t understand why daddy shouts at Kya, she doesn’t understand when mummy and daddy use loud voices. What has Kya done that makes daddy so cross. She loves Kya.
The story is told through three points of view, that of Kya, Lizzie and Zak. Everything started going bad for Kya one day when she refused to eat cabbage as she didn’t like cabbage, but her stepdad grabbed her and forced the cabbage into her mouth, as he was doing this her heavily pregnant mum was trying to drag him off of Kya, eventually he stopped but threw the plates across the room, that’s how it started but he was all apologetic the next day to her mum saying it would never happen again, Kya was 11 then. Kya had gone to her room and switched on her tv and saw a documentary about hummingbirds and their pretty colours. That night she dreamt of a hummingbird trapped in a bell jar it was begging for her help to set it free. Before it disintegrated.
The story follows the abuse that Kya deals with at the hands of her stepfather, it may not be being beaten, but words can be just as abusive. Not allowing her to go out, not buying her new shoes when she needs them. Her mum isn’t listening or is she? Maybe she is as trapped in the situation as Kya, he is a respectable man in the eyes of everyone who knows him, they just don’t see what happens behind closed doors. Her mum doesn’t see any of her wages, she has to make sure his lunch is on the table when he gets home. Everything has to be done his way.
The relationship between Kya and Zak is sweet, he understands, he knows something isn’t right and tries to protect Kya. They have lots in common.
The main theme of the story is showing that no matter how respectable someone looks on the outside, they aren’t always as they seem, an abuser can look like your average person, they can be from any walk of life, a dr. A teacher, a politician, abuse can also take many forms it can be verbal it can be physical. If someone is being abused in any way they should be able to come forward and talk to someone and not be afraid to do so. But many are, and many abusers get away with it for years.
This is a well written well thought out novel aimed at young adults told as a story to help them understand if the see something g that they don’t feel is right or if someone is abusing them in some way it’s ok to step forward and ask for help.
With great characters that are believable and relatable. A read I would highly recommend for children between 14 and 17. It’s engaging from start to finish.
Zak spots Kya one morning crying in the graveyard, he daren’t approach her for fear of scaring her, but he managed to find out who she is and starts talking to her online. They meet the following day on the way to school and a friendship starts to develop. Kya can’t tell Zak what is happening, in fact she tells no one. But Zak has secrets of his own, things he keeps hidden. But he is a positive person and tries to help Kya. There is a strong connection building between the two.
Lizzie is only 5 and she thinks her daddy is the best, she doesn’t understand why daddy shouts at Kya, she doesn’t understand when mummy and daddy use loud voices. What has Kya done that makes daddy so cross. She loves Kya.
The story is told through three points of view, that of Kya, Lizzie and Zak. Everything started going bad for Kya one day when she refused to eat cabbage as she didn’t like cabbage, but her stepdad grabbed her and forced the cabbage into her mouth, as he was doing this her heavily pregnant mum was trying to drag him off of Kya, eventually he stopped but threw the plates across the room, that’s how it started but he was all apologetic the next day to her mum saying it would never happen again, Kya was 11 then. Kya had gone to her room and switched on her tv and saw a documentary about hummingbirds and their pretty colours. That night she dreamt of a hummingbird trapped in a bell jar it was begging for her help to set it free. Before it disintegrated.
The story follows the abuse that Kya deals with at the hands of her stepfather, it may not be being beaten, but words can be just as abusive. Not allowing her to go out, not buying her new shoes when she needs them. Her mum isn’t listening or is she? Maybe she is as trapped in the situation as Kya, he is a respectable man in the eyes of everyone who knows him, they just don’t see what happens behind closed doors. Her mum doesn’t see any of her wages, she has to make sure his lunch is on the table when he gets home. Everything has to be done his way.
The relationship between Kya and Zak is sweet, he understands, he knows something isn’t right and tries to protect Kya. They have lots in common.
The main theme of the story is showing that no matter how respectable someone looks on the outside, they aren’t always as they seem, an abuser can look like your average person, they can be from any walk of life, a dr. A teacher, a politician, abuse can also take many forms it can be verbal it can be physical. If someone is being abused in any way they should be able to come forward and talk to someone and not be afraid to do so. But many are, and many abusers get away with it for years.
This is a well written well thought out novel aimed at young adults told as a story to help them understand if the see something g that they don’t feel is right or if someone is abusing them in some way it’s ok to step forward and ask for help.
With great characters that are believable and relatable. A read I would highly recommend for children between 14 and 17. It’s engaging from start to finish.
August 11, 2021
This book pretty much changed my life. I didn’t expect it to be so brutal and powerful. I didn’t expect the storyline to take the route it did but Fran wrote so beautifully I was gripped from beginning to end.
Kya is such a strong, beautiful woman who somehow managed to keep herself together despite what she was going through and how it was affecting her. Zak was my hero - as well as Kya’s - and definitely a strong, independent male character, especially for his age.
Karma definitely got a character in the end and I was quite happy about that and yet surprised that, that was the way the character’s journey ended.
Little Lizzie is just a little sweetheart and Fran wrote her chapters excellently, you could tell Lizzie was young and it was portrayed perfectly throughout the book. It sounded like a young girl speaking.
Poignant and beautifully written. Fran, this book was phenomenal, you’ve honestly written a beautiful piece. Thank you for sending me a copy of your beautiful book and to Vic (@instabooktours) for allowing me on this tour!
Kya is such a strong, beautiful woman who somehow managed to keep herself together despite what she was going through and how it was affecting her. Zak was my hero - as well as Kya’s - and definitely a strong, independent male character, especially for his age.
Karma definitely got a character in the end and I was quite happy about that and yet surprised that, that was the way the character’s journey ended.
Little Lizzie is just a little sweetheart and Fran wrote her chapters excellently, you could tell Lizzie was young and it was portrayed perfectly throughout the book. It sounded like a young girl speaking.
Poignant and beautifully written. Fran, this book was phenomenal, you’ve honestly written a beautiful piece. Thank you for sending me a copy of your beautiful book and to Vic (@instabooktours) for allowing me on this tour!
August 2, 2021
Firstly, what an absolutely gorgeous cover on what is a beautifully written book. Reading this is utterly compelling and a page turner. The chapters are short and each told from the POV of Kya, Lizzie or Zak.
Grant portrays the relationships between the three youngsters in such a way that you feel part of their lives.
Yes, there are some hard hitting subjects such as domestic abuse, abusive behaviour and sucidal thoughts, but I felt the way in which these were portrayed in this predominately YA book that any youngsters that may find themselves in a similar situation would be encouraged to be brave enough to speak out or seek help without the fear of blame.
A great first read to start August with, and one I'd recommend reading.
Grant portrays the relationships between the three youngsters in such a way that you feel part of their lives.
Yes, there are some hard hitting subjects such as domestic abuse, abusive behaviour and sucidal thoughts, but I felt the way in which these were portrayed in this predominately YA book that any youngsters that may find themselves in a similar situation would be encouraged to be brave enough to speak out or seek help without the fear of blame.
A great first read to start August with, and one I'd recommend reading.
July 15, 2021
As a lover of YA fiction, the latest from Grant was right up my street! Given the heavy and traumatic subject matter there are some trigger warnings - see end of my post.
This had me gripped as you follow 3 viewpoints; Kya, Zak and Lizzie. Can I just state here and now that I love Lizzie. Grant gave her such a beautiful and realistic voice - no mean feat. I will admit that I felt some of the discourse between Kya and Zak felt a little older than their about-to-finish high school and sixth form ages. But I loved how they see kindred spirits in each other - they are each other’s lifeline, although I would’ve liked more of a build up to their relationship. This gave me lots of feels and I’ll be looking out for more books from Grant!
⚠️Trigger warning/potential spoiler ⚠️ Includes reference to (but no detail about) a suicidal attempt/suicidal thoughts)
This had me gripped as you follow 3 viewpoints; Kya, Zak and Lizzie. Can I just state here and now that I love Lizzie. Grant gave her such a beautiful and realistic voice - no mean feat. I will admit that I felt some of the discourse between Kya and Zak felt a little older than their about-to-finish high school and sixth form ages. But I loved how they see kindred spirits in each other - they are each other’s lifeline, although I would’ve liked more of a build up to their relationship. This gave me lots of feels and I’ll be looking out for more books from Grant!
⚠️Trigger warning/potential spoiler ⚠️ Includes reference to (but no detail about) a suicidal attempt/suicidal thoughts)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2021
What a brilliant read! This story is told in three POVs, Kya, Lizzie and Zak. I absolutely loved Lizzie's character. The relationship between Kya and Zak is portrayed well and the support they give each other is great. I think Grant has done an amazing job with characters. Writing style is so beautiful and with really short chapters, I found it a quick, emotional yet beautiful read. I definitely recommend.
August 2, 2021
Fran Grant takes the subject of abusive behaviour and weaves this incredible story together which not only explores the suffering for the victims but also the strength and courage of them too!
The story is told from three characters points of view, Kya, Zak and Kya’s little sister Lizzie. Despite the book being short, so we are introduced to these characters quickly, the author does a fantastic job at portraying their personalities and identities. I especially loved Lizzie’s chapters as they really highlighted just how a young child sees the world, those around her and how she tries to figure out what is going on when to her everything is just innocent.
As mentioned this book is focused on abusive behaviour but I wouldn’t say there is any graphic or very detailed scenes of abuse. Alongside this we also have a romance which was lovely to see blossom and really helped to bring everything together. Also the ending had me on the verge of tears and was just brilliant.
Overall this is a fantastic YA book that highlights a very important subject for both young and old. A story of courage, determination and strength.
The story is told from three characters points of view, Kya, Zak and Kya’s little sister Lizzie. Despite the book being short, so we are introduced to these characters quickly, the author does a fantastic job at portraying their personalities and identities. I especially loved Lizzie’s chapters as they really highlighted just how a young child sees the world, those around her and how she tries to figure out what is going on when to her everything is just innocent.
As mentioned this book is focused on abusive behaviour but I wouldn’t say there is any graphic or very detailed scenes of abuse. Alongside this we also have a romance which was lovely to see blossom and really helped to bring everything together. Also the ending had me on the verge of tears and was just brilliant.
Overall this is a fantastic YA book that highlights a very important subject for both young and old. A story of courage, determination and strength.
July 13, 2021
Absolutely amazing. I read this book in one 2.5 hour sitting, I couldn't put it down and needed to know what was going to happen. It was fantastic, full of likeable (and like to hate) characters, easy to read short chapters which kept the story moving - seeing it from mostly 2 sometimes 3 peoples points of view was a really good way to do this particular story.
Loved it!
Loved it!
August 11, 2021
The cover of this book is absolutely stunning. I have to say I really enjoyed the suspense through the book to what is a very serious subject matter. The book is told between three characters. Kya being the main. The short chapters kept it easy to follow if you had to put it down. Absolutely brilliant and can’t wait to read more books by the author.
August 22, 2021
Omg what a book! This had me hooked. I was stuck between wanting to skip through as I was to eager to know what was going on and wanting it drag it out and make it last it was so good.
The book is broken down into 3 points of view. We have our main girl Kya, her little sister Lizzie and Zak who she meets at a graveyard. I really liked going back and forth between the 3 especially Lizzies pov it was interesting to see the events through the eyes of a child.
Fran did a great job with this story. It covers some sensitive subjects which were written about carefully. I loved the suspense of it all and I was constantly guessing what the secrets were and where is was going to lead.
An absolute cracking story which I'd highly recommend
The book is broken down into 3 points of view. We have our main girl Kya, her little sister Lizzie and Zak who she meets at a graveyard. I really liked going back and forth between the 3 especially Lizzies pov it was interesting to see the events through the eyes of a child.
Fran did a great job with this story. It covers some sensitive subjects which were written about carefully. I loved the suspense of it all and I was constantly guessing what the secrets were and where is was going to lead.
An absolute cracking story which I'd highly recommend
August 9, 2021
This book. Wow.
I’m not sure that I can say how great this book is because the subject matter is so emotive.
I really enjoyed the split chapters between Kay, Lizzie and Zak. I thought it really brought the story home.
Such a powerful and thought provoking book.
I’m not sure that I can say how great this book is because the subject matter is so emotive.
I really enjoyed the split chapters between Kay, Lizzie and Zak. I thought it really brought the story home.
Such a powerful and thought provoking book.
July 10, 2021
I read it in one sitting. Couldn’t put it down, just needed to find out what happened! Really compelling book with likeable characters. Highly recommended.
August 4, 2021
First off, can we take a second to admire the beauty that is the cover of this book! I think this is one of the prettiest covers I have seen for a while!
My emotions were all over the place with this one. At times i found it difficult to read.
We follow Kya, who lets face it, has a rubbish time at home. She meets the dark and dangerous Zak and ultimately they fall in love.
Not in normal ‘teenage love’ but deeper. Both of these characters are wise beyond their years and have been through more trauma than a lot of adults. Their experiences really help to bring them closer together.
I loved reading about their journey and watching them realise that they are not to blame. That they have done nothing wrong.
We then have Lizzie, Kyas younger sister. She really was a dream to read about.
I loved the short, snappy chapters from the perspective of the 3 kids. You really got inside their heads.
I also loved the references back to the hummingbird. It was an underlying theme throughout.
All in all, I really enjoyed this one and devoured it in 1 sitting!
My emotions were all over the place with this one. At times i found it difficult to read.
We follow Kya, who lets face it, has a rubbish time at home. She meets the dark and dangerous Zak and ultimately they fall in love.
Not in normal ‘teenage love’ but deeper. Both of these characters are wise beyond their years and have been through more trauma than a lot of adults. Their experiences really help to bring them closer together.
I loved reading about their journey and watching them realise that they are not to blame. That they have done nothing wrong.
We then have Lizzie, Kyas younger sister. She really was a dream to read about.
I loved the short, snappy chapters from the perspective of the 3 kids. You really got inside their heads.
I also loved the references back to the hummingbird. It was an underlying theme throughout.
All in all, I really enjoyed this one and devoured it in 1 sitting!
August 4, 2021
Brilliant book containing difficult subjects of domestic abuse. This book contains short but sharp chapters to keep you hooked. I loved how the book was split In three point of views by Kya, Zak and Lizzie. Very hard but great book.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews