If you are looking for a Queen themed, heartwarming coming of age book about defying the expectations, this is it!

It's also perfect for fans of When Dimple Met Rishi. I found the books had similar vibes and main character personality traits, although the plots are worlds apart.

I found the pacing a bit mixed at times, and the story beats hit at slightly different times than I expected, but I found the book wholly original and a beautiful story to add to the currently sparse representation Indian British teens get in books.

The Mercury In Me was a fun and sweet young adult contemporary novel about growing the confidence to embrace who you are and what you want from life.

The book follows top student Maya, a British-Indian sixth form student intent on acing her qualifications and studying medicine, as she gets drawn into the Queen-inspired school musical and begins to embrace her creative side. In channelling her inner Freddie Mercury, Maya embarks on a journey of what it means to be British and to be Indian at the same time, and how she can reconcile her wants with those of her traditional family.

Maya has to go through the typical teenage turmoils of bullying, misunderstandings and friendship dramas, and she also has a frustratingly realistic will-they-won't-they with musical superstar Harry, which definitely has its cute moments. The wider collective of friends were nice additions, even if the bullying side story was incredibly clichéd.

Overall, an enjoyable quick read that I am sure many teens will find something of themselves in.

As a teacher, I know young people can be cruel and spiteful and immature, but the level of mean girl attitude from Candice and the lack of adult intervention just in the first chapter had me raising my brows. However, once the flagrant bullying passes by, the story picks up quickly and becomes a musical love-fest.

"What would Freddie Mercury do?" is the refrain that runs throughout this book, and it's the perfect question for these uncertain and overthinking teens.

Maya is told she needs to loosen up, and her chance meeting with the handsome school theatre star Henry leads to an audition for the drama club's performance as well as lots of flirtatious banter. It's not all sunshine and smiles though, as both Maya and Henry struggle with the expectations placed on them by their families and the 'shame' of not fulfilling the desired cultural roles. I really liked the balance between teen humour and fears of the future, and thought it captures that post-school crossroads really well.

The romance was sweet, but at times became saccharine and over the top. The confession scenes felt too melodramatic and really drew me out of the moment. The dialogue elsewhere is very natural and playful though, and I enjoyed getting to know the characters when they have one on one interactions - especially Lucie.

This story reminded me of my own theatre experiences, capturing the love forged between the cast and the exhilaration of performing so well. It also shows how things are not always black and white and that communication is the surest way to finding a solution. If you like YA books, rom-com vibes, multicultural and intergenerational divides, or school drama, this book is for you!

I so wanted to love this, the premise is great, but the dialogue is clunky in places, and the love story just didn’t quite land right - it all happens too fast so the pacing feels off.