This book was told through the eyes of a child during the plague in London. I found this a really good and also informative read. The panic of it coming closer and closer to home was scary and also threw me right back to March 2020. There was the early signs of social distancing even back then. Some of the cures mentioned were absolutely horrid and I’m so pleased for modern medicine now. This was such a good read, written beautifully and really told the story of the time and how much devastation that wiped a generation out there really was

Nicholls has created a vivid depiction of rural life during the Black Death of the Middle Ages as rumour, superstition and panic spread faster than the plague itself. Centred on Isabel the oldest daughter of farming folk we view the unfolding drama through her adolescent eyes and is part coming of age story. The narrative is full of historical realities which allow you to 'experience' the sights and smells of the Yorkshire communities and the emotional toll that they take.

The perfect pandemic read!

I know that people think reading about a plague, during a plague, is a bad idea but this was a thrilling read! And the parallels are astounding.

A story of survival set against the backdrop of the Black death in a small village on the outskirts of York, one family must gather all their courage when around them all they see is death.

This was a fascinating read, mixing true historical events into a heartbreaking narrative about family and sacrifice. Our main character is Isabel, a 14 year old who lives at home with her family - including step mother Alice and her siblings. At the start of the novel there are rumours abound about a pestilence ravaging London. Gossip runs riot as there are sightings in nearby York, but Isabel is content that their little piece of the world will be safe. How wrong she is. The depiction of death and despair felt very plausible, with Isabel at a loss over what to do and where to go when the plague hits the village and people start dying. However, at times I did find the pacing to be very hit or miss. The later half in particular felt a little lost in direction and at odds with the rest of the story. There was no real need to visit York, and actually took away this insular and claustrophobic atmosphere that had been created.

On the whole however, I thought this was a highly interesting and emotional read that takes a historical period known to most and humanising it.

I didnt really know anything about the Black Death and life in 14th century England, so this book was a real eye opener, packed with historic detail and information as well as a fascinating story. Based around Isabel and her family, living a feudal life in a small village outside York when reports of pestilence and plague start being heard. It felt very timely to read it, with the memories of last year's earliest Covid in mind, and the sense of not knowing where such a deadly threat is coming from or how to avoid it felt very current.

Unfortunately this just wasn’t one for me, I couldn’t connect with the story and I fought to finish and not DNF, just really not my cup of tea at all.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

I’ve been meaning to read this for years. Brilliant to find some good historical YA set in medieval period as there really isn’t that much out there. An engaging read about a fascinating time in history

This is an excellent historical fiction, a story set during the Black Plague that made me understand what meant during that pandemic.
The author is a talented storyteller and the historical background is well researched and vivid.
Excellent character development, a plot that kept me reading.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Sadly I really didn't like All Fall Down.
I was just really bored and I didn't like any of the characters.
Maybe the book just wasn't for me as I can see other people liking it a lot more then I did.
Thank you netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Such a compelling story especially in the times that we are living through at the moment, I found it such a gripping read, I couldn't out it down. I also loved the front cover, I really enjoyed it.