Ones to Watch 2025

Leah and Charlie are handling their family's loss in very different ways. Their choices push them down difficult and perilous paths which eventually collide, sending shockwaves through their community. This astounding, compulsive novel explores love, power, money, art, and asks: what matters most in the end?

Alfie thinks Maya might be the One, and he's desperate to tell her ... until she reveals she's got a new, cooler boyfriend. Crushed, Alfie starts hanging out with Maya's shy best friend Gwen – and develops feelings for her. But Gwen's hiding something, and Alfie's confused.

As Alfie looks for love within his friendship group, things get complicated – until Alfie makes a big mistake. Can he score with the girl of his dreams – or is he onto a losing streak?

At just nineteen, Stephen has already survived a year at the front. Now he is returning to the trenches to lead a platoon, despite his wounds. Broken-hearted from the loss of his first love, Stephen wonders what he's fighting for. Then he meets Private Danny McCormick, a smart, talented young recruit. From their first meeting, there's something undeniable between them – something forbidden by both society and the army. Determined to protect Danny, Stephen must face down the prejudices and ignorance of his superiors as well as the onslaught of German shells and sniper fire.

As the summer of 1916 ticks down to one big push on the Somme, can Stephen and Danny stay together – and will their love save them – or condemn them?