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< Back Jeffrey Hallett Labyrinths of Radiance and Shadow While working on a technology project at Crystal Bay University, Dr Tricia Carling was involved in a freak accident. Following the accident, she acquired extraordinary strength and healing powers to become the world’s only functioning parahuman. Using the alias of Beacon, and donning a superhero costume, she has become a local crusader and celebrity, using her powers as a force for good to fight criminals. But, unbeknownst to Beacon, she is not the only person living in Crystal Bay with special abilities. A woman named Umbra was involved in the same accident as Tricia, although her abilities are significantly different. A year later, Beacon has caught the attention of Sorensen, the Director of the Institute for the Advancement of Human Potential. Sorensen has a secret mission to harness her powers and replicate them in others, creating an entire legion of parahumans. He persuades Umbra to work with him to recruit an army of people and give them the superpowers that will cure all society’s ills. But few people survive Sorensen’s rigorous experiments and Sorensen hopes that Beacon will provide all the answers he needs. Umbra is given her biggest mission to date, to recruit Beacon to the program. But when Beacon refuses to cooperate, Sorensen devises an elaborate plan to capture and incarcerate her. Stripped of her freedom and her powers, Beacon must decide whether to comply and survive, or fight back and risk everything. Labyrinths of Radiance and Shadow is the sequel to Paths Into Darkness And Light, by Jeffrey Hallett. The book picks up Tricia’s story around a year after her lab accident. With some familiar characters from the first book, Hallett introduces new characters including an evil entrepreneur who sees in Beacon a new breed of enhanced humans. Beacon is a compelling protagonist – fierce, vulnerable and deeply human, despite her special abilities. The dynamic between Beacon and Sorensen is particularly well-drawn, capturing the chilling dance between heroine and villain, captor and captive, creator and destroyer. This is an electrifying (and sometimes terrifying) read that will satisfy readers of science fiction, super-hero fiction, and psychological thrillers. Overall, a fast-paced, action-packed and emotionally charged sequel, with a fierce heroine, a terrifying villain, and a gripping, otherworldly plot. I would recommend reading the Paths Into Darkness And Light by Jeffrey Hallett first. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A dark, science fiction / super-hero fiction novel, with a fierce heroine, a terrifying villain, and a gripping, otherworldly, plot. Purchase here

< Back Cheryl Johnson Creatures of the Rainforest A guidebook about the rainforest, for young explorers. Creatures of the Rainforest is a reference book about the rainforest and the different creatures that live there. The book explores types of organisms in the animal kingdom, where they live, how they look, and how they act. It also includes valuable information about how readers can learn about these creatures, through observation and investigation. It includes lots of fun facts – did you know there are over 430 different kinds of mammals and over 2.5 million different insect species in the rainforest? Featuring some well-known species as well as some lesser well-known species, the book explains the importance of the rainforest and how it impacts on the entire planet. With lots of resources, including a biologist reference sheet, nature notes and fun facts about different species, and access to a free online activity pack, the book will encourage young readers to continue their discovery of nature and biology. On completion of the book, readers are awarded a ‘Junior Rainforest Biologist’ certificate. Creatures of the Rainforest by author and photographer Cheryl Johnson is an educational and entertaining guidebook for young readers. Well researched, full of interesting facts and figures, and sensational photography from Johnson, the book will appeal to anyone interested in nature, biology, and the rainforests. The book will increase awareness of the rainforest and the key issues affecting the rainforest and the creatures that live there. It will help to prompt further discussion and debate about environmental issues and conservation. Written in a simple and engaging way, with clean and clearly structured pages, this book is accessible for readers both young and old. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sensational portfolio of wildlife photography, with fascinating facts about the rainforest, this book will entertain readers for hours. Purchase here

< Back Brian R Estvander Stilled: The Story of Inklebrawt Winklehank An original and gripping sci-fi adventure, by author Brian R Estvander Inklebrawt (Ink) Winklehank is a Huply - a hybrid of a human and a biologically engineered species, created by humans using nanomachinery (the Plythi’i). The Plythi’i are a peaceful and empathetic species, and have psychokinetic abilities, called the Plythi’i Sense. Since their creation, the Plythi’i and Huply have lived in harmony with humans, in a world called Ply’. But the Shepherds, an exiled group of half-breeds and humans, want to eliminate any type of artificial speciation, threaten to attack Ply’ and eradicate all Huply and Plythi’i. Ink has always struggled to balance his advanced Plythi’i abilities and empathic temperament, with his wild human emotions and desires. But, when threatened by the Shepherds, Ink must learn to come to terms with his true identity to locate his Plythi’i siblings and safeguard the future of the human race. Stilled: The Story of Inklebrawt Winklehank by author Brian R Estvander is an original sci-fi adventure about a group of hybrid siblings and their fight for survival against a rogue group of Shepherds who want to eliminate them, and all artificial speciation. It is an epic battle of good versus evil, nature versus technology. The story interweaves effortlessly across galaxies and between past and present, revealing the complex backstory of the species and the characters. Overall, an expertly crafted sci-fi adventure, which brings together science, technology, and human evolution. With a fast-paced and gripping plot, authentic and believable characters, and excellent world building, this book will appeal to fans of action, adventure and science fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An epic sci-fi adventure about a group of hybrid siblings and their fight for survival. Purchase here

< Back Inga Aksamit Between Worlds: An Expat's Quest for Belonging Book blurb... At age thirteen, Inga Aksamit finds herself caught in her second war zone, listening to gunfire in East Pakistan while contemplating what few possessions she can take if evacuated. But her story begins years earlier, when at four years old, her family leaves their comfortable California life behind for a posting in West Pakistan. From a terrifying separation from her mother in a crowded Tokyo train station to hiding under restaurant tables in Hong Kong, young Inga's journey across Asia is just the beginning of a life straddling cultures. As the daughter of an American engineer working on crucial infrastructure projects in Pakistan, she navigates a world of armed compounds, household servants, cultural misunderstandings, and political unrest. "Between Worlds: An Expat's Quest for Belonging" is a vivid memoir that captures the challenges and adventures of growing up as a Western child in South Asia and South America during the 1960s. Through the eyes of a four-year-old and to teenager, Aksamit brings to life the sights, sounds, and smells of a world that no longer exists, while exploring universal themes of identity, belonging, and what it truly means to be home. Perfect for readers who enjoyed "Reading Lolita in Tehran" and "Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight," this memoir offers a unique perspective on a pivotal time in South Asian history through the lens of a young American caught between two worlds. Purchase here

< Back Melissa Rousu Grandpa Loved Wild Things Grandpa Bill loves wild things, and loves to take his grandchildren outside to enjoy nature. He takes them into the snowy forest to find a snowy owl, and teaches them about owl habitats. Grandpa Bill also takes care of injured wild animals in his home. He looks after an injured eagle, and a racoon who has been abandoned by his mother. Grandpa Bill teaches his grandchildren about each animal, and how to take care of them. Another day, Grandpa Bill takes his grandchildren to a lake to look at the ducks. As the grandchildren get older, they spend less time with Grandpa Bill, until one day he joins the wild things he loved so much. His grandchildren remember what he taught them, and they teach their own children all about the wild things their grandpa loved. Grandpa Loved Wild Things by Melissa Rousu is a charming, illustrated picture book that explores the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren, and the importance of passing down knowledge and stories through generations. Grandpa Bill patiently teaches his grandchildren about nature, and in time those children pass on the same learnings to their own children. The book has a gentle environmental message, encouraging young readers to explore the world around them, and to take care of nature. A perfect book to inspire children to get involved in outdoor activities and nature. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary: A charming, illustrated picture book with a gentle environmental message. Purchase here

< Back Ashley Porsche Bugge The Ocean is Calling A poignant memoir of love and loss, beautifully written by author Ashley Porsche Bugge Thirty-five-year-old Brian James Bugge, sailor, explorer, naval officer, and diver, died tragically in a scuba diving accident in Hawaii on May 20, 2018, leaving behind his two young children, Izzy and Hudson, and wife, Ashley, pregnant with their third child, Adeline. Ashley is heartbroken, as she tries to come to terms with the loss of her beloved husband, best friend and soul mate. Brian was stationed in Hawaii as a US Naval Officer, and the family had built a beautiful home and incredible life on the paradise island. But, with memories and visions of Brian on every part of the island, Ashley is unable to stay in their family home. Just three weeks after Brian’s funeral, Ashley packs up her life and moves with the children to Boise, Idaho, with Brian’s sister, Nikki, and her family. Ashley is stricken with grief and struggles to eat, sleep and drink. She cannot see a future without Brian, and contemplates ending her own life. As her health deteriorates, Ashley is diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and hospitalised. At thirty-five weeks, Ashley is induced early, and baby Adeline is born safely in July 2018. The next few months are hard for Ashley, as she learns how to cope with new motherhood without her ‘tried and true.’ Ashley is determined to pull through and knows she must find something to look forward to. So, she decides to plan an epic trip to Europe, including seven countries in eight weeks. Several months later, with her best friend Kasey, nanny Kayla, and three young children in tow, the party embark on a European adventure of a lifetime. The trip is an opportunity for fun and adventure, but also allows time for Ashley to heal and recover, as she fondly remembers Brian and scatters his ashes in the ocean of each country she visits. Returning home, Ashley is comforted by a letter from one of Brian’s organ donor recipients and she deposits his remaining ashes in the dive site where he tragically lost his life. The Ocean is Calling is a poignant memoir, beautifully written by Ashley Porsche Bugge, wife of Brian who tragically lost his life in a scuba diving accident. Ashley writes about their life together, and his tragic death, with such openness and tenderness. She describes the impact of his death on her health and life with pure, raw emotion. The scenes she describes when she first learnt about his death, said goodbye in the hospital, carried his urn through the airport, and contemplated her own life, are truly heart-breaking. This book is a beautiful and loving tribute, to a man well loved. I’m sure it will provide much comfort to Brian’s family and friends, and his children as they grow older and start to process their own grief. It will help them to remember his life was a life well-lived. It will help them to remember what an extraordinary woman their mother was to overcome such unimaginable pain and loss, and their amazing travels through Europe. The book will provide hope to anyone who has lost a loved one, that even in the darkest of times, one can find happiness. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautiful and loving tribute, to a man well loved. Purchase here

< Back Michael Dow Nurse Florence for Beginning Readers: Help, Im Bleeding! Jean learns basic first aid, with the help of the school nurse, Florence. Three little girls, Jean, Sonia, and Condi are playing outside at school when Jean trips over a rock and falls down. She cuts her hand on the rock and is sent to the school nurse to stop the bleeding. Nurse Florence puts on her gloves and puts pressure on Jeans hand. She explains how Jean’s own body will heal itself and stop the bleeding by using the food she has eaten. She puts some anti-bacterial cream on the wound and covers it with a band-aid to keep it clean. To help her wound heal faster, Nurse Florence recommends that Jean eats a healthy diet, including green vegetables, cereal and eggs, and drinks plenty of milk. Jean thanks Nurse Florence and hopes one day she might become a nurse herself. Nurse Florence for Beginning Readers: Help, I’m Bleeding! is an illustrated picture book By author Michael Dow. Inspired by the nursing profession and particularly the remarkable work of Florence Nightingale, the book provides a basic lesson in first aid for very young readers. It follows a young girl who is injured at school and is treated by the school nurse, Florence. Nurse Florence treats the girls wound, but also gives advice about how to help her own body heal. The girl is so inspired by Nurse Florence, she hopes to become a nurse one day too. The book is an educational and engaging story, that will help young readers understand basic first aid, and may even inspire them to pursue a career in nursing, medicine, or science. It shows the important work that nurses do to help others when they need treatment, but also the work they do in health promotion and disease prevention. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A great introduction to first aid for young readers, and a fascinating insight into the nursing profession. Purchase here

< Back Anthony J Mohr Every Other Weekend Coming of Age With Two Different Dads A memoir by Superior Court judge, Anthony J. Mohr, about his life growing up with two dads. Every Other Weekend: Coming of Age With Two Different Dads , is a moving memoir by Anthony J. Mohr, about his extraordinary life growing up in Hollywood with two dads. Mohr served twenty-six years as a Superior Court judge in California and also served on the California Court of Appeal. Born in 1947, Mohr was the only child of Rita and Gerald Mohr. His father was an award-winning radio star in the 1930’s and 1940’s, and found fame as crime detective, Bill Lance. Mohr recalls happy memories of his childhood in Hollywood, with parties, celebrity friends, and bit-roles on TV. He enjoyed the glitz and glamour of Hollywood life, but his father was largely absent from those early years as he strived to make a name for himself on TV. But his career took a downturn in the 1950s, and he failed to achieve the same level of success on TV. In an attempt to salvage his flailing career, his father moved to Sweden to take a job on a Swedish TV show. He never returned home. Mohr later discovered that his father had an affair with the script writer of the show. His parents divorced and Mohr moved from his half-acre plot in the San Fernando Valley to a small abode in New York City. His mother later re-married wealthy business tycoon, Stanley Dashew. The family moved back to California, Beverly Hills, and Mohr became accustomed to a life of luxury. As Dashew’s business thrived, his father fell on hard times as his career continued to nosedive. This is a fascinating memoir, told through the eyes of a child growing up during the golden age of Hollywood. During a time when divorce was uncommon and frowned upon, Mohr describes his experience as he moved back and forth between two homes, and tried to find a place for himself and a sense of belonging. Mohr’s father and stepfather were polar opposites. His father: creative, charming, and charismatic, the life and soul of the party. His stepfather: quiet, sensitive, and reserved, a stable force in Mohr’s life. Mohr describes a deep love and affection for both men but grappled with divided loyalties throughout his life. This is an authentic, well-written, and witty memoir, providing a glimpse into the world of celebrity and old Hollywood, through the eyes of a young boy. The book sensitively depicts the impact of parental separation, which will resonate with many readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartfelt and absorbing memoir about family breakdown and divorce, told through the eyes of a child growing up during the golden age of Hollywood. Purchase here

< Back J. F. Cronin It Could Happen Here - A Roadmap to Disaster The President of the United States, and his wealthy cronies, will stop at nothing to retain power. It Could Happen Here – A Roadmap to Disaster is a political fiction novel by author J.F. Cronin, about corruption in the highest state of office in the United States. The President, Wilbur Barron, calls Eric King, the wealthy CEO of International Surveillance, Security and Construction (ISSAC), requesting his expertise in planning an election strategy. Eric is a trusted associate of the President, and he often takes on jobs that are unadvertised, sometimes shady, and often secretive. The President is insecure, and he praises dictators who have inherited their positions. He knows he is going to have a hard time winning the next election and will stop at nothing to succeed and retain power. Eric meets with the President, and two other wealthy advisers, and they discuss how to discredit the opposition in the upcoming election campaign, the potential impact on the presidency of a new contagious virus that is spreading across the world, and the introduction of mail-in ballots. They consider a legal strategy to overturn the election in the event of a loss, and the use of military, if required. King is incredulous, but he weighs up his concerns about the democratic process and decides that money and power are more important to him. Will the wealthy, elite keep Barron in office? And how will they respond if he loses the election? It Could Happen Here – A Roadmap to Disaster, is a gripping political drama about a president, who will stop at nothing to retain power. The president and his wealthy cronies, hungry for money and power, develop a sinister plan to keep him in office. Cronin writes ‘ They were all that stood between democracy and anarchy’ . Their plan, if successful would damage the electoral process and destroy democracy in the United States. This is a well written, believable and convincing political drama, with many similarities to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. Cronin questions whether it could happen in the United States. It is terrifying to think it could. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A believable and gripping political drama about a president who will stop at nothing to retain power. Not to be missed. Purchase here

< Back Stacy Salomone Whitcomb Baby Munchkin A little girl is excited when her mommy and daddy tell her she is going to be a big sister. She is even more excited when she learns the new baby will be a girl. She is looking forward to playing with her and sharing her toys, and knows they will be best of friends. But her mommy and daddy cannot decide what to call the new baby. They think of lots of names, such as Olivia, Mia, Kristen and Grace. The little girl has an idea. She would like to call her sister Baby Munchkin. When the new baby arrives, she is disappointed and upset when her mommy and daddy call her a different name. The little girl adores her baby sister, and soon realises that her name does not matter a bit. Baby Munchkin is a sweet and charming illustrated picture book by Stacy Salomone Whitcomb, about a little girl who eagerly awaits the arrival of her new baby sister. Her mommy and daddy involve her in the preparations for the new baby, and encourage her to think of a name. She spends a long time thinking of the perfect name, but her parents choose a different name. This is a lovely book for any child preparing for a new sibling, and shows young readers that while it is okay to share ideas, sometimes grown-ups have to make the final decision, and that’s okay too. By the end of the story the little girl learns that she can still love her sister with all her heart. Star rating : 4 Stars Summary: A sweet and charming story to help young children understand change, decision making, and the loving role they play in a growing family. Purchase here

< Back C James Sweeney Sadie Sasquatch has Big Feet Sadie Sasquatch finds a sporting match. Sadie Sasquatch loves going to school and learning new things. She loves story time, and arts and crafts, and she especially enjoys nap time. But her favourite time is recess! She loves to climb and jump, swing and slide, spin and play. But, as a sasquatch (bigfoot) sometimes Sadie’s big feet get in the way. They get tangled in the skipping rope, smudge the chalk on the hopscotch board, and get in the way when she plays basketball. Sadie’s friends are not happy, and Sadie is sad they do not want to play with her anymore. Over in the field, Sadie notices a group of friends playing kickball and joins in. But when she is picked last for the team, Sadie thinks it is because of her big feet. When it is her time to kick, Sadie grits her teeth and kicks the ball as far as she can. She lands a home run and helps her team win the game. As Sadie teaches her dad her new skills, she soon realises kickball is the perfect sport for a little (and big) sasquatch. Sadie Sasquatch has Big Feet by C. James Sweeney is part of a book series about a little sasquatch and her adventures at school. Sadie is different from the other children, and sometimes feels like an outsider. In this book, Sadie realises that her big feet are not great for many activities. However, they do not stop her from joining in and having fun. As she tries lots of different activities, she joins a group of friends playing Kickball. Sadie learns that she has unique skills, and finally finds an activity that she likes and is good at. The book teaches children important life lessons about perseverance, self-acceptance, and the importance of harnessing one’s own strengths. It reminds children that it is okay to be different, and it will encourage children to find an activity that is a good match for their own unique qualities and talents. It will help to develop inner-strength and confidence amongst young readers. Sadie is a cute, funny, and relatable character, and her story and school experiences will resonate with many young readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A charming picture book about a little sasquatch who finds her confidence and skills-match on the kickball field. Purchase here

< Back Robin Jeffrey .exe: A Cadence Turing Mystery Chance Hale is enamoured by a mysterious woman from a different planet. Chance Hale is an Arrhidaean living in the wealthy suburb or Zahia. Chance is heir to the multi-billion-dollar company, Halcyon Enterprises, headed up by his father, Felix Hale. Travelling home after a one-night stand he can hardly remember, Chance notices a woman with a phoenix tattoo on her back. He introduces himself to the woman, and learns her name is Cadence Turing, from the plant Paraesepe. New to the city, and with no where else to stay, Chance invites the stranger to stay at his house, the imposing Hale Manor. Felix is planning a party that night and has an important announcement to make. He is not happy his son has brought a stranger into the house. As Cadence learns more about the strange, new world, the party gets underway. To everyone’s surprise, Felix announces his engagement t o Desdemona Eydis, and gives her an expensive necklace. Chance is livid that his father is marrying a woman younger than him, and who he has known for just three months. When Chance confronts his father, Felix threatens to cut him off from his inheritance. The next day, Desdemona’s necklace is missing, and the following day Felix is found beaten to death in his room. As Chance becomes the prime suspect for his father’s murder, Cadence reveals her true identity, putting her own life in danger. Will Chance prove his innocence? Will Cadence’s true identity be discovered by the authorities? And can they solve the mystery of Felix’s death? .exe: A Cadence Turing Mystery is a thrilling science fiction novel by author Robin Jeffrey , and the first book in the Cadence Turing mystery series. The book follows two people from two different worlds, who are unexpectedly brought together and realise they have more in common than they think. This is a classic mystery novel, set in a captivating futuristic world. With intriguing characters, and a gripping mystery plot, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy futuristic fantasy fiction and crime mysteries. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A classic whodunnit, with a unique, futuristic twist. Purchase here