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Magic, Mystery, and the Multiverse: The Marvelous Multiverse App < Back Aurora Winter Magic, Mystery, and the Multiverse: The Marvelous Multiverse App A thrilling, magical, mystery ride through the multiverse, by author Aurora Winter Siblings, Ana and Zachary, from Los Angeles, California, are visiting their Aunt Wendy and Uncle Shockley in Vancouver. Ana is an aspiring actress, who dreams of making it big in Hollywood. Zachary is in remission from cancer, and immunocompromised. The siblings are in quarantine following their travels and are alone in the house and bored. They explore their aunt and uncle’s house, and find their uncle’s experimental, hydrogen-fueled car, named the Parallel Universe Pod (P.U.P). While they are exploring the car, Ana activates the Marvelous Multiverse app, which takes them on a joyride across the solar system. The P.U.P transports them to a parallel world and they crash land on a planet called Lokey, accidentally killing the evil Emerald Censor. Ana and Zachary meet the magical and mysterious inhabitants of Lokey and become instant heroes. When they learn of a Wizard Snapdragon with magical healing powers, they set off to find her, in the hope that she will cure Zachary’s cancer. But their arrival in Lokey has not gone unnoticed, and the siblings are soon pursued by Queen Crimson, who is determined to avenge the death of the Emerald Censor. As the siblings navigate this new world, the cruel Queen Crimson kidnaps Zachary. Ana must rescue her brother, whilst at the same time must confront the evil forces that are determined to destroy her. Magic, Mystery, and the Multiverse: The Marvelous Multiverse App is a magical, fantasy fiction, adventure novel, and the first book in a planned series, by author Aurora Winter. This is a fun, fantastic, fast-paced, fantasy adventure, well-executed by Winter. With a unique and imaginative plot, a mesmerising magical multiverse, and a host of wonderful and magical creatures, this book will appeal to young adult readers who enjoy adventure and fantasy fiction. Inspired by books, such as Wizard of Oz and Harry Potter, and movies such as Back to the Future, this book can sit proudly alongside those classics. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, fantasy fiction novel, packed full of magic and adventure. A thrilling ride through the multiverse, not to be missed! Purchase here

The Wonder Wig < Back Dr. Shon Lewis The Wonder Wig Meet Brooke Bell: an extraordinary young girl with an extraordinary wonder wig. A young girl named Brooke Bell lives with her mom and dad in Arkansas. Brooke has short, afro hair and wishes she has long flowing locks like her favourite Barbie dolls. One day, Brooke takes one of her moms’ wigs and wears it to school. But when she drops one of her books, the wig falls off her head and the other students laugh at her. Her grandmother comforts her and reminds her of her natural beauty. Her mom on the other hand is cross she took the wig. Brooke is unhappy that her parents are always working and never spend anytime with her. She enjoys spending time at her grandparents’ house, and following the incident with the wig she asks to live with them over the summer. After lots of arguments, her mom finally agrees. During the summer break, Brooke helps out at her Aunt Pam’s hair salon, enjoying the interactions with customers, and admiring all the hair products and wigs for sale. Over the years, Brooke continues to work at her aunt’s salon at weekends, and her relationship with her mom improves. When she is aged sixteen, Aunt Pam gives Brooke a wig. But this is no ordinary wig. The wig has special powers that enable Brooke to hear other people’s conversations. She hears other girls talking about their alopecia and decides to help them. She keeps the special powers a secret, disguises her appearance, and uses her earnings from the salon to buy wigs for girls with alopecia. As Brooke helps more girls, there is a news report of a nameless person, they call ‘Dashing Dazzle’ donating wigs to a hair clinic for girls with alopecia. A cash reward of $20,000 is offered to identify the mysterious wig benefactor. Will Brooke reveal her identity and claim the cash prize? And will she reveal the powers of the extraordinary wonder wig? The Wonder Wig by Dr. Shon Lewis is a fun and imaginative short story for young adult readers, about an extraordinary young girl with an extraordinary wonder wig. Brooke’s life is changed forever when she is given a special wig as a gift. But rather than using the special powers for personal gain, she decides to use the powers to help others more in need. This is a great concept, and a positive story for women and girls that celebrates the beauty and diversity of afro hair. The book promotes hair-positivity and good hair health, and encourages readers to accept their natural beauty whilst respecting individual choice on haircare products and wigs. At the same time, the book raises awareness of alopecia and may help to reduce stigma associated with this condition. I particularly enjoyed the ‘Dashing Dazzle’ character and believe the author could explore this character much further. I would love to hear more from her and her wonder wig! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, positive and empowering story for women and girls, which celebrates natural beauty and respects individual hair-care choices. Purchase here

The Bear and the Rose < Back E.K. Larson-Burnett The Bear and the Rose An outstanding debut, from author E.K. Larson-Burnett Springtide is approaching in Hazelfeur, and the village is on high alert as the bears wake from their winter hibernation. Ever year the bears have grown bolder, and in recent years have started to breach the village. Rhoswen, an orphan and female bear-slayer, has sworn to protect the village from the bear goddess, Artio, who terrorises the village with her army of bears. When a bear enters the village and kills a young boy, Rhoswen travels through the forest to find and slay Artio. While Rhoswen searches for Artio’s lair, she finds a beautiful young woman, named Diomath, trapped in Artio’s nest. Diomath appears to have been attacked by a bear, and has an injury to her leg. Rhoswen is enchanted by the young woman, and goes back to Hazelfeur to get her some help from the village healer. Rhoswen soon discovers that Diomath is the daughter of Artio, but Diomath explains she has no love for her mother who inflicted her with a terrible curse. Can Rhoswen stop the bear attacks once and for all? And can she trust the daughter of the evil bear goddess? The Bear and the Rose is a beautifully written fantasy novel for young adult readers, by debut author E.K. Larson-Burnett. The novel is pure, wonderful escapism, as the author takes the reader on a fantasy journey into the mesmerising world of Hazelfeur. I was totally immersed in this story and transported into Hazelfeur and Artio’s lair for a period of time. The book comprises short, concise chapters, and has many twists and turns that kept me riveted throughout. This book could be easily devoured in a single sitting. With beautiful, lyrical prose, fully developed characters, and a rich fantasy world, this is an outstanding debut novel. I cannot wait to read more from this talented author. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy fantasy, fairy tales, folklore and Celtic mythology. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written fantasy novel for young adult readers. The novel is pure, wonderful escapism, and highly recommended. Purchase here

Freeze Frame < Back Tyler Beauchamp Freeze Frame Can a young man leave his traumatic past behind him when he starts a new school? By author Tyler Beauchamp Sixteen-year-old Will Horner suffers from PTSD as a result of childhood trauma, and experiences episodic psychosis and hallucinations. Following an incident at school, when he experienced a psychotic episode in front of other students, he begins a new term at a new high school. As a budding filmmaker, Will and his parents think the Pinehurst Academy, a local arts school, will be the perfect fit. But, Will hasn’t been behind the camera since the incident at his previous school, as film making has been known to trigger memories of past traumatic events, making it difficult for him to know what is real in his world. Will soon settles into school, and for the first time in a long time, he is behind the camera again. He starts to film an end of year movie with his new friends, and hopes to win the grand prize at the Pinehurst’s Arts Night. Will starts to feel comfortable behind the camera, and a sense of belonging with his new school friends. He is determined to put his past behind him and hides his mental health from his friends. But will the process of filmmaking trigger his psychosis? And can Will hide his traumatic past from his new friends? Freeze Frame, by Tyler Beauchamp, is an engaging and insightful coming-of-age novel, about a young man struggling with childhood trauma, PTSD and mental health. Tyler Beauchamp captures Will’s state of mind beautifully, and the dilemma he faces as he attempts to fit in, but is consumed by fear that his mental health will be exposed. The book highlights the stigma that still remains around mental health today, and the many pressures that young people face. Sadly, Will’s story is not uncommon, and many young readers will relate to his journey. With a list of helpful resources at the end of the book, this book will provide much needed support for those who may be experiencing similar issues. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An engaging and insightful coming-of-age novel, about a young man struggling with childhood trauma, PTSD and mental health. Purchase here

Secrets of the Elementals < Back Alexander Sotberg Secrets of the Elementals A young orphan goes on an epic adventure to find his inner powers, by author Alexander Sotberg A young orphan named Garon is bullied at school and singled out by teachers as a troublemaker. Life at home is not much better, as his adoptive parents are cruel and unkind. One day, following a fight with the school bully, Garon is expelled from school. On his way home, he is ambushed by the bully and his friends, and is chased into the forest. Garon becomes lost deep in the forest, when he hears a strange voice and sees a pulsating purple light. He discovers that the voice and light belong to him. It’s his Elemental, named Aqo. Garon follows Aqo through a portal, to his ancestral home of Xanador, in search of his mother and father. As Garon enters Xanador, he learns more about the magical world and his Element. Garon is a dualweaver, a powerful force with two elemental powers. As Garon learns how to control his new powers, his arrival in Xanador has caught the attention of King Gedeon. A dualweaver is the kingdom’s most renowned enemy, and King Gedeon has sent out an army of weavers to capture him. The Xanador Saga by author Alexander Sotberg is a wonderful, fantasy fiction novel for young adult readers, and the first book in the Secrets of the Elementals series. The plot is complex with many twists and turns, but easy to read for the target reader group. Xanador is an enchanting, fantasy world, full of wonder and magic. Garon is a fascinating, well-developed and complex character. Orphaned as a child, believed to be abandoned by his parents, and bullied at school, many readers will relate to his experience and his challenges. When he learns of his ancestry and his abilities, Garon finally feels a sense of purpose and a sense of belonging. With plenty of action and adventure, magic and mystery, sorcery, and suspense. What more could you want from a fantasy fiction novel for young adult readers? Overall, imaginative, creative and beautifully written, this book will appeal to those who enjoy action and adventure, and fantasy fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful, action and adventure fantasy book full of magic and mystery, Purchase here

Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed < Back Tony M. Quintana Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed A young librarian becomes an unlikely hero, as he is forced into battle against an evil army, by author Tony M. Quintana The city of Azahar is shielded by a protective barrier from the rogue empire of Zaphyrelia, and its evil emperor, Abelon Asedia. Asedia has an army of soldiers and mechanical monsters, known as the Ochre Brigadiers, who terrorise the population. A young library assistant, Dashiel Ermitage, notices a break in the protective barrier around Azahar, and everyone suspects the Ochre Brigadiers might be behind the attack. When one of his friends goes missing following the attack, Dashiel sets out to rescue him and battle Asedia’s evil forces. Dashiel successfully takes down the invading monsters and is approached by members the Cobalt Phantasms, a secret order dedicated to restoring peace and supporting the Zaphyrolean people suffering under the emperor’s tyrannical rule. Dashiel leaves his family and the safety of Azahar to join the Cobalt Phantasms, where he is trained with the Doizemant, a powerful and magical baton given to him by his father. As Dashiel earns his place with the Phantasms, and battles to save Azahar from destruction, his new life is threatened by a long-held secret that, if exposed, could bring his journey to an end. Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed is an exciting and entertaining read, by author Tony M. Quintana. This is a coming-of-age story of a young man, whose wish for excitement and adventure is fulfilled, when he joins an elite order to fight against the evil forces. Dashiel is sweet and unassuming, but courageous and brave. He is a likeable character, that many young people will relate to. I particularly enjoyed Dashiel’s journey and growth throughout the book, and the development of friendships and blossoming love. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, teen, fantasy adventure, with wonderful characters and excellent world-building. Purchase here

The King's Labyrinth < Back Zachary Palmer The King's Labyrinth A young man wrongly accused of a crime, is thrust into a perilous quest to clear his name. The King's Labyrinth is set in Xelea, a magical world based on a system of magical architecture that can slow down time, and shift and shape reality . Novice architect Matthias, and his friends, Ceaser and Calli, are wrongly accused of conspiring with his master and quarry-leader, Irk, of selling the rights to mine creanite to the Architect’s Guild. Creanite is a powerful substance that gives Rooms in Xelea their magical power and cannot be mined without the consent of the royal family. Irk is killed, while Matthias and his friends are sentenced to death. Matthias is thrown into Room 204, an inescapable time-pinching Room, created by the greatest architect of all time . But when Matthias miraculously escapes from Room 204, he and his friends are forced to assist Prince Calum in order to clear their names. They join the prince on an expedition to the Labyrinth, the most dangerous place in Xelea, to retrieve a sacred chisel. As the friends set out on their mission , outside the Labyrinth a battle ensues for control of Xelea. The King's Labyrinth is a mesmerising fantasy fiction novel for young adult readers, by debut author Zachary Palmer. This is the first instalment of a planned trilogy, where readers are transported to a world where architecture itself is alive and ever-changing. The novel tells the story of a young man named Matthias, wrongly accused of a crime. To clear his name, Matthias is thrust into a perilous quest to retrieve an artefact hidden deep within the dangerous Labyrinth. Matthias’ quest to clear his name by navigating the Labyrinth will keep readers hooked until the very last page. Zachary Palmer has crafted a unique and imaginative novel, with a thrilling blend of action and adventure, magic and mystery. The blend of architectural innovation with fantasy elements creates a unique and captivating setting. With its rich, immersive world-building, gripping plot, and memorable characters, this book is pure escapism for fantasy fiction readers of all ages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A mesmerising, must-read, fantasy fiction novel, with a thrilling blend of action and adventure, magic and mystery. Purchase here

Montgomery Lake High #2: When Darkness Tries to Hide < Back Stacy A. Padula Montgomery Lake High #2: When Darkness Tries to Hide Students at Montgomery Lake High believe the ominous clouds and impending storm will only bring a temporary interruption to their regularly scheduled lives. However, when the tempest grows worse and a classmate's life hangs in the balance, students must pull together to support each other and seek help for their friend. As the lines between cliques dissolve, dark secrets are revealed and hearts are transformed. Purchase here

Story of Tree and Cloud < Back Daryl McCullough Story of Tree and Cloud A poignant story about the circle of life, from author Daryl McCullough Folie, a coast live oak tree, over one hundred and fifty years of age, lives on the top of a golden Californian coastal hillside. She enjoys spending time with all the wonderful creatures who visit her every season, the caterpillars who munch on her leaves, and the birds who nestle on her branches. One day, after several days of rain, a small puddle appears on the ground nearby, and Folie and Puddle soon become good friends. As the rain continues to fall, Puddle grows and so does the friendship between Folie and the Puddle. Until one day, the rain stops falling and Puddle dries up and disappears. Folie is sad to lose her beloved friend, but Puddle suddenly reappears as a beautiful cloud in the sky. Folie is overjoyed to see her friend again and soon comes to realise that life never really ends, and love and friendship continue in one form or another, in the extraordinary circle of life. Written by Daryl McCullough, in memory of his late mother, the Story of Tree and Cloud is a beautifully illustrated and poignant book about love, life and loss. Using metaphors from nature, the book explores complex topics of death, and grief, in an accessible and engaging way for younger readers. With a positive message about the circle of life, this book will provide comfort to anyone who is grieving or has lost a loved one. With exquisite illustrations from by Maryanne Smith, this book will appeal to children and adults of all ages. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A beautifully illustrated book about love, life, and loss. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told < Back Stacy Padula Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told A young athlete’s future is jeopardized following a horrific knee injury, by author Stacy Padula Taylor Dunkin was a talented young athlete. With a college scholarship and an ESPN ranking, he was destined to play in the NFL. But, following a sports injury and several knee surgeries, he becomes addicted to prescription painkillers, and his future as a professional footballer is put in jeopardy. As he becomes more dependent on painkillers, he becomes severely depressed, which causes him to miss classes. He eventually loses his college scholarship, and he spirals further into the depths of depression and addiction. Taylor hurts his loved ones and loses everything important to him. He later becomes involved with the notorious Bilotti crime ring, and turns to dealing drugs to the teens in Montgomery, to support his own drug habit. When Taylor’s brother, Marc, finds him passed out in his apartment, and discovers signs of escalating drug use, the family try to support Taylor and get him into much needed rehab. But Taylor’s activities are spotted by the Boston Police Department, who are investigating Bilotti and his criminal associates. Detectives see Taylor as a ‘weak link’ and try to recruit him as an informant, in exchange for immunity from prosecution. Taylor has a difficult decision to make, as he knows betraying the gang, would ultimately risk his life. Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told, is a tragic tale of one young man’s descent into a vicious cycle of depression and drug addiction. The book shows the devastating impact of drug addiction, not only on Taylor, but on everyone around him, his friends, family and loved ones, as well as the wider community. This is a compelling and gripping novel, with an important message. Unfortunately, Taylor’s story is not uncommon amongst teens in the United States, and the book highlights the desperate need for greater investment in mental health provision, drug rehabilitation, and support services for young people. The book shows the stark reality of life as a teenager, the many pressures they experience growing up in today’s society, and the deadly opioid epidemic that is sweeping the nation. An essential read for any young person or adult. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling and gripping novel about one young man’s descent into a vicious cycle of depression and drug addiction. Purchase here

A Mystery Solved, A Prediction Fulfilled < Back Alayne Smith A Mystery Solved, A Prediction Fulfilled Ellen Jones helps her aunt solve a family mystery, by author Alayne Smith It’s 1962, and Ellen Jones is considering her future, before she returns back to her studies in broadcast journalism at Columbus University, Miami. What journalism career will she pursue? Should she get together with JoJo, following her split from Luke? But first, her Aunt Essie recruits Ellen to help her solve a mystery. She has found a carving in an antique mint julep cabinet, with the date of her great grandmothers wedding, Mary Ellen Davis marries Thaddeus Baird, May 1866 . But family records also show that Mary Ellen married another man, Thomas Brown Mitchell, in December of the same year. Aunt Essie is curious and determined to solve the mystery. Who was Thaddeus Baird and what happened to him? And why did her great grandmother marry twice in such a short space of time? Ellen agrees to help her aunt and discovers that Mary Ellen wrote for a local newspaper, the Marshall-Times Standard. She also discovered that she volunteered at the Jericho School, where she met Thomas Brown Mitchell, a soldier who set up the school in a converted kitchen behind the old Garvey plantation house. They find a journal belonging to Mary Ellen, with declarations of her love for Thaddeus Baird. As Ellen and Aunt Essie delve further into Mary Ellen’s past, they soon discover that their ancestor was embroiled in a scandal that nearly destroyed her reputation. Then, when a dead body is found in a tunnel beneath the old Garvey plantation house, Ellen and Aunt Essie believe there is a connection to Mary Ellen. A Mystery Solved, A Prediction Fulfilled is a superb mystery novel for young adult readers, by author Alayne Smith. Spanning two time periods (1962 and 1866), the book follows two young women as they come of age in different eras. The book provides a fascinating insight into the lives of women during the 1800’s and 1960’s. While their lives are very different, they experience similar challenges and dilemmas. The book moves at a gentle pace, but is packed full of intrigue, mystery and suspense. Well written, with a fascinating plot, this book will appeal to those who enjoy mystery, suspense and historical fiction. The book is the third instalment of the Ellen Jones series. I had not read the first two books in the series, and I could easily follow the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I hope to go back to the other books, to learn more about Ellen Jones’ back-story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Well written, with a fascinating plot that spans two time periods, this is a superb novel packed full of intrigue, mystery and suspense. Purchase here

Ring Fold < Back Scott Swisher Ring Fold Author Scott Swisher takes readers on a time travelling adventure A stream of massive earthquakes wreak havoc across the world. The tremors are so large they alter the Earth’s axis, and create a dimensional fold that acts as a gateway across time to the fourth dimension. The U.S. Special Intelligence found that some gifted individuals could transport back in time, and back to the present, through the fold. They discovered that these individuals had a special blood type, which enabled them to transport across the fold. Some of these individuals were captured and experimented on, in an attempt to replicate their blood. But some escaped and sent their children to live in different eras, in order to protect them. These people were known as ‘the Ring’, protectors of the fold.Jordan Zesker is experiencing strange buzzing in her ear, forces tugging at her limbs, and the worst migraine she has ever experienced, when she is approached by a man named Jacob, who claims to be her mentor. She is suddenly pulled by Jacob into the fourth dimension, where she learns she has the special blood type which enables her to travel across time. She also discovers she is one of only five descendants linked to ‘The Ring’. Jacob recruits Jordan to track down the other four descendants, on a mission to save humanity. Jordan has to transport to different eras of human history, the 1950’s, 1970’s, 1980’s, and 2010’s to find the descendants. Together, they face an epic battle to safeguard the future of humanity. Ring Fold is an exciting sci-fiction, time-travelling adventure, by author Scott Swisher. This is a unique and imaginative story, packed full of action and adventure. The reader is transported across different historical periods, where they meet a range of diverse characters. Each time period is meticulously researched, the characters are authentic, and the descriptions of clothing, music and environments are realistic. This is a fun, entertaining and engaging read, that will appeal to young adult readers and adults who enjoy sci-fi and time-travelling adventures. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An exciting sci-fiction, time-travelling novel, packed full of action and adventure. Purchase here