Search Results

The Underground Book Readers: The Secret Society < Back Terry Overton The Underground Book Readers: The Secret Society A group of teens try to take back control of their lives, when their freedoms are removed by military force . Set in 2031, the World Force military controls everything across the United States of America, from food to fuel, and even books. Since the totalitarian military regime was introduced, many adults and young people were sent away or vanished without trace. Many others died of disease. Children were left to fend for themselves, in a hostile environment where everything is tightly controlled. It has been seven years since the schools closed, and five years since books were banned. No one is allowed to read, and no one is allowed to teach anything that isn’t approved by the World Force. In the mountains and valleys of Virginia, a group of orphaned teens find an underground cave in the countryside and join together to rediscover the joy of reading. Kahn, Jairus, Casey, and Asher meet every day in the cave to eat and talk, pray and read the Bible, and devour a book in their illegal collection. For seven years, the teens have met in secret, avoiding the military, and amassing a collection of over three hundred books. Until one day, a young girl named Leena follows Kahn to the cave and is introduced to their secret society. Can Leena be trusted? Will she be accepted into the secret society? And how long can the group evade the World Force military? The Underground Book Readers: The Secret Society (Book 1) by author Terry Overton is a dystopian fiction novel for young adults, set in the not-too-distant future. The book follows five young people as they battle for survival under a new world order, where everything is controlled by the military. As the teens struggle to navigate a world where curiosity is suppressed and intellectual freedoms and creativity are under siege, their friendships are tested to the limit. Brilliantly told, with rich and vivid detail, Overton does a great job at building a hostile, futuristic world where a generation of teens are prohibited from accessing the many things, we take for granted in life. Readers who enjoy mystery and dystopian novels will enjoy this thought-provoking tale of humanity’s battle against a new world order. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A vivid and chilling exploration of a future world, where books and learning are prohibited. Purchase here

Raven and the witch < Back Wendy Pym Raven and the witch Wendy Pym’s Raven and the Witch, the first book in the Bloodlines of Destiny series, is a captivating blend of Native American folklore, fantasy, and YA horror. The novel introduces readers to Raven Shikoba, a young Mohawk girl with shapeshifting abilities, destined to confront the malevolent blood witch, Ivy. Set against the backdrop of the Canadian wilderness in the 18th century, the story weaves themes of identity, magic, and the eternal battle between light and darkness. The narrative begins with Raven’s rigorous training under her mentor, Silent Wolf, a medicine man who can transform into a Dire Wolf. Raven’s journey is marked by physical and emotional challenges, as she grapples with her destiny and the prophecy that foretells her role as a savior of her people. Her shapeshifting abilities, particularly her transformation into a raven, are central to her identity and the story’s progression. The author’s vivid descriptions of Raven’s transformations and her connection to nature are beautifully rendered, immersing readers in the mystical world. Pym’s writing is rich in detail, painting a vivid picture of the Canadian wilderness and the mystical elements of the story. The author’s admiration for Native American culture is evident in her portrayal of their spiritual beliefs, connection to nature, and ceremonial practices. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with moments of intense action interspersed with quieter, reflective scenes. The battle scenes are gripping and vividly described, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. With its strong protagonist, vivid imagery, and thrilling plot, Raven and the Witch is a promising start to the Bloodlines of Destiny series. Fans of fantasy and folklore will find much to love in this enchanting and haunting tale. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully crafted tale that combines fantasy, horror, and cultural elements to create a unique and engaging story. Purchase here

Montgomery Lake High #3: The Aftermath < Back Stacy A. Padula Montgomery Lake High #3: The Aftermath At age fifteen, Jason Davids appears to have nearly any worldly thing that promises enjoyment at his disposal. Despite this, there is a persistent emptiness inside his heart. After failing to fill the void with achievements, relationships, and illicit substances, Jason finds himself intrigued by Jessie Robins: the daughter of a local pastor. How is it possible that she stands for everything his lifestyle opposes yet possesses the one thing he has been searching for all along? Purchase here

Overcoming Deepest Grief, A Woman's Journey - Grief, Acceptance, Gratitude and Joy < Back Mary Aviyah Farkas Overcoming Deepest Grief, A Woman's Journey - Grief, Acceptance, Gratitude and Joy A collection of essays, prose, and poems, from author Mary Aviyah Farkas, following her journey through unimaginable loss, to acceptance, gratitude, and joy. Overcoming Deepest Grief, a Woman’s Journey: Grief, Acceptance, Gratitude and Joy is a collection of essays, prose, and poems by author Mary Aviyah Farkas. The book was written by Mary following the death of her beloved sister, and wife of eighteen years within a six-month period, and the trauma she experiences as she leaves her cherished home and builds a new life in Southern California. The collection follows Mary’s personal journey from the depths of depression and grief, through to acceptance, gratitude, and joy. We learn of Mary’s history, her connection with God, and her experiences of being a lesbian woman in the twenty first century. We see Mary build a new life, make new friends, connect with family, experience the joy from the simple things in life, and find new love. This book is a deeply intimate and emotional memoir of one woman’s journey through life, and her experiences of love and unimaginable loss. It gives hope and comfort to anyone who is experiencing grief and depression that they can live a fulfilling life and love again. This is a beautiful book, and a moving tribute to Mary’s wife, sister, and friends. Written by Mary during a turbulent thirteen-year period, and told through Mary’s unadulterated words, this is a book of pure, raw emotion. It is a deeply moving book, and it brought a tear to my eye on several occasions. Whilst the book is targeted at teens, it is equally suitable for adults. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A deeply intimate and emotional memoir of one woman’s journey through life, love, and loss. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

The Girl Who Broke the World < Back Renee Hayes The Girl Who Broke the World Can a teenager heal the world and restore the balance between humanity and nature? Five hundred years after the Oxygen War that ravaged the earth and destroyed more than eighty per cent of the population, Zemira (Zee) Creedence is looking forward to her eighteenth birthday and the annual moon festival, held every year to celebrate Mother Nature and the creation of the new world. While walking through the forest with her companion, Wolf, there is an enormous blast and Zee falls into a void. She is pulled to safety by Wolf and wakes up in a hospital bed in a neighbouring territory. When all the other patients are discharged, Zee realises that she is being kept in the hospital under false pretences. Zee has mysterious powers she has hidden since childhood and is able to manipulate her environment. She uses her powers to escape the hospital with her friend Pax. But, as the friends attempt to return back to their home, Zee discovers that she is being hunted by the King of Kymera and his army. Returning home, Zee learns that her mother is missing and has been taken as bait by the King. As Zee attempts to rescue her mother from the evil King, she finally learns the truth about her mysterious powers, her absent father, and her families connection to Mother Nature. The girl who broke the world by author Renee Hayes is a fantasy adventure, set in a futuristic world, after the earth was reset following a devastating war. The book follows teen, Zee, as she comes of age, and discovers the truth about her world and her ancestry. This is a tense and thrilling adventure, as Zee finds herself at the centre of a battle for control over the new world. Zee is a strong, powerful, female protagonist, who will stop at nothing to fight for her family and her friends. With a mesmerising futuristic world full of weird and wonderful creatures, and a gripping plot full of mystery, drama, suspense, and a little romance, this is an epic fantasy fiction novel not to be missed. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An epic fantasy fiction novel, with a strong, powerful, female protagonist. Not to be missed. Purchase here

Torment: Descension < Back Daniel Foster Torment: Descension A father does a deal with the devil to save his baby son’s life. New parents, David and Grace, are delighted to welcome their baby son Matthew into the world. But their lives are torn apart, when Matthew becomes ill at six months old and is taken into hospital. As the doctors investigate the cause of Matthews illness, David takes a rest in the canteen and meets a mysterious man. David opens up to the man about his life, his wife, and his sick child. The man explains that he has met many people in similar circumstances and provides much needed comfort to David. But, when David’s friend enters the canteen, he suddenly disappears. The doctors discover that Matthew has a rare and incurable autoimmune disease. David and Grace are distraught and take their baby out of hospital to spend his last few weeks at home. Back at home, David prays to God to save his son, and Satan appears in Matthews nursery. Satan turns out to be the man David had met in the hospital. He shows David the future, where Matthew is happy and successful. He offers David a deal, to cure Matthews disease in exchange for David’s life. David agrees to an eternally binding contract, where David is required to serve Satan. If he doesn’t do what Satan stays, he will be in breach of contract, and Matthew will become sick again. The next morning, Matthew is in perfect health and David wonders whether Satan’s visitation was just a dream. Until one day, Satan returns and asks David to perform an unthinkable task. Will David comply with Satan’s demands? Or will he break the contract and risk his baby becoming sick again? Torment: Descension, by author and illustrator Daniel Foster, is a unique and creative graphic novel, about a man’s dalliance with Satan as he tries to save his baby son’s life. This is a classic story of good versus evil, with an expected and horrifying twist. The novel begins with a heart-breaking story about a young couple who learn that their baby boy has an incurable disease. It turns into a horror story as the father does a deal with the devil to save his sons life. Torment: Descension is a magnificent first instalment in a planned series and will appeal to readers who enjoy graphic novels and comics. The stunning artwork alone, makes this a worthwhile pick. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A unique and creative graphic novel about a man’s dalliance with Satan as he tries to save his baby son’s life. Purchase here

Believe < Back Angie Bailey Believe Abigale believes there is more to life than the dull, grey world she inhabits, by author Angie Bailey Thirteen-year-old Abigale Johnson was born into a family of Never-Believers. A family who did not believe in Christmas, or birthdays, or fun, adventure or magic. A family whose life was dull and grey. But Abigale was a little different from the Johnson’s. She had dreams of a better life, and a life a little less grey. So Abigale spent most her time tyring to avoid her family, particularly her brothers who were the meanest of the mean, and teased and taunted Abigale every single day. One day, on a dreaded train trip to visit her despicable and very grey Aunt Violet, Abigale’s life changes for ever. After a knock on the head, Abigale discovers an alternate Fae world of wonder and magic, fae-folk, and Believers. Whizzing along on the Faedora magic train, Abigale meets lots of new friends and discovers Christmas and other wonderful celebrations. At thirteen, Abigale has her first ever birthday party, full of love and laughter. But not everyone on the magical train is happy with Abigale’s arrival, and they plot a sinister spell to extract her from the train during the next pink moon, putting her life in mortal danger. As Abigale’s new friends try to save her from doom, they soon discover Abigale has some important royal connections, and even her despicable Aunt Violet is not quite who she seems. Believe is an imaginative and enchanting novel. Well written by Angie Bailey and full of wonder, mystery and magic, the book has fabulous characters and a magnificent plot. This book will captivate both adults and younger readers. The book is the first part of a series, and we can’t wait to read the next instalment in Abigale’s magical journey. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An enchanting novel, with fabulous characters and a magnificent plot. This book will captivate both adults and younger readers.’ A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

Gripped Part 5: Taylor's Story < Back Stacy A. Padula Gripped Part 5: Taylor's Story A real and honest portrayal of the dangers of drug use and the pressures faced by young adults, by author Stacy A. Padula Taylor, a promising young football player, has had a turbulent few years. After an unfortunate incident at school that resulted in him losing his college place, and a debilitating knee injury that led to a painkiller addiction, he becomes embroiled with an organised criminal gang with links to the Mafia. But as Taylor attempts to become sober, leave the gang, and turn his life around, he risks it all for one last drug run. When his criminal associates learn of his intention to leave the gang, they set out to silence him, before he can incriminate anyone else. Unbeknownst to Taylor, another member of the gang is an undercover police officer, and he intervenes to save his life. But the gang cannot risk exposure, and attempt to hunt Taylor down via his friends and family. As Taylor is driven away to safety, his friends and families’ lives are put in grave danger. Gripped Part 5: Taylors Story, is the fifth book in the Gripped series, and a continuation of the previous novel. I hadn’t read any of the previous novels, and whilst there were references to previous events, the book could still be enjoyed as a stand-alone story. This novel tells the story of Taylor, his family, relationships, and run-ins with Bilotti gang. The book tackles issues of addiction, drug dealing, alcohol use and teen sex, providing a real and honest portrayal of the dangers of drug use and the pressures faced by young adults. What I really liked about the book is the representation of regular, high-functioning, and successful kids, and their involvement with a hidden, dangerous, underworld. If it can happen to Taylor, it can happen to anyone. The title of the book is fitting, as I was literally gripped from the first chapter. This book is an enthralling and essential for any young adult, or parent of a young adult. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An enthralling and essential read for any young adult, or parent. I was gripped from the first chapter. A SILVER WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

The Vending Portal < Back Judy Liu The Vending Portal Two sisters stumble across an old vending machine and find themselves transported to an alternate universe, by debut author Judy Liu Sisters, Mel and Sage, are walking home from school one day when they take a detour through the Old Town, and stumble across an old vending machine in a bus shelter. The vending machine is out of order and the sisters try to grab a snack by shaking and kicking the machine. Suddenly, the floor beneath them disappears and the girls are transported to an unknown park in an alternate universe. When a uniformed officer approaches the girls, a strange boy named Lewis leads them away and saves them from being captured. The girls visit Lewis’s home, where they learn more about the strange world and the strange people that inhabit it. They manage to find another vending machine and a portal back home, but when their mother gives them a peculiar old key that belonged to their grandfather, they believe there is a connection to the alternate world, and decide to go back to explore further. The girls find Lewis and go on a journey to learn more about their grandfather’s connection to the mysterious world, its memory-enhancing technologies, and the dark secrets of the government. The Vending Portal by author Judy Lui is a magnificent, sci-fi adventure, set in a strange, alternate universe. Judy Liu presents an interesting perspective on the utopian/dystopian society, seen through the eyes of two young girls. This is a fun, fast-paced novel for teens, and will appeal to those who enjoy sci-fi, adventure and fantasy stories. With a captivating plot, well-rounded and likeable characters, and an intriguing multi-verse world, this book will entertain readers of all ages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A magnificent, sci-fi adventure, set in a strange, alternate universe, this book will entertain readers of all ages. Purchase here

Gone with the Sun < Back Simon Drayton Gone with the Sun Book blurb... On April 8th 2024, Genesis Owens disappears during the darkness of the total solar eclipse. The authorities investigate without success and barely a clue as to what happens. With no leads and no answers, the case grows cold. Six months later, eighteen year old John Smith moves to Little Rock. Recovering from past difficulties, John hopes to establish his own unique identity and value as a detective, despite his age and his too basic name. He joins the NDA (Noble Detective Agency). He is eager to prove himself worthy of the opportunity given to him, so he readily accepts the missing person’s case. However, John ends up getting much more than he bargains for and uncovers something far greater than he could’ve ever imagined. Great for fans of mysteries and of soft science fiction Purchase here

The Witchfinders Serpent < Back Rande Goodwin The Witchfinders Serpent Orphaned brothers find themselves in a race against time to defeat a supernatural force. Brothers, Nate and Marc Watson, are sent to live with their Aunt Celia in Windsor, Connecticut, following their father’s death. The siblings are anxious as they have never met their Aunt Celia, and curious why their father kept her a secret. The brothers have free rein of the house, but Celia forbids them to enter one room on the second floor. When they hear Celia talking to someone in the forbidden room, and they find an old photograph of their dad as a young boy with a woman who looks exactly like their aunt, the boys are puzzled. When Celia is out of the house one day, Marc finds the key to the forbidden room and the brothers start to explore. The room is full of strange objects and artefacts, and a book titled The Discovery of Witches. Nate picks up a metallic snake like object, which coils around his wrist, and clamps into his flesh. He panics, and accidently breaks an old bottle. Nate tries everything to remove the snake, but nothing works. Eventually, he confesses to Aunt Celia, and she reveals the origins of the snake. They discover that the broken bottle has released a dark and powerful force that has put all of their lives in imminent danger. The boys learn of Celia’s true identity and a family connection to events that took place in Windsor in the 1600’s. While Nate is desperate to free himself from the snake’s jaw, he learns that someone is desperate to retrieve it. As the brothers learn more about their aunt and their family history, they find themselves in a race against time to defeat a supernatural force. The Witchfinder's Serpent is a magical, teen fantasy fiction novel about two brothers whose world is turned upside down when they move to Connecticut with their mysterious aunt. As the brothers delve deeper into their aunt’s world, they discover family secrets that tie their own destinies to the witch trials of the 1600’s. Alternating between the 1600’s and the present day, this is a contemporary teen novel, with an intriguing historical backdrop. Readers are immersed into a world where the past and present collide, and where the supernatural is hidden among the mundane. This is a thrilling and compelling read for young adults and adult readers who enjoy magic and suspense. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A new magical fantasy adventure, inspired by the witch trials of the 1600’s. Purchase here

A Light in the Sky < Back Shina Reynolds A Light in the Sky Author Shina Reynolds creates a mystical, equestrian world, full of action and adventure. Seventeen-year-old Aluma’s dream is to join the Cavalry and ride an Empyrean Steed – majestic, winged, flying horses who defend the land. But her future is already mapped out for her. Like other girls in her village, she is expected to marry, have children, and serve the King. Aluma was trained to ride and fly by her father, a retired Empyrean rider. She secretly rides her father’s winged horse, Darwith, but knows that if she is caught flying, she could face imprisonment. Every year, there are try-outs for the Cavalry, but Aluma’s father forbids her to enter, fearing her safety if the country goes to war. But when Aluma’s father is injured just before the tournament, Aluma must enter the contest to protect her family and her father’s name. Aluma wins a place in the Cavalry and is soon thrust into war, where she discovers the truth about the King and the war with their neighbours. A Light in the Sky is an outstanding novel for young adult readers. With a strong female protagonist, who is equally matched in combat with her male counterparts, this is a gripping story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Reynolds creates a remarkable world that is both mesmerising and believable, with characters that are well developed and likeable. The book is jam packed with action and adventure, magic and mysticism, friendships and romance, and betrayal and war. And not to forget the flying horses! What more could you ask for? This is an imaginative and captivating read. I was completely blown away, and I would love to see this story pictured on the big screen. I look forward to the next book in the series and I can’t wait to read more about the adventures of Aluma and her friends. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An outstanding novel, with a strong female protagonist, that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. A GOLD WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here