Stones of Wrath : The Twins < Back SJ Ratcliffe Stones of Wrath : The Twins Book blurb... Relic-hunting Nazis, an earthquake, danger on two fronts. Professor of Archaeology, Mikkel Jacobsen thinks he has found peace after the terrors of WWI. His escape from England to Buenos Aires with his new bride and a secret ancient artefact, is not as untroubled as he anticipates. During a terrifying uprising his wife gives birth to twins, Christian and Ruby. We now follow the adult twins as they separate during WWII-Christian to Denmark during the German occupation and Ruby to the Andes mountains as she searches for her missing father. Hitler knows of the Kaiser's search for the missing artefact and sends his spies in pursuit of the Professor. Meanwhile, Christian runs the gauntlet across Denmark and the sea to Sweden rescuing the Danish Jews. This is the second in the series, 'Stones of Wrath', filled with fast-paced intrigue and menace. The reader learns of the miraculous escape of Denmark's Jews in WWII and the fascinating legends of the pre-history megalith-'El Enladrillado' in Chile. Purchase here

Lightwaves < Back David Edgar Grinnell Lightwaves Spring 1941, in the midst of World War II, a young Jewish man named Michael is hiding from the Gestapo in a secret room in a church. His father was murdered, and his mother was captured by the nazi’s and believed to be taken to a concentration camp. He meets the Dembitz family, a Jewish family with a daughter named Emily, also in hiding. Despite the horrendous situation, Michael and Emily fall in love and marry in secret in 1942, when Emily discovers she is pregnant. But the family are separated when they are captured by the Gestapo and are taken to different concentration camps across Europe. In 2016, Charlie Campel is fired from his job at the National Civil War Museum in Washington DC. When he visits the Holocaust Museum in search of alternative employment, he finds a ring with the inscription of Michael Luke Adelman and a Star of David, dated 1942. He is unable to locate the owner of the ring at the museum and takes it home for safe keeping. He is determined to keep the ring safe until he can find the rightful owner. Charlie meets a young woman named Luna, and they fall madly in love. But Luna is distraught when she cannot find a family heirloom she promised to pass on to her one true love. As Charlie and Luna’s relationship blossoms, they soon discover a connection that takes the couple back to the horrors of World War II. Lightwaves is a novella for young adult readers, by author David Edgar Grinnell. Set primarily in Washington DC in 2016, with an alternate storyline set in Europe following the outbreak of World War II, the book provides multiple perspectives on religious persecution. Whilst the book deals with difficult themes of antisemitism, war and terrorism, it is ultimately a story of love. Both couples find love unexpectedly, but their love is torn apart by outside forces. Grinnell seamlessly weaves together the past and present, in a way that will connect with young readers. It is a reminder that antisemitism is still present today, long after the end of World War II. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A poignant and moving story of love and tragedy. Purchase here

The Nightingale Kept Singing < Back Teddi Ahrens The Nightingale Kept Singing The Nightingale Kept Singing is a moving work of historical fiction set during the harrowing Siege of Leningrad. Author Teddi Ahrens crafts a deeply personal and immersive narrative, following the experiences of Nadia and her family as their world is upended by war. The story opens with the family’s summer holiday abruptly shattered by the German invasion. Ahrens excels at portraying the everyday realities of wartime, such as the scramble for food, the constant threat of bombing, and the emotional toll of separation and loss. Through Nadia’s eyes, we witness the transformation of ordinary life into a daily battle. The inclusion of poetry and journal entries from Nadia adds a layer of intimacy, allowing readers to feel her hopes, doubts, and determination. Nadia is a compelling protagonist - resourceful, loyal, and real. Her relationships with her siblings, especially her younger brother Sasha and her beloved sister Anya, are described with tenderness and authenticity. The supporting cast, from the stoic Papa to the gentle neighbor Viktor Andreyevich, enrich the narrative and ground it in the collective experience of the siege. Ahrens does not shy away from the grim realities of war – the hunger, death, and moral dilemmas are ever-present. The decision to sacrifice the family’s goat, Zoyka, for food is a particularly poignant moment. Yet, the novel is not without hope. Acts of kindness, moments of laughter, and the power of music and memory offer light amid darkness. The nightingale’s song becomes a symbol of persistence and the refusal to surrender one’s humanity. Overall, The Nightingale Kept Singing is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel that brings the Siege of Leningrad to life through the eyes of a young girl. It is both a tribute to the resilience of ordinary people and a reminder of the costs of war. Readers interested in historical fiction, especially those drawn to stories of survival and courage, will find this book both enlightening and deeply affecting. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A poignant and beautifully written novel that captures the resilience, heartbreak, and hope of a young girl and her family as they struggle to survive war. Purchase here

Multiverse Mayhem < Back Aurora M. Winter Multiverse Mayhem Ana Zest and her brother Zachery ‘borrow’ their uncle’s PUP (Parallel Universe Pod) and traverse the multiverse, before crash landing in the realm of Tellusora. Zachary is unwittingly frozen solid in the high-tech world of Avenir, and Ana is pursued by an evil sorcerer named Crimson Censor and her vampire son, Hunter. Ana is captured by Crimson, who severs her tongue and leaves her voiceless and powerless. Ana’s friend saves her just in time, before Crimson is snatched by a hippogriff and carried away. Crimson kidnaps Wizard Snapdragon, and claims the portal key to Spellbound. Without the portal key, Ana has no way to access Avenir, no hope of ever rescuing her brother, and no chance of returning home to Earth. While a surgical wizard mends Ana’s tongue and gives her a new truth-telling silver tongue, she is stalked by Hunter, who tracks her down by hiding under an invisibility hat. Meanwhile, Crimson Censor has a sinister plan to poison Tellusora by dumping toxic-air into the atmosphere. Before she can return back to Earth, Ana must find Crimson Censor, retrieve the portal key, rescue Zackary, and save the multiverse from complete destruction. But she must first seek permission and protection from King Ironheart, discover who is sending her mysterious messages in her journal, and unlock the secrets hidden in her family’s past. Multiverse Mayhem is the third instalment in this fantasy fiction series, by author Aurora M. Winter. The book follows the adventures of Ana and her brother, as they traverse the multiverse, and discover mystical realms, fantastical creatures and dark magic. This book is a fast-paced thrill ride of surprising twists, vivid world building, and a strong female protagonist. Overall, this is a gripping multiverse adventure that blends sci-fi, fantasy fiction, and magic. It is a great choice for readers who enjoy fantasy adventures and character driven stories. I would recommend reading books one and two in the series, first. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fast-paced, thrilling, and empowering sci-fi adventure, with a strong female lead and a cast of captivating characters. Purchase here

Dragonfly Down < Back Annette Masters Dragonfly Down Annette Masters’ ‘Dragonfly Down’ is a gripping young adult novel that delves deeply into the complexities of family, love, and personal resilience. Through a tapestry of evocative prose and authentic character voices, Masters crafts a compelling story that will resonate with both teen and adult readers. The story centers on Laurel Greenleaf, a teenager born into a family whose fame and philanthropic work have made them both admired and targeted. The plot unfolds in the days leading up to and following a devastating fire at Olive House, the family’s newly renovated safe haven for unhoused teens on Sutton Island. The Greenleaf family arrive on Sutton Island, for what should be a celebratory summer. Instead, the summer is shattered by tragedy when an explosion destroys Olive House, leaving Laurel injured and her sister presumed dead. Laurel’s journey is marked by her refusal to accept the official story. The novel’s suspense is heightened by the interplay of memory, trauma, and unreliable narration. Laurel’s fragmented recollections of the night of the fire, combined with her art therapy sessions and interactions with skeptical adults, create a sense of uncertainty that keeps readers guessing. The plot twists intensify as Laurel discovers evidence that points to a deeper conspiracy. Dragonfly Down is a tightly plotted, emotionally charged thriller that uses its central mystery to explore themes of family, love, and resilience. Annette Masters keeps readers engaged with well-timed twists and a protagonist whose determination and vulnerability make her journey both suspenseful and deeply moving. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A tense and satisfying thriller that masterfully weaves family drama, mystery, and suspense into a heart-racing story of sisterhood and resilience. Purchase here

Mystery at Spirit Lake < Back Deborah Erdmann Mystery at Spirit Lake Book blurb... Bigfoot. Buried secrets. And absolutely zero cell service. What could possibly go wrong? Think Scooby-Doo meets National Geographic-with more trail mix and fewer functioning flashlights. Camping near Mount St. Helens sounded like a great idea-until it wasn't. A lava tube expedition leads to a strange cave painting, a suspicious footprint the size of a canoe, a mysteriously flat tire, and a guy named Jake who might be a criminal-or just really into flannel. The kids quickly realize something weird is going on-and it's not just Forest's hair gel addiction. Soon, they're sneaking past trail cams, uncovering a shady mining operation, receiving unsolicited wilderness advice from Ranger Ralph, and getting chased through the woods by something with enormous feet-and questionable hygiene. All Dominic knows is, someone's lying, Bigfoot might be in on it, and the pancakes better be worth the trauma. Set against the rugged backdrop of Mount St. Helens, this hilarious mystery is packed with danger, drama, and just enough Bigfoot to keep you guessing. Because at Spirit Lake, the only thing more active than the volcano ... is the mystery. Purchase here

STEAMed Off to China: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math Adventure in a Foreign Land < Back Roy Davis STEAMed Off to China: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math Adventure in a Foreign Land Book blurb... STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, ADVENTURE and Math. Oh, yes, Art. But ADVENTURE takes center stage in this story of Ellie Brown as she returns to China for another stint solving technical, political and even criminal mysteries. A phone call on a lazy Sunday afternoon jolts Ellie out of her busy routine of an engineer working at a California high-tech company. It is a call to duty that hours later puts her in the middle of a very public mess in Beijing, China. Three engineers from previous exploits pitch in to help get to the bottom of frustrating technical challenges A fellow female engineer shows great promise as a problem solver and makes Ellie proud. Three new members join the team, each with their own talents, but a lot to learn. The call was from the CEO, urging Ellie to come to the defense of the corporation with a single technical problem. Little does she know there are more and darker troubles to deal with before she can head for home. It is not all suffering. The team of engineers enjoy each other’s sharp wit and ability to help overcome obstacles. Even the legal, security and management people show them a good time and a pleasure trip to Shanghai. Food figures heavily in Ellie’s happiness. She discovers two secret restaurants in Beijing and the best Mexican in Shanghai. However, missing meals from the pressing work saves her figure. Along the way there are lessons learned by everyone about wireless technology. Even the seasoned expert Ellie gains new insight into how cellular networks can malfunction…and how to fix them on the spot. If you have thought about being an engineer, here is an example based on real events of how a career can be anything but boring. Purchase here

Aylen Isle < Back Aud Supplee Aylen Isle Fourteen-year-old Winnie Harris (aka General Windemere) is a renowned warrior and Frama-traveller, who uses frama-scopes to journey between alternate worlds. Winnie has just returned to Earth following a mission to an alternate world, Hutra, with her stepbrother, Mikey, and their friend and magician, Kip. During the mission, six year old Mikey found a toad and brought it back to Earth as his pet. Winnie is visited in a dream by Princess Gwenevieve of the Aylen Isle Kingdom and learns that she has been enchanted by a spell and trapped in the body of Mikey’s pet toad, Stompy. Princess Gwenevieve asks for Winnie’s help to transport her back to Aylen Isle, so she can be turned back into her original form before she is stuck as a toad forever. Winnie, Mikey, and Kip travel to Aylen Isle to try and reverse Princess Gwenevieve’s enchantment, and at the same time return an alien bird to his original world. While Winnie tries to find the conjurer who will turn the toad back to a princess, she learns of a prophecy that a young female warrior in pink armour will save Aylen Isle from an enemy invasion. Aylen Isle: Winnie and the “Wizard” is the third book in this captivating teen, fantasy fiction series, by Aud Supplee. The book follows the journey of Winnie Harris as she embarks on an epic mission to an alternate world, to save an enchanted princess. This is an imaginative and well-crafted novel, which draws readers into a magical world of adventure and self-discovery. With a well-paced plot, timely-twists and turns, and a relatable female protagonist, the book will keep readers engaged until the very end. A must read for young adult readers who love fantasy fiction. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary: A n exquisite novel for young adult readers, packed full of action and adventure, and familiar fantasy fiction themes. 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

The Framing Game < Back Jessica K. Foster The Framing Game Book blurb... Virginia Benson would do anything to get into Yale, including begging Dean Alton for a letter of recommendation. But when a graffiti prank gets pinned on her, her shot at the Ivy League is at stake. To prove her innocence, Virginia enlists her ex-boyfriend Xander. But the case isn't cut and dried, and the suspects keep piling up. They're forced to spend more and more time together as they try to track down the culprits and Xander doesn't seem sorry about it. In fact, he's taking every sleuthing moment to do more than investigate the case. He's still looking for a way into Virginia's heart. Purchase here

Dead Girl < Back Kerrie Faye Dead Girl A girl resurrected from the dead, seeks answers. It is the first day back at Wilson County High School for sophomore, Ember O’Neill. Ember had a tough time as a Freshman. She struggled with depression and synesthesia (a neurological condition where stimulation of one sense leads to involuntary experiences in other senses), and was bullied by classmates Wayne Wilson, Maddison Miller, and others. Longing to fit in and have a better school experience, Ember has five goals for her sophomore year: 1) to get a bestie, 2) to stay off Maddison’s radar, 3) to avoid and ignore Wayne, 4) to become popular, and 5) to get a boyfriend. When she meets and develops a friendship with new girl, Hallee, Ember achieves her first goal. But she is still ostracism and targeted by her peers and receives hateful and threatening messages. Ember reluctantly goes to a ‘back to school’ party, but following an incident with Wayne, Ember almost drowns in the hosts’ swimming pool. She is dead for around twenty minutes and brought back to life by paramedics. News of the incident spreads, and Ember becomes a local celebrity. As Ember’s popularity increases, Wayne is incarcerated in a juvenile detention centre. Life for Ember improves, and she begins dating a new boy, Logan Lauder. But, following her near-death experience, Ember experiences visions and nightmares, and her father is tragically killed by a rabid bobcat. As Ember tries to make sense of the visions and her father’s death, she soon learns the truth about her neurological condition and her ancestry. Dead Girl is a gripping coming-of-age, supernatural drama by Kerrie Faye. S et in the 1990’s, the book follows Ember O’Neill in her sophomore year, as she grapples with depression and synesthesia, and struggles to find her place. Her life is transformed following a freak incident at a pool party, and she discovers she possesses extraordinary abilities. As she learns to control her powers, she must also defeat a deadly assassin hired to kill her. With a blend of reality and fantasy, plenty of teen drama, and an unexpected, supernatural plot twist, this is a compelling, captivating, and hard-to-put-down novel. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A captivating and gripping teen drama, with an unexpected supernatural twist. 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