Soul Scepter: Time Marauders < Back Eric Westergard Soul Scepter: Time Marauders A time-travelling fantasy adventure to medieval England. Sixteen-year-old Will Donovan is the son of a mass terrorist, who blew up hundreds of people when Will was just a baby. Will was relentlessly bullied by his classmates, and his family received death threats, when he displayed ‘violent genetic predispositions.’ Unbeknownst to Will, his family have special ‘unhuman abilities,’ and he has been watched and monitored by the authorities for years. During a game of paintball, Will and his friend Danny are targeted by a bully named Tanner and his friends. Will and Danny manage to outsmart the bullies, but they are left abandoned in the Idaho desert. When their friends come to rescue them, they are chased and attacked by a militant organization. The friends find themselves in a battle for a powerful scepter in the middle of the desert. When Will inadvertently activates the soul scepter, the friends are transported back in time to medieval England, in the year 1345. As the friends learn how to survive in their new (old) world, they are pursued by the evil Commander Morgan and his army. Soul Scepter: Time Marauders is a historical fantasy fiction, adventure novel by author Eric Westergard, about a group of American teens who travel back in time to medieval England. This is a well written and cleverly crafted novel for young adult readers, full of action, adventure, and many plot twists and turns. With vivid descriptions of medieval England, and a number of historical characters, this is both an entertaining and insightful read. This is an exhilarating, fun filled, time travelling adventure that will appeal to teens and young adult readers who enjoy historical fiction, fantasy, and stories of time-travel. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An exhilarating novel for young adult readers, combining the thrill of time travel with the intrigue of medieval England. Purchase here

Forbidden Ties (Enemy's Keeper Series Book 1) < Back Kyrie Wang Forbidden Ties (Enemy's Keeper Series Book 1) A medieval story for a younger generation, from author Kyrie Wang Nine years after the Norman conquest of England, a young, orphaned, Watermill Keeper named Heather, becomes embroiled in the conflict between the two opposing sides of the Normans and the English rebels. After her home is ambushed by the rebels, Heather meets Toby, a young rebel leader who seeks revenge against the Normans. After Toby is brutally attacked and tortured, Heather helps him escape and unwittingly becomes a fugitive herself. She is later captured by the rebels and is taken on a treacherous journey through forests and overseas, where she learns more about her past, her adoptive family, and the man she once loved. Forbidden Ties is a medieval fiction novel and the first book in the Enemy's Keeper Series. With a blend of history, politics, conflict, and romance, this is a captivating and fast-paced story, that will both entertain and educate young adult readers, and those interested in medieval fiction. Interspersed between the battles is the blossoming relationship between Heather and Toby, as they are drawn together and support each other, despite their differences. The characters are well developed, and Wang develops high levels of empathy for the lead characters, as they struggle to survive during a period of turmoil and political unrest. This is a captivating read, and we hope to read the next instalment in the Enemy’s Keeper Series very soon. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A captivating and fast-paced read, that will both entertain and educate young adult readers. A BRONZE 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

Souls and Shadows < Back Kara Ellison Souls and Shadows Book blurb... April’s extra tall, awkward and clumsy and all she wants is to fit in. Sixteen-year-old April Kane has always stood out—literally. She towers over her peers, making her an outsider in every room. And now she’s been sent to boarding school where she finds out magic is real and she’s expected to learn how to use it. Accepted into the prestigious Saguaro Academy for Sciences and Arts, April is surrounded by students with remarkable talents—except no one, not even April, knows what hers is. All she knows is that when she touches someone—a hug, a kiss, or even a handhold—they feel better, while her energy drains away, so she avoids contact with others. As April grapples with her mysterious ability, she senses a deeper danger: an evil presence within the academy whose soul is too far gone to save. To confront it, April must risk everything—including the fragile pieces of herself she’s just beginning to understand. In the world of Souls and Shadows, Book One of the Tattered Souls series, understanding and taming her power might be the only way to survive. If you love magical academies, found family, mysterious powers, secret experiments, morally gray mentors, and a heroine who might be her own greatest danger…then this is the book for you. Perfect for fans of magical academies like Harry Potter and The Scholomance! Purchase here

Montgomery Lake High #1: The Right Person < Back Stacy A. Padula Montgomery Lake High #1: The Right Person A gritty, teen drama, by author Stacy A. Padula The stars align for Chris Dunkin when he meets Courtney Angeletti at a beach in Plymouth, Massachusetts. He feels an instant attraction to her, and she is captivated by him, even though she has a boyfriend. Two months later, Courtney has broken up with her boyfriend and is dating Chris. It’s the first day at Montgomery Lake High School and the teens are recovering from a party at Chris’s house the night before. Chris had experimented with hard drugs in the past, and was addicted to alcohol and weed, but he was determined not to allow Courtney, an ethical, devout Christian, to follow in his footsteps. He knew he had to clean up his act to get the grades he needed to compete on the football team. As Courtney tries to fit in with Chris’s friends she turns her back on her best friend, Julianna, and stops going to church. Chris’s friend hosts a party at his mansion, but Chris decides not to go to avoid the temptation of drugs and alcohol. He advises Courtney not to go, but after an argument she goes along anyway. At the party, Courtney hooks up with her ex-boyfriend, and realises what a fool she has been. Cops arrive at the party, and Courtney narrowly escapes being caught, while a couple of her friends are arrested. Meanwhile, nobody has noticed that Julianna is sad and alone, and at crisis point. Will Courtney break up with Chris? Will she ever reconnect with her faith? And will anyone save Julianna, before it’s too late? Montgomery Lake High #1 : The Right Person, is an authentic and gritty teen drama, written by author Stacy A. Padula. The story follows Chris, Courtney, and their group of friends, as they try to navigate their way through high school. The book was written by Padula when she was a teenager and was inspired by her own high school experiences. This is a powerful and thought-provoking book that highlights the challenges and temptations that many young people face in high school. It explores several difficult topics, such as friendships and peer pressure, relationships and break-ups, drug and alcohol misuse and addiction, depression, parental break-ups, and parental neglect. This is an excellent novel, but it is also a valuable resource for young people, and anyone with a caring responsibility for a young person. Padula was motivated to write this book to help kids socially prepare for high school. The book does exactly that, and it will help parents, carers and teachers prepare for that transition too. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful and thought-provoking teen novel, that highlights the challenges and temptations that many young people face in high school. 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

Age of Resolve: The E.V. Chronicles < Back Ilene Grydsuk Age of Resolve: The E.V. Chronicles A teenager discovers a sinister plot that could destroy humanity. Seventeen-year-old Everett Steele graduates high school and immediately goes to work as an agent for Biodome. Biodome is a regime created 100 years ago, following the great reset that wiped out the misguided ideology and spurious intentions of an ancient civilization seemingly bent on destroying itself. The new regime corrected everything wrong with the world, and eliminated the unemployed, uninspired, uninitiated, deviants, dissidents, and rule breakers. But Biodome’s universal moral compass, the existential virus (EV) that infected and wiped out all the incorrigibles from the world, is under attack. The destruction of the EV will end the Age of Resolve (the new society) and return society to ancient times. Everett enters the animal rehabilitation program in the Department of Animal Welfare at Biodome. Before EV, ancient civilians decimated more than 41,000 species, some 16,000 to the brink of extinction. Everett’s job is to support the rehabilitation and repopulation of all forms of native and non-native species. She meets a fellow agent Jake Domanso, and they discover a secret plot to destroy the EV and with it, the Age of Resolve. Everett and Jake join forces and plan to infiltrate the laboratory to save the EV, and humanity, from destruction. Age of Resolve: The E.V. Chronicles is an original, dystopian science fiction novel for young adult readers, by author Ilene Grydsuk. Grydsuk has built a compelling world, with a gripping plot and well-rounded, believable characters. This is an exceptional novel, that was both thought-provoking and disturbing on many levels. This book is the first in a new series, and I look forward to reading the next instalment. Readers who enjoy science fiction and dystopian novels, and Christian fiction will enjoy this. An epic and immersive read, and highly recommended. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An exceptional dystopian science fiction novel, with a gripping plot and believable characters. 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

The Trail To Twilight For The Gods: And Epic Martial Mystery < Back Ben Klotz The Trail To Twilight For The Gods: And Epic Martial Mystery Book blurb... Why does war return again and again? Are humanity’s endless conflicts born from within—or planted from beyond? In this bold and poetic tour de force, Ben Klotz invites readers on a mythic journey where gods and men collide, ancient legends meet modern strategy, and dreams hold the power to shape destiny. The Trail to Twilight for the Gods is a sweeping dramatic epic that blends Greek mythology, political history, and philosophical insight into one mesmerizing narrative. Through the voices of Mars, Zeus, Prometheus, and Irene—the goddess of Peace—this verse drama lays bare a cosmic struggle for the soul of mankind. Can Eisenhower’s forgotten vision of universal service break the cycle of war? Can logic and will overcome divine deception? At once timeless and urgently modern, this is a story of veiled plans, transcendent truths, and the audacity to reimagine humanity’s future. For those who seek peace, question power, and dream of a new dawn—this is your trail. Purchase here

Tied to You < Back Cassandra Crull Tied to You A young woman is haunted by her first love and forced to relive her traumatic past, by author Cassandra Crull Sixteen-year-old Kat moves from Michigan to a small town in the Rockies, following the tragic death of her brother, Robert. As her mother struggles with her own grief, and her dad is largely absent, Kat is left alone and with no parental guidance to deal with her own struggles and her grief. As she tries to settle into a new home, new school, and new life, she battles with depression and begins to self-medicate with alcohol and drugs. When Kat meets Dave at a party, she feels an instant connection and the pair soon become intimate. Dave is safe and sensible, and for the first time in a long time, Kat feels loved, happy and secure. But the pain inside is too deep, and Kat soon feels trapped and suffocated by Dave’s attempts to protect her. Kat seeks comfort with other men, who exploit and abuse her. Her life spirals dangerously out of control and Kat loses the one man who genuinely cared for her. Twenty years later, Kat has turned her life around. She loves her job as a social worker and is happily married to Carl with two young children, Zoe, and Willow. One evening, Dave suddenly appears in her family home. Dazed and confused by the sudden appearance of her first love, Kat is compelled to confront the demons that have haunted her for twenty years. As Kat reconnects with Dave, the couple embark on a courageous journey back to Colorado, where Kat is forced to relive her traumatic past as she helps Dave find closure and his way home to his beloved family. Tied to You, by Cassandra Crull, is a dark, haunting novel for young adult readers about a young woman who is stricken by grief and consumed by depression following the death of her brother. This is a heart-breaking story of a young woman’s fight for survival in harsh and cruel world, as she is largely abandoned by her parents, and exploited by those around her. At the heart of the novel, is a beautiful love story between two young people; love that endures time, betrayal, and heartache. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A dark, haunting novel for young adult readers about love and loss. Purchase here

On a Rooftop in Beijing < Back Maggie Paredes On a Rooftop in Beijing Love endures on a rooftop in Beijing, by Maggie Paredes North Korean swimmer, Jae Sung, was successful in winning a swimming scholarship to attend the prestigious Kim Il Sung University. His life and future depended on doing well in the sport, and he was determined to make his parents proud. When North Korea was permitted to compete in the 2008 Olympic Games, held in Beijing, Jae was selected for the swim team. Seventeen-year-old Sloane, from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, had spent much of her life in the swimming pool and had trained to compete on the world stage. When she was selected to represent the USA swim team at the Beijing Olympics, Sloane was excited to compete, but also eager to travel and experience life in East Asia. During the Olympic opening ceremony, Jae and Sloane’s eyes meet across the stadium and they are immediately drawn to one another. During training the next day, they meet again, and Jae sends Sloane a secret note to meet him on the roof at midnight. Over the course of the games, Jae and Sloane pass secret notes and meet in secret every night on the rooftops of Beijing. The teens fall deeply in love but must keep their relationship hidden from their coaches and fellow athletes. Under the autocratic rule of the Supreme Leader, Jae is not permitted to speak to anyone from another nation. Disobedience could lead to incarceration or even death. Furthermore, if he doesn’t take a medal back home to North Korea, he would be severely punished. Sloane knows that she must stay focused on the competition, and that her secret liaison could risk the chance of a gold medal. Can Jae and Sloane keep their relationship a secret? And will they risk their chance of an Olympic medal, for love? On a Rooftop in Beijing by author Maggie Paredes is a captivating romantic fiction novel, about two young athletes who risk their lives and sporting careers in pursuit of love and happiness. Written in the first-person perspective, the book alternates from the viewpoints of the two main characters, Jae and Sloane. This is an enjoyable and interesting novel, which gives a unique and fascinating insight into the history, lifestyle and culture of North Korea. I liked the setting of the book in the Olympic village and the secret rendezvous on the rooftops, and I enjoyed the blossoming relationship between the teenagers. The book beautifully captures the intense, overwhelming emotion of teen love, the terrifying fear of being caught, and the fear of failing at such an important competition. The book will appeal to young adult readers who enjoy romantic fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A captivating romantic fiction novel, about two young athletes who risk everything for love. 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