Petals & Teeth < Back Renee Hayes Petals & Teeth Book blurb... Magic is dark, magic is wrong, and magic is banned in all of Martarell. The Demon King is at war with people of Martarell, but when a violent storm tears through Inola Dreston’s cottage, it shakes something loose in her world – and in herself. Desperate for coin, she seeks work at the crumbling Cattenburg Manor, where shadows linger, ravens gather, and an injured soldier named Silas captures her heart before vanishing without a trace. The deeper Inola digs, the more the manor reveals strange memories, a stirring power, and secrets buried beneath the dust – the mysterious Elwin Cattenburg. As the Demon King’s army marches closer, Inola uncovers a truth long stolen – not just from her, but from all of Martarell. Magic is waking, and Inola may be the key to stopping the darkness. Because fire kills demons… and she’s ready to burn. Purchase here

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

Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirrors < Back Stacy A. Padula Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirrors Book blurb... One deal. One clue. Eternal reckoning. In Montgomery, Massachusetts, illusions shatter—and one desperate deal could cost everything. Taylor Dunkin, ex-star quarterback, battles to escape his opioid-fueled nightmare, but a shadowy pact puts his life and his family’s safety on the brink. As cryptic clues surface, feuding brothers Jordan and Marc must unite to unravel the mystery of Taylor’s disappearance—uncovering secrets that could redefine their bonds forever. Meanwhile, Cathy Kagelli, fresh off grounding, dives into her boyfriend Jason’s hidden world of drugs, hatching a risky plan to pull him back … at the potential cost of her own soul. Who will emerge from the deception unscathed? Raw and riveting, Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirrors unmasks the perilous illusions of addiction and loyalty in America’s youth. Purchase here

The Christmas Trials < Back William Carroll The Christmas Trials Book blurb... When seventeen-year-old Morgan is unexpectedly summoned to the North Pole, she discovers she's been chosen to compete in the ancient trials to become the next Santa Claus. As she faces magical challenges and rival candidates from around the world, Morgan learns that the true test isn't about power or perfection, but about about kindness, courage, and the quiet strength that has always lived inside her. Purchase here

Gripped Part 6: The Dunkin Legacy < Back Stacy A. Padula Gripped Part 6: The Dunkin Legacy Book blurb... One pursuit. One revelation. Unshakable faith. In Montgomery, Massachusetts, legacies endure-and one family’s hidden past could be their only hope. The Dunkin family is on the run, hunted by the ruthless Bilotti crime family in a high-stakes game of survival. As Taylor navigates his dangerous alliance with the FBI, brothers Jordan and Marc confront buried memories that unearth deep wounds and necessary truths. Their father, Jack, battles his own demons through haunting flashbacks, while Michelle Taylor’s tangled history with the family promises revelations that could heal old scars or sever relationships forever. Amid the danger, faith rises as the steady anchor-offering forgiveness, hope, and the courage to confront the darkest shadows. Danger closes in. Truths emerge. Will the Dunkins’ legacy deliver salvation or destruction? Purchase here

Shades of Yellow < Back Talia Orbach Shades of Yellow Being a teen has never been tougher. Fourteen-year-old Cassidy Summers has spent her whole life being shuttled from one home to the next, as her free-spirited mother attempts to discover herself in every location they explore, from Houston, Texas, to Paris, France. This time, they’re moving into her grandmother’s cramped apartment in Connecticut, so that her mother can carry out her “lifelong dream” of opening Summer’s Café to sell overpriced cupcakes. But when the café struggles to bring in business and her family’s savings start to dry up, Cassidy must confront the possibility of another move. Becca Fox has been training to become a member of the Advanced Youth Equestrian Team her whole life under the intense instruction of Vince Hudson. But between academic troubles, an ongoing rivalry, and a teammate that she can’t seem to stop thinking about—no matter how hard she tries—the possibility of securing a spot on the AYET begins to slip further and further out of grasp. Lauren Mahoney has always felt overshadowed by her older sister, Chloe, a varsity athlete, and all-around perfect person. It doesn’t help that Lauren’s mom seems to wish Lauren fit into the mold of anyone but herself, whether it’s Chloe or her best friend, Becca Fox. But when she finds a guitar that belonged to her father, who died when she was only a few years old, Lauren starts to discover a side of herself that she never knew existed. The worlds of three fourteen-year-old girls collide in this fresh debut novel, supercharged by unreliable parents, the immense pressure to succeed, and deep personal tragedy. Delightful, warm, and witty, Shades of Yellow leaves you feeling the profound power of friendship at any age. Purchase here

Journey to Superhero School: An Oliver and Jessica Prequel to The Vork Chronicles < Back Gracie Dix Journey to Superhero School: An Oliver and Jessica Prequel to The Vork Chronicles Book blurb... When twins Jessica and Oliver Fletcher discover their Super Powers at age 4, the family realizes their lives will never be the same again. Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher work hard to raise this dynamic pair, helping them try to fit in while learning to use their Powers to better themselves and the world around them. School is especially tricky for these students who must not reveal their Powers—until their mother receives a mysterious phone call in the middle of the night. While Jessica and Oliver face a variety of challenges—from battling living-room décor, to daring rescues, to bungling doctors—they get through it all with family support, love for each other, and their own unique brand of sibling sarcasm. This is only the beginning of their adventures, so join the Fletcher twins on their Journey to Superhero School. Purchase here

The Hennessy Lie < Back Annette Masters The Hennessy Lie Eighteen-year-old Piper Covington is a new student at the University of Florida, sharing an apartment with her best-friend Mia. Piper’s father died in a car accident before she was born, and his family rejected Piper and her mother because the couple were unmarried when she fell pregnant. Piper has a strained relationship with her mother and is looking forward to starting a new life away from her. One day, Piper meets a strange man who informs her that her father recently died in prison. He hands her an envelope with a key to a safe-deposit box. He instructs her to protect the key and warns her she is in danger. Piper is distraught when she learns that her mother lied about her father’s death, and denied her a relationship with her father and his family. As Piper learns more about her father’s life and death, she discovers she is the heir to the Hennessey Estate, a historic property on three-hundred acres of woodland. To claim the estate, Piper must produce her father’s last will and testament, stored in the safe-deposit box. But, when Piper locates the box, the will is missing. As Piper attempts to find the will and claim what is rightfully hers, she uncovers dark family secrets and a sinister plot to steal her identity, and the Hennessy Estate. The Hennessy Lie is a gripping, page-turning, drama for young adult readers, by author Annette Masters. The book follows a young woman named Piper who discovers her entire life is built on a pack of lies. As Piper searches for the truth, she is determined to reclaim her life, her identity and her inheritance. As the story unfolds, Piper faces adversaries determined to keep her from her inheritance, and she begins to unravel long buried family secrets that challenge her sense of self. With a well-executed and believable plot, memorable characters and nerve-racking twists and turns, Hennessy Lie will leave readers on the edge-of-their seats. A must read for young adult readers who enjoy drama, mystery and suspense. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping, page-turning, teen drama, full of suspense and nerve-racking twists and turns. Purchase here

Emos, Posers, Goths, & Haters < Back John Randall Emos, Posers, Goths, & Haters Book blurb... There are Rules! Andrea Cox heads into her Senior Year of High School at Evergreen High, just outside of Seattle, on top of the world. Her initiation into the Empresses is a foregone conclusion. The Empresses are at the top of the food chain of the eight different cliques. Andrea's ambition may get the better of her as she tries to outshine the clique's president, Charlotte Davis. As the winter semester turns to spring, the old wounds of Evergreen High of what is known as 'The Reckoning' cast a disturbing shadow leading up to Prom. Will Andrea's ever-increasing need for popularity and social media success be her undoing? Meanwhile, bullying has consequences! Purchase here

< Back Laurie Anne Zaleski Travels with Ariel - What's up in Baker Lake? Can a young scientist rescue injured caribou and repair a twenty-year-old borehole? Eleven-year-old Ariel is passionate about the earth, rocks, and science. After winning first place in an International Science Fair at school, she is selected for a HER ( Headquarters of Environmental Resolution) mentorship program . As part of the program, she has the opportunity to work alongside real scientists and be part of a real-life scientific investigation. She is given an assignment in Baker Lake, Canada, and travels with her mom and beloved dog, Champ, to a site on the very edge of the Arctic Circle. She meets her mentor, a world-renowned geomorphologist Dr Bryce, and learns that several caribou have been injured near a damaged borehole on the Arctic Tundra. Her mission is to work with the scientists to investigate, repair, and recalibrate the old borehole and safeguard the migrating caribou. Ariel and the team trek to the site and find an injured caribou and her young calf. They secure the site and take the injured caribou back to the town for treatment. As the caribou are treated, the scientists attempt to repair the borehole, so it can continue to capture important data about the terrain. Will the caribou recover from their injuries? Can they be released back into the wild to continue their journey? And will the team be able to repair the twenty-year-old borehole to secure the site for future generations? Travels with Ariel - What's up in Baker Lake? by author Laurie Anne Zaleski is a chapter book for newly independent readers about a young girl who goes on a scientific adventure of a lifetime to the Arctic Tundra. Ariel is a charming, likeable, and fun character, with a love for geology and conservation, and a passion for adventure. Her journey is inspiring, as she wins a contest and fulfils her dream to be involved in a real-life scientific investigation. The book is full of interesting facts and figures about the earth, geology, and science in general, and will encourage young readers to explore more about these fascinating subjects. I hope this book will inspire a love of STEM, and the next generation of geologists and scientists. Fascinating, insightful, and inspiring. Who said rocks were boring? Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful, inspiring story about a young geologist who goes on an amazing adventure to the Arctic Tundra, Purchase here

< Back Edwina Dorch Summertime and The Livin' is Easy A young girls faith is tested to the limit, by author Edwina Dorch Jasmine, a ten-year-old Black American girl, is helping her mother, who works as a maid for the Harris family. Dr and Mrs Harris, and their daughter Cindy, are a wealthy family, who live in an affluent gated neighbourhood. Jasmine admires Cindy’s clothes and shoes, and her many books that could fill a public library. Dr Harris notices Jasmine’s tattered shoes that are held together by safety pins, and Mrs Harris gives Jasmine a bag of Cindy’s unworn clothes and shoes. Jasmine dreams of becoming a preacher, but as she compares her own life to Cindy’s privileged life, she loses her faith in God. At home, Jasmine and her older brother Frankie, are berated by their abusive stepfather, and escape the house to play hide and seek in the backyard. Their stepfather orders Jasmine and Frankie to the store to buy bread, and they use the opportunity to have a little summertime fun. On the way to the store, Frankie dares Jasmine to open the door of a derelict ‘ghost’ house, and Frankie finds an old, discarded wheel. But when they get to the store, Jasmine discovers she has lost her stepfathers money, and fears what her stepfather might do when they return home. The siblings search for the money, but Jasmine falls down a hill and into a manhole. Frankie helps her out, and luckily, she is unharmed. As the pair return home to face their stepfather, with no bread and no money. Jasmine feels lost and powerless, and turns to God for help. Summertime and the Livin' is Easy by author Edwina Dorch is a powerful middle grade story about a young black girl growing up in North America, trying to make sense of the world around her. This is a short and simple novel, that deals with complex issues of poverty and privilege, power and abuse. Jasmine is an authentic and endearing character, and many readers will relate to her experience. Overall, this is a powerful and thought provoking book, but the symbolism might be lost on some readers of this age category. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful middle grade story about a young black girl growing up in North America. Purchase here

Will Harley James solve the clues to find the missing statue, and save the world from ultimate destruction? < Back Leah Cupps Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings Harley Rebecca James, a budding cryptologist, and the daughter of a world-renowned archaeologist, is on an expedition to Tikal Guatemala. Out walking with her dog one day, Harley discovers a Mayan carving and a missing stone from six nooks carved into the wall. When Harley finds the sixth stone, and places it in the wall, part of the wall collapses and she discovers a hidden, glowing, statue. But before Harley can tell her dad about the mysterious artefact, it is stolen from under her bed. Harley soon learns about the legend of the three Mayan Kings, and if her statue meets two other missing statues, it could result in world destruction. Harley must follow the clues to find the statue before it gets into the wrong hands. Little does she know that a criminal gang is also in search of the missing statue, and Harley and her friends must stop them before it’s too late. Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings is a superb story for young, independent readers. Harley is a strong, confident, female lead, with a quest for knowledge and adventure. The book will appeal to those who like action, adventures, and mystery stories. With lots of interesting facts about Mayan history, readers might be inspired to learn more about this fascinating, ancient civilisation. There are cryptic clues throughout the book, that will also encourage readers to learn more about code breaking and cryptology. The book is complemented by wonderful illustrations, and other resources to access on the authors website. As the first in the series, this book sets the scene for future adventures of Harley James, and we look forward to reading the next instalment. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A superb mystery story, with a strong female lead. A BRONZE WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here