BLACK ANGEL: THE KEY TO LIFE AND DEATH < Back Norma Jean BLACK ANGEL: THE KEY TO LIFE AND DEATH Book blurb... What if your story began at the end? Seventeen-year-old Brian dies at a party—then wakes in a radiant celestial realm. Chosen to become a spiritual warrior, he’s thrust into a battle between heaven and hell. Grotesque monsters rise from the underworld, a magical key is stolen, and his family is in danger. With a Latina firestarter, a fearless fighter, and a haunted WWII soldier by his side, Brian must journey through darkness to save what matters most. This thrilling YA fantasy fuses afterlife adventure, urban grit, and spiritual warfare—perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone and They Both Die at the End. 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

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

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

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

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

Wonders of the Soul < Back Helen P. Slater Wonders of the Soul Book blurb... Wonders of the Soul is a book for young readers. Many young teenagers today have confusing choices to make over relationships and family ties. This book shows three women who turn up at a healing clinic run by Prue. They have all experienced difficulty in their childhoods and are facing difficulties with their relationships or with themselves. Prue has a special gift; she can heal karma and trauma. Then Sean arrives and Prue’s world turns upside down. She knows she can heal him, and together they undergo spiritual healing which allows their love to flow. 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

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

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

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