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 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

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

Come As You Are: Broken, Loved, redeemed < Back MM Myers Come As You Are: Broken, Loved, redeemed Book blurb... Come as you are, is a raw and powerful story of resilience faith and the healing power of unconditional love. It's a reminder that no matter how broken we feel, we are never beyond the reach of grace. Marie has always known pain, where her mother calls her a demon and bruises mark her skin more often than not. She's learned to survive in the shadows, unseen and unloved. However, when the walls of her heart are at their weakest, a whisper in the darkness changes everything: I love you. I died for you. Drawn by an invisible pull, Marie stumble into a small church on a Sunday morning her clothes torn and her heart shattered she smells of the basement where she spent the night after yet another beating but the congregation doesn't turn her away, they welcome her just as she is and at the altar with tears streaming down her face Marie meets Jesus for the first time. Life doesn't magically become perfect. Her mother's rage still burns, and the bruises don't stop but Marie is no longer alone. With Jesus as her constant friend and guide she begins to see herself as more than the mistakes her mother claims she is. She is loved, she is chosen and held by a God who walks with her through every storm. 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

The Wonder Wig < Back Dr. Shon Lewis The Wonder Wig Meet Brooke Bell: an extraordinary young girl with an extraordinary wonder wig. A young girl named Brooke Bell lives with her mom and dad in Arkansas. Brooke has short, afro hair and wishes she has long flowing locks like her favourite Barbie dolls. One day, Brooke takes one of her moms’ wigs and wears it to school. But when she drops one of her books, the wig falls off her head and the other students laugh at her. Her grandmother comforts her and reminds her of her natural beauty. Her mom on the other hand is cross she took the wig. Brooke is unhappy that her parents are always working and never spend anytime with her. She enjoys spending time at her grandparents’ house, and following the incident with the wig she asks to live with them over the summer. After lots of arguments, her mom finally agrees. During the summer break, Brooke helps out at her Aunt Pam’s hair salon, enjoying the interactions with customers, and admiring all the hair products and wigs for sale. Over the years, Brooke continues to work at her aunt’s salon at weekends, and her relationship with her mom improves. When she is aged sixteen, Aunt Pam gives Brooke a wig. But this is no ordinary wig. The wig has special powers that enable Brooke to hear other people’s conversations. She hears other girls talking about their alopecia and decides to help them. She keeps the special powers a secret, disguises her appearance, and uses her earnings from the salon to buy wigs for girls with alopecia. As Brooke helps more girls, there is a news report of a nameless person, they call ‘Dashing Dazzle’ donating wigs to a hair clinic for girls with alopecia. A cash reward of $20,000 is offered to identify the mysterious wig benefactor. Will Brooke reveal her identity and claim the cash prize? And will she reveal the powers of the extraordinary wonder wig? The Wonder Wig by Dr. Shon Lewis is a fun and imaginative short story for young adult readers, about an extraordinary young girl with an extraordinary wonder wig. Brooke’s life is changed forever when she is given a special wig as a gift. But rather than using the special powers for personal gain, she decides to use the powers to help others more in need. This is a great concept, and a positive story for women and girls that celebrates the beauty and diversity of afro hair. The book promotes hair-positivity and good hair health, and encourages readers to accept their natural beauty whilst respecting individual choice on haircare products and wigs. At the same time, the book raises awareness of alopecia and may help to reduce stigma associated with this condition. I particularly enjoyed the ‘Dashing Dazzle’ character and believe the author could explore this character much further. I would love to hear more from her and her wonder wig! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, positive and empowering story for women and girls, which celebrates natural beauty and respects individual hair-care choices. Purchase here

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

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

The Forces Within < Back Stacy A. Padula The Forces Within After being trapped inside his own body, unable to communicate with anyone but his own thoughts, Andy Rosetti finally wakes up from the coma that controlled his life for one month. But upon awakening, Andy finds himself and his friends in an unfamiliar setting: a mansion riddled with secrets and supernatural forces. As his friends fall prey to the entities encompassing them, Andy must figure out if the darkness lies within the mansion’s walls or within the people surrounding him 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

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