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

The Siren Sea < Back Cidney Swanson The Siren Sea Book blurb... Four teens. One perilous journey. Everything to lose. When Katrina's brother is imprisoned for smuggling siren bones, she leaves behind her quiet life to save him, only to be swept into a web of dangerous magic, a ruthless duke's ambitions, and an ancient power she doesn't yet understand. A haunted woodsman. A secretive tsarina. A thief with his own secrets. Together, they must survive treachery, sirens, and sea crossings before time runs out. Purchase here

Keeper of the Lost Flame: Book Two < Back Rose M Delorane Keeper of the Lost Flame: Book Two Book blurb... Lit Square has gotten caught up in the paranormal, arcane magic, and supernatural trouble - and still hasn't surrendered. Tough, seasoned, yet still sweet and unassuming, he is unafraid to take what he wants. No longer is he the same awkward boy who left behind his home, family, and the girl he loved, just to search for his forgotten bloodline. Not quite seventeen, he's undeniably handsome despite the deep scars no one can see. Yet, he has no idea the effect he has on others. Especially on Greta, the girl who runs the iconic Merry's Tavern and Inn within the small mountain town of Mountainview. When Lit travels there on the trail of an ancient artifact, he uncovers secrets kept silent for generations. The picturesque town has existed under a supernatural threat so malevolent that it forces residents to lock their doors by nightfall. Dark forces own the streets after sunset, and the boarded Cemetery of Eternal Sorrow guards secrets the living fear to speak. Purchase here

Wren and the Tarnished Tiger < Back E.M. Leander Wren and the Tarnished Tiger Two young people, lost in their world, find a magical connection. A young orphan, Wren, is the lighthouse keeper in a town called Split, in the country of Aclines. When war breaks out with neighbouring Ocron, Wren is isolated from the town in the lighthouse where she lives and works. Wren has a unique ability to communicate and connect with animals, and she is cast out by the townsfolk who consider her strange. When an injured Tiger arrives at the lighthouse, Wren shelters the tiger and treats his wounds. Split is defeated in the war by Ocron, and the tiger returns back to the wild. But word soon gets out that Wren can control animals, and she is approached by an Ocronian from the ‘School of the Silver Flame,’ who believes she is a Mage. Mage’s have magical powers that can be used to control the natural elements - wind, earth, fire, and water. Wren leaves her home in Split and travels to the school, where she is manacled until she learns how to control her magic. Aris, a handsome and arrogant young man, is a Shield, an animal shifter who can shift from human to animal form. Shields are trained from childhood to safeguard and protect a Mage. A Mage and a Shield are paired and bonded together for life. Aris is grieving the loss of his Mage and best friend, Stefan, and has not shifted into his animal form since his death. As Aris goes in search of another Mage, he meets Wren, and they discover they have a magical connection. But are Aris and Wren compatible to form a bonded pair? Will Wren ever learn to control her magic, and be free of her shackles? And will she ever see her tarnished tiger again? Wren and the Tarnished Tiger is the first book in the Game of Gods series by E.M. Leander. T his is a fantastic fantasy fiction novel for young adult readers, written in a dual narrative and alternating between Wren and Aris’s point of view. The novel follows Wren’s journey as she is uprooted from her home and thrust into a world of magic, and Aris’s journey as he goes in search of a new Mage, following the tragic death of his best friend. This is a thrilling, fast paced novel, with two charming characters, and a mesmerising world full of magic, drama, and intrigue. With epic battle scenes, animal magic, and a beautiful romance, this is a fantastic, fantasy fiction novel, not to be missed. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fantastic fantasy fiction novel for young adult readers, with epic battle scenes, animal magic, and a beautiful romance. 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

Ingefaer vod Renku Aere Warrior < Back Rene Vecka Ingefaer vod Renku Aere Warrior Ingefaer vod Renku: Ære Warrior is a standout young adult fantasy novel that skillfully blends the rigors of military academy life with a deeply personal journey of growth, justice, and resilience. Set in the Mid Dreki Realm before the return of magic, the story follows Ingefaer, a determined and resourceful young woman, as she strives to break through cultural norms and become an Ære Warrior—a rare feat for women in her world. The novel excels in its realistic depiction of military training. Combat scenes are grounded in tactical intelligence and physical realism, focusing on footwork, balance, and teamwork rather than exaggerated fantasy heroics. For example, Ingefaer's swordplay is described with attention to practical technique, and the narrative often pauses for after-action critiques, reinforcing the importance of learning and leadership. Ingefaer's journey from a grieving, vengeful orphan to a compassionate and clever leader is both believable and inspiring. The supporting cast—such as the wise archer Hjorn and the determined teammate Knut—are given depth, with their own strengths and vulnerabilities. The camaraderie and rivalries among cadets are nuanced, reflecting real group dynamics under pressure. The book tackles issues of gender discrimination head-on. Ingefaer's struggle to be accepted as a female officer candidate is met with institutional resistance and personal sabotage, culminating in a dramatic trial that exposes systemic bias. The narrative ultimately champions justice over vengeance, as Ingefaer learns to seek lawful redress rather than personal retribution for her parents' deaths. The story is structured around a series of escalating trials—physical, intellectual, and moral—that keep the reader invested. The academy's competitive environment, with its shifting alliances and high stakes, provides a compelling backdrop for Ingefaer's growth. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A story of courage, compassion, and cleverness, which is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Purchase here

Gripped Part 5: Taylor's Story < Back Stacy A. Padula Gripped Part 5: Taylor's Story A real and honest portrayal of the dangers of drug use and the pressures faced by young adults, by author Stacy A. Padula Taylor, a promising young football player, has had a turbulent few years. After an unfortunate incident at school that resulted in him losing his college place, and a debilitating knee injury that led to a painkiller addiction, he becomes embroiled with an organised criminal gang with links to the Mafia. But as Taylor attempts to become sober, leave the gang, and turn his life around, he risks it all for one last drug run. When his criminal associates learn of his intention to leave the gang, they set out to silence him, before he can incriminate anyone else. Unbeknownst to Taylor, another member of the gang is an undercover police officer, and he intervenes to save his life. But the gang cannot risk exposure, and attempt to hunt Taylor down via his friends and family. As Taylor is driven away to safety, his friends and families’ lives are put in grave danger. Gripped Part 5: Taylors Story, is the fifth book in the Gripped series, and a continuation of the previous novel. I hadn’t read any of the previous novels, and whilst there were references to previous events, the book could still be enjoyed as a stand-alone story. This novel tells the story of Taylor, his family, relationships, and run-ins with Bilotti gang. The book tackles issues of addiction, drug dealing, alcohol use and teen sex, providing a real and honest portrayal of the dangers of drug use and the pressures faced by young adults. What I really liked about the book is the representation of regular, high-functioning, and successful kids, and their involvement with a hidden, dangerous, underworld. If it can happen to Taylor, it can happen to anyone. The title of the book is fitting, as I was literally gripped from the first chapter. This book is an enthralling and essential for any young adult, or parent of a young adult. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An enthralling and essential read for any young adult, or parent. I was gripped from the first chapter. A SILVER WINNER and highly recommended.’ 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

ERASED < Back Sebastian Kilex ERASED Book blurb... In a distant and unrecognisable future, the world that was once a vibrant, flourishing ecosystem has become a planet stripped bare by previous generations. The story unfolds in Cyclopia - one of the planet's regions a vast necropolis of discarded civilization sprawled as far as one can see. What was once pristine landscape is now blanketed with mountains of crushed cars, polymer waste, shattered screens, and decomposing rubbish - a monument to humanity's failure. In this world, a fall into the rat-infested subterranean wasteland should have killed nineteen-year-old Lucy. Instead, it broke her Skelyx - the device that controls every human emotion and memory. Now she feels what she was never meant to feel, remembers what was meant to stay buried, and is secretly no longer controlled. When Lucy and her cohort are reassigned to Fields - a verdant part of the planet - she is devastated that her best friend 9 is condemned to stay in Cyclopia forever by Zet, the ruler of section Y16, for the crime of being "too human." Away from 9, Lucy promises herself she'll get her out, but on her journey, she discovers a terrifying truth. In a society where droids rule, the only way to change their world is to infiltrate The Oracle, wear the enemy's face and make an impossible choice, one that will determine the fate of two worlds. Is The Oracle already ruling our world? Kilex's story examines contemporary societal trends through the lens of ecological collapse, authoritarian control, and the dangers of unchecked AI. Erased will appeal to both young adult and adult readers drawn to dystopian science fiction. Sebastian hopes his story and its characters connect with readers emotionally, raising questions about the possibility of such a world and leaving this curiosity with them long after the book is closed. Purchase here

The Underground Book Readers: The Secret Society < Back Terry Overton The Underground Book Readers: The Secret Society A group of teens try to take back control of their lives, when their freedoms are removed by military force . Set in 2031, the World Force military controls everything across the United States of America, from food to fuel, and even books. Since the totalitarian military regime was introduced, many adults and young people were sent away or vanished without trace. Many others died of disease. Children were left to fend for themselves, in a hostile environment where everything is tightly controlled. It has been seven years since the schools closed, and five years since books were banned. No one is allowed to read, and no one is allowed to teach anything that isn’t approved by the World Force. In the mountains and valleys of Virginia, a group of orphaned teens find an underground cave in the countryside and join together to rediscover the joy of reading. Kahn, Jairus, Casey, and Asher meet every day in the cave to eat and talk, pray and read the Bible, and devour a book in their illegal collection. For seven years, the teens have met in secret, avoiding the military, and amassing a collection of over three hundred books. Until one day, a young girl named Leena follows Kahn to the cave and is introduced to their secret society. Can Leena be trusted? Will she be accepted into the secret society? And how long can the group evade the World Force military? The Underground Book Readers: The Secret Society (Book 1) by author Terry Overton is a dystopian fiction novel for young adults, set in the not-too-distant future. The book follows five young people as they battle for survival under a new world order, where everything is controlled by the military. As the teens struggle to navigate a world where curiosity is suppressed and intellectual freedoms and creativity are under siege, their friendships are tested to the limit. Brilliantly told, with rich and vivid detail, Overton does a great job at building a hostile, futuristic world where a generation of teens are prohibited from accessing the many things, we take for granted in life. Readers who enjoy mystery and dystopian novels will enjoy this thought-provoking tale of humanity’s battle against a new world order. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A vivid and chilling exploration of a future world, where books and learning are prohibited. Purchase here

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

The Monarchs < Back Mark Sabbas The Monarchs A teenager escapes incarceration and is forced to confront the demons of his past. The ‘Facility’ is a secure, military base for a group of ‘new youth’ children, born with special abilities. The children, identified by their abnormally large eyes and extraordinary psychic capabilities, are taken from their families and imprisoned against their will. Every Sunday, scientists conduct horrific experiments on the young minds, with the hope of harnessing their telekinetic powers in the future. Seventeen year old Samuel Helen has been incarcerated inside the facility since he was a young boy. But after ten years of pills, injections, and shock therapy, Samuel still cannot control his powers, and neither can his handlers. When prodded hard enough, the monster that lays dormant inside of him awakens. Samuel seeks comfort and solace from his trusted tutor and mentor, Walter, and his girlfriend Evelyn, an orphan from a neighboring village. One day, a group of radicalised psychic children attack the facility and attempt to set free the imprisoned children. Walter is killed and Evelyn’s village is burnt to the ground. Samuel and Evelyn escape into the forest, but when Evelyn is involved in a catastrophic incident and left unconscious, Samuel blames himself. Samuel meets Luna, a psychic with telepathic powers, and they travel through the forest to seek refuge at the Sanctuary, a hidden colony of gifted youth. As Samuel struggles to master his growing powers, he is forced to confront the demons of his own traumatic past. The Monarchs is an epic, immersive, fantasy fiction novel, by debut author Mark Sabbas. Set in the not too distant future, Sabbas transports readers to a harrowing dystopian world where children are incarcerated to weaponize their telekinetic powers. With a unique blend of science fiction, fantasy and mysticism, Sabbas has created a unique futuristic world, full of action and memorable characters. Social commentary and contemporary references give this magical story an element of realism. A stand-out debut novel by Mark Sabbas. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : Beautifully written, with incredible world building and unforgettable characters, this book will appeal to readers of science fiction and fantasy of all ages. Purchase here