Gripped Part 3: The Fallout < Back Stacy Padula Gripped Part 3: The Fallout Book blurb... Now being adapted for TV by Emmy Award-winning producer, Mark Blutman! After a near-death experience, Chris Dunkin begins surrounding himself with positive influences and putting his efforts towards living a clean lifestyle. However, the night before school starts, his best friend Jason convinces him to host a party that shows Chris more about himself than he actually wants to know. Meanwhile, Marc Dunkin has received word from a detective that his oldest brother Taylor is a person of interest in a highly confidential case headed by the Boston Police Department. They know Taylor's clean; they know he wants out of the game; and they want to help make that happen. However, their "help" will come at a cost-one that may put Taylor and his entire family in grave danger. Taylor is trying to get his life back in order after an opiate addiction wreaked havoc on his once promising athletic future. Getting clean was a difficult feat, but breaking free from the Bilotti crime ring will present an even greater challenge. Purchase here

A Light in the Sky < Back Shina Reynolds A Light in the Sky Author Shina Reynolds creates a mystical, equestrian world, full of action and adventure. Seventeen-year-old Aluma’s dream is to join the Cavalry and ride an Empyrean Steed – majestic, winged, flying horses who defend the land. But her future is already mapped out for her. Like other girls in her village, she is expected to marry, have children, and serve the King. Aluma was trained to ride and fly by her father, a retired Empyrean rider. She secretly rides her father’s winged horse, Darwith, but knows that if she is caught flying, she could face imprisonment. Every year, there are try-outs for the Cavalry, but Aluma’s father forbids her to enter, fearing her safety if the country goes to war. But when Aluma’s father is injured just before the tournament, Aluma must enter the contest to protect her family and her father’s name. Aluma wins a place in the Cavalry and is soon thrust into war, where she discovers the truth about the King and the war with their neighbours. A Light in the Sky is an outstanding novel for young adult readers. With a strong female protagonist, who is equally matched in combat with her male counterparts, this is a gripping story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Reynolds creates a remarkable world that is both mesmerising and believable, with characters that are well developed and likeable. The book is jam packed with action and adventure, magic and mysticism, friendships and romance, and betrayal and war. And not to forget the flying horses! What more could you ask for? This is an imaginative and captivating read. I was completely blown away, and I would love to see this story pictured on the big screen. I look forward to the next book in the series and I can’t wait to read more about the adventures of Aluma and her friends. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An outstanding novel, with a strong female protagonist, that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. A GOLD WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

The Joker's Revenge < Back Nancy Beaule The Joker's Revenge Book blurb... Darci Miller is fiercely committed to being the perfect daughter for her widowed father, but his overprotective nature is testing her limits. Set in the backdrop of a Maine summer camp in 1972, this captivating young adult mystery/romance dives deep into a dark family secret surrounding her late mother. When she learns of an opportunity to become a secretary at the very camp where her mother once worked in the 1950s, she jumps at the chance to find the truth. As Darci settles into camp life, she quickly realizes that there's more afoot than just innocent marshmallow roasts. While a malicious prankster is playing cruel tricks that are harming innocent children, the head chef is on the verge of a culinary breakthrough a machine that eliminates fat and calories from food. This invaluable invention has drawn the attention of someone intent on stealing it for financial gain and to settle old scores. In her search for the truth, Darci uncovers shocking revelations about her mother's past that could change everything. Amidst the escalating chaos, she finds herself drawn to her charming boss, all while navigating the jealousy of the camp owners' spoiled daughter. 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

The Girl Who Broke the World < Back Renee Hayes The Girl Who Broke the World Can a teenager heal the world and restore the balance between humanity and nature? Five hundred years after the Oxygen War that ravaged the earth and destroyed more than eighty per cent of the population, Zemira (Zee) Creedence is looking forward to her eighteenth birthday and the annual moon festival, held every year to celebrate Mother Nature and the creation of the new world. While walking through the forest with her companion, Wolf, there is an enormous blast and Zee falls into a void. She is pulled to safety by Wolf and wakes up in a hospital bed in a neighbouring territory. When all the other patients are discharged, Zee realises that she is being kept in the hospital under false pretences. Zee has mysterious powers she has hidden since childhood and is able to manipulate her environment. She uses her powers to escape the hospital with her friend Pax. But, as the friends attempt to return back to their home, Zee discovers that she is being hunted by the King of Kymera and his army. Returning home, Zee learns that her mother is missing and has been taken as bait by the King. As Zee attempts to rescue her mother from the evil King, she finally learns the truth about her mysterious powers, her absent father, and her families connection to Mother Nature. The girl who broke the world by author Renee Hayes is a fantasy adventure, set in a futuristic world, after the earth was reset following a devastating war. The book follows teen, Zee, as she comes of age, and discovers the truth about her world and her ancestry. This is a tense and thrilling adventure, as Zee finds herself at the centre of a battle for control over the new world. Zee is a strong, powerful, female protagonist, who will stop at nothing to fight for her family and her friends. With a mesmerising futuristic world full of weird and wonderful creatures, and a gripping plot full of mystery, drama, suspense, and a little romance, this is an epic fantasy fiction novel not to be missed. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An epic fantasy fiction novel, with a strong, powerful, female protagonist. Not to be missed. Purchase here

The King's Labyrinth < Back Zachary Palmer The King's Labyrinth A young man wrongly accused of a crime, is thrust into a perilous quest to clear his name. The King's Labyrinth is set in Xelea, a magical world based on a system of magical architecture that can slow down time, and shift and shape reality . Novice architect Matthias, and his friends, Ceaser and Calli, are wrongly accused of conspiring with his master and quarry-leader, Irk, of selling the rights to mine creanite to the Architect’s Guild. Creanite is a powerful substance that gives Rooms in Xelea their magical power and cannot be mined without the consent of the royal family. Irk is killed, while Matthias and his friends are sentenced to death. Matthias is thrown into Room 204, an inescapable time-pinching Room, created by the greatest architect of all time . But when Matthias miraculously escapes from Room 204, he and his friends are forced to assist Prince Calum in order to clear their names. They join the prince on an expedition to the Labyrinth, the most dangerous place in Xelea, to retrieve a sacred chisel. As the friends set out on their mission , outside the Labyrinth a battle ensues for control of Xelea. The King's Labyrinth is a mesmerising fantasy fiction novel for young adult readers, by debut author Zachary Palmer. This is the first instalment of a planned trilogy, where readers are transported to a world where architecture itself is alive and ever-changing. The novel tells the story of a young man named Matthias, wrongly accused of a crime. To clear his name, Matthias is thrust into a perilous quest to retrieve an artefact hidden deep within the dangerous Labyrinth. Matthias’ quest to clear his name by navigating the Labyrinth will keep readers hooked until the very last page. Zachary Palmer has crafted a unique and imaginative novel, with a thrilling blend of action and adventure, magic and mystery. The blend of architectural innovation with fantasy elements creates a unique and captivating setting. With its rich, immersive world-building, gripping plot, and memorable characters, this book is pure escapism for fantasy fiction readers of all ages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A mesmerising, must-read, fantasy fiction novel, with a thrilling blend of action and adventure, magic and mystery. Purchase here

Story of Tree and Cloud < Back Daryl McCullough Story of Tree and Cloud A poignant story about the circle of life, from author Daryl McCullough Folie, a coast live oak tree, over one hundred and fifty years of age, lives on the top of a golden Californian coastal hillside. She enjoys spending time with all the wonderful creatures who visit her every season, the caterpillars who munch on her leaves, and the birds who nestle on her branches. One day, after several days of rain, a small puddle appears on the ground nearby, and Folie and Puddle soon become good friends. As the rain continues to fall, Puddle grows and so does the friendship between Folie and the Puddle. Until one day, the rain stops falling and Puddle dries up and disappears. Folie is sad to lose her beloved friend, but Puddle suddenly reappears as a beautiful cloud in the sky. Folie is overjoyed to see her friend again and soon comes to realise that life never really ends, and love and friendship continue in one form or another, in the extraordinary circle of life. Written by Daryl McCullough, in memory of his late mother, the Story of Tree and Cloud is a beautifully illustrated and poignant book about love, life and loss. Using metaphors from nature, the book explores complex topics of death, and grief, in an accessible and engaging way for younger readers. With a positive message about the circle of life, this book will provide comfort to anyone who is grieving or has lost a loved one. With exquisite illustrations from by Maryanne Smith, this book will appeal to children and adults of all ages. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A beautifully illustrated book about love, life, and loss. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

Never Believe a Lie Twice < Back Kathleen Troy Never Believe a Lie Twice Thirteen-year old aspiring journalist Sage Christopher wakes up in a Las Vegas jail, after his dead beat father died in car accident. With no one else to take care of him, he spent the night in a cell before being handed over to the Children’s Home Society. The Society locate his estranged, elderly, grandparents in Evansville, Connecticut, and Sage is sent by train to live with them. Sage is given his father’s belongings and discovers old newspaper clippings about the mysterious disappearance of a wealthy newspaper tycoon, Jonathan Evans. A cryptic note with the clippings suggests Evans’ was murdered by someone named “C”. Sage discovers that his father was caught up in an elaborate blackmail attempt to keep the circumstances surrounding Evans’ disappearance secret. Evans’ body was never recovered, and the newspaper offered a $1 million reward to solve the mystery. As Sage settles into a new home and a new school, he secretly plots his escape from his grandparents’ house. But first, he must find “C”, solve Evans’ murder and cash in on the reward. As Sage delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a connection to his own aunt and uncle, who bought the newspaper following Evans’ death. But, as Sage comes close to solving the case and claiming the reward, he grapples with his own moral dilemmas, his loyalty to his new family, and his desire for independence. Never Believe a Lie Twice is a gripping novel for young adults, by author Kathleen Troy. The novel follows the journey of a young boy as he begins a new life in a new town, where family ties and dark secrets collide. The novel is filled with action, suspense, humor, and heartfelt moments as Sage struggles to overcome his traumatic past and accept his new family. A must-read for fans of mystery and adventure, the book sets the stage for an exciting series. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : A thrilling, fast-paced, whodunit and heartfelt coming-of-age story. Purchase here

Boge-Landia < Back Aud Supplee Boge-Landia Boge-Landia is a vibrant, imaginative fantasy/science fiction novel that transports readers across alternate worlds and timelines, blending adventure, mystery, and heartfelt character journeys. Aud Supplee crafts a story that is both whimsical and emotionally resonant, appealing to fans of portal fantasies and coming-of-age tales. The story opens with Professor Silas Ryan and his eccentric lab mate, Teddy, experimenting with devices that allow travel between worlds. The narrative quickly shifts to focus on Kip Skyler (Kip the Amazing), Winnie, and her younger brother Mikey, who are swept into a quest that spans multiple realities. The group’s mission is to prevent the villainous Thaddeus Krell from stealing a magical artifact known as the Frama-scope, while also navigating personal challenges and the politics of the fantastical realm of Frama-12 (later called Boge-Landia). The plot is fast-paced and episodic, with the protagonists moving from one adventure to the next - escaping time tears, infiltrating castles, and negotiating with magical creatures. The stakes are high, especially for Mikey, whose dual identity as both a human child and the essence of a voga general creates tension and emotional depth. The story balances action with quieter moments of introspection, particularly as Winnie grapples with loss and belonging, and Kip faces the limits of his magic. Boge-Landia explores themes of identity, family, loyalty, and the search for belonging. Winnie’s journey is as much about healing from her mother’s death and forging new family bonds as it is about saving worlds. The story also examines the consequences of power—both magical and political—and the importance of trust and forgiveness. The interplay between magic and personal growth is particularly well-handled, as characters learn to rely on themselves and each other rather than easy solutions. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful and heartfelt fantasy adventure that will appeal to readers young and old. 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

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

August Rain < Back Marlo Holly August Rain Book blurb... Twelve-year-old Marnie Price thought losing her grandfather was the hardest thing she’d ever face—until a mysterious crossword puzzle shows up in the mail, followed by a cryptic note, and eventually a key. Suddenly, Marnie is unraveling a trail of secrets left behind by the man she adored: a former World War II codebreaker whose past is far more complicated than anyone knew. With help from her cousin Mel, her brother Nick, and a classmate who may know more than he’s saying, Marnie begins decoding clues that lead her to a decades-old betrayal, a hidden operation called August Rain, and a secret that could change her family—and the country— forever. Set against the backdrop of grief, growing up, and a junior high production of Macbeth, this is a story about courage, truth, and the quiet strength it takes to speak up when it matters most. Maybe, just maybe, it’s also about finding hope, like an August rain, when you least expect it. Purchase here