Healer's Blade (Enemy's Keeper Book 1) < Back Kyrie Wang Healer's Blade (Enemy's Keeper Book 1) Book blurb... A healer on the run. A rogue knight bound by secrets. Love was never part of the plan. At just eighteen, Aliwyn has already failed as a healer's apprentice. Haunted by her mistakes, she withdraws from the world as a rebellion ignites against William the Conqueror. But when she agrees to hide an endangered orphan, Aliwyn is plunged into the deadly revolt. A daring escape entangles her with the young rebel leader, Tobias, and she is swept into a world of rival factions and secret alliances. Caught in the heart of the insurgents' army, she must decide who to save. Worst of all, Tobias' compassionate nature turns her perceptions of the enemy upside down. As she unravels the rebels' fiery secret that could destroy England, Aliwyn is challenged to take fate into her own hands. Will she rise to save her kingdom? And can she resist the magnetic charms of the man she's vowed to defeat? Step into a magic-free historical fantasy with compelling, complex characters, slowburn enemies-to-lovers romance, faith-based themes of forgiveness and redemption, thrilling seafaring adventure, Vikings, Celts, and Norman knights clashing over gunpowder in a richly detailed, alternative medieval world. If you love clean, swoony romance and fast-paced action, grab Healer's Blade today! Purchase here

The Sea Turtle Spy Project: Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures Book 4 < Back Marsha Tufft The Sea Turtle Spy Project: Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures Book 4 Twelve-year-old Putney Hicks is ready to spring into action. As news spreads of a legendary three-legged turtle laying its eggs, she fears that the bright lights of a nearby porch will tempt the vulnerable babies away from the ocean. And with only ten days left before they hatch, Putney works furiously on a clever prototype to save the newborns before they become easy prey for hungry predators. Just as the ingenious middle schooler makes progress on her design, she’s terrified when her beloved AI companion vanishes. And without her trusted helper by her side, Putney’s frantic efforts to rescue the tiny reptiles could be in jeopardy. With the clock ticking, can she track down her smart sidekick and help the hatchlings survive? The Sea Turtle Spy Project is the energizing fourth book in the award-winning Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures middle grade series. If you like courageous young girls, seaside settings, and science-inspired curiosity, then you’ll love Marsha Tufft’s fun-filled mission. Purchase here

Mystery at Spirit Lake < Back Deborah Erdmann Mystery at Spirit Lake Book blurb... Bigfoot. Buried secrets. And absolutely zero cell service. What could possibly go wrong? Think Scooby-Doo meets National Geographic-with more trail mix and fewer functioning flashlights. Camping near Mount St. Helens sounded like a great idea-until it wasn't. A lava tube expedition leads to a strange cave painting, a suspicious footprint the size of a canoe, a mysteriously flat tire, and a guy named Jake who might be a criminal-or just really into flannel. The kids quickly realize something weird is going on-and it's not just Forest's hair gel addiction. Soon, they're sneaking past trail cams, uncovering a shady mining operation, receiving unsolicited wilderness advice from Ranger Ralph, and getting chased through the woods by something with enormous feet-and questionable hygiene. All Dominic knows is, someone's lying, Bigfoot might be in on it, and the pancakes better be worth the trauma. Set against the rugged backdrop of Mount St. Helens, this hilarious mystery is packed with danger, drama, and just enough Bigfoot to keep you guessing. Because at Spirit Lake, the only thing more active than the volcano ... is the mystery. Purchase here

Blood and Silver < Back Vali Benson Blood and Silver A gripping story about a young girls fight for survival during the silver rush, from author Vali Benson In 1880, twelve-year-old Carissa Beaumont travels from San Francisco to Tombstone, Arizona, with her mom Lisette, her mom’s employer Lucille, and two other women. They arrive at their new home, Rose Red’s Home for Wayward Ladies, a run-down brothel where Lisette and the women are expected to earn their keep. Soon after their arrival, Red Rose is found brutally murdered, and Lucille takes over operations at the brothel. Lisette becomes sick and Carissa discovers that Lucille has been drugging her mother with Laudanum. Carissa calls the doctor, who introduces her to Miss China Mary, the local drug dealer who controls most of Tombstone. Together they hatch a plan to slowly reduce her mother’s drug supply and wean her off Laudanum. Miss China Mary grows fond of Carissa, and finds her a job tending to women’s hair and cosmetics at the Grand Hotel. But just as Carissa is enjoying her new independence, she makes a remarkable discovery in the hotel basement that will change her life forever. Blood and Silver by Vali Benson is a tense, gripping, historical drama, about the life of a young girl during the 19th century silver rush. Carissa is determined not to follow in her mother’s footsteps and seeks our new friendships and new opportunities. Carissa is a well-developed and relatable character, who shows courage and determination to move on in life, when all hope is lost. Based on real life events, places and characters, the book is an entertaining and educational read about a fascinating time in American history. With plenty of drama and suspense, this book was hard to put down. Well written, with vivid descriptions of a small but rapidly growing town in Arizona, the book will appeal to readers of women’s fiction, historical fiction, and westerns. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An entertaining and educational read about a fascinating time in American history. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

Two Lands: Book 1 of “The Journey” Series < Back Rick L Brown Two Lands: Book 1 of “The Journey” Series Book blurb... Sam, a 20-year-old, embarks on a life-changing quest that few undertake. On the first day of his journey, he must choose between two destinations. He wavers, but a mysterious new friend sways him to choose the easier option, full of entertainment and ease — and a sense of entrapment. Supported by the prayers of a faithful older man back home, Sam begins to question his decision when he meets an intriguing new arrival named Jill, who finds a way out. Follow along as the epic struggle between good and evil unfolds. Purchase here

Reign or Shine (The Forged Flower Saga Book 1) < Back Coriana Hope Reign or Shine (The Forged Flower Saga Book 1) A contemporary twist on the traditional fairy tale, by author Coriana Hope Princess Chrisithia (Chris) heir of Agaedith is invited to the birthday party of Princess Coralla in the neighbouring kingdom of SeaCrest. When Chris is attacked by a swarm of bees on the birthday parade float, the horses pulling the float are spooked, and career through the parade, before crashing into the ocean. Princess Coralla is furious and yells at Chris, who responds by punching the birthday girl in the face. Chris flees the scene and is banished from SeaCrest. She meets a strange boy in the forest and learns he is Coralla’s secret brother, Prince Kedrick. Chris and Kedrick become good friends and they meet in the woods one day, where they are attacked by possessed trees and chased by a pack of wolves and their leader, a talking alpha wolf. Chris’s parents, the Queen SnowWhite and King Orrluxe, are embarrassed by their daughter’s unprincessly behaviour and send her to the Interkingdom Collaborative University for Princesses, in the hope that the boarding school will control her behaviour and secure her a prince for a husband. Chris loathes the school and the wretched princesses that reside there. She tries everything she can to get expelled, skipping classes and being rude to the teachers, but all of her attempts fail. As Chris develops an unlikely friendship with a commoner girl named Rachaella, the wolves who chased her through the woods track her down, and threaten to kill her. Meanwhile, princesses are disappearing across the land and Chris discovers a monstrous evil power roaming through Agaedith. Chris must seek the help of her arch-enemy the alpha wolf, and her old friend, Kedrick, to solve the mystery before the evil power destroys the entire kingdom. Reign or Shine by author Coriana Hope is a wonderful adventure and fantasy fiction novel for young adult readers, with a contemporary twist on the traditional fairy tale. The book features some familiar fairy tale characters, such as Snow White, but not quite as you might remember them. Chris is a strong and feisty female protagonist, who rebels against her parents and their expectations of good princess behavour. She is a typical teen, with a desire for fun, friendship and adventure, but is abandoned and neglected by her parents, and trapped in a hostile royal castle. Despite her privilege, she experiences many challenges, anxieties and insecurities, that young adult readers will relate to. The book ends on a thrilling cliff-hanger, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful adventure and fantasy fiction novel for young adult readers, with a strong and feisty female protagonist, and some familiar fairy tale characters. Purchase here

Mission: Red Scythe < Back C.W. James Mission: Red Scythe Book blurb... Two novice teen agents step onto the deadly chessboard of international espionage during the Cold War. In the summer of 1965, 18-year-old James Vagus is recruited into a shadowy spy agency and thrust into a life where every move could be his last. His first mission: infiltrate the Golden Syndicate, a covert group threatening the global food supply. With help from fellow agent Dakota Walker, a Cherokee teen, James races from Miami to Vienna to Madras, unraveling a plot that could collapse the West. As danger mounts and betrayal lurks in every shadow, the rookie agents must risk everything to stop a catastrophe and save a world on the brink. Purchase here

Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told < Back Stacy Padula Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told A young athlete’s future is jeopardized following a horrific knee injury, by author Stacy Padula Taylor Dunkin was a talented young athlete. With a college scholarship and an ESPN ranking, he was destined to play in the NFL. But, following a sports injury and several knee surgeries, he becomes addicted to prescription painkillers, and his future as a professional footballer is put in jeopardy. As he becomes more dependent on painkillers, he becomes severely depressed, which causes him to miss classes. He eventually loses his college scholarship, and he spirals further into the depths of depression and addiction. Taylor hurts his loved ones and loses everything important to him. He later becomes involved with the notorious Bilotti crime ring, and turns to dealing drugs to the teens in Montgomery, to support his own drug habit. When Taylor’s brother, Marc, finds him passed out in his apartment, and discovers signs of escalating drug use, the family try to support Taylor and get him into much needed rehab. But Taylor’s activities are spotted by the Boston Police Department, who are investigating Bilotti and his criminal associates. Detectives see Taylor as a ‘weak link’ and try to recruit him as an informant, in exchange for immunity from prosecution. Taylor has a difficult decision to make, as he knows betraying the gang, would ultimately risk his life. Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told, is a tragic tale of one young man’s descent into a vicious cycle of depression and drug addiction. The book shows the devastating impact of drug addiction, not only on Taylor, but on everyone around him, his friends, family and loved ones, as well as the wider community. This is a compelling and gripping novel, with an important message. Unfortunately, Taylor’s story is not uncommon amongst teens in the United States, and the book highlights the desperate need for greater investment in mental health provision, drug rehabilitation, and support services for young people. The book shows the stark reality of life as a teenager, the many pressures they experience growing up in today’s society, and the deadly opioid epidemic that is sweeping the nation. An essential read for any young person or adult. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling and gripping novel about one young man’s descent into a vicious cycle of depression and drug addiction. Purchase here

Multiverse Mayhem < Back Aurora M. Winter Multiverse Mayhem Ana Zest and her brother Zachery ‘borrow’ their uncle’s PUP (Parallel Universe Pod) and traverse the multiverse, before crash landing in the realm of Tellusora. Zachary is unwittingly frozen solid in the high-tech world of Avenir, and Ana is pursued by an evil sorcerer named Crimson Censor and her vampire son, Hunter. Ana is captured by Crimson, who severs her tongue and leaves her voiceless and powerless. Ana’s friend saves her just in time, before Crimson is snatched by a hippogriff and carried away. Crimson kidnaps Wizard Snapdragon, and claims the portal key to Spellbound. Without the portal key, Ana has no way to access Avenir, no hope of ever rescuing her brother, and no chance of returning home to Earth. While a surgical wizard mends Ana’s tongue and gives her a new truth-telling silver tongue, she is stalked by Hunter, who tracks her down by hiding under an invisibility hat. Meanwhile, Crimson Censor has a sinister plan to poison Tellusora by dumping toxic-air into the atmosphere. Before she can return back to Earth, Ana must find Crimson Censor, retrieve the portal key, rescue Zackary, and save the multiverse from complete destruction. But she must first seek permission and protection from King Ironheart, discover who is sending her mysterious messages in her journal, and unlock the secrets hidden in her family’s past. Multiverse Mayhem is the third instalment in this fantasy fiction series, by author Aurora M. Winter. The book follows the adventures of Ana and her brother, as they traverse the multiverse, and discover mystical realms, fantastical creatures and dark magic. This book is a fast-paced thrill ride of surprising twists, vivid world building, and a strong female protagonist. Overall, this is a gripping multiverse adventure that blends sci-fi, fantasy fiction, and magic. It is a great choice for readers who enjoy fantasy adventures and character driven stories. I would recommend reading books one and two in the series, first. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fast-paced, thrilling, and empowering sci-fi adventure, with a strong female lead and a cast of captivating characters. Purchase here

The Asgardian Exchange: The Touch of the Valkyrie < Back Mark Bryan The Asgardian Exchange: The Touch of the Valkyrie A young student of Asgardian magick must learn how to control her powers, and the darkness within her, to help save Asgard from an evil curse, by author Mark Bryan. This book retells the story of the Asgardians, the inhabitants of Asgard, a fictional realm from Norse mythology and the home of the Norse Gods and Goddesses. Teenager, Amanda West, a student of Asgardian magick, and one of a handful of the Favoured of Asgard, is busy helping the Light Elves with a swarm of Hel bees, when a powerful and deadly curse spreads throughout the Nine Realms. The curse, released by the Hel and Wild Hunt, infects people at random, causing fever and madness. Amanda performs a spell to try and stop the curse, but inadvertently sets it loose, wreaking havoc across the Nine Realms. Amanda must master new spells and learn how to control her powers, and the darkness within her, to help the Valkyrie and save the realms from the dark evil. The Asgardian Exchange: The Touch of the Valkyrie by author Mark Bryan is an imaginative, well written, and cleverly crafted fantasy fiction novel, with a complex and gripping plot. Mark Bryan has created a mesmerising, magical, fantasy world, with well-developed and likeable characters. With a strong female protagonist, Amanda, it was great to see the character grow and develop as she battled to protect the Nine Realms. The novel is rooted in Norse mythology and has a perfect blend of dark magic, mysticism, action, adventure, and suspense, which will captivate and engage young adult readers and appeal to fans of this genre. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An imaginative, well written, and cleverly crafted fantasy fiction novel, with a complex and gripping plot. 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

Montgomery Lake High #1: The Right Person < Back Stacy A. Padula Montgomery Lake High #1: The Right Person A gritty, teen drama, by author Stacy A. Padula The stars align for Chris Dunkin when he meets Courtney Angeletti at a beach in Plymouth, Massachusetts. He feels an instant attraction to her, and she is captivated by him, even though she has a boyfriend. Two months later, Courtney has broken up with her boyfriend and is dating Chris. It’s the first day at Montgomery Lake High School and the teens are recovering from a party at Chris’s house the night before. Chris had experimented with hard drugs in the past, and was addicted to alcohol and weed, but he was determined not to allow Courtney, an ethical, devout Christian, to follow in his footsteps. He knew he had to clean up his act to get the grades he needed to compete on the football team. As Courtney tries to fit in with Chris’s friends she turns her back on her best friend, Julianna, and stops going to church. Chris’s friend hosts a party at his mansion, but Chris decides not to go to avoid the temptation of drugs and alcohol. He advises Courtney not to go, but after an argument she goes along anyway. At the party, Courtney hooks up with her ex-boyfriend, and realises what a fool she has been. Cops arrive at the party, and Courtney narrowly escapes being caught, while a couple of her friends are arrested. Meanwhile, nobody has noticed that Julianna is sad and alone, and at crisis point. Will Courtney break up with Chris? Will she ever reconnect with her faith? And will anyone save Julianna, before it’s too late? Montgomery Lake High #1 : The Right Person, is an authentic and gritty teen drama, written by author Stacy A. Padula. The story follows Chris, Courtney, and their group of friends, as they try to navigate their way through high school. The book was written by Padula when she was a teenager and was inspired by her own high school experiences. This is a powerful and thought-provoking book that highlights the challenges and temptations that many young people face in high school. It explores several difficult topics, such as friendships and peer pressure, relationships and break-ups, drug and alcohol misuse and addiction, depression, parental break-ups, and parental neglect. This is an excellent novel, but it is also a valuable resource for young people, and anyone with a caring responsibility for a young person. Padula was motivated to write this book to help kids socially prepare for high school. The book does exactly that, and it will help parents, carers and teachers prepare for that transition too. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful and thought-provoking teen novel, that highlights the challenges and temptations that many young people face in high school. Purchase here