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

Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed < Back Tony M. Quintana Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed A young librarian becomes an unlikely hero, as he is forced into battle against an evil army, by author Tony M. Quintana The city of Azahar is shielded by a protective barrier from the rogue empire of Zaphyrelia, and its evil emperor, Abelon Asedia. Asedia has an army of soldiers and mechanical monsters, known as the Ochre Brigadiers, who terrorise the population. A young library assistant, Dashiel Ermitage, notices a break in the protective barrier around Azahar, and everyone suspects the Ochre Brigadiers might be behind the attack. When one of his friends goes missing following the attack, Dashiel sets out to rescue him and battle Asedia’s evil forces. Dashiel successfully takes down the invading monsters and is approached by members the Cobalt Phantasms, a secret order dedicated to restoring peace and supporting the Zaphyrolean people suffering under the emperor’s tyrannical rule. Dashiel leaves his family and the safety of Azahar to join the Cobalt Phantasms, where he is trained with the Doizemant, a powerful and magical baton given to him by his father. As Dashiel earns his place with the Phantasms, and battles to save Azahar from destruction, his new life is threatened by a long-held secret that, if exposed, could bring his journey to an end. Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed is an exciting and entertaining read, by author Tony M. Quintana. This is a coming-of-age story of a young man, whose wish for excitement and adventure is fulfilled, when he joins an elite order to fight against the evil forces. Dashiel is sweet and unassuming, but courageous and brave. He is a likeable character, that many young people will relate to. I particularly enjoyed Dashiel’s journey and growth throughout the book, and the development of friendships and blossoming love. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, teen, fantasy adventure, with wonderful characters and excellent world-building. Purchase here

The Bear and the Rose < Back E.K. Larson-Burnett The Bear and the Rose An outstanding debut, from author E.K. Larson-Burnett Springtide is approaching in Hazelfeur, and the village is on high alert as the bears wake from their winter hibernation. Ever year the bears have grown bolder, and in recent years have started to breach the village. Rhoswen, an orphan and female bear-slayer, has sworn to protect the village from the bear goddess, Artio, who terrorises the village with her army of bears. When a bear enters the village and kills a young boy, Rhoswen travels through the forest to find and slay Artio. While Rhoswen searches for Artio’s lair, she finds a beautiful young woman, named Diomath, trapped in Artio’s nest. Diomath appears to have been attacked by a bear, and has an injury to her leg. Rhoswen is enchanted by the young woman, and goes back to Hazelfeur to get her some help from the village healer. Rhoswen soon discovers that Diomath is the daughter of Artio, but Diomath explains she has no love for her mother who inflicted her with a terrible curse. Can Rhoswen stop the bear attacks once and for all? And can she trust the daughter of the evil bear goddess? The Bear and the Rose is a beautifully written fantasy novel for young adult readers, by debut author E.K. Larson-Burnett. The novel is pure, wonderful escapism, as the author takes the reader on a fantasy journey into the mesmerising world of Hazelfeur. I was totally immersed in this story and transported into Hazelfeur and Artio’s lair for a period of time. The book comprises short, concise chapters, and has many twists and turns that kept me riveted throughout. This book could be easily devoured in a single sitting. With beautiful, lyrical prose, fully developed characters, and a rich fantasy world, this is an outstanding debut novel. I cannot wait to read more from this talented author. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy fantasy, fairy tales, folklore and Celtic mythology. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written fantasy novel for young adult readers. The novel is pure, wonderful escapism, and highly recommended. Purchase here

Vork Chronicles: Welcome to Superhero School < Back Gracie Dix Vork Chronicles: Welcome to Superhero School Book blurb... Welcome to Superhero School! Join Oliver, Jess, and all their friends on a mission to destroy the power-hungry, evil villains of Vork. From subterranean sewers to lush jungle, from dinosaurs to dragons, our heroes will be pushed to their limits in ways they’d never imagined. Will their collective Powers—Flight, Morphing, Invisibility, Mind Reading, and more—be enough for them to overcome the malevolence of Vork? Or will they stumble over their own doubts and painful histories? This action-packed journey of friendship, hardship, and humor will take our heroes to thrilling new heights and a deeper understanding of their own place in the world. But will that be enough—or will Vork always be one step ahead? Purchase here

The Secret of Spirit Lake < Back Jane Haltmaier The Secret of Spirit Lake The Secret of Spirit Lake, by Jane Haltmaier, is a heartfelt and engaging young adult mystery that blends themes of friendship, resilience, and the search for belonging. The story centers on Amy, a fourteen year old girl uprooted from her life in upstate New York to a lakeside town in North Carolina. Struggling with loneliness and anxiety about fitting in, Amy soon discovers that her new home is shrouded in mystery, haunted by the legend of a girl named Penny who disappeared decades earlier. As Amy befriends local teens Maggie, Marissa, and Sam, the group embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the ghostly happenings at Spirit Lake. Their investigation leads them through old newspaper archives, family secrets, and supernatural encounters. Haltmaier’s writing excels in creating authentic, relatable characters. Amy’s emotional journey, her initial resistance to change, her gradual acceptance, and her growth in confidence, will resonate with young readers facing their own transitions. The friendships depicted are nuanced and supportive, providing a positive model for teamwork and empathy. The dual narrative, alternating between Amy’s present and Penny’s harrowing past, adds depth and suspense, keeping readers invested in both timelines. The novel also addresses serious topics such as child abuse and neglect with sensitivity, offering hope and agency through the characters’ actions. The ghost story element is handled with a light touch, serving as both a metaphor for unresolved trauma and a catalyst for the characters’ personal growth. Overall, this is a beautifully crafted, and emotionally rich mystery novel that intertwines a modern teen's journey of friendship and self-discovery with a haunting historical mystery. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartfelt coming-of-age mystery where a lonely teen, finds friendship and courage while unravelling the ghostly secrets of her new lakeside home. Purchase here

Divine Code of Quasars: The Fall of Planet Z < Back R.C. Panthera Divine Code of Quasars: The Fall of Planet Z Book blurb... Twelve Zodians flee their fallen utopia, scattering across Earth disguised as ordinary animals while their planet plunges into darkness under an evil force. Stripped of memories and divine powers, they must reunite and regain their lost abilities before the Emós unleash the same devastation on Earth. Each step draws them closer to uncovering their origins, reclaiming their mystical gifts, and fulfilling a destiny written among the stars. Paralleling their quest is fifteen year old Myrah Shields, who escapes a life shaped by danger to protect her younger half siblings. Carrying burdens no teen should bear, she seeks safety in the unknown. Her fight for survival mirrors the Zodians’ plight as they struggle to overcome fear and rediscover inner strength. As their paths intertwine with other chosen guardians, secrets from a distant world reveal a legacy with the power to alter the fate of humanity. Purchase here

Freeze Frame < Back Tyler Beauchamp Freeze Frame Can a young man leave his traumatic past behind him when he starts a new school? By author Tyler Beauchamp Sixteen-year-old Will Horner suffers from PTSD as a result of childhood trauma, and experiences episodic psychosis and hallucinations. Following an incident at school, when he experienced a psychotic episode in front of other students, he begins a new term at a new high school. As a budding filmmaker, Will and his parents think the Pinehurst Academy, a local arts school, will be the perfect fit. But, Will hasn’t been behind the camera since the incident at his previous school, as film making has been known to trigger memories of past traumatic events, making it difficult for him to know what is real in his world. Will soon settles into school, and for the first time in a long time, he is behind the camera again. He starts to film an end of year movie with his new friends, and hopes to win the grand prize at the Pinehurst’s Arts Night. Will starts to feel comfortable behind the camera, and a sense of belonging with his new school friends. He is determined to put his past behind him and hides his mental health from his friends. But will the process of filmmaking trigger his psychosis? And can Will hide his traumatic past from his new friends? Freeze Frame, by Tyler Beauchamp, is an engaging and insightful coming-of-age novel, about a young man struggling with childhood trauma, PTSD and mental health. Tyler Beauchamp captures Will’s state of mind beautifully, and the dilemma he faces as he attempts to fit in, but is consumed by fear that his mental health will be exposed. The book highlights the stigma that still remains around mental health today, and the many pressures that young people face. Sadly, Will’s story is not uncommon, and many young readers will relate to his journey. With a list of helpful resources at the end of the book, this book will provide much needed support for those who may be experiencing similar issues. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An engaging and insightful coming-of-age novel, about a young man struggling with childhood trauma, PTSD and mental health. Purchase here