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< Back Tricia Copeland Azreya Aztec Priestess A young Aztec girl's journey of courage, self-discovery and emancipation. Azreya is born with light eyes and a mark on her hand. Her parents fear she is cursed, and they seek advice from a shaman, Nukpana, just two days after her birth. Nukpana confirms Azreya is Tepeyollotl, the Aztec god and Lord of Darkness, with hidden powers and the ability to transform into a beast. Nukpana suggests he trains Azreya to subdue her inner beast, help her learn to control it, and harness her gifts. Just before her fourth birthday, Azreya is sent to live with Nukpana. He trains her daily through games, physical activity, and meditation. She connects with her inner beast, a spotted leopard she names Tecuani. She also discovers her special gift is the ability to hear other peoples thoughts and see the future. For many years Azreya is hidden away, but, as Nukpana attempts to reintroduce her into society, she is ridiculed because she is different to other children. As Azreya harnesses her gifts, Nukpana asks her to help him perform his shaman duties incognito. Azreya is able to help many people by looking into their future and diverting them from danger. Soon, word gets out that Nukpana is an exceptional shaman, and he is asked to help the King. But when Azreya learns that Nukpana has lied to the King, and also realises he has exploited her for many years, she decides to escape. Alone, afraid, and scared her inner beast might surface, Azreya goes in search of her family. But, when Nukpana reveals Azreya’s true identity, she is soon pursued by the King and his army. Azreya, Aztec Priestess, by author Tricia Copeland is an engrossing chapter book for middle grade readers based on Aztec mysticism and mythology. The book is told from Azreya’s perspective, a young girl born with special gifts and extraordinary powers. The book follows her journey from birth to her teenage years, as she is torn from her family and forced to live with a shaman who exploits her for his own personal gain. It is a journey of courage, self-discovery, and emancipation, as Azreya fights for her life and her people. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and the illustrations by Matt Maes are divine. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fascinating and engaging book about Aztec mythology for middle grade readers. Purchase here

< 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

< 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

< 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

< 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

< 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