“Cady and the Bear Necklace” by Ann Dallman follows 13-year-old Cady, who uncovers a mysterious Indian necklace, embarking on a compelling journey of self-discovery and overcoming challenges in Native American culture. Dallman’s personal experiences enrich the narrative, making it a valuable addition to literature.
The Thief and the Historian, Book One of the Runetree Chronicles by Brendan Corbett, is a young adult fantasy adventure. It introduces readers to Aeda, a thief in the Grey Society, whose life intertwines with the Historian Gieral, leading her on a journey through the Known Lands. Exploring themes of belonging and identity, Corbett’s narrative includes a detailed magic system and rich worldbuilding. The story, commended for its imagery and character development, is especially noted for standalone completeness and accessibility. Aeda’s evolution from thief to Apprentice Historian offers an engaging tale that resonates with readers seeking immersive escapism and inclusivity.
“The Pod Tower” by Pete Alexander is a gripping dystopian thriller set in the winter of 2057. Marcus Calvert, disillusioned with society, uncovers a web of lies about his past, leading to a confrontation with the looming Mother City. The book skillfully balances dystopian elements with human themes, despite a slow start.
“Dragonkin” by Sam Accardi follows a group of friends who become the Khaleeshir, humans bonded to dragons with magical abilities. As they face the formidable black dragon Tenebrae and navigate ancient magic, they must mend their strained friendship amid betrayal and peril. Despite some issues with dialogue and descriptions, the book’s premise and worldbuilding show promise.
“Swan Song” by Elizabeth B. Splaine is a gripping historical fiction novel set in 1930s Nazi Berlin, blending romance, music, and history. The story follows opera singer Ursula Becker, whose half-Jewish heritage puts her in danger. As she and her partner, William Patrick Hitler, navigate perilous circumstances, the novel highlights resilience, love, and the human spirit in the face of darkness.
“Did You Read The News?” by Jack Merwin is a dystopian novel set on the planetary colony of Nemiza, where societal unrest ravages the once-prosperous society. Antuny, a devoted follower of the aging Dictator Itto, confronts the collapse of everything he idolized, testing his humanity. The book’s mature focus on dystopia outweighs its romantic elements, with pacing concerns and a disappointing conclusion.
Blood and Silver by Vali Benson Support the Author on Amazon! What is a twelve year old girl to do when she finds herself in the silver boom town of …
“Gods of Sound: The Perilous Path of Cameron Foster” by Q.M. Schaffer follows the tumultuous journey of Cameron, a young musician entangled in a dangerous and mysterious world. The story explores themes of resiliency, self-discovery, and the transformative power of music, though the use of American guitar music may limit its appeal. Despite some stylistic and thematic shortcomings, the narrative maintains a cohesive and engaging structure.
Nathaniel Sheft’s Modern Day Cowboy: The Making of a Gunfighter explores the turbulent path of a young girl named Mattie as she negotiates the difficulties of her first love in the digital era. A tragic event occurs, causing a series of events that transform her moral compass and compel her to face an enemy she cannot see. As Mattie struggles to determine her destiny, incidents in her life reveal mysteries from her mother’s past that might provide the solution to the difficulties she is experiencing. The story tells a moving tale of love, grief, and the ability of unanticipated events to reshape lives.
“Magic Unleashed” by Autumn M. Birt and Jesper Schmidt is a thrilling fantasy novel set in a dynamic world of archmages, a dark goddess, elves, and ember dwarves, featuring a reluctant hero named Raor striving to save Rosaylyn from a fatal disease. An absorbing tale full of unexpected twists, it received a 5-star rating for its captivating narrative, nuanced characters, and intricate world-building.